Depending on where you live, our state may just be starting to look and feel like a winter wonderland, or it’s been that way for quite a few months. Either way, it’s time to get outdoors, especially in the Yoop, and enjoy these 12 things to do in Michigan in February.
February 1-2 Michigan International Auto Show – Grand Rapids
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, or just can’t get enough of seeing the latest and greatest, then this is the event for you. It’s West Michigan’s annual showcase of available cars, trucks, SUV’s, crossovers, hybrids, electrics, luxury and performance vehicles. The show is set at DeVos Place, where kids will jump at the chance to test drive around a tire-lined track. Guests can guess what vehicle a 4×4 crushed metal cube used to be, for the chance to win a $1000. The nearby Gilmore Car Museum will be showcasing exciting additions to an upcoming exhibition. If you love what you see, head to nearby Hickory Corners and take a stroll through their whole incredible collection. Tickets for the auto show are $12 each, or $5 for kids aged 6-14. Little ones 5 and under are admitted at no cost.
February 1-2 Ice Breaker Festival – South Haven
The not-to-be-missed highlight of this annual event is the sculpting of more than 40 blocks of ice, weighing 300-600 pounds each, into incredible works of frozen art. Take a stroll around downtown to see all of the cool designs and enjoy food, drink, and entertainment specials from participating bars and restaurants all weekend long. The fest also features a Chili Cook-off, Snowsuit Fashion Contest, Cardboard Sled Races, the Frozen Fish Fling, outdoor ice skating, horse-drawn wagon rids, and many more exciting activities.
February 1-2 Winter Blast – Royal Oak
We haven’t had too many big winter blasts this year, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a giant party in Royal Oak as the season winds down. Admission is free, but the fun is priceless at this annual celebration. Work up an appetite on the ice skating rink, then satisfy that hunger with the food truck rally. Kids will love slipping back in time in The Medieval Village, or whizzing through the air on a zipline. Live music from some of the area’s finest entertainers can be found on three different stages. Stroll through the Ice Garden, roast some marshmallows, and get your skates on. There’s winter fun for everyone, and you’re sure to have a blast.
February 5-8 Winter Carnival – Houghton
Some winter events are just getting their start, but not this annual tradition at Michigan Tech. The Huskies have been celebrating Winter Carnival for over a century! First of all, winter is a spectacular time to visit Houghton. You can ski, skate, snowshoe, and simply admire the winter wonderland. Then there’s the wacky fun associated with this carnival. Students create dozens of huge, intricate snow statues, some may be as high as forty feet. You can also check out broomball and curling competitions. Then there’s human dog sled races or ice bowling (hint: a student on a sled is the “ball”). Attend mass in a giant ice chapel, take in a comedy skits, and watch the queen coronation. Top it all off with a torchlight parade and fireworks at Mont Ripley ski area on Saturday the 8th.
February 7-9 Heikki Lunta Winter Festival – Negaunee
The Upper Peninsula is an absolute haven for those who truly love this season, and the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival is a celebration of all things winter. The name comes from a fictional character, famous in local lore. David Riutta created the legend in 1970, when an upcoming snowmobile was endangered by the lack of snowfall. Riutta, a worker at WMPL in Hancock, aired the Heikki Lunta Snowdance Song. The song goes on to ask Heikki Lunta, the Finnish snow god, for snow in time for the race. According to local tales, the snow fell and fell, until there was too much. Dive head first into winter at this fun fest with its Irontown Rail Jam, Teal Lake Ice Fishing Tournament, activities at the UP Luge Club Lucy Hill, and Saturday’s Freeze Yer Fanny Fat Tire Bike Race.
February 7-9 & 14-16 Winter State Games of Michigan – Marquette & Grand Rapids
It may not be an Olympic year on a global scale, but winter sports are enjoying an Olympic year here in Michigan, thanks to the Meijer State Games of Michigan. If you’re not familiar, this is a multi-sport, Olympic-style competition that welcomes all athletes regardless of age or ability. The Opening Ceremony even features a parade of athletes, lighting of the cauldron, and some great entertainment on Friday, February 7 at Marquette Mountain Resort. From February 7-9, Marquette will play host, and then Grand Rapids takes over February 14-16. Participate or cheer on athletes competing in archery, basketball, bowling, cross-country skiing, curling, darts, disc golf, fencing, figure skating, judo, karate, luge, ninja, pickleball, shooting sports, ski and snowboard, sled hockey, snow volleyball, snowshoe, sport stacking, swimming postal, and wrestling. Note that some of the events take place outside of these dates and locations. Visit the website for complete details.
February 12-16 Michigan Ice Fest – Munising
Munising is home to an incredible concentration of waterfalls. As stunning as they are the rest of the year, they may be even more magical in the winter. Locals invite you to join them in one of their favorite winter pursuits. Test your skills at ice climbing. Visitors of any skill level are welcome to participate, with classes and gear available for beginners. Even if you’re not ready to try a climb yourself, it’s plenty of fun to watch others, and to simply explore the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore during this special season.
February 13-17 UP 200 Sled Dog Races – Marquette
Did you know that the UP200 is one of America’s premier 12-dog, mid-distance sled dog races, and a qualifier for the Iditarod? That’s why it draws mushers from around the continent to participate. The 220-mile roundtrip run starts and ends in Marquette. From there, the dogs teams cut through wilderness, cross creeks, and traverse hills and valleys to get to Grand Marais and back. There’s nothing quite like watching these canine athletes up close. Two other events take place the same weekend, so there’s plenty of action. They are the 82-mile Midnight Run and the 26-mile Jack Pine race. While in Marquette, be sure to enjoy some refreshment at Blackrocks Brewery, and pick up a souvenir or two from the curated collection at Michigan Made.
February 21-23 Michigan Nordic Fire Festival – Charlotte
If you’re looking for a truly unique weekend, then head to Charlotte for this Nordic experience. You’ll find battles, blacksmiths, archery, axe throwing, swinging swords, feats of strength, unique crafts, food, mead. Discover your inner Viking. Family-friendly during the day and lively in the evening, this event has plenty of demonstrations as well as experiential activities. You can try your hand at throwing an axe or spear, or challenge yourself with archery. If you’re feeling a tad more competitive, enter one or more of the many contests including stone throw, stone carry, hammer throw, horn blast, tug-o-war, or the less strenuous costume and beard competitions.
February 22 Trenary Outhouse Classic – Trenary
Nestled in the center of the U.P., the tiny hamlet of Trenary is known for two things: Finnish toast you have to try and this wacky event. Participants build makeshift outhouses, mount them on skis, and push them down a snowy course about the length of a football field. Each team hopes to earn a modest cash prize and serious bragging rights. Bring a fur hat, to keep warm, and also compete for the title of Best Fur Hat. While in town, be sure to stop by Trenary Home Bakery for some of that famous cinnamon toast.
February 22 Winter Beer Festival – Comstock Park
No, of course you can’t try them all, but there will be plenty of options from which to choose at this year’s brew salute at the ballpark. This popular event will feature hundreds of fresh, local beers from Michigan’s finest breweries, plus local music, ice sculptures and carving demonstrations. Don’t worry, the outdoor event also includes fire pits to chase away the cold. Each $60 guest ticket comes with 15 tasting tokens which can each be exchanged for a 3-0z. sample. Food will also be available onsite for purchase. The party runs from 1pm-6pm at LMCU Ballpark, home to the West Michigan Whitecaps. Designated Driver tickets will be available at Will Call at the ballpark the day of the festival for $20.
February 23-March 1 T.C. Restaurant Week – Traverse City
Everyone loves the cherry blossoms of spring, cherries of summer, and orange and reds of fall, but have you seen how gorgeous Traverse City is in the winter? Restaurant Week is an ideal time to check it out. Soak in the gorgeous splendor of the outdoors, and then literally gorge at one of our state’s finest culinary destinations. Local eateries across Traverse City and Grand Traverse County will offer special multiple-course prix fixe menus priced at $25, $35, or $45 per person. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Traverse City’s distinctive food culture, cultivated by talented culinary experts and prolific producers.
Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Follow @BuyMichiganNow on Facebook or tag us in a picture on Instagram when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in February. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.
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