WINTER RECREATION GUIDE
Michigan state parks news - special edition

The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, located in Muskegon State Park, is one unique way to embrace winter. You'll find a quarter-mile ice-skating trail, an Olympian-designed luge track, a sledding hill, lit cross-country ski trails and much more.

Open weather permitting. Check website or call for updates. Daily/season passes required. Advance luge reservations needed.

Grab your snowshoes, boots, binoculars or overnight bag, and make the most of winter at one of these winter-inspired events.

• Nestled along the  shores of Higgins Lake near Roscommon, you'll find warmth and winter wonder at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center. There will be self-guided cross-country ski and snowshoe getaway weekends, Jan. 24-26 (registration closes Jan. 13) or Jan. 31-Feb. 2 (registration closes Jan. 20). Or, a more guided experience featuring winter birding, an evening Owl Prowl and more at Winter Wonderland Jan. 27-29.
• Calling all bird enthusiasts! The Birding Expo will be held noon to 3 p.m. at the Outdoor Adventure Center Saturday, Feb 16. Discover bird identification, see exhibitors and more! Seniors 55-plus can preregister for early bird hour (10:30 a.m. to noon).
• A handful of lantern-lit trail events at state parks across the state Jan. 10, 17, 24, 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 14, 15 and March 1.
• The Porkies Winter Sports Complex will hold Midwest Telefest Feb. 7-9 and the Winter Snowburst Carnival Feb. 22.

For a full list of DNR events, visit Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.

If you’re in the Detroit area, explore the outdoors, indoors with hands-on activities, exhibits, simulators and a slate of outdoor and cultural programming at the Outdoor Adventure Center. You'll walk behind a waterfall, climb through a giant tree, reel in a giant fish, experience the thrill of a mountain bike or snowmobile ride and more. 

Grab your friends and ride 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized) on two back-to-back days during Michigan's Free Snowmobiling Weekend, Jan. 17-19.

Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit. All other snowmobile rules and safety certificate requirements still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable.

Don't forget to "Ride Right," so you get home safe to your family and friends. Ride sober, on the right side of the trail and at safe speed.

Gear up for an unforgettable winter adventure at the Porkies Winter Sports Complex, nestled within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Whether you're carving down 20 downhill runs with stellar panoramic views of Lake Superior, freestyling through the natural terrain park, twisting through gladed-tree runs, gliding along groomed cross-country ski trails or snowshoeing through this winter wonderland, you'll enjoy pristine beauty and all-natural snow conditions.

All that's needed is a Recreation Passport to enter the park and a lift ticket to use the triple lift. Keep an eye on Michigan.gov/SkiThePorkies or the Porkies Winter Sports Complex Facebook page for operation dates and hours.

Why not add a few state parks to your Free Fishing Weekend (Feb. 15-16) itinerary?

Twice a year, residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy world-class fishing on two back-to-back days without a fishing license. All other regulations apply.

We also waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee to all 103 state parks and 1,000-plus DNR-managed boating access sites for these weekends.

As always, check out Michigan.gov/IceSafety before any on-ice activities.

Cyclists can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes during the fat-tire biking season at Silver Lake ORV Area in Mears, through March 15. There is no cost or registration, except for a Recreation Passport if you're parking with a vehicle.

Looking for something "outdoorsy" to take part in, even if it's indoors? 

Throughout January, you can vote for your favorite Michigan state park in a bracket-style competition as part of this year's State Park Madness.

To cast your vote, simply visit the DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center in person or go to the OAC's Facebook page. This annual tournament features 32 state parks. Brackets are updated weekly on Saturdays. The winning park will be crowned Jan. 31 and awarded the coveted trophy.