We all know winter can be a time of curling up at home and hibernating until the spring brings its warming thaw. But why wait 'til spring to get outside and enjoy the wintry landscape, "cool" recreational activities, and community events going on now or upcoming?
Since being by Lake Michigan helps to moderate the temperatures around an average of 30 degrees, you can bundle up and be comfy-cozy during your stay in a lake house vacation rental, and enjoy the great outdoors in Southwest Michigan! Winter sports, nature hikes, cultural activities and more await you! Here are a few great ways to start the Winter Joy Train rolling!
In the SW Michigan region, there's absolutely no shortage of winter sports and activities to jump into! Snow tubing, fat tire biking, and trail hiking are all great ways to get outside and have fun during the winter months. These types of activities make SW Michigan so fun to stay in, whether in a lake house property or a cabin vacation home! (Imagine sliding down one of the dunes while you take in the Lake Michigan shoreline!)
Warren Dunes State Park
Warren Dunes State Park boasts three miles of shoreline and six miles of hiking trails to check out. It's also a superb place for some snow tubing and sledding, with excellent downhill rides.
Warren Dunes State Park
12032 Red Arrow Highway
Sawyer, MI 49125
Phone: 269-426-4013
Love Creek County Park
Fat Tire bikes are an excellent way to get around in the snow, as well. So if you'd like to check out how exhilarating a winter bike ride can be, head to Love Creek County Park, which has miles of trails and on-site bike rentals. You can also hit the trails with some snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Love Creek County Park
9292 Huckleberry Road
Berrien Center, MI 49102
Phone: 269-471-2617
If outdoor activities aren't your jam, there are plenty of exciting indoor activities that await you in Southwest Michigan.
The Acorn Theater
How about attending one of many live music performances in the Acorn Theatre, a historic buggy whip and corset factory? And might it be even more appealing if those performing are legendary recording artists and superstar bands you actually know, like Jefferson Starship, The Cowboy Junkies or Jim Messina? In addition, the Acorn Theatre community has been building a reputation as the place to see rising local and regional talent. Lesser-known performers and more recently, highly popular open mic nights, plus playwriting and singer/songwriter competitions, have blown audiences away. Check out their website for upcoming performances that include Dan Navarro (Feb. 17th 8pm ET), Brooklyn Charmers - The Music of Steely Dan (Feb 18th 8pm ET) and Sarah Lee Guthrie (March 2nd 7pm ET).
The Acorn Theater
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks, MI 49128
Phone: 269-756-3879
Winter Delights Festival
In late February (Sat. Feb. 25th), head to Benton Harbor for the indoor Winter Delights Festival, a showcase of local brews, wines, food and art, all leading up to a fantastic mainstage musical act! Plus, there are guided wine tastings and a chocolate-making demonstration! This community event has all you need for a fabulous winter evening of fun... inside!
Winter Delights Festival
The Mendel Center
1100 Yore Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Phone: 269-927-8700
THE ACORN MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
And... Who doesn't love a great Mardi Gras?
March 09, 2023
7:00pm -
9:00pm
Admission: $35 GA / $60 Reserved
The Acorn Theater
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks, MI 49128
Phone: 269-756-3879
Mardi Gras Pub Crawl with Great Lakes Brass
The Saugatuck Second Line, a walking brass band, parades on Fat Tuesday through downtown Saugatuck. It celebrates the New Orleans cultural traditions through our Midwestern lens. You're invited to join in the experience, walking or dancing in the "second line" of the parade. Dress for the occasion! The Southerner will have at 6pm a pop-up buffet and at 8pm live music!
When? Tuesday, Feb 21, 2023 -- 5:00pm
Kick-off parade at Wally's Bar & Grill
128 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Alright, people! Bundle up and enjoy some extra-cool fun this winter season, and if you're looking for a vacation home rental agency around Lake Michigan, be sure to connect with us!
