Fun Indoor Winter Activities

If you are ready to break out of your usual winter routine, Southwest Michigan has you covered. These indoor activities invite you to move, laugh, compete and enjoy a little friendly competition with your favorite people. Here are five ways to keep the season lively, even when the temperatures drop.

1. Peat’s Cider Social

Peat’s Cider Social in Stevensville is a fun indoor hangout for a date or small group, pairing pay-by-the-hour open bowling with house-made hard ciders, cocktails and bottled sodas. The retro 1960s setting adds to the vibe and after you finish a game on the lanes, you can move to the taproom to relax and enjoy time together. Pinball machines, classic arcade games and a welcoming atmosphere make it easy to spend an entire evening. If you are planning a slightly larger outing, you can call ahead to ask about group options.

2. Trivia Nights at Local Breweries

Trivia season is a winter staple on the Makers Trail in Southwest Michigan. Breweries around the region host weekly trivia nights that encourage teamwork, friendly competition and a chance to unwind indoors. Themes range from general knowledge to pop culture topics and groups return week after week to improve their scores. Here are two places known for consistent winter trivia schedules:

River Saint Joe

River Saint Joe in Buchanan hosts free pub trivia on Thursday nights with two 45-minute rounds of general knowledge questions. Come early for dinner from a seasonally changing menu featuring sharables, flatbreads, salads and hearty dishes like cottage pie and Tuscan bowls. The beer list includes year-round favorites plus rotating seasonal releases and non-drinkers can choose from coffee, tea, fizzes, lemonade or hop water.

Silver Harbor Brewing Company

Silver Harbor Brewing Company in St. Joseph hosts monthly themed trivia nights, with past topics ranging from Disney to holiday movies. Check their event calendar to find a theme you’ll enjoy. Pair the fun with shareable session plates, flatbreads, nacho fries or rotating brewer’s plates like ramen bowls, chicken and waffles or truffle cauliflower steak. Their beer lineup includes popular favorites plus smoked and limited-release options and they also serve cocktails and homemade root beer.

More Makers Trail Events

3. Lumberjax Urban Axe Throwing & More

Lumberjax Urban Axe Throwing in St. Joseph offers a high-energy indoor experience where you and your group can try axe, knife and ninja star throwing with guidance from on-site coaches. It’s best to reserve ahead, but walk-ins are welcome when space allows. Between rounds, you can enjoy their throwback video games and bring your own nonalcoholic drinks and snacks. For an added release, the Jax Smash Rage Room lets you break everything from glassware to old electronics with bats or hammers. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff, the easy learning curve and the sheer fun of doing something out of the ordinary together.

4. Golf Simulators

Winter does not have to end your golf season. Two local spots offer indoor simulator bays where you can practice your swing, play full virtual courses or compete with friends. Both use advanced technology to track ball speed, spin and distance so your shots feel close to the real thing.

Pipestone Indoor Country Club

Pipestone Indoor Country Club in Benton Harbor features spacious bays with Golfzon Vision premium simulators and more than 180 courses to choose from. Golfers of all abilities can practice, get detailed shot feedback and add friendly competitions like longest drive or closest to the pin. You can putt in the lobby, swing in the state-of-the-art suites or even reserve the on-site conference room for events, giving groups a versatile place to play year-round.

The Depths Society

Depths Society in Stevensville, created by the team behind Watermark Brewing Co., blends laid-back lounge vibes with Trackman-powered performance. Book a bay for casual practice or full course play on their three simulators, then relax with your group between rounds. It is a fun, tech-forward space to unwind and keep your game sharp through the winter.

5. Survival Mode Escape Games

Survival Mode Escape Games in St. Joseph provides an indoor challenge perfect for groups who enjoy puzzles, teamwork and timed objectives. Each escape room has a theme, a storyline and a sequence of clues your team must solve before the clock runs out. The puzzles often require communication and creative thinking, which makes the experience ideal for coworkers or friends who enjoy working through challenges together.

Plan a Winter Getaway

These indoor activities give groups an easy way to stay active, social and entertained all winter. Whether you want high-energy axe throwing, a laid-back trivia night or an immersive escape room, you will find plenty to do close to hotels in the area. Try a few during a weekend stay and you will see how much Southwest Michigan offers throughout the winter months.