It’s finally feeling like winter now that we’re seeing steady snowfalls in our weather forecasts! Now our weekends can be filled with family outings to snow hills and trails, ice rinks, and drinking plenty of hot chocolate.
In Michigan, we have quite a number of communities offering opportunities for snowboarding, tobogganing, snowmobiling, and many other winter activities! In Northeast Michigan’s Ogemaw County you can surround yourself in nature on their cross country skiing trails, celebrate the season at their winter festivals, and much, much more! So, bundle up the family and head out to these places and enjoy the snow while it lasts!
Irons Park, West Branch
Grab your sleds and ice skates! The Irons Park tennis area, located in West Branch off of Valley and Shrigley Street, is a great place to take the kids sledding and ice skating. You can also play hide-n-seek in the Fort Austin playscape or use the trees throughout the park for coverage during a snowball fight.
Ogemaw Hills Pathway, West Branch
Located on the corner of Clear Lake and Fair View Road, Ogemaw Hills Pathway is the perfect place for cross-country skiing. For any skill level, you can travel along approximately 15 miles of trails within the AuSable State Forest.
Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club, Rose City
Near the corner of Fairview and Rose City Road, you will find the Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club (OHSC). This Club is the muscle behind the well-groomed 95 miles of snowmobile trails. Throughout Ogemaw County you will find many access points to these trails. On Jan. 30 the Club is holding their Anniversary OHSC Open House & Vintage Snowmobile Show/Ride. This free event is open to the public and runs from 10a-4p.
Rifle River Recreation Area, Lupton
Just outside of Ogemaw County is The Rifle River Recreation Area. This is a great location for those interested in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. You can even go winter camping! On Saturday, February 20, the Recreation Area will host their Winterfest! At the event, families will be able to enjoy free cook-your-own hotdogs, coffee, and hot chocolate and participate in hayrides, sledding, and other winter activities.
Hale Yes Winterfest: Jan. 15-17, Hale
Though, the 7th Annual Hale Yes Winterfest is about a half hour outside of Ogemaw County, this is one event you don’t want to miss! This exciting weekend includes a broomball tournament, Bed Races with outhouses, an ice fishing tournament, a chili cook-off, ATV and snowdrag races, and much more!