A Winter Silent Sports Guide to More Fun in Southwest Michigan

Once the snow blankets Southwest Michigan, head outdoors for fun! Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking invite you to silently explore a tranquil, wintry world — moving at your own pace. 

What is a Silent Sport?

A silent sport lets you encounter nature without disturbing the stillness. You move silently without a motorized vehicle. These sports make it easier to think. It’s easier to see the snow-draped trees, marvel at icy formations on the lighthouses and breathe in winter’s crisp fragrances. As you move silently you can hear the chirping of birds, the wind whispering through the pine branches or the tinkling of ice shards in the waves on Lake Michigan. It is very peaceful.

Where to go for winter silent sports in Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan is a silent sports winter wonderland. To help you choose where to go on your cross-country skis, snowshoes or fat tire bike, open or download our Trail Guide.

Don’t own skis, snowshoes or a snow-worthy bike? Several of our places rent them at nominal fees. Bundle up and let’s play in the snow! 

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing Locations

Sarett Nature Center | Benton Harbor

• Five miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing paths offer flat terrain through serene forests, prairies and wetlands. Perfect for beginners and families.  Equipment rentals and restrooms are available during nature center hours. On weekends, enjoy the cozy outdoor firepit and seating area. 

Harbor Shores Trails | Benton Harbor/St. Joseph

• Some of the most picturesque scenery in the Midwest! These 12+ miles of trails are free for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along the St. Joseph and Paw Rivers and out to Lake Michigan. 

Grand Mere State Park | Stevensville

• Explore dunes and three inland lakes along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

Love Creek County Park | Berrien Center

• Some of the closest groomed cross-country ski trails to northern Indiana and Chicago! More than five miles of open terrain trails and challenging wooded slopes and turns. Besides tracks for "traditional" Nordic skiing, many trails include a groomed lane for cross-country ski skating. Snowshoeing is available off the groomed trails. There is rental equipment, too. 

Warren Dunes State Park | Sawyer

• Explore 1,952 acres of incredible dunes along Lake Michigan including 3 miles of shoreline and 6 miles of trails. This is a fun place to go sledding or snowboarding, too. 

New Buffalo Trails | New Buffalo

• One of the newest trail projects in Berrien County. You’ll ski or snowshoe along several undeveloped right-of-ways starting near Turtle Pond Nature Preserve, southwest of New Buffalo. This connects with trails in the Chikaming Open Lands Turtle Creek Preserve (parking available) and continues to the nature trails behind New Buffalo Elementary School (parking available).

Mt. Tabor Trails | Baroda

• A unique, 3.5-mile snowshoe trail through the woods and vineyards between Round Barn Winery & Estate and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. Sip your favorite wine, beer or spirits as you take in the beauty around you. Trail Map

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve | Niles

• The best place to ski or snowshoe is in the Arboretum. Listen for wintering birds. You will love how connected you will feel with nature.

Madeline Bertrand County Park | Niles

• Feel far away from life’s stresses on three miles of level to gently rolling groomed trails through pine and oak forests and along a bluff overlooking the St. Joseph River. Skiers may also explore trails in adjacent St. Patrick's County Park in Indiana by purchasing a Berrien County Parks Daily Trail Permit. Lighted night skiing is offered on Fridays and Saturdays until 9:30 p.m. — a great date night idea! Rental equipment is available. 

Fred Russ Forest County Park | Decatur

• This is one of Cass County’s most popular year-round destinations. Enjoy four miles of cross-country skiing/snowshoeing trails from dawn to dusk

Dr. T. K. Lawless County Park | Vandalia

• Traverse 12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. Special weekends in January and February offer lighted trails, too. Another silent sport, inner tube sledding (tubes provided) is also available. 

Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve | Covert

• This preserve, home to three of Michigan's highest-quality coastal plain marshes, offers over five miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and wildlife spotting. As you move silently along the trails, you may see the tracks of red foxes and coyotes or spy songbirds. 

Van Buren Trail State Park | South Haven/Hartford

• Cross-country ski or snowshoe along 13 miles between trailheads in Hartford (parking available) and South Haven. 

Kal-Haven State Park | South Haven/Kalamazoo

• This is our longest ski/snowshoe trail in Southwest Michigan. It is a 33-mile linear park between South Haven and Kalamazoo that traverses through woods, farmland and small towns. 

 More about Cross-Country Skiing

Fat Tire Snow Biking Locations

Lakeview Bike Trail | Benton Harbor

• The free 7.5-mile public bike trail at Whirlpool Corporation’s Lakeview Campus offers gentle rolls, optional jumps and wavy wooden ramps for riders of all skill levels. 

Love Creek County Park | Berrien Center

• This park features Berrien County’s only groomed fat tire bike trail. The 3.5-mile beginners-to-intermediate route has frequent short climbs. Rental bikes and helmets are available. 

Dr. T. K. Lawless County Park | Vandalia

• Its 10 miles of mountain bike trails are lots of fun when snow-covered. 

Go Fat Tire Biking

Take The Trails Challenge

Join the Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge, running from September through August and explore five different trails to earn different prizes each year. Simply download the Visit Southwest Michigan app, take a selfie at the trailhead and upload it. Visit five trails to complete the challenge. Whether you're exploring serene forests or fat tire biking along snowy trails, this challenge is a fun and easy way to enjoy the outdoors all winter long!

Winter sport tips for first-timers

Whether you are a first-timer (welcome!) or you can’t get enough snow time, here are a few tips to make your time outdoors safer and more enjoyable:

• Consider renting equipment before buying it to see if you enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and biking as much as we think you will! Love Creek County Park, Sarett Nature Center and Madeline Bertrand County Park rent cross-country skis, poles and boots. Love Creek also has snowshoes, fat tire bikes and helmets for rental.
• Smaller snowshoes are best for wet, compact snow; larger snowshoes for powder.
• Use poles to keep your balance.
• Start on flat ground until you get the hang of each sport. Groomed trails are easier for first-time cross-country skiers and fat tire bikers.
• Learn how to do classic or traditional (Nordic) cross-country skiing before you attempt the more challenging ski skating. Traditional cross-country skiing is like shuffle-walking on snow.
• Three other winter silent sports you can try are disc golf on Madeline Bertrand’s 18-hole course that is open only when cross-country skiing isn’t available, inner tube sledding at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park (they provide tubes) and ice skating at the John and Dede Howard Ice Arena in St. Joseph.  

Winter silent sport tips for everyone

What to wear for winter sports

• Dress in layers. Wear a hat, gloves and wool-blend socks that will wick away the sweat.
• Carry an extra shirt for your trip back to the trailhead or lodge. Your first shirt might become sweaty and a dry one will keep you warmer.

What to bring for winter sports

• Bring snacks (trail mix, granola bars, etc.) and warm water or soup.
• Bring your phone/camera/flashlight and extra batteries. Carry them in an inside coat pocket to keep them warm. Along the way, you will see lots of beautiful scenes to photograph.
• Use hand warmers to protect your hands and fingers. Carry a hand warmer in your inside coat pocket next to your phone/camera/flashlight when it’s below 25° F.
• Travel with a companion or a group to share the fun and to be available if there is an emergency.
• Bring a trail map and compass.

Stay on winter sports trails

• Cross-country skiers and snow bikers: if groomed trails are designated for your sport, use them. If not, stay alert for hidden dangers such as fallen branches, rocks and snow-covered streams.
• Snowshoers: walk alongside, not on groomed trails.

Tips for snowshoers

• Before you venture out in the snow, warm up your hamstring (back of thigh) and hip flexors (muscles that lift your legs) with light stretches.
• When going uphill, dig your toes in so the cleats on the bottom of snowshoes can grab the snow.
• Carry a repair kit in your backpack. Include duct tape and zip (cable) ties to make quick shoe repairs. If your snowshoes are constructed with grommets, bring a grommet repair kit.

Tips for fat tire bikers

• Always wear a helmet. Most bikers find that a balaclava hat (one that includes a ski mask/neck warmer/hood) fits best under a helmet.
• Ride as much as you can in the center of the trail. When riding, look up, not down – it will help your balance.
• Riding on packed snow is a lot like riding on dirt, but more slippery.
• Stay seated – your bike tires need your weight to move through the snow.

Tips for cross-country skiing

• Select boots, skis and poles that fit properly and meet your skill level.
• Beginners should start on well-groomed trails; the packed snow will keep you from sinking into the snow and make it easier for the skis to slide.
• Choose breathable clothing that will both keep you warm and maximize your mobility.

Stay over and enjoy more winter fun in Southwest Michigan

The opportunities to enjoy the serenity of nature in Southwest Michigan go far beyond this list of highlights. If you're experienced with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fat tire biking, you can carve out nearly endless trails through the snow.

Winter here isn’t just about outdoor fun. It’s also about family-friendly events, the Makers Trail featuring delightful wines, beers, ciders and spirits and all of our Creative Connections with inspiring art and culture. Check out our restaurants and other winter activities, too. With so much to explore, plan to stay over a night or more at our nearby hotels. This is a great time of year to get the amenities and rates you want

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