Although some Michigan residents are grumbling about the lack of snow to play in the weather is proving to be very nice for other outdoor activities. How often do you get to go for a hike in Michigan in January without boots or snowshoes? It’s a great time to get outside and escape the winter doldrums. Just a few hours of sunshine ad fresh air will work a miracle on your spirit. The winter weather could be back tomorrow, after all this is Michigan, so why not get outside and enjoy life.
Michigan’s parks, nature centers and other venues have plenty of activities where snow isn’t needed to have a good time. And when snow does sneak back into the area this great activities can still make your family happy. Some of these events may require a little travel but others may be quite close.
Seven Ponds Nature Center
Seven Ponds Nature Center, near Dryden, Michigan is offering a winter bird walk January 18 beginning at 8 am. Have a hot drink and watch the birds at the feeders through the large picture windows. Later a naturalist will guide you over the many trails at the nature center looking for winter birds. Dress for the weather. The fee is only $3 for non-members.
On January 21st Seven Ponds is hosting Winterfest, regardless of weather conditions, from 10 am to 3 pm. A variety of fun family activities will be offered, including a bonfire and campfire lunch. Children can bring a t-shirt, sweatshirt or pillowcase to decorate with animal tracks. Cost of the day is only $3 for non-members.
On Sunday, January 29 at 2 pm Seven Pond Nature center will have a program on Native American life. Tuscora Indian Wayne Jackson will use story telling , song and dance to entertain and educate you on the life of Eastern woodlands and northern plains Native Americans. Cost of the program is $3 for adults, $1 for children who are not members.
Call Seven Ponds Nature Center at 810-796-3200 for more information.
Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery
On the other side of the state the Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery near Kalamazoo is offering a free fly tying class for fisher folk on Saturday January 21. They do require pre-registration for the class. The hatchery also offers free tours on Saturdays and Sundays of the fish hatchery. There is a 7000 square foot nature center where you can view Michigan fish in tanks and many walking trails on the property. Call (269) 668-2876 to register or to get more information.
Hartwick Pines State Park
To the north you’ll find Hartwick Pines offering a historical program on great wildfires and logging on January 22 at 2pm. If the weather isn’t bad you can walk the trails at the park before or after the lecture. Admission is free but the vehicle must have the Michigan Recreation Passport. You can purchase the passport at the park for $10. For more information call the park at 989-348-7068.
Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, Waterloo Recreation Area
Here’s another chance to learn about birds in Michigan on January 21 at 10 am. A free guided walk to learn to identify Michigan birds is offered. You must have a Recreation Passport to enter the park. This is the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula. There are 47 miles of hiking trails and there are also bridle trails for a lovely ride on your horse if the weather remains mild. There are lots of opportunities for ice fishing, skiing and snowshoeing if we get snow.
Contact the Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. The park address is 16345 McClure Rd. Chelsea Mich.
Detroit Zoo - Belle Isle Zoo
Why not visit the zoo in this mild weather? Yes it’s open. Many animals enjoy the winter weather. Others can be seen inside in their winter quarters. No crowds to weave through at this time of year. Detroit Zoo hours are 10 am to 4 pm every day in the winter. The zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI. Call 248-541-5717. The zoo on Belle Isle in Detroit is also open in the winter from 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday.
If the weather does turn snowy and cold and you aren’t an outdoors in winter person remember that Michigan has lots of museums and science centers. They sure beat shopping as a family activity and admission rates may be lower in the winter.
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