15 Things To Do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan During Winter

Are you looking for things to do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this winter? You are in the right place! With some of the best snow in the world, there are endless possibilities for winter adventure. Here are 15 outdoor activities to do in the UP snow! Bundle up and lets go! 

• Hiking Black River and Black River Harbor

This area, located near Ironwood, Michigan has so much to offer including waterfalls along the river that leads out to Lake Superior. The winter landscape makes for amazing scenery. Make sure to pack your snowshoes if you have them!

 

• Skiing or Snowboarding

There are 14 ski resorts and ski in the Upper Peninsula as well as additional smaller ski hills that are great for skiing and snowboarding. From Mt. Bohemia to Indianhead to Marquette Mountain. Most of the ski resorts are located in the western half of the Upper Peninsula. In the video below we dive dipper into our visit to Indianhead.

• Snowshoe a Local Trail

Snowshoeing in the Upper Peninsula one of those activities that can be done in most areas of the UP and each area has great local trails. If you are like us, just keep your snowshoes in your vehicle all winter and be ready to go when the opportunity arises! Snowshoes replace our paddleboards once the snow is on the ground for the winter. 

• Visit Tahquamenon Falls

Yes, they are great in every season but in our opinion, the best time to visit Tahquamenon Falls is during winter! The weather causes the falls to change daily and it is a great time of year to have a lot of space to yourself in this beautiful area. Make sure to pack your snowshoes for a hike to the lower falls for an amazing experience. Here is a tip. If you can plan your visit right after or during a fresh snowfall, the experience is even better!

• Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is one of the most popular things to do. Whether you bring your own or rent from a local place, there are over 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that offer some of the top riding in the world! Taking a trip from town to town on your snowmobile is a must-do winter activity.

 

• Slide Down a Hill

Maybe skiing and snowboarding isn't your thing, but even if it is, tubing and sledding is a lot of fun! Probably the fastest tubing hills we have ever been on are in Sault Ste. Marie. Make sure to check it out next time you are in the area!

•  Follow a Freighter Through the Soo Locks and Down the St. Mary's River

The Soo Locks stay open until January 15th so make sure your timing is right for this one! Start off by watching a freighter come in from Lake Superior and into the Soo Locks. Don't let your experience end there! When the freighter leaves, head down to Rotary Park for an amazing freighter viewing experience!

• Attend the I-500

This has to be one of the most unique annual events each winter in the UP. The I-500 is a 500 lap endurance snowmobile race that happens the first Saturday of February in Sault. Ste. Marie. Watching the race is just part of the fun. Bundle up and be ready for a day of fun! There are also fun events happening all during the week as well!

• Munising Falls

If you are wanting to visit more winter waterfalls, this is a fairly easy one! As the winter progresses this waterfall can look amazing frozen solid. The entire Munising area has unique events during winter based around ice climbing. 

• Visit Your Favorite Lighthouse

This is one of those activities that seems like a no brainer during the summer but we recommend also visiting your favorite lighthouse during winter! The look can be so different during winter and with so many options you should be fairly close to one no matter where you are.

• Fat Biking Marquette

There are over 60 miles of fat biking trails in Marquette. If you are into fat biking or just getting started, there are a variety of options to fit what your skill level! A bonus to fat biking is getting to experience the winter scenery along the way!

• Dead River Falls

Since we are talking about Marquette, next up is Dead River Falls. Dead River Falls is a popular destination and winter changes everything. Remember, stay safe and stay on the trails!

• Climb Hogback (or Hogsback!)

Whether you call it Hogback or Hogsback, it doesn't matter! Climbing to the top during winter is not necessarily for beginners but offers some of the most spectacular views in all of the Upper Peninsula. This trip take a few hours minimum and you will want to have snowshoes along with water and snacks. 

• Cut River Bridge

We have talked about this awesome road side park in the past. Located west of St. Ignace, the Cut River Bridge has hiking trails that go underneath this stunning bridge. You may not even know what you are missing when you drive over it! You can also visit the door of T. Troll!

• Winter Views of the Mackinac Bridge Views

Don't forget to take in the winter views of the Mackinac Bridge, the gateway to the Upper Peninsula! There are multiple spots within Straits State Park to view the Mackinac Bridge along with other spots around St. Ignace. This is where you can get the view directly down the Mackinac Bridge!

15 options doesn't even begin to cover all of the things to do during winter in the Upper Peninsula but hopefully this can be a starting point for your winter adventures! Check out the full video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more in the future!