Embrace winter by planning to head out to one of these winter night hikes in Michigan for 2022-2023!
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 2022-2023 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 2022 – 2023
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 3, February 4 and March 4: 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. Dogs need to be leashed at all times. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks. More info here.
December 7: Full Moon Stroll at Chippewa Nature Center {Midland}
400 S Badour Rd., Midland, MI
Join an Interpretive Naturalist for a hike to enjoy this month’s full moon. Learn how the tradition of naming moons began and what makes each month special. Wear dark colors and bring a flashlight. FREE | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult. More info here.
December 9: 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. Learn more here.
December 9-10 and December 16-17: 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. FREE to attend. More info here.
December 10: 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 16: 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 23 – February 24 {Friday evenings}: 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 starting December 23 and running through February 24. 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 7, February 4, March 4: 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 7 & 21, February 4 & 18: 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 20, February 3: 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.
February 4, 11, 18, 25: Lantern-lit Snowshoe Trail at Tahquamenon Falls State Park {Paradise}
41382 W. M 123, Paradise
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.
NOTE: February 18-19 is Michigan’s FREE Fishing Weekend, so put that on your radar for ice fishing, which is always a lot of fun!
February 4: Luminary Walk at The Farm at Trinity Health {Ypsilanti}
5557 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti, MI
Visit Trinity Health from 4-7 p.m. for their annual luminary walk. There will be free family-friendly activities including illuminated nature trails, exercise opportunities, and more. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from several local vendors. FREE. More info here.
February 10: Candle-Lit Cross-country Ski/Hike 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. Snowshoers are welcome to walk along side the groomed ski track as well. If there is a lack of snow, this will be a walking event. Participants should bring skis or snowshoes and dress for the weather. This event is weather dependent and may be canceled due to poor weather/driving conditions. For more information, call the park at 810-797-4439. More info here.
February 17: Twilight Trail at Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center {Davison}
10069 Atherton Rd. Davison, MI
Visit the Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center from 6-8 p.m.to see the center’s hiking trails lit up in the winter, during the self-guided Twilight Trail. There will be a beautiful lantern-lit trail to hike with a campfire, hot chocolate, and other activities for purchase. FREE to attend. More info here.
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!
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