Best Places for Snowshoeing in Michigan, Plus Snow Shoe Rentals, Trail Info, Night Trails & More

Set on 829 acres in Southwest Michigan, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute provides visitors with a unique exposure to a rare blend of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies

Rentals available when there's at least six inches of snow
Rentals are free for members

Wahlfield Park features a main recreational area that also serves as a trailhead for its extensive network of trails that explore a hilly mix of woods, creek valley and open fields. Most of the natural-surfaced trails are open to mountain bike use.

Various loops are possible from the parking lot ranging from ½ mile to 4.3 miles.
The trails are not groomed and may also be used for fat tire biking.
Parking area is generally plowed on weekdays
No restrooms available Nov - April

The Wittenbach Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center is an outdoor learning center nestled amongst 140 acres of lush forests, rolling prairies, abundant wetlands and open fields all waiting to be explored! Our trails are open 365 days a year, dawn till dusk, for your hiking enjoyment.

Wittenbach/Wege Center in Lowell has snowshoes available for $4 per person, in sizes from preschool through adult.
Snowshoes can be rented during normal business hours of Monday-Friday, 8-4pm and Sundays from 1-4pm. Overnight rentals are $10. Rentals available with a minimum of 4 inches of snow.
Trails are open 365 days a year, dawn till dusk for hiking for snowshoeing, depending on conditions.

Luton Park is a family friendly multi-use park with 9.7 miles of inter­connected trails. The park features a native prairie, pines, hardwoods, marshes and three bridge crossings over Rum Creek. Luton Park trails were designed for mountain-biking. Hiking, trail running, bird watching, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are also popular activities.

Nearly 10 miles of ungroomed trails in six connected loops of varying difficulties
Mostly wooded terrain with stream valley
Ungated parking lot off 10 Mile Rd is plowed on weekdays
Portable restroom is available
Trails are open to biking in the winter

The Outdoor Discovery Center's nature preserve is FREE and open to the public 365 days a year. The trails are open during daylight hours.

The ODC Nature Preserve is open 365 days a year during daylight hours and offers snowshoeing.

Rentals available

The Gillette Visitor Center, located in P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, is nestled among one of the nation's most impressive dune systems. Perched at the top of a large sand dune surrounded by a pristine wooded back-dune, the center features exhibits to tell Michigan's unique sand dune story.

Gillette Nature Center at PJ Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon offers Winter Snowshoe Hikes. Snowshoes for these programs may be reserved from the Gillette Nature Association for a $5 fee per pair. Snowshoes must be reserved in advance and paid for on the day of the hike. If you have your own snowshoes you can participate at no charge.

Rentals available.

Hemlock Crossing is Ottawa County's snowshoeing hub. The park offers 239 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River and has six miles of marked but ungroomed trails which are shared by snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

Trails connect to Pine Bend County Park on the west end of this property. A pedestrian bridge and numerous overlooks offer scenic views plus a nature center. The Nature Center there is a comfy place to warm up by the fireplace. It has snowshoe rentals, hot drinks, and snacks, and offers a huge picture window bird-observation area.

Snowshoe rentals for adults and children (4+) at the Nature Center
Guided treks are available throughout the winter
Visitors are invited to warm up in front of a fire in the Great Room after their snowy outing

Pigeon Creek Park is 282 acres with another 130 adjacent acres of County Open Space land. Over ten miles of ski trails wind through old pine plantations, mature deciduous forests and through bottomland forests along the Pigeon River (off-trail snowshoeing is allowed).

Pigeon Creek Park has a 1.5 miles snowshoe trail, 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, and a warming shelter with food and beverages. Some trails are lit at night.
Snowshoers are required to stay on the snowshoeing trail. No trail fee.
Rentals available.

Blandford Nature Center offers 264 acres of natural land as a resource for West Michigan families to enjoy outdoor recreational activities and educational programming year-round.

At Blandford Nature Center feel free to use your own snowshoes or cross-country skis on their trails. Please keep in mind that their trails are not specifically groomed for winter recreation. If you don’t have snowshoes of your own you can go to Blandford’s Visitors Center to rent a pair ($5 members, $6 non-members)! There needs to be a minimum of 6 inches of snow in order to rent snowshoes.

Rentals available.

Millennium Park is one of our nation's largest urban parks with portions in Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville and Wyoming. With 1,400 acres of rolling terrain and six miles of frontage on the Grand River, the park is rich in natural resources, featuring unique habitats and large natural areas for wildlife to thrive.

Nearly 18 miles of ungroomed trails in several loops
Extensive natural areas with mostly flat terrain
Trailheads at Butterworth/O'Brien intersection, and on the east side of Maynard Ave are plowed on weekdays
No restrooms November - April

Award-winning cross country ski shop and XC skiing destination. Groomed trails, full service outfitter specializing in XC equipment and winter clothing sales, plus cafe, rentals and lessons. Located in Higgins lake, Michigan.

Enjoy over 11 miles (18 km) of trails suitable for all abilities and “Ginzu” groomed every morning with the same groomer used in the Olympics.
On weekends, visit Trappers Cabin, just one mile from the trailhead, to warm by the bonfire and enjoy a snack or refreshment.
Snowshoe rentals available. Recommended that you reserve equipment in advance.

5,300 acres just north of town, known as the Ludington State Park. Here you'll discover sand dunes with spectacular views, hardwood forests, marshlands, and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Guided snowshoe walks are held throughout the winter.
You can bring your own snowshoes or borrow one of 40 pairs available on a first-come first-served basis at the state park.
All walks begin and end at the warming shelter complete with picnic tables--and plenty of heat!
The Ludington State Park also offers annual snowshoe making classes during November and December.

Our 900-acre property is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Traverse City and features 3 golf courses, spa, private beach club and more.

Enjoy snowshoeing right here at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (weather dependent).

Groomed trails

Bring your own or rent ($15- 2hr or $30/day) * Based on snow conditions.

Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, Michigan is a four-season destination resort spanning nearly 5,000 acres across three distinct villages: Summit, Schuss and Cedar River, each with lodging, dining, golf, and downhill skiing and cross country trails.

Schuss Mountain ski resort and Summit Mountain’s two-mountain experience provides 53 downhill slopes, five terrain parks, 30km of cross country trails, and a multi-lane alpine tubing park located at one one of the best ski resorts in Michigan.

Forge your own trail (the trail less traveled is the one you make!), or head over to the groomed 3km multi-purpose trail at Schuss Village.

Rental equipment is available from the Nordic Center at Schuss Village.

The Homestead is a beachfront resort offering a wide range of unique lodging choices supported by luxurious facilities designed for romantic getaways, family vacations, weddings, reunions and corporate meetings.

Snowshoe trails wind through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. One of the trails, Bay View, is just steps from the resort’s Village. There are also several other snowshoe trails just a short drive away.

Rentals available

Crystal Mountain Resort is located in the Michigan’s northern lower peninsula in Benzie County. This golf, ski & spa resort destination is just over a two hour drive from Grand Rapids, MI, or approximately 30 miles southwest of Traverse City, MI.

Snowshoeing is permitted on all Crystal Mountain property except the downhill slopes and cross-country trails.

A guided snowshoe hike and snowshoe rentals are available as well.

Located on state forest land, the Vasa Pathway features a series of loops (3K, 5K, 10K, 25K) that offer users a variety of challenges from easy to difficult.

The entrance to the Vasa Snowshoe Trail is across from the grooming barn. It meanders up through the Acme Creek Valley on the west side, loops around the Headwaters, and returns down the east side. The approximate total distance is 2.5 miles. It consists of three stacked loops: orange loop is 1.5 miles; green-yellow loop is 0.6 mile, red loop is 0.25 mile.

The loops are marked by snowshoe blazes that are painted on trees on the right side of the trail approximately every 25 paces. The blazes are angled when the trail changes direction. They are painted in both directions.

Please stay to the side of the groomed trail and step over (not on) the classic tracks. Dogs on leashes are welcome on the snowshoe trail. Please pick up after your furry friends.

Located in Boyne Falls, Michigan, Boyne Mountain Resort has been a favorite Midwest destination since 1948.

Boyne Mountain offers 60 runs on 415 skiable acres, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire snow biking, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, The Spa at Boyne Mountain, Zipline Adventures, two golf courses, disc golf, lift-serviced mountain biking, beach activities, kids programs, lodging, meeting and wedding facilities, and real estate.

4 km of dedicated snowshoeing trails.
Equipment rentals are available at the Nordic Center.

Rated one of the top three small ski areas in the U.S. by Ski Magazine, Mt. McSauba offers truly affordable family skiing. More than just a ski slope, Mt. McSauba is a winter recreation playground. There is a skating rink with a warming cabin on the south side, a lighted sledding hill on the north side and behind the towering dune, a cross-country ski trail.

Trails are moderately paced and connect to Lake Michigan. While exploring the Mt. McSauba Recreation Area, climb to the top of the sand dunes to capture an awe-inspiring sunset. This trail system has a .7 mile loop to explore.

Experience the magic of snowshoeing or hiking (or cross country skiing) on candle-lit trails. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey at Mt. McSauba. Follow the candle light to our fire and warm up with some hot cocoa

Forbush Corner Nordic is a recreational non-profit 501(c)(3) cross country ski facility where you and your family can enjoy miles of rolling, wooded trails that are designed for all ability levels.

Over 10 km of dedicated snowshoe trails
Snowshoe rentals for on-site usage
Ski Shop, Warming Room, and **NEW** Yurt for changing and taking a break
Variety of snacks and drinks for purchase

With 1,500 acres to explore, there’s a lot to see and do at Treetops.

Choose between going on your own or opt for a guided snowshoe hike with Treetops' professional and trained staff.

Guided Snowshoe Hike will traverse up the hill to the look out across from the tubing hill where guests will be able to gather around a fire for a few minutes before the hike back. The experience will take about 45 minutes, limited to 20 people per hike. There will be headlamps available for those that wish to have them.

A valid trail pass is required. Limited spots on guided hike.

Rentals available.

Located on the east edge of Gaylord, formerly private family golf/ski facility Otsego Club is now open to the public!
Offers dining, alpine log-style ambiance, conference facilities for 500, 36 holes of Championship golf on the Tribute and the Classic golf courses. Amenities also include a four-season outdoor thermal pool, lighted tennis courts, and a 1200 acre wildlife preserve.

4.1 miles of cross-country & snowshoe trails.
Snowshoe rentals available.

Hanson Hills Recreation Area Offers a variety of Outdoor, year-round recreational activities.

Winter Time Activities include: Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing, and TUBING!!
Summer Time Activities include: Mountain Biking/Hiking, and Softball Leagues. They also have two Disc Golf Courses.

Rentals available, first come first serve.
Snowshoeing is permitted on all Hanson Hills property except the downhill slopes and cross-country trails.

The Easy Rider loop is approximately 2 miles in length that is fairly flat with a couple of intermediate size climbs.

The Overlook Trail is approximately 2.9 miles and leads you uphill to our "Overlook" that offers a great view of Grayling from the top of our main hill ridge.

Michigan’s largest ski resort and the highest vertical terrain in the Lower Peninsula! Boyne Highlands Resort is a family-owned, four-season resort offering the most skiable acreage in Michigan and the highest vertical skiing and snowboarding in the Lower Peninsula.

Snowshoe-only trails begin at the Cross Country Center and lead into a natural wonderland. Breathe deeply, and experience the aroma of mature spruce and pine on the chilled winter air.

Rentals available

Nub’s Nob offers 53 ski slopes and trails on 3 separate peaks, friendly staff, fresh homemade food, an award winning lodge and the most highly decorated snow making and snow grooming Crew in the Midwest.

Hike the cross-country trails or the dedicated snowshoe loop. The loop starts near pole 3 of the purple chairlift, winding through the woods and up to the top of JB Arena.

Snowshoers can hike the lit cross-country trail.

Rentals available

Get that “up north” feeling without leaving the suburbs at top-rated Stony Creek Metropark. Extending across Oakland and Macomb counties, 4,461 scenic acres abound with opportunity for outdoor recreation all year long.

Escape the winter blues by walking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Stony Creek Metropark.

Snow Snake is a year-round outdoor activity center featuring golf and ziplines in the summer and snow sports in the winter (downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.)

1.6 miles of trails zig zagging through Snow Snake’s beautiful golf course.
The snowshoe trails are open when the ski area is open.
Trails are not lit. Walk at your own risk.

Midland City Forest is a 520-acre city park open year-round. Winter activities include tobogganing, sledding, skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing.

Please call our weather app, Rainout Line, at 989-399-0506 or go online to check the conditions.

City Forest maintains 7.5 miles of groomed trails (including a .7 mile lighted loop) for snowshoeing.

We ask only that you do not walk in the cross country ski track to the right/left of the main path. Also, be aware that bicyclists continue to use our biking trails in the winter months.

Burchfield Park is a 500+ acre park along the Grand River in Ingham County.
In the winter, ski skating and sledding (with tubes) is available.

Weather permitting, Burchfield Park in Holt and Lake Lansing North in Haslett have snowshoes available for rent for $6 per hour. There are 2 kid pairs and 2 adult pairs available for rental on a first-come, first-serve basis at Burchfield Park and 4 pairs at Lake Lansing North.

Battle Creek Recreation Department offers winter sports activities in the winter at Binder Park Golf Course. Activities include: sledding, tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. NOTE: Equipment will be available for use and the warming house will be open only Saturdays and Sundays.

Equipment will be available for use and the warming house will be open only Saturdays and Sundays. Call ahead for availability.