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Originally Posted On: https://orsmi.com/orsblog/winter-lansing-michigan

 

Michigan is known for its heavy snow and freezing temperatures when winter rolls around. But that doesn’t keep people from going out and having a great time. In fact, you can find countless things to do in Michigan no matter what time of year it is!

If you’re looking for ways to stay active in Lansing during the cold winter months, here are our top 12 recommendations of things to do in Lansing Michigan this winter…

1. VISIT THE ART AND CRAFT BEER FEST

The Art and Craft Beer Fest is a Lansing tradition. It takes place in January, right when you might need a pick-me-up from the long winter days. The festival features four venues where visitors can pass freely. Each venue has new opportunities for wine, beer, and hard cider, as well as art displays from local artists and live music. There is something new everywhere you go!

Local food trucks are nearby to provide tasty menu options throughout the day. You might very well find yourself spending a whole day exploring the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of this unique festival.

2. GO SNOW TUBING AT HAWK ISLAND

Tubing on the water is a beloved summer activity, but did you know you can go tubing in the winter, too? Snow tubing is a tradition that every Michigan native knows. At Hawk Island Park, visitors can hit the slopes that have been specifically designed for snow tubing.

You can rent snow tubes and coast down the 600-ft course, including the exhilarating 60-ft drop. When you reach the bottom, grab some hot cocoa and snacks while you warm up by the outdoor fire pits.

3. VISIT WOLDUMAR NATURE CENTER

Woldumar Nature Center is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. But it has a special magic during the winter. When the snow starts to fall, the 180 acres, including wetland, forest, prairie, and river shoreline, are transformed into a winter wonderland of outdoor activities.

Visitors are welcome to take a hike through the snowy grounds or do an educational tour to learn about the local plant and animal life. The winter is a unique time to experience it all!

4. SEE THE LIGHTS AT THE POTTER PARK ZOO

A zoo might not seem like the most obvious place to see holiday lights, but this event is not to be missed! At the zoo’s annual Wonderland of Lights, visitors get to experience a festive, magical holiday event like no other.

Along with the light displays, you will get the chance to see the animals, do crafts, and enjoy cookies. On special days throughout the winter, Santa Claus will be available to meet.

5. VISIT THE CHRISTMAS DISPLAY AT THE MICHIGAN CAPITOL BUILDING

The Michigan capitol building is interesting at any time of the year, but it’s a great place to visit in the winter. Each year, the Christmas light display draws visitors from all over the state. Starting in late November, the state Christmas tree is set up (in 2021, the tree is a 63-ft spruce!).

The tree comes from a Michigan donor each year, with the decoration and lighting a citywide effort. The tree is officially lit at the annual Silver Bells in the City event.

6. GO SKATING AT SUBURBAN ICE

Ice skating is a beloved winter activity, and there’s no wonder that it is such a popular activity in Lansing! One of the top places in town to hit the rink is Suburban Ice. Here, you will find everything from public skating to ice skating lessons and community hockey games.

No matter whether you love hitting a puck around or just enjoy gliding across the rink, you can find what you’re looking for at Suburban Ice.

7. PICK UP SOME GIFTS AT THE REO TOWN MARKETPLACE

The REO Town Marketplace is a one-stop-shop, literally! This comfortable neighborhood is all about small businesses, local artists, and other vendors coming together for a person-to-person sale experience.

This is a hugely popular spot during the winter because it is a great place to find unique and beautiful holiday gifts for family and friends. You are bound to find pieces here that you can’t find anywhere else (and you get to patronize small businesses, too!).

8. GO SNOWSHOEING AT FITZGERALD PARK

Snowshoeing is a popular outdoor sport in Michigan in the winter. If you’ve never tried it before, head over to Fitzgerald Park and rent a pair of shoes. The park also offers optional poles and snowshoes in adult and child sizes.

Then it’s time to hit the park’s nature trails in Lansing Michigan for some one-of-a-kind winter exercise. While you walk along, you will get to enjoy the unique sights, sounds, and smells of the surrounding woodland. You may even get the chance to spot some animal life!

9. TAKE A TRIP TO THE BRENKE FISH LADDER

Visiting a river in the winter might seem like an odd idea, but there’s a good reason why it continues to draw visitors to Lansing long after the snow starts the fall. The Brenke Fish Ladder is a local stretch of the Grand River where catfish, carp, and other fish can safely cross the dam.

In the summer and autumn, it provides an interesting view of the migrating fish species. During the winter, this peaceful section of shoreline offers fascinating (and often unseen) views of life in a frozen river and how animal life continues to thrive in subzero temperatures.

10. HIT UP THE EAST LANSING SMALL BUSINESS CRAWL

Is there anything better than supporting small businesses? The East Lansing Small Business Crawl gives Lansing residents the chance to do that — right in time for the holidays!

This early December tradition turns shopping and helping your community into a game, with drawings for prizes based on the number of businesses you patronize. This is also a great opportunity to do your holiday shopping and get your loved ones some truly one-of-a-kind gifts.

11. GO SLEDDING AT GRANGER MEADOWS PARK

Is there any more classic winter activity than sledding? You will find popular sledding hills all over Lansing. One of the best is Granger Meadows Park. This beautiful outdoor recreation area is made to be used all year round.

Its 70-ft. sledding hill is one of the most popular in the city, so be prepared to fight some crowds when you go! Make sure to bring your own sled (or at least a piece of cardboard — you’ll find people using all kinds of materials).

12. ATTEND THE WINTER GLOW

The Winter Glow is an annual festival that occurs every December in Lansing. You will find attractions and activities of all kinds here, from food and beverages to kid-friendly activities, live music, ice sculpting, and pictures with Santa Claus. It’s great family fun for all ages!

There is also an outdoor open-air farmers’ market and a community art project where all are invited to participate. The attractions change from year to year, so you will never know for certain what to expect.

STAY ACTIVE IN LANSING THIS WINTER

One thing is certain: the people of Michigan don’t believe in sitting around during the winter. Even though there is snow on the ground and the temperature is sub-zero, you will find plenty of things to do in and around Lansing throughout the cold season, from holiday events to community activities, outdoor sports, and more.

Whether you’re into outdoor activities like cross-country skiing on the miles of trails in Lansing Michigan or prefer indoor activities like visiting Impression 5 Science Center hands-on museum or eating healthy at a local Lansing restaurant, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active in Lansing this winter with fun winter activities to beat the winter blues!

P.S. While we hope you don’t need us this winter, if you do fall and hurt yourself on the ice, don’t wait to give the closest “Lansing physical therapy clinic near me” a call – we’ll get you back on your feet and help you get back to working, playing, and living!

Contact Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists Physical Therapy in Lansing
877-202-2175