Things to Do in January in Michigan
If you are wondering what is there to do in Michigan in January, you’ve come to the right place.
Winter in Michigan is a wonderful thing, and there are enough outdoor adventures and events in Michigan to keep you busy through to February, when you start all over again, thanks to our amazing monthly event calendar.
Throughout Michigan we embrace the cold weather and winter adventures with top Michigan events like the World of Winter in Grand Rapids, the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race, the Pure Ludington Brrrewfest and more.
From the Upper Peninsula to Southeast Michigan; from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, the opportunities for Michigan travel to see winter wonders are endless.
Experience Winter in Michigan
Our carefully curated calendar of January Michigan events includes both family friendly things to do as well as couple getaways and ideas for a road trip or two.
You’ll find fun ways to experience Michigan in the winter like dog sledding at Schuss Mountains Shanty Creek Resort near Traverse City, Michigan, or watching championship ice carving or a snowmobile race.
From polar plunges to dog sled rides, from skiing and snowshoeing to climbing ice caves, Michigan winter fun in January is heating up.
Michigan Winter Festival Fun
You’ll also find unique winter carnivals, folk festivals, ice festivals and more. You’ll want to visit these special events in January:
- World of Winter Festival in downtown Grand Rapids, a perfect spot for a west Michigan winter getaway.
- Zehnders Snowfest, where you can see an ice sculpture or more, a top festival in Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth.
More Things to Do in January in Michigan
Here are some don-t miss thinsg to do iin Michigan in January, and remember that you can find all of the details in our monthly Michigan events calendar.
- Grab your ice skates and head to Campus Martius Park in Detroit, or one of the many other outdoor ice skating rinks throughout Michigan.
- Take a snowshoe hike through a winter wonderland. A favorite Michigan outdoor activity, snowshoeing is one of the easiest winter sports. From Ann Arbor’s County parks to Grand Haven and beyond, you’ll find endless trails in Michigan for snowshoeing.
- Climb the Eben Ice Caves in the Upper Peninsula.
- Take a Candlelight Hike at Mt McSauba in Charlevoix.
- Cozy up on one of Michigan’s sleigh rides across northern Michigan’s beautiful snowy landscape.
- Celebrate Craft Beverage Week in southwest Michigan’s Kalamazoo by sipping on some craft beers and other Michigan craft beverages. The Kalamazoo craft beverage scene is hot; it’s home to amazing Brite Eyes Brewing Company among others.
- Ludington State Parks nature center and warming shelter is the starting point for a Lantern lit snowshoe hike. It is a great way to experience beautiful Michigan in winter.
Visit a Ski Resort in Michigan in January
The Michigan winter activity lists include more than downhill skiing and snowboarding at most Michigan ski resorts.
You’ll find crosscountry skiing trails, snow tubing, and more. At Boyne Mountain Resort, play all day in the indoor water park. Other activities and events worth checking out in January are listed beloew
Crystal Mountains Fat Tire Bike Race, is held January 28, with fat tires plowing through a 90-minute course. You can find all of the details in the January events calendar. Visit the event center at Crystal Mountain for more information,too.
Treetops Resort in Gaylord hosts a wilderness sleigh ride on January 14, check out events calendar for details.
The Highlands in Harbor Springs celebrates it anniversary on January 20 with a full day of events including entertainment, a DJ and more.
Even More Things to do in Michigan in January
Head to the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park in Muskegon, MI. The park offers rides along the luge tracks measuring 650 feet!
Try a Polar Bear Plunge – Support the Special Olympics by participating in one of the many ” Polar Bear Plunges” taking place across the state. On January 1, South Haven plays host to a chilly plunge into Lake Michigan at Ogden Dunes.
January is also the time to celebrate Martin Luther King Day on January 16. Consider taking a day trip to the Holland Museum. Wander the galleries with a scavenger hunt looking for interesting facts about Inventors of Color and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Scavenger hunt participants will be entered to win a children’s book about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and his teachings.
Afterwards, head over to Holland State Park to see the Big Red Lighthouse. It stands at the spot where the Black River meets Lake Michigan.
January Winter Fun in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
From climbing the Eben Ice Caves just south of Munising to ice fishing, snowmobiling in Marquette or simply enjoying the snow-covered landscape, January in the UP is so much fun.
If you’re looking for some indoor fun to celebrate Michigan ion the winter, head to St. Joseph, MI, for Family Day at the Krasl Art Center. On the second Saturday of every month, Krasl Art Center has free artmaking activities for the whole family.
Remember, You can find all of the details on things to do in our guide to the Best January Michigan Events.
More Michigan Winter Fun Activities
