The state motto of Michigan is "Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice," which translates to "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." Michigan's two peninsulas offer up a variety of fun winter activities for children and adults alike.
Northern Michigan averages over 100 inches of snowfall each winter, providing the perfect conditions for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating. Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa is located in the northwest corner of Michigan's lower peninsula and offers kids programs including ski, snowboard and ice skating lessons along with indoor crafts and activities. Dog sled rides and snowmobile rentals are also available. Family bonfires complete with marshmallows are held nightly. Guided moonlight snowshoe excursions are held each Friday night.
Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa
12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
Thompsonville, MI 49683
800-968-7686
crystalmountain.com
With clear nights for exceptional star gazing and a new perspective on the great outdoors, winter camping can be fun. Ten of Michigan's state parks allow winter camping: at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, three sturdy yurts can be rented for overnight stays. These snug, tent-like structures each sleep four and are equipped with beds, a wood stove, an axe for chopping wood and cooking utensils. Routes for hiking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing to each yurt are provided; distances vary from less than one mile to over six miles. The park has over 20 hiking and skiing trails.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
33303 Headquarters Road
Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087
906-885-5275
michigandnr.com
American history comes alive at The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Browse through nine acres of memorabilia at the Museum with a particular emphasis on transportation: automobiles, planes and trains abound. At Greenfield Village, over 80 historical structures are open for visitors to browse through: from Thomas Edison's laboratory to the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Artisans in period dress and using authentic equipment are seen making candles and blowing glass. There is also a working farm. Rides are available on horse drawn buggies, a steam locomotive and even Ford Model-T cars. Greenfield Village is open through the Christmas holidays and then closes until spring; the Museum is open year round. There is also an IMAX theater and a self-guided tour of the Ford Motor Company's famouse Rouge River automobile factory.
The Henry Ford Museum
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124-5029
thehenryford.org
800-835-5237
