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 2023-2024 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 in 2023 – 2024
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!
November 25, December 23, January 20, February 24: 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.
November 27, December 27: 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 at the events section here.
December Weekends: Trail of Lights at Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center {Davison}
10069 Atherton Rd. Davison, MI
Visit the Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center to drink hot cocoa, listen to music, and walk the trail of lights. Tractor wagon rides available. For pre-registration, Wagon Rides are $8 per resident, $10 per non resident. Walking nights are $4 per resident, $6 per non resident. Learn more and register here.
December 8-9: Enchanted Borealis Trail at Ionia State Recreation Area {Ionia}
Enjoy a unique night hike with a fun holiday feel. Meander down a hiking trail that is lit by lanterns and enjoy some colorful holiday lights along the way. Enjoy some time with family and friends around a campfire by the lake for s’mores or roasting marshmallows {you must provide}. There will also be 10 private firepits available for a fee. This is a fundraiser for the park to do future improvement projects. The Enchanted Borealis event will take place from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Registration is recommended and required for private fires. Register Here
December 15-16: 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.
January 4, January 16, February 6, February 22, February 27 Evening Snowshoe Hike at Chippewa Nature Center {Midland}
400 S Badour Rd., Midland, MI
Discover the beauty of a winter night and look for signs of animals, study tree silhouettes and enjoy the winter sky. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and meet at the Visitor Center.
Pre-register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989.631.0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). More info at the events section here.
January 5, February 2, March 1: Night Hike at Independence County Lake {Whitmore Lake}
3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake, MI
Explore the park on a lantern lit one-mile trail with a self-guided hike through the woods. Weather, trail type and trail conditions will dictate which trail will be lit. There will be a campfire, s’mores, and hot cocoa at our Beach Center Pavilion after your hike. Dog walkers welcome. Only one person needs to register as the fee is per family/household. Fee is $10 per family/household, up to 4 members per family/household. Vehicle entry fee required. Pre-registration is required online here.
January 13, February 3, March 2: ​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.
NOTE: February 17-18 is Michigan’s FREE Fishing Weekend, so put that on your radar for ice fishing, which is always a lot of fun!
January 20 and 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 {use the calendar search feature}.
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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