Winter Activities in
Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
❄️ Winter in the Western U.P. ❄️
When the snow falls, the Upper Peninsula transforms into a true winter playground. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the quiet beauty of the Ottawa National Forest, to downhill skiing, sledding, and tubing at nearby hills, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Add in ice fishing, snowmobiling, and the famous Michigan Tech Winter Carnival, and you’ll see why the U.P. is one of the Midwest’s favorite winter destinations. Two Rivers Motel & Cabins puts you right in the heart of it all — your perfect basecamp for a snowy adventure.
XC Skiing / Snowshoeing / Winter Biking
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Check ahead to make sure that the area you are going to allows your activity on the trails
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The Ottawa National Forest offers a winter wonderland for snowshoe enthusiasts. Encompassing nearly one million acres, there is sure to be something for everyone in the beautiful snow-covered landscape. While there are no specific trails designated for snowshoeing, with a compass and map, a person can go virtually anywhere in the Forest.
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Groomed Trails
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Ski Brule -Iron River - 33.5 miles
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The Porcupine Mountains have over 30 kilometers of trail which stretch across thousands of acres. Grooming conditions are updated by the DNR on a board in the chalet and on DNR website. - 41 miles
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Wolverine Nordic Trails - Ironwood - 56.3 miles
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Al Quaal Recreation Area -Ishpeming - 60.5 miles
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Forestville Trailhead - Marqette - 69.3 miles
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Swedetown Nordic Ski Trails - Calumet - 74 miles
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Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
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Adventure Mountain Ski Hill - Mass City - 31 miles
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Ski Brule -Iron River - 33.5 miles
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Porcupine Mountains Ski Area - Ontonagon - 41 miles
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Mont Ripley Ski Area - Hancock - 47.6
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Indianhead Mountain - Big Snow Resort - Wakefield - 49.5 miles
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Blackjack Mountain - Big Snow Resort - Bessemer - 50.8
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Keyes Peak Ski Hill - Florence, WI - 50.8 miles
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Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort - Bessemer - 55.3 miles
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Mount Zion Ski Hill - Ironwood - 65.8
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Whitecap Mountains Resort - Upson, WI - 69.9
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Marquette Mountain Ski & Bike Area - Marquette - 71.8 miles
Sledding / Tubing Hills
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Adventure Mountain Ski Hill - Mass City - 31 miles
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Ski Brule -Iron River - 33.5 miles
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Boulder Junction Winter Park - Boulder Junction, WI - 42.5 miles
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Mont Ripley Tubing - Hancock - 47.6
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Al Quaal Recreation Area -Ishpeming - 60.5 miles
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Swedetown Trails - Calumet - 74 miles
Ice Fishing
The state boasts more than 150 species of fish and almost all of them can be caught through the ice. Popular species when the ice freezes over include panfish such as bluegill and perch as well as northern pike, walleye and various trout species. Click here for information on the free fishing weekend. Click here for some general information about ice fishing, including where to get fishing licenses.
Michigan Technological University (MTU) Winter Carnival
For one week in February (either the first or the second weekend) the Michigan Tech campus celebrates winter in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Organized by Blue Key National Honor Society since 1934, Winter Carnival started in 1922 and has grown to become one of the largest annual winter festivals in the nation. Featuring dozens of huge, intricate snow statues all around campus and the community, this event also brings together students to participate in broomball, comedy skits, sleigh rides, a queen coronation, and lots of winter fun.
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The statue "all-nighter" is one night not to miss - this is the last night for statues to be built, and it is the best night to see all of the "engineering" that goes into massive, intricate, and award winning statues.
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For more info, check out these MTU Winter Carnival links