Winter festivals in Michigan are a great way to get outside and enjoy the snowy, cold weather. Be sure to mark your calendars for these two January winter festivals.
Winter Festival #1 – Tip-Up Town USA
Tip-Up Town USA in Houghton Lake is Michigan’s largest winter festival. It has been held annually on the last two weekends of January for the past 61 years. This year it will be held on January 22 – 24 and 29 – 31. Houghton Lake is located close to both I-75 and US 127 in northern Michigan, so it is easy to get to.
The schedule of events includes an illuminated snowmobile parade, fishing contest, Redneck horseshoes, softball on ice, and antique snowmobiles. Children will love the ice slide, petting zoo, and skating. One of the most popular events is the Polar Bear Dip. Brave visitors can don their swimsuits and go for a plunge into a hole cut in the ice of Houghton Lake! It’s a lot of fun to watch and participate in. The whole family will enjoy watching fireworks over the lake on both Saturday nights. Tip-Up Town USA badges are needed for entry to many of the festival events.
Winter Festival #2 – Zehnder’s Snowfest
Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth is scheduled for January 26 -31, 2011. For the past 20 years, this festival has been one of the top snow sculpting events in North America. Visitors will be amazed at the snow and ice sculptures created by professional carvers from around the world. Your whole family will enjoy a visit to this winter festival. Even the children can try their skills at snow sculpting. Every day of Snowfest features a variety of entertainment. Enjoy dueling pianos, Bingo, apple pie contest, putt putt golf ice course, chef’s hot food competition and tasting, Christian music concert, and fireworks.
While you’re visiting Frankenmuth be sure to take the children to Zehnder’s Splash Village and Indoor Waterpark. It has over 30,000 square feet of water fun for your family. Splash Village is staffed with certified lifeguards and staff for your safety. Special packages can be found here.
Frankenmuth, known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, is located in Michigan’s thumb area. It is a popular tourist attraction that is famous for the family style chicken dinners served in Zehnder’s Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn. Frankenmuth is just a short drive off of I-75 and is well worth the time it takes to get there.
Winter Festival #3 – Winterfest in Mackinaw City
If you’ve never visited Mackinaw City in the winter months, plan on going to the Winterfest January 13 -15, 2011. Celebrate winter by joining in the events. There will be amateur and professional snow sculpting, a poker run, ice fishing tournament, chili cook off, and sleigh rides. Where else can you participate in outhouse races? Buy a Winterfest badge and most of these events are free.
Discover the winter wonderland that is Michigan by visiting these fun winter festivals in January.
To read more about Tip-Up Town USA visit my article 60th Tip-Up Town USA in Houghton Lake.
Sources:
Winterfest at Mackinaw City
Tip-Up Town USA
Zehnder’s Snowfest
Personal Experience
