Things to Do in Michigan in January

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From winter festivals to sleigh rides, and from dog sledding to winter craft beer festivals, there’s an endless list of things to do in Michigan in January!

Winter is always a challenging time of year for me and my husband. I’m a summer baby so love all the warm weather activities, while he comes from a very warm environment so it took us a few years to open our hearts to winter. One of the easiest ways to embrace the snow and cold is by just going for it! For us, we started out by visiting one of our favorite summer destinations in the middle of winter – Grand Haven. Best decision ever! What normally is a bustling summer beach town transformed into a vast empty and snowy beach, which was surreal.

But adding onto our fascination of exploring the beach during winter was finding a ton of ice balls along the shoreline. This is a common phenomenon in our Great Lakes that’s caused when the lakes start to ice over, yet the water is turbulent causing the ice to break apart and crash into each other. I also highly recommend making it out to the beach just to see the ice covered lighthouses – that’s another unique thing to do only during Michigan’s winters.

Check out the map below to discover things to do in Michigan in January by region. Or scroll further down to discover something fun in Michigan to do in January nearby you.

Things to do in Michigan in January Map

Unique and Interesting Things to Do in Michigan in January

Discover a unique or interesting event or local winter attraction nearby you in Michigan!

• “Can’t Top That Party” – Treetops Resort, Gaylord: 7:30-8:30 pm, nightly; After a day of skiing, enjoy dancing and a party on top of the slopes! There will also be smores and hot chocolate served.
• Chilly Challenge Weekly Walking Tours – JW Marriott, Grand Rapids: Thursdays, 12-1pm, free by GR Running & Walking Tours; This series runs weekly 7 times. If you make all 7 tours, you’ll receive a $25 gift card to a downtown Grand Rapids business.
• Mini-ART-ure Golf – Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon: Starts Jan 6, 2022, $15 per person and $5 per child. Who would have thought you can play mini golf in Michigan in January? Now you can, indoors, and the Muskegon Museum of Art! There are 9 holes total and each hole takes after a work of art in the museum’s collection.
• Muskegon Luge Center: You need to check out Michigan’s very own luge track designed by former Olympian Frank Masley. This track is only one of 4 in the US, and the only kunstbahn track made out of natural ice. If luging isn’t your thing, there is an ice skating rink and ice skating path through the woods. And if you plan to turn it into a day trip, there is also cross country ski and snowshoeing trails and equipment to rent.
• Skiable Feast – Treetops Resort, Gaylord: 1/8, 8am-2pm: If you’re a foodie and enjoy cross country skiing, this is the perfect event for you! For those 21+, go on a 6 mile cross country skiing journey with fives stops to enjoy gourmet food and drinks.
• Moose Jaw Safari Vintage Snowmobile Ride – Moose Jaw Junction, Harbor Springs: 1/15, 10am: Enjoy a communal snowmobile ride from Harbor Springs to Larks Lake then enjoy some traditional bean soup.
• Boyne Highlands Homecoming Weekend – The Highlands at Harbor Springs: 1/21-23; Each year in January, the Hightlands holds a big celebration with relay races and family friendly activities. While not required, it’s encouraged to wear vintage clothing or dress like you stepped right out of 1963, the year the resort was founded.
• Cardboard Sled Races – Midland City Forest, Midland: 1/22, 1-4pm; Take part in tradition in Midland. Get creative with the design of your cardboard sled. Awards are given out for fastest sled, best looking, and most spirited sled. Racers are broken out by age groups – 8 and under, 9-17, and 18+.
• International Outhouse Race – Mackinaw City: 1/22; This has to be the craziest sounding event I’ve ever heard! An outhouse race! And not just that – but an INTERNATIONAL outhouse race. Stop by the Shepler Ferry Parking lot at 2pm to watch the parade of outhouse participants before they duke (ha, excuse me), it out for international outhouse race champion!
• Reenactment of the Battle of River Raisin – River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Monroe: 1/22, 9am-2pm: A significant battle during the War of 1812 took place here January 18-23, 1813. The British and Indian’s won this battle, and it took the US nine months to regain their footing before ultimately winning the war.
• Ann Arbor Folk Festival – UofM Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor: 1/28-29; Support folk, root, and ethnic music by attending the 45th folk festival at U of M! Shows start at 6:30 pm.
• Polar Plunge – Muskegon: Help fundraise then jump into freezing cold Lake Michigan on 1/29 to support the Special Olympics!
• Heikinpäivä – Hancock: 1/19 – Cancelled due to COVID

Top Day Trips and Winter Getaways in Michigan

If you’re not interested in attending events, I got you! Below are links to day trips and getaways I’ve recently taken throughout Michigan during the winter. Each article showcases what we did, helpful tips and insights to know before you go, and alternate ideas.

• Winter Road Trip Around the Leelanau Peninsula: Take in historic sites and visit the hidden gems of the Leelanau Peninsula.
• Wine Tasting on the Old Mission Peninsula: Avoid the crowds and go wine tasting during winter! This is typically one of the least busy months to visit northwest Michigan’s wineries.
• Winter Getaway to Traverse City: Combine the two day trips above and make it a getaway! This article also details other activities and sights we explored in Traverse City during winter.
• Romantic Winter Day Trip to St. Joseph: Set aside a day or two for you and your significant other and spend some time exploring Michigan’s most romantic city – St. Joe.
• Winter Day Trip to Eastown & East Hills: Explore these eclectic and trendy neighborhoods in southeast Grand Rapids during a day trip.
• Outdoor Adventure in Ludington: If you love winter hikes, you’ll love this day trip idea in Ludington!

Winter Festivals in Michigan

January and February are the prime months for annual winter festivals throughout Michigan. Discover one nearby you or travel to a winter festival that interests you!

• World of Winter – Downtown Grand Rapids: 1/7-3/16; Hands down, the World of Winter is one of the coolest things to do in Michigan in January! Throughout the entire festival new interactive art installations, events, and more pop up and evolve throughout the entire season.
• Jack Frost Festival – Ironwood: November through January; There’s something going on all winter long in Ironwood! In January, visitors can watch the Snowmobile Olympus at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds from January 7 to 9. During that same weekend, you may be interested in participating in the Nordic Ski Festival. At the end of the month, on January 29, the festivities come to a close with the “Light Up the Night” Christmas Tree Burning Event at the Norrie Amateur Sports Club at 7pm.
• Fire & Ice Weekends – Valade Park, Detroit: 1/14-16; How does Medieval and techno combined sound to you? What a mix! Well this is something you can experience when you visit Valade Park from 4-9pm Friday, January 14th, 12-9pm Saturday, or 12-7pm Sunday. You can anticipate enjoying roaring bonfires, yummy turkey legs, blacksmith and glass blowing demonstrations, and get your photo on a 6 foot ice throne! On Saturday evening, stay for a techno dance party!
• Ice Sculpture Festival – Downtown Tecumseh: 1/15-16; Enjoy 35 ice sculptures, balloon sculptures, and participate in the festival scavenger hunt.
• The Snowy Day Event – Escanaba Public Library: 1/15, 1pm: Head to the Escanaba Public Library for snow sculptures, snowshoeing, and refreshments to go along with the book The Snowy Day taking over the library’s story walk.
• Winterfest – Mackinaw City: 1/21-23; Enjoy a winter parade, chili cookout, and more (not to mention those wacky outhouse races!) during Mackinaw City’s Winterfest!
• Tip Up Town USA – Houghton Lake: 1/22-23, 29; Experience our state’s longest running winter festival! Enjoy (or shock your system) with a polar bear dip, games, 5k run, snowmobile drag racing, live music, and an ice fishing contest throughout Houghton Lake.
• Bavarian Ski Festival – Cross Country Ski HQ, Roscommon: 1/22, 2-5pm; This winter festival combines cross country skiing with Bavarian winter culture. Dress up in your German attire (or just bundle up), and participate or watch the festival’s stein holding contest, team skiing competition, and German costume contest. Throughout the festival, delicious German food and drinks are served.
• Dexter Ice Fest – Monument Park, Dexter: 1/22, 11am; Check out the 35 ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations. In addition to all the ice art, the local small businesses are running sales and specials so pop in and grab a souvenir or two.
• Warren’s Cold Rush – Warren City Square, Warren: 1/22, 2-9pm; Throughout the day, activities such as ice skating, live ice carving, ice sculptures, bon fires, s’mores, food trucks, and live music take place. For kids, there is also character meet and greets, a petting zoo, and games. This event is free for all.
• Winterfest – Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township: 1/22, 12-3pm; Enjoy snow and winter related fun and games, including a snow fort building contest. Inside the nature center, there are winter crafts, food, and hot chocolate.
• Winterfest – Grand Haven: 1/27-30; Winterfest is a big, fun time to be in Grand Haven and has been going on for thirty years! Check out the link for access to the weekend’s schedule of events which include a glowbowl, snow volleyball, cardboard sled races, beer and wine tasting, euchre tournament, and much more!
• Heikki Lunta Winter Fest – Negaunee: 1/28-29; Heikki Lunta is a mythical creature created and celebrated in the Upper Peninsula since 1970. Back then, a radio DJ aired the Heikki Lunta snowdance song, which asked the Finnish snow God for snow in time for a big snowmobile race. After the race, the snow kept coming, causing a song to be created to wish the snow away. During the Heikki Lunta Winter Fest, there are snowboard races, a rail jam, lantern snowshoe tours, fatbike race, and ice fishing tournament. The festival concludes with a firework display. This is another recommended thing to do in Michigan in January, particularly if you’re interested in the Upper Peninsula.
• Winter Around the World – Valade Park, Detroit: 1/28-30; Enjoy curling, salsa dancing, and a parade of nations during Winter Around the World. There is also live music featuring musical artists playing music from around the world.
• Chilly Fest – Port Huron: 1/28-29; The full list of activities and schedule is still in development, but so far includes a chili competition, live music, and fun and games for all ages.
• ShadowFest – Charlevoix: 1/29, 10:30am – 5pm: Celebrate Groundhog’s Day in Charlevoix! Enjoy live music, games, horse drawn carriage rides, and a chili cookoff competition.
• Zehnder’s SnowFest – Zehnder’s, Frankenmuth: 1/26-30; The SnowFest in Frankenmuth is one of Michigan’s top destinations to see ice sculptures. There aren’t just ice sculptures, but snow sculptures, and sculpture competitions by varying levels. SnowFest runs for four days so consider a stay at Zehnder’s to enjoy all the festivities!
• Winterfest – Cranhill Ranch, Rodney: 1/30, 2-6pm; Go snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, enjoy pony rides with the little ones, a petting zoo, tractor wagon rides, and food.
• Gobles Snowman Festival: The 2022 Gobles Snowman Festival dates and activities are not yet posted.

Winter Beer Festivals in Michigan

Now let’s talk about winter festivals but with beer! We got those in Michigan! Below details a list of winter beer festivals in Michigan.

• Starkbierfest – Cedar Springs Brewing, Cedar Springs: 1/1, 3-9pm; This German inspired beer festival is for those 21+. It costs $10 per person and for that total, you also get two food and drink tickets. The festival takes place inside a heated tent and features live music and limited beer releases.
• Winterfest Brewery Collectibles Show – Frankenmuth American Legion Hall: 1/15, 8-2pm; While not technically a beer festival, this is a show for the craft beer enthusiast! Check out historic and collectable beer merchandise and equipment for sale. It is free to attend or costs $10 with food and drinks.
• Craft Beer Trail – Otsego Resort, Gaylord: 1/22, 12-3pm; For $38, go on a winter hike with four steps to sample different craft beers along the way. At the end, warm up and relax around the bonfire pit. If you can’t attend this one, there is another on February 19th.
• Perrin Ice Jam Winter Festival – Perrin Brewing, : 1/25 3-8pm; This family friendly festival costs $10 to enter. All the proceeds go to benefit the nonprofit Kids Food Basket. Enjoy live music, winter fun and games, and a 5k run. There are also food and drinks for purchase.
• St. Joe Winter Beer Fest – Downtown St. Joe: 1/29, 12-4pm; Join 16 breweries and cideries from across the state at downtown St. Joseph’s Winter Beer Festival. It costs $40 to attend and that cost also includes a sample cup and 12 tokens for 4oz samples.
• Pure Ludington Brrrewfest – Legacy Plaza, Ludington: 1/29, 1-6pm; Finally, don’t miss out on downtown Ludington’s craft beer and cider festival. Tickets cost $35 in advance or $40 at the gate. Each ticket gives you 6 tokens for a 5oz sample and a tasting glass. Additional tokens are $1 each purchased in $5 increments. Also going on are live music and two food vendors. The proceeds of the festival go to Friends of the Ludington State Park.

Sleigh Rides in Michigan

There are many places all over Michigan that offer horse drawn sleigh rides in the winter. Each ranch offers it’s own cost structure – some charge per person, some by sleigh, and some by the hour. Scroll up to the map above and look for the horse icon’s to find the nearest ranch that offers winter sleigh rides nearby you!

Dog Sledding in Michigan

Another exciting thing to do in Michigan in January that will leave you feeling like a kid again is dog sledding!

• Kids Sled Dog Rides – Agassiz Park, Calumet: 1/22, 12-2pm; As a precursor to the CopperDog 150, bring your little one to Agassiz Park for a free sled dog ride! Open to children of all ages, kids can interact with the mushers, sled dogs, and their rigs. All are also welcome to free hot chocolate and coffee.
• Dog Sledding – Treetops Resort – Gaylord: 1/1-2/27; Go dogsledding while on your winter vacation at Treetops! Each sled accommodates one adult, 1 adult plus 1 child, or 2 children. It’s $55 per person to enjoy and runs during the weekends throughout winter.
• Shemhadar Kennels – Cadillac: While their dog sledding rides are ALREADY fully booked this winter, you and your group can go on a kennel tour for $75. For a $15 add on, children can enjoy a one dog sled ride.
• Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Racing and Adventures – McMillan: Tour the kennel throughout the year or wait until winter to enjoy a dog sled ride to see some waterfalls! What a beautiful way to enjoy and appreciate winter’s beauty!
• Shanty Creek – Bellaire: Go on a 30 minute dog sled ride at Schuss Mountain! Before emBARKing on your journey, you’ll enjoy a meet and greet with the dogs and photo opps. This activity takes place Friday through Sunday’s during winter.
• Husky Haven Kennels – Shingleton: Open all year long, the opportunity to ride in a sled with a team only happens during the winter when there is snow. For $200 a person, you’ll enjoy a private (to your group!) kennel tour, history lesson, instructions, and 8-10 mile ride. This is followed by warming up over hot cocoa and cookies. In total, this excursion lasts 3-4 hours.
• Otter River Sled Dog Training Center – Tapiola: Do you want to spend an hour with the sled dogs? Or how about an authentic overnight adventure? Otter River Sled Dog’s has a package that’s right for you!
• Triple Creek Kennels & Buck Sporting Lodge – Munising: Hourly or multi day guided trips with your option to drive or just ride. The overnight packages include lodging and meals.
• Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race – Muskallonge Lake State Park: 1/8, 9:30am; Does watching sled dog’s sound more your speed over riding them yourself? Then head towards Newberry to watch the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race. There are also opportunities to meet the mushers, enjoy food, and watch the awards ceremony.

Handy Things to Have During Michigan Winter’s

In January, it’s go time for all things winter in the mitten state. It’s also typically the coldest month in Michigan so keep warm and active during your outdoor adventures with these items:

• Chunky Cup Cozy to keep your coffee or hot chocolate warm while out exploring! And where better to sip your caffeine from then out of an incredible Michigander insulated tumbler?!
• Soft and beautiful crocheted winter beanie hat with a Michigan emblem sewed on.
• Look stylish and ring in Michigan’s 185th anniversary when wearing this warm and cozy Michigan sweater.
• Or check out these fantastic ear warmers that will keep you looking warm (and cute), but not mess up your hairstyle.
• And if you’re exploring winter in Michigan, who could forget mittens? (We are in the mitten state of course!)
• No outfit is complete without earrings! And these clay and rhinestone snowflake earrings are the perfect accessory to wear during any winter event. (This maker also makes a cute snowman earring too!)
• Planning to be outside with your toddler or child this winter? Keep them warm with these Michigan made knit mittens and ear warmers. And don’t forget the adorable ‘Michigan Kid’ sweatshirt.

Kindly note: These items above are all copyrighted designs.

Things to do in Michigan in January: Outdoor Winter Activities

There are countless snowshoe and cross country skiing trails throughout Michigan. If you don’t currently own a pair of snowshoes, check out your local or county parks department’s website to see if they rent them out. Another fun way to try out snowshoeing is by attending one of Black Star Farm’s Snowshoes, Vines, and Wines events during the weekends throughout winter. Rent a pair of snowshoes from them between 12 and 5pm, then warm up with some mulled wine and warm snacks afterwards.

Go sledding or snow tubing! You don’t need expensive equipment to enjoy sledding and it’s affordable winter fun for all ages.

If snow tubing or downhill skiing sounds fun for you, check out the map above (indicated with a snowflake icon) for a skiing or tubing hill nearby you.

Best Places to Stay in Michigan in Winter

Other great suggestions of things to do in Michigan in January is consider taking a getaway! I don’t mean to Florida, I mean to one of these cool hotels or resorts:

• For the ski buff and outdoor adventurers:
  • Boyne Mountain Resort – A popular winter destination for skiers in the winter and golfers in the summer, Boyne Mountain Resort has ski-to-door access, but also rents out equipment if needed. Biking, horseback riding, ice skating, tubing, swimming, and a winter zipline are additional amenities you can do at this resort!
  • Crystal Mountain – From skiing to relaxing at the spa, Crystal Mountain has over 260 rooms and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a number of restaurants and other on site winter activities and events to keep guests coming back time after time.
  • Thunder Bay Resort – View one of northeast Michigan’s elk herds via horse drawn carriage or sleigh ride when you stay at Thunder Bay Resort. The resort also offers a variety of winter outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
  • Treetops Resort – Given Treetops hosts so many wonderful winter activities such as dog sledding, sleigh rides, skiing, and more, Treetops is another perfect choice for winter enthusiasts!
  • Mount Bohemia – And if you are a true Northerner who loves the winter, you need to stay at Mount Bohemia. There are a variety of cabins or yurts to stay overnight at. During the day, go skiing on their ungroomed trails, then warm up at the Nordic spa afterwards.
• For those looking for an escape without leaving the state, consider checking out one of Michigan’s excellent hotel’s with an indoor water park:
  • Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City: rustic, log cabin feel
  • Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel in Mount Pleasant: pretend summer never ended
  • Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth: frolic through the Bavarian themed pools, slides, and more

Martin Luther King Jr & Other Civil Rights Events in Michigan

Give back to your community and remember the important Civil Rights work Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. performed at these Martin Luther King Jr day events in Michigan:

• Civil Rights Movement Matinees – Boyne District Library, Boyne City: Tuesday’s throughout January at 2pm; Gather at the Boyne District Library to watch a new Civil Rights themed documentary each week. Light snacks are provided, and a short discussion follows.
• 2022 MLK Diversity Breakfast – American 1 Credit Union Event Center, Jackson: Jan 14, 7:30-9am; Join the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for breakfast and to listen to speaker Babbie Mason.
• MLK Jr Day of Service – Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, Jackson: Jan 17, 10-12pm; Listen to speaker Dr. Pamela Pugh, VP on the Michigan Board of Education speak on the theme, “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants – Honoring the Past while Preparing for the Future”.
• Martin Luther King Jr Celebration – Virtually, Ypsilanti: Jan 14-17; Join EMU and the Ypsilanti community during this three day celebration, which includes a series of speakers, discussions, and a virtual conference to understand the legacy of Dr. King.

Hockey in Michigan

Rounding out the list of ideas of things to do in Michigan in January is watching the quintessential winter sport – hockey! In Michigan, we have Major, Minor and Junior league hockey teams to watch and cheer on. Consider booking tickets to watch one of our state’s hockey teams:

• Detroit Red Wings – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit – Major League
• Grand Rapids Griffins – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids – Minor League
• Port Huron Prowlers – McMorran Arena – Port Huron – Minor League
• Muskegon Lumberjacks – Mercy Health Arena – Muskegon – Tier 1 Junior League
• Flint Firebirds – Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center – Flint – Ontario Hockey League Junior
• Saginaw Spirit – Dow Event Center – Saginaw – Ontario Hockey League Junior

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