As the winter weather begins to thaw, Michigan transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a plethora of exciting activities and breathtaking landscapes to explore. March is an excellent time to visit Michigan, with the snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and picturesque towns waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure-seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Michigan has something for everyone in March. In this article, we’ll explore the top destinations to visit in Michigan during the month of March, highlighting the best attractions, activities, and experiences to make your trip unforgettable.
Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula, or UP, is a hidden gem in Michigan, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming towns. In March, the UP is a winter wonderland, with snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and snow-capped mountains waiting to be explored.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to some of the best ski resorts in the state, including the Nub’s Nob Ski Resort, Boyne Mountain, and Marquette Mountain. With over 100 inches of annual snowfall, these resorts offer world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the UP’s ski resorts have something for everyone.
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
For those who prefer to explore the great outdoors on foot, the Upper Peninsula offers numerous winter hiking and snowshoeing trails. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, for example, has over 90,000 acres of wilderness to explore, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. The park’s snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and scenic vistas make for a breathtaking winter wonderland experience.
Ice Fishing and Snowmobiling
March is an excellent time to try ice fishing in the Upper Peninsula, with many lakes and rivers still frozen over. The Lake Superior shoreline, for example, offers excellent ice fishing opportunities, with species such as trout, salmon, and walleye waiting to be caught. For those who prefer to explore the UP’s winter landscape on two wheels, snowmobiling is another popular activity. With over 1,000 miles of groomed trails, the UP is a snowmobiler’s paradise.
Western Michigan
Western Michigan is another region of the state that’s worth exploring in March. From the scenic shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of the countryside, Western Michigan offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming towns. (See Also: Where to Visit in Canada in January? Winter Wonderland Awaits)
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-visit destination in Western Michigan. In March, the park’s snow-covered dunes, forests, and scenic vistas offer a breathtaking winter wonderland experience. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the popular Dune Climb, which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a charming city located in Western Michigan, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation opportunities. In March, visitors can explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and performance venues, or take a stroll along the Grand River. The city’s many parks and green spaces, such as the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Urban Forest, offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Eastern Michigan
Eastern Michigan is a region of the state that’s often overlooked by visitors, but it has a lot to offer in March. From the scenic shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of the countryside, Eastern Michigan offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming towns.
Toledo Metroparks
Located along the shores of Lake Erie, the Toledo Metroparks offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in March. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the popular Wildwood Preserve Metropark, which offers stunning views of the lake. The park’s many parks and green spaces, such as the Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a charming college town located in Eastern Michigan, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and delicious food scene. In March, visitors can explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and performance venues, or take a stroll along the Huron River. The city’s many parks and green spaces, such as the Nichols Arboretum, offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. (See Also: Where to Visit in Italy in May? Top Hidden Gems)
Recap
In conclusion, Michigan has a lot to offer in March, from the snow-covered landscapes of the Upper Peninsula to the charming towns and cities of Western and Eastern Michigan. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure-seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Michigan has something for everyone in March. From skiing and snowboarding to ice fishing and snowmobiling, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. And with its many museums, galleries, and performance venues, Michigan’s cities and towns offer a rich cultural experience. So why not plan a trip to Michigan in March and experience the best of what the state has to offer?
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Michigan in March?
The best time to visit Michigan in March depends on your interests and preferences. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, such as skiing and snowboarding, the Upper Peninsula is a great place to visit in March. If you prefer to explore the state’s cities and towns, Western and Eastern Michigan are excellent options. And if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, the state’s many parks and green spaces offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
What are the best ski resorts in Michigan?
Michigan has several excellent ski resorts, including Nub’s Nob Ski Resort, Boyne Mountain, and Marquette Mountain. Each resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities, with varying levels of difficulty and terrain.
What are the best places to go ice fishing in Michigan?
Michigan has many excellent lakes and rivers for ice fishing, including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and the Great Lakes. The state’s many fishing guides and charter services can help you find the best spots and provide expert advice on how to catch the biggest fish. (See Also: Where to Visit in the South? Hidden Gems)
What are the best places to go snowmobiling in Michigan?
Michigan has over 1,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, making it a snowmobiler’s paradise. The state’s many snowmobile clubs and rental services can help you find the best trails and provide expert advice on how to navigate the terrain.
What are the best places to visit in Michigan in March?
Michigan has many excellent destinations to visit in March, including the Upper Peninsula, Western Michigan, and Eastern Michigan. Each region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming towns and cities. Some popular destinations include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor.