Take a snowy hike, go horseback riding, try new-tech ski bikes—get outside and play! Here are some of our favorite winter activities in the Petoskey-Mackinac Straits region.
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Families gather at the Petoskey Winter Sports Park where generations of locals have formed a deep love for the snowy season. True to its name, the park has a sledding hill, outdoor ice skating and a separate hockey rink. Entry is free, and you’ll also find a warming hut with restrooms, concessions, a fireplace, board games and skate rentals. We’d spend the morning here, then head downtown for soup, sandwiches and hot cocoa at Roast & Toast. (The café has a collection of 140 soup recipes! Order a soup flight so you can try a few.) Plan your trip during Petoskey’s Winter Wonderland Weekend (Feb. 14–16) for ice-carving demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and more downtown fun.
For the winter speed demon, it doesn’t get any better than downhill skiing (and plenty of fresh powder) at Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs. A family-owned ski area in operation since the late 1950s, the resort boasts a whopping 53 runs and more than 400 feet in vertical drop—there’s even a free practice area for beginners. Cap off your day in front of the fire at one of the two onsite lodges with grab-and-go and pub dining options. Nubs Nob is surrounded by condos and cabins for rent, some of which have ski-in access—all you have to do is bring your gear.
Hit the slopes … without the skis. If skiing black diamonds isn’t in your future, Sno-Go bikes are a great way to get on the mountain for a scenic morning ride or a day of shredding. Combining bicycle handlebars with new skiing technology, these ski bikes, available at both Boyne Mountain and The Highlands, are super stable and work in all types of snow conditions. The best part? Beginners are welcome—most people pick it up within the first few runs. Every first-time renter receives an introductory lesson to get you rollin’.
Photo by The Highlands
Giddy up! Experiencing Boyne Mountain’s trail system via horseback is a must-do year-round, but it’s especially magical when the grounds are blanketed in snow. Experienced guides will lead you along a serene trail during an hour-long ride that begins and ends at the resort’s stable. For younger riders, a 15-minute pony ride is a fun option, too.
Spend a few hours off the beaten path at Goodhart Farms Nature Preserve. The 696-acre property offers 7.5 miles of marked trails (5.5 are groomed in winter) ideal for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You’ll traverse snowy meadows, hayfields, hardwood forests, old orchards and pine plantations with icy Lake Michigan views in between. The preserve is located just east of Good Hart and its little red general store (open year-round) alongside the Tunnel of Trees. Stop here for a famous pot pie and maple snickerdoodle cookie.
Rally up, sports fans! In a state where hockey is on par with oxygen, the annual Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship is a can’t-miss event when visiting St. Ignace. Every year, the event draws upward of 200 teams for the chance to play on Lake Huron ice that’s 1.5-feet thick (weather permitting). When your nose is properly frozen, head into one of the onsite tents for food, beverages and live music. Entry is free; don’t forget your foam finger.
Photo by Boyne Mountain