Beating the Winter Blues NoMi Style: Family Adventures in Northern Michigan this February

Winter in Northern Michigan is a magical time, but by February, the short days and chilly temps can make everyone a little stir-crazy. If your family is looking for a way to shake off the winter blues, there are plenty of fun and engaging activities to explore. Whether you love outdoor adventures, cozy indoor experiences, or unique local events, Northern Michigan has something for everyone!

1. Hit the Trails for a Snowy Adventure

Northern Michigan is home to some of the most breathtaking winter landscapes, and there’s no better way to experience them than by getting outside!

• Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing – Head to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Vasa Pathway, or the Leelanau State Park trails for a peaceful, snowy trek through the woods.

• Fat Tire Biking – If your family loves biking, you’ll love the thrill of fat tire biking on snowy trails at the Glacial Hills Pathway or Traverse Area Recreational Trails (TART).

2. Warm Up with a Festival

February brings some of the best winter festivals to Northern Michigan, packed with family-friendly fun.

• Downtown Petoskey Winter Wonderland Weekend (February 1-2, 2025) – Celebrate winter with various activities in partnership with the Winter Sports Park Winter Carnival.

• Charlevoix Ground Hog Shadowfest (February 2, 2025) – A celebration featuring games, food, music, prizes, and more to commemorate Groundhog Day.

• Indian River’s Winterfest (February 15-16, 2025) – Packed with fun activities including a poker run, bonfires, music, food, and children's events.

• Snowman Scram 1 Mile Fun Run & 5k (February 8, 2025) – A fun run event suitable for all ages.

• The Northern Money Games (February 7, 2025) – An educational event where participants can learn about budgeting in a fun and interactive way.

3. Experience the Magic of Ice & Light

• Ice Skating at F&M Park (Traverse City) – Bring your skates and twirl under the twinkling lights at this charming outdoor rink.

• St. Ignace Labatt Blue U.P. Pond Hockey Championship (February 14-16, 2025) – Watch exciting pond hockey games on the frozen shores of Lake Huron.

• Michigan Legacy Art Park’s Lantern Lit Ski & Snowshoe (February 24, 2025) – Take a magical, lantern-lit trek through the woods at Crystal Mountain.

4. Cozy Up Indoors with Hands-On Fun

• Dennos Museum Center (Traverse City) – Explore interactive exhibits and an incredible Inuit art collection.

• Great Lakes Children’s Museum – Let little ones burn off some energy with fun, educational play areas.

• Kilwins Chocolate Tour (Petoskey) – See how chocolate is made and taste some of the best fudge in Michigan!

5. Hunt for Frozen Waterfalls

For an unforgettable adventure, take a family road trip to see Northern Michigan’s stunning frozen waterfalls!

• Ocqueoc Falls (Rogers City) – Michigan’s only publicly accessible waterfall is even more beautiful in winter.

• Eben Ice Caves (Upper Peninsula) – A bit of a trek but totally worth it for the spectacular ice formations!

6. Try a New Winter Sport

• Tubing at Timberlee Hills – No skill required—just grab a tube and enjoy the ride!

• Ice Climbing in Munising – A thrilling way to experience Michigan’s winter wilderness.

• Snowmobiling in Gaylord – Explore miles of scenic snowmobile trails perfect for adventure-seekers.

7. Sip Hot Cocoa & Watch the Sunset

There’s nothing quite like warming up with a cup of hot cocoa after a fun winter day. Head to a cozy café like Mundos in Traverse City or Roast & Toast in Petoskey, then bundle up and watch a breathtaking sunset over Grand Traverse Bay or Lake Michigan.

No matter how you choose to spend February, Northern Michigan is packed with opportunities to make unforgettable family memories. So layer up, embrace the winter magic, and have fun exploring NoMi style!

What’s your favorite way to beat the winter blues in Northern Michigan? Let us know in the comments!