While the Great Lakes region finds itself in the midst of the ‘Big Freeze’ the weather hasn’t put a dampener on some of the more unique outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in sub-zero temperatures. Sports enthusiasts in search of an adrenalin high can try their hand at a wide range of winter-based fun sports ranging from snowshoeing to the more unusual art of climbing a frozen waterfall…and everything in-between!
Learn to Mush in Minnesota
Dog sledding is a very popular snow sport, and not just among mushers (dog sled drivers) with their own teams of sled dogs. Numerous outfitters and adventure trip organisations can set up visitors with equipment and all the relevant training to offer the experience of sledding through the beautiful landscape. Most of these treks are in north eastern Minnesota and can range from a family ride in a sled to a learn-to-mush adventure, depending on how much hands-on activity you want.
Grumpy Old Men Festival, Wabasha, Minnesota
Celebrate winter with that grumpy old man’s hobby of ice fishing in the town that inspired the movie of the same name. This year the festival falls on February 22, with other activities including an ice shack contest, Frisbee games and a golf tournament on snow. You may not run into Walter Matthau or Jack Lemmon, but this quaint Mississippi River town knows how to celebrate.
Enjoy Pure White Snowmobiling in Pure Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is rated as America’s best snowmobiling area year after year. More than 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails interconnect with trails from bordering states and Canada, forming a snowmobiling network from shore to shore.
Skijor in Wisconsin!
Love dogs? Love skiing? Try skijoring, a blend of cross-country skiing and dog sledding throughout Wisconsin. Originally created by enterprising Scandinavians that hitched their skis first to horses as a means of faster transport, skijoring is the fastest growing winter sport in the state.
Ski in Illinois
Skiing in Illinois is possible! So if you find yourself in the Chicago area, check out some of the opportunities for winter fun in the snow. There are a few ski and snowboarding areas and resorts, including Chestnut Mountain Resort, Four Lakes, Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park, Ski Snowstar and Villa Olivia.
Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike, Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
More than 5,000 hikers make the six-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave in the heart of Ohio’s premier outdoor wonderland region, the Hocking Hills. Waterfalls frozen in place, snow covered sandstone cliffs, snow dusted hemlocks and fir trees provide some of the most stunning winter photography in the region.
