Winter Interesting Places In Michigan - Wonderful Winter Activities,  Attractions and Family Friendly Fun Things to Do in MI 


Winter Interesting Places In Michigan | By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated November 19, 2022

Keep reading for fun places to visit in Michigan in winter, exciting Michigan winter attractions, activities, and fun things to do in Michigan in winter.

What does indoor water parks, delicious chicken dinners, black rocks and puffing steam trains have in common? Serious Michigan fun!  You definitely won’t be hibernating this winter!


1. Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad Makes the List for Fantastic Winter Interesting Places in Michigan


Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, located in Flint, Michigan is one of my favorite winter interesting places in Michigan to visit. They are open in December for their Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic.

Why do we love Crossroads Village? It's a quaint village and railroad, reminiscent of the 1800s-era.  It's a great safe place to visit with your friends and family!

Upon the moment you arrive, prepare to step back in time as you wander the scenic tree-lined sidewalks while catching a whiff of roasted almonds wafting in the air. 

Discover history in a fun way while exploring 34 historic buildings including a post office, general store, mill, print shop, drying shed and stained glass windowed church.   

Be sure to step inside the dentist’s office to get an eye-full of the primitive dental tools, including a foreboding bone saw! Yikes!

As you wander throughout the village, grab some warm crunchy almonds or freshly popped kettle corn from colorful stands along the way.  Step inside the carousel house to warm up a bit and take a spin on a colorful vintage horse or whirl through the air on the nearby Ferris wheel!  



As you wander throughout the village, grab some warm crunchy almonds from the vendor near the dentist's office. 

Oh, and don't miss the carousel house! Step in to warm up and take a spin on a colorful vintage horse or whirl through the air on the nearby Ferris wheel



Lastly, hop aboard the #152 steam train, slide into a window seat and get ready for a scenic ride across sparkling rivers and through thick dark forests! 

Keep an eye out for big puffy billows of steam dancing past your windows, adding to the nostalgic charm of your train ride!  Fantastic winter interesting places in Michigan!


2. Fredrick Meijer Gardens is So Peaceful During the Winter

Fredrick Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Michigan, By Travel-Mi.comFredrick Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Michigan, By Travel-Mi.com

Fredrick Meijer Gardens is a wonderful place to visit in winter! During the Christmas season, several Christmas trees are on display depicting traditions from countries across the world!  It's definitely on our list of fun things to do in Michigan in winter.

It's also lovely to wander the beautiful boardwalk flanking the river, gardens and Children's Garden in the winter as it's very peaceful and quiet. Pretty unexpected recommendation for winter interesting places in Michigan, right?!


3. Don't Forget About Frankenmuth in the Winter!


Explore Frankenmuth, Michigan in Winter!

There are so many things to see and do during the winter in Frankenmuth.  Check out our list of winter fun in Frankenmuth! Shop in the quaint River Place Shops on Main Street, visit Bronner's (the world's largest Christmas store), splash at Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark and taste taffy at one of the downtown Frankenmuth shops.

Don't leave Frankenmuth off your list for winter interesting places in Michigan.



Also, we LOVE visiting Frankenmuth in November and December as the city is decorated for Christmas! Take a horse drawn carriage ride, go ice skating, visit Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, see the Christmas lights, and so much more!

Grab our Frankenmuth at Christmas guide!


4. Go for a Winter Hike and See a Famous Treehouse at For-Mar Nature Preserve!


2142 N Genesee Rd, Burton, MI.

Calling all Michigan nature lovers, explorers, photographers and winter hikers to For-Mar Nature Preserve! 

Come on out to For-Mar Nature Preserve for a fantastic scenic hike around ponds and along beautiful trails. There's a good chance you will see several turkey's and woodland creatures along the way.  I bet you can see why you can't leave this nature preserve off your list for winter interesting places in Michigan.



This incredible tree house, built at For-Mar Nature Preserve was featured on Animal Planet's Tree House Masters! 

Classes are held here and the famous treehouse has phenomenal views! Come see it for yourself.  


For-Mar Nature Preserve Treehouse featured on Animal Planet's Treehouse MastersFor-Mar Nature Preserve Treehouse featured on Animal Planet's Treehouse Masters


For-Mar Nature Preserve is one of our favorite places to visit in Michigan in winter.  Plus it's free!


5. Midland Michigan Is Fantastic to Visit In Winter


If you love cross country skiing, fat bike trails or wooded walking trails, you really need to check out Midland Michigan's City Forest! 

Bring your sled or tube and zip down the designated sledding hill. It's close to the parking lot so you won't need to walk far!

If you get chilly, grab a cup of hot chocolate at the chalet below the hill.  

Midland also offers fantastic trails and outside adventures at the Chippewa Nature Center.  Try your skills at snowshoeing during a clinic or visit the Homestead Farm featuring an 1870's style farmstead complete with a log cabin, timber frame barn, root cellar, wagon barn and chicken coop. 

I love wandering along the path flanking the river for incredible views and a peaceful walk!  Add Chippewa Nature Center to your winter interesting places in Michigan!



Chris and I love sitting in the cute Michigan chairs in downtown Midland while enjoying the outdoor fireplaces!



Maple syrup season in March is also a fantastic time to visit the Chippewa Nature Center. 

Take a wagon ride to the Sugarhouse to see the process of making maple syrup, try iced maple syrup on a stick (my favorite) and watch an 1870's sap boiling demonstration!

Chippewa Nature Center in Michigan is at the top of our exciting Michigan winter attractions and activities this year! Perfect place for couples and families with children.



Don't forget to stop at Whiting Forest (Part of Dow Gardens) to explore the Longest Canopy Walk in America!! It's a great place to visit in the winter for fun things to do!


6. Seriously...Who Doesn't LOVE a Vintage Candy and Chocolate Shop?


St. Laurent's is a super popular vintage candy and chocolate shop located in Downtown Bay City near the river. 

Rumor has it that Madonna likes to stop here when she's in the area!

With or without the pop star, I love stopping into the candy shop for almonds, popcorn and various chocolates.  It makes great gifts any time of year!  Oh, and they have ice cream!


7. We Found Over 25 Michigan Ski Resorts For an Incredible Winter Getaway!

Get outside and play! Did you know our top Michigan Ski Resorts have tons more amenities than just skiing?

  • You can tube, go on sleigh rides, try ice skating, relax in a steamy hot tub, go snow shoeing, listen to live music, enjoy spa treatments and so much more!

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Ever had a Poofy Pop? I love wandering through old timey candy stores like St. Laurent's in Bay City. They have tons of candy, nuts and ice cream! I used to work in downtown Bay City and we would walk to the candy shop to get gifts and treats on our breaks.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Since the weather is pretty unattractive right now (misty gray sky and barely any snow), I thought a happy candy pic would cheer you up!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #candyshop #baycity #candy #candytopia #poofypop #marshmallowtreats #candytopia #nastalgic #nastalgia #baycitymichigan #Michigan #puremichigan #michigantravel #greatlakesstate #michiganstate #travelingmichigan #greatlakesstateofmind #puremittenpride #lovemichigan #michiganders #exploremichigan #puremittigan #northernmichigan #greatlakesstate #greatlakeslocals

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

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We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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