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February is filled with ways to make the most of winter and enjoy Michigan's natural and cultural resources. Keep in mind that some programs are weather-dependent, and whenever you're on or near water, use extreme caution around ice.
Hike and ski
Several state parks will host guided hikes - many with snowshoes, some by lantern light - and cross-country skiing events. See the DNR events calendar for dates, locations and other details.
Find some relaxation in Michigan's northern woods with the Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoe Getaway at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon, taking place Feb. 2-4 and Feb. 9-11. Perfect for couples, friends or families, the all-inclusive weekend includes cabin-style lodging, meals, hot cocoa, snowshoe rentals and easy access to outdoor adventure and miles of evergreen-lined trails.
Ride and fish
We recognize that snow conditions may determine your ability to pull out the sleds, but when winter weather truly returns, a full weekend of free snowmobiling Feb. 9-11 is a great way to ignite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding! Grab your friends and ride 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized). You legally can ride all weekend long without the regular requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit!
During the winter Free Fishing Weekend, Feb. 17-18, enjoy fishing on inland and Great Lakes waters for free, with all license fees waived both days. All fishing regulations will still apply. It's also a good time to visit state parks and boating access sites, as a Recreation Passport isn't required for entry during Free Fishing Weekend. As always, consult Michigan.gov/IceSafety before any on-ice activities.
Learn to ice fish from the pros with Hard Water School at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac, part of the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy. The Feb. 17-18 class will cover everything you need to know to get started, with a focus on techniques for panfish, walleye and pike. The advanced class Feb. 2-4 will dive deeper into specific ice-fishing topics. If the weather doesn't cooperate to offer the on-ice portion of the class, things may move indoors for a fish fry (if there are enough students).
Birds and blooms
a black-capped chickadee, with tan body and black and grey-white wings, perches on a thin, ice-covered branch, snow in background
If you're in the Detroit area, check out the Outdoor Adventure Center event calendar for a variety of fun and educational programs for all ages, from kids to seniors, both indoors and outdoors. Don't miss the Feb. 11 Birding Expo, where exhibitors from various local organizations will help new birders get started with this healthy, fun hobby.
Celebrate winter Birds and Blooms Feb. 17 with activities for the whole family at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan. Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count bird walk, make pinecone bird feeders, find out how native plants benefit birds, and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and more.
For a full list of DNR events, see Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar or find ideas to plan your own cold-weather adventure at Michigan.gov/WinterFun.