Having Fun In The Great White North Of Michigan

Trips to the north - filled with snow, breath-stealing cold, and phenomenal landscapes - are trips you'll remember for a lifetime. They're the vacations that bring us nostalgia and exhilaration. Whichever area you head to, you'll see awe-inspiring vistas and fill yourself with memories that will stick with you forever.

But that leaves us with a valid question. What should you spend your precious northern moments on for the period you're staying? There are many activities to enjoy, but what are our absolute top picks? Let's check them out! And don't forget to take a look at our lodging suggestions if you're staying in or near Christmas, Michigan - we've got some amazing spots for you!

Let's be clear - we're not going to spend the whole article immersed in snow and cold, but when you head north, you're often looking for that ever-appealing, dazzling beauty of the drifts. That's why we're going to start with a couple of chilly activities, which many people head to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for.

Here, you can engage in some incredible cross-country skiing if that takes your fancy, enjoying the wild, raw beauty of the surrounding landscape and bumping up your ski skills. The place feels untouched and offers some indescribable snowy beauty to set your heart racing.

Prefer a quieter approach than skiing? Snowshoeing could be for you. With a 2-and-a-a-a-half-mile long trail through the forest, you can take in some phenomenal sights, meandering at your own pace and absorbing the beauty around you.

There are also options for ice climbing and snowmobiling here, so you really can get your fill of winter's wonder and soak up the north's wild, untouched charm, no matter what activity you go for as your favorite.

After all that, you're likely to want a breather - preferably somewhere warm and cozy. There's good news: you'll find plenty of snug cafes waiting to welcome you in and fold you into a comfy seat with hot cocoa, coffee, or your drink of choice, plus a piece of cake. Places like the Duck Pond Eatery and Beer Garden could be perfect for something light, such as sandwiches or pizza, and it offers great drinks too.

If you're after something more substantial, you could head for the Bear Trap Inn, conveniently near the Pictured Rocks, where you can grab any meal of the day, including hot homemade pasties that just melt in your mouth.

They also serve spirits, so if you're heading for an evening of fun, this could be the place to go. It's got a fantastic atmosphere, and you can easily shake off a day of exercising while you enjoy a glass or two - and a little fun on your phone. Simply pull up your favorite casino and boot your game of choice, and you'll quickly turn this from a meal to a meal-to-remember, hopefully with a few wins on your side. You can enjoy a particularly delicious burger while you play slots, immersing yourself in a digital world of fun by choosing your favorite theme. And hey, if you win something, it will only make the night better!

Love a good mystery and get an eye for a shipwreck? This activity will set your heart on fire! You can take a glass-bottomed boat out on a Grand Island tour and see some incredible shipwrecks, learning all about their history. You get to see a fully intact sailing ship - pre-Civil War - just a few feet below the lake's surface. You'll also get to see Munising Bay and the Grand Islands, both beauties worth visiting in their own right, especially if you're a history buff.

And if you love nature more than history? Well, you might be lucky enough to spot a North American Bald Eagle nesting on the coast - that's a definite memory to remember! Be aware that the trips aren't year-round, so you'll need to be visiting between the start of June and the end of September if this is hitting your “must-do” list; you don't want to miss out.

Lake Superior wins hearts around the world, and for good reason - it is pretty much unmatched in terms of beauty and grace. “Superior” is right! And you can take a cruise on its pristine waters from various places, including Munising, Michigan. What better way to see the north's breathtaking charm than this? It's straight up unforgettable.

You can learn about the history of the islands, soak in the wildness of the surrounding area, and really reconnect with nature. It's a wonderful adventure that offers you a new perspective on some of the most beautiful land in the USA, so make the most of it while you're up there!