Don’t hibernate, recreate – winter fun at Michigan state parks
By THERESA NEAL
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
As Dan Green opens the door of his 21-foot, four-season trailer he is greeted with a burst of 10-degree air, immediately chilling his nostrils.
 “It’s invigorating,” said Green, a 79-year-old retired paramedic fire chief.
Green and his partner, Carolyn Wilson, have left their home in sunny Florida each of the last 12 years to winter-camp at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, located 75 miles north of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
They now serve as volunteer campground hosts at the park’s Lower Falls campground during January and February, greeting and assisting other campers and maintaining snowshoe trails.
“We love being here during the winter, the more snow the better! The Lower Falls is a quiet recreation area, absolutely perfect for snowshoeing on or off trail,” Wilson said. “As people try winter camping, they enjoy it so much that they encourage others, and we have seen the interest grow over our time here.”
In addition to campers, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a premier winter destination for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Read a sidebar on the lantern-lit trail at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Snowmobiling along trail No. 45 brings riders to the Upper Falls, and the privately-owned Tahquamenon Brewery, which offers a chance to warm up by the outdoor fireplace or inside with a meal and a beverage. Visitors also can drive to the Upper Falls and walk a third of a mile along a cleared trail to the viewing areas.
Indiana State Parks volunteer Jerry Byard has been taking photographs of the Upper Falls for years and is especially fond of the winter.
“My friends think I’m crazy, coming up here in February,” Byard said. “But it’s so beautiful, and the difference in the look of the falls in winter versus summer is so dramatic.”
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the western U.P. is another popular winter destination. Although the park’s campground is closed during the winter, rustic cabins and yurts are available, scattered throughout the 60,000-acre wilderness.
Park staff takes pride in grooming 26 miles of cross-country ski trails, complete with warming shelters. “The Porkies,” as the park is affectionately known, also offers a downhill ski area, managed by staff from Gogebic Community College.
There’s plenty of winter fun to be had at state parks in the Lower Peninsula as well.
David Mitchell and his 14-year old nephew, Brandon, participate in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Hard Water School, an annual ice fishing clinic offered at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac as part of the DNR’s Outdoor Skills Academy.
Watch a cool snowshoeing video.
The Mitchells are in good company, as ice fishing experts demonstrate techniques to catch panfish, walleye and pike.
“We love to fish, but had never tried ice fishing before,” Mitchell said. “This class was the perfect introduction, and now we’re hooked!”
A bit east of Mitchell State Park, the Cadillac Pathway trailhead often is filled with cyclists preparing to head out on their fat-tire bikes. The Michigan Mountain Biking Association partners with parks across the state to provide groomed trails perfect for fat-tire biking.
Chad Jordan, president of the Northern Michigan Chapter of the MMBA, recently teamed up with Leelanau State Park and local volunteers to create multiple 2- to 3-mile groomed loops within the state park.
 “Fatbiking in the snow provides a great introduction to outdoor winter recreation because it is so user-friendly,” Jordan said. “It’s a lot slower pace than people think, and all of the local bike shops have fat-tire bikes for rent.”
Across the state at Muskegon State Park, just north of Muskegon on Lake Michigan, even novice adventurers will find a variety of winter recreation options at the popular Muskegon Winter Sports Complex.
Visitors can enjoy an Olympian-designed luge track, an ice skating trail through the woods, a sledding hill, cross-country ski trails and many other activities.
Check out a luge track video.
Winter camping is an option at 15 state parks across Michigan. Select campsites are cleared of snow for access to electricity, a picnic table and a fire ring. Rifle River Recreation Area in Ogemaw County and Tawas Point (Iosco County), Mitchell (Wexford County) and Traverse City (Grand Traverse County) state parks offer a heated shower building for those looking for more comfortable amenities.
Mini cabins, lodges, yurts and backcountry camping are offered at more than 53 state parks during the winter. More information about lodging options is available at www.michigan.gov/dnrlodging.
Camping and lodging reservations can be made by calling 1-800-44-PARKS or online at www.midnrreservations.com.
Whether your interest lies in camping, fishing, snowshoeing or photography, Michigan State Parks have you covered, for only $11 per year with the Recreation Passport.
Bundle up and get some fresh clean wintertime air – the mosquitoes will be out before you know it.
Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories and subscribe to upcoming articles at www.michigan.gov/dnrstories.
/Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos are available below for download and media use. Suggested captions follow. Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.
Bonfire: Many state parks have snowshoes available to borrow at no cost.
Camping: Winter camping is an activity popular with those who enjoy peaceful wintry settings.
Falls: The Upper Tahquamenon Falls provide a beautiful wintry backdrop for outdoor activity.
Hosts: Winter campground hosts Dan Green and Carolyn Wilson prefer snowshoeing off the beaten path.
Hiking: Hardy adventurers can explore the backcountry for a truly wild experience. (Lane Whitcomb photo)
Winter: Winter camping at the Waterloo Recreation Area's Green Lake yurt.
SIDEBAR PHOTOS:
Lanterns: A lantern is lit for the trail at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Straits: Halfway around the lantern-lit trail at Straits State Park, visitors are treated to a bonfire and a view of the Mackinac Bridge. (Patricia McNamara photo)/
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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