10 Road Trips from Ann Arbor that Keep Winter Cool

Feel like braving the wintry roads this season? Here are a few destinations that make the trip worthwhile!

Grand Traverse Resort

Located in the heart of Traverse City, The Grand Traverse Resort offers a one of a kind getaway during the cold winter months. From spa packages to golf simulators, The Grand Traverse Resort has something for everyone. Currently, The Grand Traverse Resort is offering 15% off room rates and 25% off food and beverage through March 11, 2025.

Frankenmuth

Decorated downtown streets
Frankenmuth is a Christmas wonderland year round, but it is especially magical in the winter. Photo from @Frankenmuth on Instagram.

Frankenmuth is more than just Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s biggest Christmas store. Attend Zehnder’s Snowfest 2025, running from January 29th to February 2nd. At Zehnder’s Snowfest, enjoy Children’s Snow Carving, Country Music Night, and Fireworks on February 1st.

World of Winter Festival GR

Boasting the largest winter festival in the United States, the World of Winter Festival of Grand Rapids is a free, outdoor celebration that celebrates winter for people of all ages. The sixth annual festival runs January 10th – March 2nd and features art installations, interactive exhibits, and art installations. 

Bellaire

Home of Short’s Brewing Company, Bellaire offers an off-the-beaten-path reprieve of a typical winter road trip destination. Try skiing at Shanty Creek Resort and stay at Stone Waters Inn. Be sure to grab dinner and drinks at Short’s Brewing Company, where the food menu will steal the show. 


RELATED: A Midwest “Staycation” in Traverse City


Glow Tubing in Bloomfield Hills

Glow tubing run lit up at night
Go glow tubing with the family in Bloomfield Hills! Photo from @michiganfoodiess on Instagram.

With or without snow, Glow Tubing in Bloomfield Hills is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in January and February. Tickets are $17 per person for 50 minutes of tubing. Try to get night tickets to see the course come alive with glowing lights!

The Muskegon Luge Adventure Park

Offering a luge track, a quarter mile ice skating trail, a family ice skating rink, a family sledding area, and much more, The Muskegon Luge Adventure park is a unique winter road trip destination. Day passes are available

Ludington State Park Lantern Walks

On January 18th, February 1st, and February 15th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, take a walk through Ludington State Park on a lantern-lit trail. There will be campfires with marshmallows for roasting and hot chocolate available throughout the one mile walk. There is no charge to participate.

Stay at the Double JJ Resort With a Water Park

Need a weekend retreat away from the cold? Look no further than the Gold Rush Waterpark at the Double JJ Resort. Featuring West Michigan’s tallest water slide, the 60,000 square foot space features a wave pool, a toddler pool, hot tubs and much more. 

Pentwater’s Winterfest

On Saturday, February 8th, Pentwater will hold its annual Winterfest. At Winterfest, the City of Pentwater invites you to enjoy sledding on The Village Green (327 S. Hancock St.) or The Snowman Scram 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run. Kids will enjoy a scavenger hunt, with clues scattered throughout the village, plus many more activities! 

Treetops Resort in Gaylord

Treetops Resort boasts an affordable trip for families and friends alike. The slopes cater to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Explore the beautiful winter landscape via snowshoeing or snowmobiling.

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