The ultimate winter adventure awaits! The Muskegon Winter Sports, located along Lake Michigan in Muskegon State Park, is one of the most popular cold-weather destinations around. It boasts a luge track (one of only four in the United States), ice skating rinks, ice skating trails, a sledding hill, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, a heated sports lodge and more. Information available at www.msports.org.

The DNR, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and mParks are encouraging residents to shift their New Year's resolutions into high gear at a number of "Shoe Year's Day" hikes taking place in Michigan state parks through Jan. 8.

If those don't work into your schedule, you can visit a Michigan state park or recreation area, the Iron Belle Trail or the more than 12,500 miles of state-designated trails on your own time.

Other winter trail activities: There are plenty of other options this season, including lantern-lit walks, snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing. Visit the Go Outdoors Calendar to view events by park or date.

Grab a fishing rod and take advantage of the first of two Free Fishing Weekends Feb. 18-19. Twice a year, residents and non-residents can enjoy two back-to-back days of fishing without a license. All other fishing regulations apply.

Additionally, the DNR will waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas. Several of these locations will be hosting official Free Fishing events that are perfect for the whole family!

Stunning views, longer evenings at the campfire, star gazing, quieter surroundings and fewer mosquitoes are just a few of the benefits of winter camping.

Winter camping is available in a handful of Michigan state parks and recreation areas and include opportunities such as tent camping, traveling in a pop-up camper (or RV) and alternative lodging. Lodges, cabins, mini-cabins and yurts give winter campers a warm place to spend the night with a few of the comforts of home.

To view parks with winter camping, visit www.michigan.gov/recsearch and type “winter camping,” "cabins & lodges," "mini cabins" or "yurt" in the search menu. 

To make reservations, visit midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS. Reservations for lodges are made at individual parks.

Kick off 2017 on the right foot (or left foot) with the HeartMISnow Virtual 5K. It's the perfect way to enjoy Michigan state parks and recreation areas, while helping raise to funds for the DNR! 

HeartMISnow participants choose where and when to complete their 5K, as long as it's done outdoors. Participants receive a commemorative finisher's medal and an event T-shirt. 

Participants can register through Jan. 31 and participants have until Feb. 28 to complete their 5K. A portion of the proceeds benefit state parks.

Keep those binoculars out because winter offers many unique wildlife viewing opportunities. While many of Michigan's summer resident birds migrate to warmer climates, there are several species – including the snowy owl, great gray owl, northern shrike, pine grosbeak and common redpoll – that migrate from Canada and find Michigan to have the perfect winter temperature.

When there’s snow on the ground, it's also a great time to become a nature detective and look for tracks and other clues that wildlife leaves behind. These clues help tell stories and can give us a glimpse inside the animal’s life. Check out this DNR video with winter wildlife tracking tips.

Ice Safety Tips - Enjoy winter fishing in Michigan – but stay safe while you do it! Check out these basic ice fishing tips before you go out on the ice.

Ice fishing for panfish and pike - Want to try ice fishing, but aren’t sure what you need or how to do it? This short video talks about the proper gear to take – especially when you’re targeting panfish or northern pike! 

Michigan's snowmobiling season is here! Hold on tight, gather your friends and don't miss out on nearly 6,500 miles of designated snowmobile trails. 

Purchase a trail permit and get set for your next Michigan winter adventure. Buy yours today.

Get fit and burn calories, while enjoying Michigan's great outdoors! The Recreation Passport may be the most affordable gym membership available. 

For just $11, residents gain vehicle access to 103 state parks and 138 state forest campgrounds, as well as parking for hundreds of miles of trails and staffed boat launches. Watch this 30-second video to learn more.