Author: amyupscale

While most tourists and visitors think of the lakeshore as a summer destination, they may not realize that it’s actually the perfect winter wonderland! With snowy landscapes, charming towns, and a plethora of activities, West Michigan is a hub of winter fun during the colder months. From festive holiday markets and events to cross-country skiing and ice skating, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your guide to making the most of winter, let’s explore the best outdoor winter activities during the 2024-2025 winter season!

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities in West Michigan with the abundance of natural areas and dunes. These activities allow adventurers to appreciate the landscapes of the lakeshore, burn off the holiday meals and enjoy the experience. Below is a list of the top cross country skiing and snowshoeing destinations from South Haven to Muskegon.

Pigeon Creek

Pigeon Creek is situated between Holland and Grand Haven, making it the perfect location in close proximity to our properties. Pigeon Creek has everything spread across 282 acres. There are over 10 miles of groomed trails for all levels of skiers, snowshoeing trails, a cozy lodge with a cafe and rentals. We do suggest calling ahead to make sure there are rentals available, as ski and snowshoe equipment are first come first serve.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Saugatuck Dunes State Park will make for an unforgettable winter outing, combining lakeshore views with the thrill of cross country skiing and snowshoeing. This state park is great for those looking for more of a challenge. Trails will be steeper and more ambitious. However, you will need to supply your own equipment.

Allegan State Game Area

Closer to our Saugatuck and South Haven properties, the Allegan State Game Area is ready for all your outdoor adventures. Spanning over 19 miles, the ski trails are prime for all levels, from beginner to pro. Here is a trail map of the game area in case you need any guidance. 

Riley Trails

Made up of 300 wandering acres, Riley Trails offers numerous ungroomed trails for walking, running, snoeshowing, and cross country skiing. Located in Holland, Riley Trails is accessible to all our properties. Trails are ungroomed, so feel free to have your furry friends tag along for all the fun!

Renting Gear

There are limited parks and trails that have rentals for your winter gear, but there’s no need to fret as multiple shops offer ski and snowshoe rentals in the area. In Downtown Saugatuck, Landshark Outfitters is the place to go! They offer daily rentals. For more details and tips and tricks from their expertise, check out their website here. 

Sledding

Whether you’re a daredevil seeking adrenaline or a family looking for connection and fun while enjoying the beauty of nature, sledding along the lakeshore is an adventure worth experiencing. There’s plenty of sledding hills to find in West Michigan so bundle up, enjoy the winter magic, and let the exhilaration of sledding create unforgettable moments during your winter getaway. 

Pigeon Creek

Pigeon Creek’s sledding hill is great for families, children, and friends alike. The park’s lodge is just at the top of the hill and is the perfect place to grab a streaming cup of hot chocolate to warm up after a fun winter adventure. And with early winter nights, Pigeon Creek compensates by lighting up the sledding hill, providing safe and fun sledding all day and night! 

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Sledding at the dunes takes a bit more adventure than most hills, as it requires hiking on top of sledding, making for an afternoon of guaranteed excitement. Embark on an adventure to find the hill that suits you, whether it’s a small kid-friendly dune or a large and thrilling slope.

Van Raalte Farm Sledding Hill

Van Raalte Farm sledding hill is a beloved spot among the locals who return for winter fun year after year. The farm park is a historical site connecting back to the founder of Holland with a large estate of trails and park amenities all year round.  You’ll be able to find the sledding hill after a short trail hike from the main entrance of the park.

Ice Skating

Kick off your winter getaway on the right foot and embrace the winter time when you lacing up  your skates and hitting the ice rink. If you get good enough at it, you just might find a new favorite winter season pastime. Lace up your skates and enjoy some family fun for all  whether it’s in an indoor and outdoor rink. 

South Haven Ice Rink

South Haven Ice Rink provides plenty of frosty fun for everyone. This outdoor ice rink in located in the heart of South Haven where you can experience the fun of skating with the mood of the winter chill. With affordable fun at $5 admission and $5 rental fees, it’s the perfect activity for family and friends. For more information and their schedule, visit their website here. 

Also, if you happen to visit West Michigan in February you can attend South Haven’s  ice sculpture competition at the Ice Breaker Festival which will be full of fun with a chili cook-off, sleigh rides, and ice skating shows!

Griff’s Ice House West

Griff’s Ice House West is currently the only ice skating in Holland, MI. But by the end of next year there will be a full outdoor ice skating park in Holland!

The ice house is home to local hockey teams and offers public skating, rentals, and a snack bar! You’ll easily be able to spend a long afternoon here having fun with friends and family. Visit their website here for more info.

Local Tip: Sign-up on their website to have public skate schedules texted to you. 

Winter Sports Complex

The Winter Sports Complex in Muskegon is a 4-in-1 combination of fun for everyone with ice-skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and luging! All activities have great night time options too. Glide through a serene wooded trail for a truly unique skating experience. The complex’s ice skating is one of the best in West Michigan with an ice rink as well as an ice skating trail running through the forest. Another unique experience offered by the complex is luging, and nothing says thrill like a giant slide. You can think of luging in a similar manner. Designed by olympians, the luge track is 1 of only 4 in the United States. You’ll be provided equipment and training before the best slide ride of your life. After your fun winter activities you can warm up by their bonfire with a warm and cozy cup of hot chocolate! For more information visit their website here.