The Sleeping Bear Dunes region is blanketed in winter white, making it the perfect playground for a snowcation.
February brings several reasons to celebrate and several long weekends with school winter breaks, Valentine’s Day, and Presidents’ Day
For snow sports enthusiasts and people who love winter, February can be one of the best months to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes. The days grow longer. The clouds break to offer a glimpse of blue skies and sunshine.
Those stunning sand dunes look even more majestic covered in snow. So, layer up the family (or yourself) in long johns, snow pants, colorful parkas, and cute hats and get out there for some snowy adventure.
The Homestead
The Homestead’s location on the shores of Lake Michigan helps crank up the lake effect snow.
Mother nature continues to bless the lakeshore with fresh snow this season, which means powder days on Bay Mountain. The resort offers mostly beginner and intermediate runs, with a few advanced runs but the “wow” of the experience are the stunning views of Sleeping Bear Bay.
For those who prefer a trek through the woods, the groomed cross-country ski trails traverse preserved and protected lands in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Winter Glide package includes discount on lodging, cross county skis or snowshoes, and a National Park pass.
With a wide variety of lodging, restaurants, and winter activities, you can settle in for a true winter getaway. Whiskers is the place to be for après-ski activities, including an outdoor bar and fireplace, and then soak in a jetted tub or bask in a sunset over the dunes.
The Homestead offers ski in-ski out accommodations, spa services, and on-site winter recreation and rentals. Find lodging and the resort’s packages here, learn about winter activities, or stay updated on the latest Bay Mountain ski conditions.
Winter hikes and youth programs
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers something for everyone during the winter. Bring the family out for chills and thrills as you sled down the Dune Climb or try to identify animal tracks in the snow on a nature hike.
The national park has several family-friendly events planned for February. Most programs are free and no registration is required; however, you need a park entrance pass or an annual pass displayed in your vehicle.
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is groomed for both classic track and skate skiing. Other ski trails are not groomed but are usually well-tracked by previous skiers. This paved multi-use trail is transformed in winter, and skiing conditions are updated regularly through Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Snowshoeing is permitted on all snow-covered dunes, fields, and forests in the Lakeshore, but it is recommended that you stay on well-marked pathways. If you are snowshoeing along a cross-country ski trail, please stay off to the side of the skiers' tracks.
Learn more about winter activities in the park here. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes and self-guided hikes are listed on the Lakeshore's calendar.
Candlelight Hike: 6-8 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15 at the Dune Climb. These events provide an opportunity to explore the serene beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes at night along a one-mile, flat terrain trail lit by luminaries.
Youth Ice Fishing Events: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at Dune Center building, 6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor. This is a pop-in-style program, so you can arrive anytime between 1-4 p.m.
Young participants will learn essential ice fishing skills, safety measures, and fishing regulations, culminating in a "Junior Angler" certification and a fishing pole to take home (while supplies last). If ice conditions permit, attendees will have the opportunity to ice fish.
Family-Focused Night Hike: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. This hike lasts 1 to 1.5 hours for families with elementary and middle school-aged children. Rangers will guide families through nocturnal landscapes, educating them about animal adaptations and the wonders of the night sky. Reservations are required for this program.
Because of changing snow conditions, the hike location will be decided a few days before the program. Rangers will call all registered participants the day before the program to confirm location information and site conditions. Please call 231-326-4700, extension 5005, for details and to make reservations.