One of the most frightening moves I’ve probably ever done was the one that brought me to Michigan. I mean why wouldn’t it.. Las Vegas to Michigan, scorching heat to polar vortices. You can only imagine how bad of a driver I was during my first winter here. Yes, I was that car driving in the 20’s (maybe teens) on the freeway and still doing donuts. It sucked and driving to work only took me two hours yet here I am.. Michigan is now home and, really, winter isn’t all that bad here. So many forewarnings about the brutal black ice, the potholes, and the snowbanks almost as tall as me but what they should have really warned me about were all the gems hidden in plain sight during winter time. I’m not losing it, I swear. Winter in Michigan is breathtaking. All you need to do is get your winter boots on and bundle up! Let me show you..
The Empire Bluff Trail in the infamous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is our starting point. It’s only 1.5 miles roundtrip but just a heads up, the trail is quite steep and winter doesn’t really make it any easier to climb. Stay hydrated, follow the signs, and take your time. Safety is always a priority. This will also give you the chance to enjoy the scenery. The sanctuary of trees, the crunching of snow under your feet, and the glimpse of the dunes from far away. Before you know it, you’ll reach the overlook and be greeted by endless blues and this:
If it’s quiet and effortless solitude you’re looking for in the midst of winter, Michigan offers that too. Drive north from the dunes to the charming Fishtown district of Leland. It’s gorgeous here in the summer but winter brings in a curious ambiance that is so hard to resist. I guess the snow and the cold just makes everything so enchanting. The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is another one that simply takes my breath away. So much that I keep coming back to it in the winter time yet have never been during warmer seasons. It is open to the public but please be respectful when you do decide to visit.
Further north is where I first discovered my love for Michigan and the midwest winters. At the peak of the cold season, the two great lakes that meet under the Mackinac bridge freeze over and make a great expanse of blue ice and waves at a standstill. It’s truly something you have to see in person to appreciate, walking on a large body of frozen water and all. It’s priceless!
If you haven’t had enough of driving in the cold and hiking, the Upper Peninsula is the place to be. With its untouched expanse of land, the scenery here is endless and with it, the adventures. It is also less crowded here in the winter time and is perfect for meeting the wonderful locals who will happily suggest places to visit. I have yet to fully explore the beautiful U.P. in the winter time but if camping is your jam minus putting up a tent in the cold, the Paddler’s Village in Munising offers adorable lake-front yurts perfect for some winter glamping. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get to witness the Northern Lights!
Not very far from Paddler’s Village are the jaw-dropping Eben Ice Caves. This hidden gem is tucked away in the middle of the forest. It’s quite a long hike and isn’t for the faint-hearted (neither is the hike/slide down) but like everything else I’ve suggested thus far or will suggest in the future, it is so worth it! Just please, for the sake of your fingers and toes, wear something warm and if you have any available, wear ice-cleats. I wish someone had told us beforehand, but it really would make your lives so much easier.
That wraps up our winter travels in Michigan. For now. I know there’s still so much to see and do so if you have any suggestions, throw them my way! I am always looking to explore my new found home, no matter the season.
Till next time!
xx
-Ghil.
This is awesome! Nice read!
thank you! <3
Lovvvvvvvveeeeee ittttttttttt!!!!!! So dope!
Thanks! 😁😁