Michigan Winter Activities to Plan for Now
A Michigan winter is on the way, and pretty much everyone in the U.S. will see some changes in their weather when December hits. Sure, a few areas, such as Florida and California, never have to deal with snow and ice, but pretty much anywhere else, you’ll notice it getting a bit chillier at night and bringing on that cozy winter feeling. Winter is the perfect season for a bevy of activities that just seem better and more fun in the months of December, January and February. Embrace the season and start making plans now to enjoy it.
Michigan Winter Trips and Activities
Northern Michigan is obviously known for its great skiing. According to Pure Michigan, “The Great Lakes State’s famed lake effect snow arrives in abundance, making Michigan second in the nation in the number of ski areas.” Some of the state’s most popular downhill ski resorts include Boyne Mountain Resort, Highlands Resort at Harbor Springs, Crystal Mountain, Cannonsburg Ski Area and more.
Another unique activity in Michigan is seeing frozen waterfalls. Yes, it’s really a think. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has beautiful frozen waterfalls, including the ones at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Ice skating is another great way to enjoy the season. In downtown Detroit, go to Campus Martius, which becomes a festive skating rink in the winter months. While you’re there, check out Detroit’s famous Christmas tree and listen to holiday music while you can. Contact me with your favorite winter activities.
More Winter Fun
Have you ever wondered what constitutes a real winter storm? According to Winter Storm Facts, “A severe winter storm is a storm that drops four or more inches of snow during a 12-hour period, or six or more inches during a 24-hour span.” They also notes that, “All winter storms are accompanied by low temperatures and blowing snow which can severely reduce visibility.”
If you think you’ve been in cold weather, think again. According to Great Wolf, “The coldest temperature recorded in the U.S. is 70 degrees below zero, measured at Rogers Pass, Montana, on Jan. 20, 1954.” Also, if you’re looking to get away from the cold, they note that, “The season’s hottest temperatures are in Miami, Florida where nearly every winter day reaches at least 60 degrees.”
Also, if you’ve ever heard thunder during a snowstorm, it was probably “thundersnow.” According to Mental Floss, thundersnow is “a rare winter weather phenomenon that’s most common near lakes. “When columns of warm air rise from the ground and form turbulent storm clouds in the sky in the winter, there’s potential for thundersnow.”
Fun and Affordable Staycation Ideas
Netflix and Chill
Have a vacation in your living room or bedroom. Make it a movie-watching marathon. Watch a string of your favorite guilty-pleasure movies or binge-watch a brand new series. Either way, it’ll be cozy and comfy.
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Visit a Local or National Park
If you have a state or national park nearby, use your vacation time to go adventuring. Being at a local park can offer some breathtaking scenery, especially in the summer. Have a picnic out there, too. If you don’t have a state or national park close by, try a local park.
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Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery
Nearly every town has a local museum or art gallery. Perhaps you’ve never really had the time to visit your local museum or art spot. Use your vacation time to explore those local spots, and you might find a new favorite place.
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Stay at a Local Hotel, Airbnb or Bed-and-Breakfast
If you’ve driven by that new hotel for a while and wondered what it’s like inside, why not book it for a night? You don’t have to be traveling to say at a hotel, Airbnb or local bed-and-breakfast. It can make for an exciting adventure right in your backyard.
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Have a Party
Using vacation time to plan a big party for friends is a good use of that time. Instead of traveling around the world, bring to world to you. Invite lots of your good friends, and spend some of the cash you would have on a vacation for your party. It’ll be the party of the year. Make that decade.
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Have a Spa Day
Pamper yourself. Maybe you think having a spa day is too much of a luxury, but if you’re saving money by not taking a big trip, why not use that money for a spa day? It’s not just for ladies, either. Guys can book a spa day for a variety of services. It’ll make for a day of bliss.
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