Winter
Outdoor Activities:
Get Out
There!
by
Melissa Brumer
ICE
FISHING
There
are plenty of inland lakes in Southwest Michigan. If you’ve
lived in the area long enough chances are, you have swam,
boated or fished in one of them…but have you been ice
fishing? If you’ve never experienced the wonder of
pulling a fish out of a hole in the ice, grab a friend or
family member this year and give it a try. You could have
a fresh fish dinner tonight!
The Quincy Chain of Lakes Tip-Up Festival is not only a wonderful
way to enjoy ice fishing, but also a way to get out and enjoy
the fresh air and community.
On February 12th and 13th, the 44th annual Tip-Up Festival starts at 8 a.m..
Besides the adult and children’s fishing contests, there will also be
food, vendors, crafts, snow mobile races, pony rides, a fisherman’s ball,
a chili cook-off, a wood carving contest, and the 25th annual “Polar
Bear SPLASH”. For more information, Branch County Tourism Bureau: 800-968-9333
If you’re looking to venture out into the icy unknown on your own, make
sure you check the ice conditions at www.michigan.gov/dnr (they
also have fishing reports), and be informed and prepared for the sport to ensure
your safety and enjoyment.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
One of the most popular outdoor winter activities is cross country
skiing. 
With
all the county parks and state parks in the area, the trail options are
plentiful. Visit www.travel.michigan.org for trails near your home.
For a change, try lighted night skiing in Berrien County. Conditions permitting,
night skiing is available at Madeline Bertrand on Friday and Saturday nights
until 9:30 p.m. and also at Love Creek on Saturday nights until 9:30 p.m. Trail
permits are $2 and rental equipment is available for $5, after 5 p.m. Always
call to check for cancellations due to weather or poor trail conditions. Berrien
County Parks: (269)983-7811 or visit: www.berriencounty.org/parks/?dept=1&pid=189 for
more info and directions.
SNOWSHOEING
Not a skier?
Try this. With all the lake effect snow we are blessed with in Southwest
Michigan, t’would be a shame not to enjoy it!
Snowshoeing is a popular past-time for those seeking the serenity of
quiet snow-covered walking tracks and is a great activity for all ages
and fitness levels.
At Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings, snowshoes are available for rent
Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and the second Sunday of each month from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee is $5 for a two-hour time period and the trails are
open from dawn until dusk. For directions and details: (269)721-4190 or visit www.cedarcreekinstitute.org.
SLEDDING
Snow + Hill + Kids + Sled = WINTER. Golf courses and sand dunes offer
unique Southwest Michigan sledding experiences.
In the Saugatuck/ Douglas area there are a few places where the scenery takes
sledding to a whole new level, definitely worth the drive! : Oval Beach/ Mt.
Baldhead- sled down the dune! West Shore Golf Course is also a popular destination
for kids of all ages, and the State Park offers miles of trails, huge sand
dunes, and spectacular views. Visit www.saugatuck.com for
directions and details.
