In November, I turned to my fellow fellow Hayden McNeil who had accompanied me to a Michigan State tailgate and asked him “How much he loved Michigan now?!”. It was a cold, classic, Michigan fall day. East Lansing had grey skies and a little bit of a drizzle, just to make you uncomfortable, and it was the first real sign of the changing weather. Hayden laughed off my joke, but I slowly realized that the best seasons of Michigan (the Summer and Fall) were over. Winter was coming. I’ve always loved being outside, especially playing sports, but I am also a big fan of the holiday season. Essentially Winter and I have always had a love/hate relationship.
Over the years I have complied a list of some of my favorite things to do around Metro Detroit during the winter months and holiday season. Use this to tackle winter, and enjoy the beauty of Michigan during a season that can sometimes be miserable.
1) Take a Trip to Kensington Metro Park- Kensington is a beautiful park located just down the road from Detroit on I-96 in Milford. In the winter, patrons can sled or toboggan, snow shoe, or just walk around the park. It is truly a beautiful park that will make you appreciate Michigan’s winter beauty.
2) Go snowboarding or skiing- This is a bit of a homer pick/ plug for my home town, but Michigan actually has some nice mountains hills that provide a great time. Head to Mt. Brighton (only 45 minutes west of Detroit), Alpine Valley (in White Lake, MI) or if you want some bigger hills check out Nub’s Nob (in the tip of the Lower Peninsula) and Boyne. These won’t be Vail, but it will do!
3) Ice Skating in Campus Martius- Alright, this one is a bit obvious, but it is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Plus, they have broomball leagues. Who doesn’t like broomball?
4) Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village- On certain nights in December ( 5-7, 12-14, 18-23, 26-27) Greenfield Village in Dearborn holds nights with caroling, carriage rides, Model-T rides, tons of Christmas lights, and even fireworks. It’s a great way to step back in time and enjoy the holiday season.
5) Go to a Red Wings game- The Red Wings are a Detroit institution, and come February they’ll be the only team around (Trust me, you won’t want to see the Pistons in the middle of winter). The Wings history runs deep in Detroit, and even if you don’t love Hockey the trip to Joe Louis Arena is worth it. Plus, it is indoors, and that’s a great place to be come February.
Michigan’s winters are rough, but if you stay busy, Spring will be here soon.