Five Ways to Get Out This Winter

Winter is here in Southwest Michigan, and it’s time to get outside, get fresh air, and take in some frosty fun. Here are five ideas for getting out this winter:

1. Try fat tire biking at Love Creek Nature Center in Berrien Center. Whether you’re a long-time winter enthusiast or just looking to get out more during the pandemic, this is a great way to be active and see the beauty of nature. Love Creek offers bike rentals (complete with fat tires that power through snow and slush) and their bike path is 3.5 miles of beginning-to-intermediate level biking. Also available for rent are snowshoes and cross country skis. 
2. Go sledding in Sawyer at Warren Dunes State Park. One of Southwest Michigan’s greatest landmarks, Warren Dunes features a more-than-250-foot-tall dune to slide down, plus almost 2,000 acres of additional parkland with numerous dunes to test your sled on. While the sledding is spectacular (and for the adventurous), the views alone are worth the trip. 
3. Go tasting outdoors along the Makers Trail. Southwest Michigan’s Makers Trail offers many unique tasting experiences but especially shines this winter. Try the igloos as part of the Winter Village at Round Barn or North Pier Brewing Company. Or if you prefer to be a little more active, reserve your spot at the River Rocks at River St. Joe – picture shuffleboard on ice!   
4. Downhill ski at Swiss Valley. If you’re looking for a true winter experience, downhill skiing and snowboarding fit the bill! Head to Swiss Valley Ski Area and spend the day gliding down the hills of Southwest Michigan. Be sure to check out the snow report before you go.
5. Spend Winter Nights at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park | Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6 and 23 | 5-9 p.m.; $2 per person. For a unique night out, head to this designated International Dark Sky Park in Vandalia on one of these four scheduled Winter Nights. Stargaze, sip steamy hot chocolate by a warm fire, jet down a lighted tubing hill (tubes are provided), cross country ski along three miles of lighted trails plus enjoy more outdoor activities. Other tentative Dark Sky viewing nights are Feb. 12 and 13 (a great date-night idea). There are also plenty of winter daytime activities including tubing, cross country skiing, fat tire biking, disc golf and birdwatching. Park entry is only $2 per car (Cass County residents) and $3 per car (non-residents).

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