Embrace winter by planning to head out to one of these wintertime night hikes in Michigan for 2021-2022!
Let’s chat about one of my favorite things to do in winter: Hike…in the dark…in the snow!
I know I sound slightly crazy, but it is one of the most relaxing experiences, especially when the snow is gently falling. Add darkness + lanterns, and the experience is even more magical.
I’m hopeful the list below of 2021-2022 wintertime night hikes in Michigan inspire you to bundle up and embrace the winter with or without the kids…But I promise if you pretend to love the cold and actually go out with them, they will learn to love it too 😉 Investing in some solid warm gear is key!
I’ll be sure to add to this list as events come up, so let me know if you discover any. These are all short trails that are family-friendly, but if you’d rather hike as a couple, these would make for a great date night as well. {And if hiking during the day is more your thing, check out one of these trails in SE Michigan and beyond.}
As always, make sure to double check that these events are ON before traveling, especially with unpredictable Michigan weather. Also, many of these require pre-registration, so set a reminder so you don’t miss out!
Wintertime Night Hikes in Michigan 2021 – 2022
NOTE: If you do not have a recreation passport to get into our Michigan State Parks, you can rent one for FREE with your library card through the Michigan Activity Pass program!
December 15: Forest Night Hike at Chippewa Nature Center {Midland}
400 S Badour Rd., Midland, MI
Join an Interpretive Naturalist to learn about ecology and how plants and animals adapt to the harsher conditions. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. FREE. Ages 9+, under 18 w with an adult. More info here.
December 17: Almost Solstice Night Hike and Campfire at Independence County Lake {Whitmore Lake}
3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake, MI
The Indy Woods paved path will be lit with luminaries and lanterns for a self-guided walk. The walk takes approximately 25 minutes. There will be a campfire, s’mores and hot cocoa. Dog walkers welcome and if conditions are right there might be a special guest from the North Pole. Program fee is $5 per family/household, up to 4 members. Vehicle entry fee required. Only one person is needed to register, as the fee is per family/household. Pre-registration is required online here.
December 17: Howl at The Moon at Harris Nature Center {Okemos}
3998 Van Atta Rd., Okemos, MI
Enjoy the full moon while taking a guided walk through the nighttime woods. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. Cost is $5/person at the walk. For more information or to sign up, call (517) 349-3866 or email hnc@meridian.mi.us to register.
December 17-18: Enchanted Borealis Trail at Seven Lakes State Park {Holly}
Enjoy a night hike with a holiday feel. Meander through the forest by following a one-mile lantern lit path and enjoy some colorful holiday lights along the way. The hike will start at the Dickinson Picnic Shelter. Be prepared to traverse hilly and un-even terrain. Pre-registration is required for one of the three one hour time slots as parking is limited. Register online prior to Dec. 16.
December 18: For-Mar Nature Preserve Full Moon Hike {Burton}
2142 N. Genesee Rd., Burton, MI
Join a naturalist for a full moon hike and see firsthand how beautiful and peaceful the park is after dark. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes or boots. This hike is approximately 1 mile in length. The trail has some small hills and exposed roots. $5/person. Learn more here.
December 18, January 14, January 28, February 11, February 25: Proud Lake Recreation Area Lantern Hike {Commerce Township}
3500 N. Wixom Rd., Commerce Twp. MI
Come take a lantern lit hike around the Marsh Trail. Hikes kick off at the Annex building, where light refreshments, a warming fire and restrooms are provided. Remember to dress for the weather. For more information, please call the park. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. More info here.
December 18, January 15, 29: Lantern Hikes at Island Lake State Rec {Brighton}
12950 Grand River Ave., Brighton, MI
Visit Island Lake Recreation Area for various lantern-lit hikes along a 1-mile section of the Hickory Ridge hiking trail, beginning in the first parking lot of the Kent Lake unit. Hike, snowshoe or ski as you follow the lanterns for one mile to a campfire warming station. Bearclaw Coffee Company truck at the trailhead. No registration needed and you may hike anytime from 6-9 p.m. Dogs need to be leashed at all times. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. More info here.
December 31, January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18: Lantern-lit Snowshoe Hike at Mitchell State Park {Cadillac}
6093 M-115, Cadillac, MI
This short 1 mile hike will have a campfire warming station and hot cocoa. Participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes or the park will have a limited number of snowshoes available first come, first served. No reservations are required. Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions. In the chance of server weather or poor travel conditions, the event may be canceled. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
January 7 – February 25 {select dates}: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba {Charlevoix}
09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix, MI
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails on a candlelight hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays in January and February. Set your own pace on this self-guided journey and follow the candlelight to a roaring fire. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. FREE. Learn more here.
January 8, February 5: Mackinac Island Turtle Trek {Mackinac Island}
Greany Grove {corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road}
Visit the island for a lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. FREE. Learn more here.
January 8, 15, 22, 29: Lantern-Lit Ski and Snowshoe at Ludington State Park {Ludington}
8800 W. M-116, Ludington, MI
Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike through Ludington State Park’s dunes and forests. Participants should meet at the Warming Shelter and dress in layers to be prepared for the weather. The park has snowshoes available on a first come, first served basis for ages 8 and up. No reservation needed. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. More info here.
January 8, 29: Hoot Hike at Lake Erie Metropark
32481 W. Jefferson Ave., Brownstown Charter Twp, MI
Join us as we learn about owls, the mysterious birds of the night. We’ll hit the trail for a traditional owl prowl followed by an evening around the bonfire. 6 p.m. – 8.pm. $6 per child, $6 per adult, children under 2 free. Metropark day or annual pass required to enter. Learn more here {check the calendar for other dates}.
January 8: Owl Prowl at Oakwoods Metropark
32970 Willow Rd., New Boston, MI
Learn about the habits and habitats of the extraordinary owl during a brief indoor presentation. Afterward, we will head out on the trails and see if we can lure in an Eastern Screech Owl or two with recorded calls! 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. $5 per child, $5 per adult. Metropark day or annual pass required to enter. Register in advance here.
January 14: Night Hike at Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center {Davison}
10069 E Atherton Rd, Davison, MI
Join our Naturalist and hit the trails of the Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center and learn about other animals that like to be out at night. This hike will be 1-2 miles in length. 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Residents: $5 per person and non-residents are $7 per person. Register here.
January 15: Full Moon Hike at Stony Creek Metropark {Shelby Township}
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI
Experience Stony Creek at night! We’ll use the light of the moon to brighten our path through the nature trails. Come out and learn about the moon and all its phases and faces. Bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of the moon’s features- maybe you’ll even spot the man in the moon! This walk will begin at the nature center then meander along the hilly, aggregate nature trail. For ages 10 years and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
The event runs from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and is $5 per person. Metropark day or annual pass required to enter. More info here.
January 15, February 12: Full Moon Hike at Lake Erie Metropark
32481 W Jefferson Ave., Brownstown Charter Twp, MI
Join us as we learn a little about our closest, natural satellite; and explore how and why there are so many unique names associated with each full moon. Ages 8 and up only. $3 per child, $5 per adult. Metropark day or annual pass required to enter. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Register in advance here.
January 15, February 12, 26: Full Moon Snowshoe Hike at Hartwick State Pines {Grayling}
3612 State Park Dr, Grayling, MI
Enjoy the view of the full moon in the night sky while snowshoeing approximately 2 miles through unbroken snow in the campground. Meet at the Contact Station, the first building you pass at the entrance. Dress appropriately for the winter weather. No reservations needed. The hike is subject to cancellation due to dangerously cold temperatures. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
January 21, February 4: Lantern Lit Snowshoe at Van Riper State Park {Champion – U.P.}
851 Co Rd AKE, Champion, MI
Join us for a 1.25 mile lantern lit snowshoe through the beautiful woods of Van Riper State Park. This event starts and ends at our Rustic Peshekee River Cabin located on the north side of US-41 just 7/10th of a mile west of the main entrance to the campground. Please note there is limited parking available, we do recommend carpooling. This event may be canceled if the temperatures are below -5 degrees. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. More info here.
January 22: Candlelight Cross-Country Ski at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
3871 Herd Rd, Metamora, MI
Enjoy an evening of cross-country skiing on a groomed trail illuminated by candles. Then warm up by the fire with a refreshment. Participants should bring skis or snowshoes and dress for the weather. {Check out rental opportunities through Arrive Outdoors.} Meet at the Red Barn activity building near the camp store parking lot. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. More info here.
January 29 Lantern-lit Trail at Fayette Historic State Park {Garden – U.P.}
4785 II Rd, Garden, MI
Snowshoe, hike, or cross-country ski our unique 1.5-mile Bluff Trail that is lit with kerosene lanterns for an enjoyable evening of fun in the snow. There will be one track set for classic cross-country skiing and a packed trail for snowshoeing or hiking. Parking is located at the visitor center parking lot. Staff and/or a friendly campfire will mark the starting and ending point of the lantern-lit trail. Marshmallows and hot cocoa will be provided, and there will be a limited number of snowshoes to borrow. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. More info here.
February 5: Winter Hike at Maybury State Park {Northville}
49601 Eight Mile Rd., Northville, MI
Join the Friends of Maybury for evening guided hike under the stars. This hike is appropriate for all ages {children must be accompanied by an adult}. Refreshments will be provided after the hike. No reservations required for this free program. Meet at the trailhead building off the eight mile road entrance. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. More info here.
February 5, 12, 19, 26: Lantern-lit Snowshoe Trail at Tahquamenon Falls State Park {Paradise}
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI
Enjoy snowshoeing a 1-mile trail lit by over 70 kerosene lanterns every Saturday in February. Meet at the trailhead located at the end of the Upper Falls parking area. Skiers are also welcome, but no track will be set. Warm up with refreshments by the bonfire between laps. Remember to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Snowshoes or skis required to participate (wearing only winter boots pokes holes in the packed trail). Snowshoes are available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes, on a first-come-first-served basis. Well-behaved dogs welcome on leash. Events will only be canceled in extreme weather (windchill -10 or below). Check the park Facebook page for updates. More info here.
February 12: Candlelight Trails Under the Wolf Moon at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute {Big Rapids}
701 W. Cloverdale Rd., Big Rapids, MI 49058
Take an evening to enjoy the quiet, peaceful sounds and sights of winter at night along candlelit trails. Choose between half mile and one-and-a-half-mile trail loop that weaves through prairies, forests, and wetlands. Then, enjoy a grab-and-go activity kit and snack to wrap up the evening. If conditions permit, a limited number of snowshoes will be available. $5/person; free for members. More info here.
NOTE: February 19-20 is Michigan’s FREE Fishing Weekend, so put that on your radar for ice fishing, which is always a lot of fun!
What winter nighttime activities are on your radar this year?
Other Ideas for Winter Fun
In addition to lantern hikes, check out this post full of winter fun, including snow tubing, sledding hills, and more. Don’t forget about winter disc golfing, cross country skiing, and ice fishing, too!
What a great resource!! I Definitely want to try one of these night hikes this winter.
Thank you! Have fun — they are so beautiful, especially in the snow!