Southwest Michigan’s Ultimate Winter Bucket List

Say goodbye to your couch and start checking off this winter bucket list before spring arrives. Many activities are family-friendly and great for kids of all ages, ensuring fun for everyone. You’ll want to return each winter until you finish the list — and your happy memories will pile up faster than snowflakes on a snow day.

When to Visit for the Best Winter Fun

The same Lake Michigan that makes summer months so popular also creates a show-stopping winter wonderland. Our annual lake-effect snowfall ranges from 80 inches near the lake to 60 inches farther inland.

The snowiest weeks typically fall between late January and February. Snow removal crews keep major highways and roads clear whenever flakes fall, and our winter temperatures are rarely frigid. Averaging in the low to mid-30s Fahrenheit, they’re just right for outdoor fun!

12 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Southwest Michigan

1. Take an Enchanting Light Up the Bluff Walk

This is an easy way to start your bucket list. From downtown St. Joseph's State Street, a short walk west brings you to a stunning sight — Lake Bluff Park illuminated with over one million lights. Stroll under arches, past lighted trees, holiday-themed characters, and the illuminated Maids of the Mist fountain. Make it a perfect evening by combining your walk with a visit to a nearby restaurant or cafe for a warm meal or a refreshing drink to round out the experience.

Do you prefer to stay warm? Drive slowly along Lake Boulevard and enjoy the magical display from your car. Or catch the display from restaurants or hotel rooms overlooking the bluff. The lights shine from early December through Valentine’s Day. Be sure to explore other holiday light displays throughout Southwest Michigan.

2. Scatter Joy with Cherished Gifts

Whether shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, Southwest Michigan offers many heartfelt gift options. Find perfect items for December holidays, winter birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day or to chase away the winter blues.

3. Sled, Ski, Tube or Snowboard Down Giant Dunes

The towering dunes at Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer offer spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Climbing up is a workout, but the thrilling ride is worth it! This adrenaline-pumping activity is free with a state park recreation passport. Watch this video to see the fun awaiting you.

4. Try Fat Tire Biking

Fat tire biking is for everyone — from beginners to thrill-seekers. Experienced bikers will love the scenic, twisting single-track trails at Chikaming Township Park & Preserve in Three Oaks. A favorite destination for novices to intermediate bikers is Love Creek County Park and Nature Center in Berrien Center. The nature center rents fat tire bikes and helmets for adults and children. Further south in Vandalia, bikers like the challenge of 10 miles of snowy trails at Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Vandalia. Besides the biking trails, the park has a thrilling tubing hill and International Dark Sky Park. 

5. Cross-Country Ski in Wine Country

Southwest Michigan’s snow-covered trails create a magical setting for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For a unique experience, sip craft beverages as you ski or snowshoe along Mt. Tabor Trails, connecting Round Barn Estate and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. Bring your snow gear and equipment; no rentals are available. 

No skis, fat tire bikes, or snowshoes? No problem. Several county parks offer rentals. Plus, their lantern-lit night activities provide an amazing stargazing experience. 

This is also a great time of year to take the Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge — it will inspire you to get moving on some of the prettiest, most peaceful, and popular trails in Southwest Michigan! From September through August, explore the area while enjoying fun and rewarding outdoor adventures.

6. Glide Across Outdoor Ice Rinks

Once temperatures dip below freezing, outdoor ice rinks in St. Joseph, Harbert, and South Haven come alive. These rinks offer public skating, private ice reservations, and skate rentals. For year-round indoor skating fun, visit The Garden Ice Arena in St. Joseph. They offer public skating and rentals, party packages, and ice bumper cars that create a wild and hilarious time.

7. Earn Prizes on the Makers Trail

Download the Makers Trail Passport and start exploring over 40 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries in the area. Scan access codes at each location by April 30 to earn prizes. You will discover new favorites while checking off your bucket list.

8. Relax in a Cozy Igloo

Stay warm while enjoying winter fun at Makers Trail locations. Savor meals and craft beverages in heated igloos, by fire pits, or in heated tents. For a special treat, visit Dablon Vineyards & Winery, ranked on the USA Today 10 Best list for tasting rooms. While snow gently falls on the vineyard, sip estate wines in a private igloo with up to eight guests. Or find more winter dining options throughout Southwest Michigan.

9. Play River Rocks at River St. Joe

Challenge your friends to River Rocks — a shuffleboard-on-ice game exclusive to the River St. Joe farmstead brewery in Buchanan. Push curling stones down chilled ice lanes toward a target and compete to be the champion. After the game, warm up by the firepits and enjoy delicious food from a seasonally changing menu.

10. Be a Weather Forecaster or News Anchor

Step into the spotlight at the Curious Kids’ Museum in St. Joseph and take over our TV Station. Announce the weather, your team’s Super Bowl victory, or the latest Abominable Snowman sighting — complete with sound effects and cheers. WKID is on air, and the news starts with you! This is only the tip of the iceberg of the hands-on fun that awaits. For even more indoor fun, visit the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone at Silver Beach Center. 

11. Ride a Hippocampus on the Carousel

Add whimsy to your bucket list by riding the Silver Beach Carousel. Choose from 48 hand-carved figures, including horses, a hippocampus, a raptor, or a clownfish. There are also two chariots, one slowly rocks and the other is wheelchair-accessible. Challenge yourself to ride all 50 figures during your lifetime at the happiest place in Southwest Michigan!

12. Sing or Laugh the Night Away

Switch up your entertainment with live performances. The Acorn in Three Oaks features incomparable regional talent. Listen to live rock, folk, indie, jazz, opera, and open-mic music. Plus, see dance, drama, and comedy performances. Or catch a comedy show at The Underground Laugh Lounge in Niles, a play at Twin City Players in St. Joseph, or a concert or performance at The Mendel Center in Benton Harbor. For more fun, play the Creative Connections game and earn artsy prizes while enjoying local talent.

Stay Longer to Complete Your Bucket List

While you can check off two or three activities in a day trip, staying overnight lets you enjoy even more. Choose from accommodations with waterfront views or amenity-filled lodgings just steps from these winter adventures. Warm smiles await whenever you return indoors.

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