If you ask most Michiganders about their favorite season, winter is typically not the fan favorite. Cold days and gray skies leave many yearning for warmth and sun. Add some snow into the mix, however, and there are a lot of winter activities throughout Mid-Michigan where you can embrace winter and have some fun!
Snow Tubing
Tubing is one winter activity for all ages and the best part is there are no skills required! Hawk Island Park in Lansing is a great local place to go. Tubes are provided and there is a magic carpet to take you up to the top. The hill can make their own snow so if there is not a lot of natural snow on the ground, chances are the hill will still be open. If it’s too cold, there is a warming house where you can purchase hot drinks and snacks. The cost to tube ranges from $8.00 to $10.00. Hawk Island Park is located on Cavanaugh in South Lansing. It is part of the Ingham County Park System and there is also a small fee to enter the park.
Cross Country Skiing
The Harris Nature Center on Van Atta Road in Okemos and the Lake Lansing North Park in Haslett are both great places to give cross country skiing a try. Lake Lansing North Park is run by the Ingham County Parks System and there is a small entrance fee. This park offers several miles of hilly, wooded trails. The Harris Nature Center is operated by Meridian Township. Harris Nature Center has some more novice trails that run along the Red Cedar River. Both parks are open daily. Rental equipment is available at Harris Nature Center and you can rent by the hour or day. You can also rent your equipment at Harris then take it elsewhere. Not only is cross country skiing a great winter activity, but it can be an amazing cardio workout too!
Sledding
Another fun winter activity in Mid-Michigan is sledding and there are great sledding hills all over town. Meridian Hill, located on Meridian Road in Haslett Road is one great place to sled. It’s free and really fun for all ages. Burchfield Park, located on Grovenburg Road in Holt, is another great place to sled. Burchfield has two hills; one that’s little-kid friendly and a second larger hill suitable for all ages. Tubes are also available for rent at Burchfield.
Ice Skating
There are three indoor rinks in Mid-Michigan available for public ice skating: Suburban Ice East Lansing, Munn Ice Arena at Michigan State University, and The Summit located on the southwest side of Lansing. All three facilities offer public skating at select times as well as skate rental. If you’re new to skating, Suburban Ice has excellent learn-to-skate programs for all ages.
Winter is a fact of life in Michigan. You can huddle-up inside and wish it away OR you can embrace it. Next time you are looking for fun winter activities close to home, I encourage you to check these places out!
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