Raft down a river, explore endless snowmobile trails, rent a fat bike—get outside and play! Here are some of our favorite winter activities in the Benzie and Manistee region.
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Discover endless snowmobile trails in the Cadillac area, a hub for a regional network with nearly 500 miles through five counties—if the snow is good, you can ride from Cadillac to the Mackinac Bridge. Coyote Crossing Resort is a popular hangout, drawing anywhere from 300 to 500 riders on a bluebird Saturday. Owner Peter Finch is happy to recommend routes, plus his favorite scenic stops along the Pine River. Or swap tales ’round the Boon Bonfire, blazing each weekend outside of the Boon Country Store. Beginners, K&R Outfitters will take you on a guided snowmobile adventure.
Paddle a winter wonderland. Book a guided rafting trip at Pine River Paddlesports Center in Wellston. They’ll help with paddling and steering if you want, or the guide can canoe alongside you as you pass beneath snow-covered branches where chickadees sing a rosy song. Because rafts are extremely stable, you don’t have to worry about getting wet. Trips last about an hour and 15 minutes; reservations required.
Teach the kids to ski. Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville boasts 59 downhill runs and a 375-foot vertical drop. Also important: truffle fries at The Thistle eatery. In Cadillac, take on 27 runs and 485 vertical feet at Caberfae Peaks (take a cue from the weekend warriors, plug in your crockpot at Skyview Lodge). Both ski areas offer slopeside lodging, rental equipment and lessons for all ages.
Photo by Cadillac CVB
Explore the big “M.” Cross-country skiers glide beneath a canopy of hardwoods on 18 miles of groomed trail between Cadillac and Wellston. Snowfall averages 130 inches from December to March, but the best skiing on the Big M is usually in January and February. One loop provides several miles of ungroomed trail that’s perfect for snowshoeing, too.
Experience the thrill of ice fishing from the comfort of fully equipped, heated shanties. The guides at Sport Fish Michigan will set you up for a safe, memorable day on frozen lakes throughout the North. Their captains are based in Frankfort, Manistee, Traverse City, Leland and beyond.
Rent a fat bike. Crystal Mountain has 12 miles of groomed winter bike trails; plus, private fat bike tours are available for ages 12 and up. Have your own bike? Buy a trail pass for $10. We’d schedule a heated stone massage for afterward.
Photo by Cadillac CVB