It is unusual to experience the weather we’ve been having here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan the past 12 months. Last winter was one of the warmest in a long time resulting in not much snow on the ground. People who come to the area to enjoy winter sports were disappointed to not be able to experience a normal winter. Spring came early which meant people were able to enjoy the mild weather sooner and we also experienced one of the driest autumns in a long time. It’s been glorious being able to enjoy fall this long; many times it’s cut short by the rains with snow to follow shortly after that.
This week the rains have finally graced us with their presence which brings thoughts of colder weather to mind, along with thoughts of cozy comforting activities outside and inside as well.
My last blog post talked about events right here in Curtis for November. I’ll be keeping you posted when I get more information, particularly in December and the rest of the winter. Last winter which was our first winter having the cabin open and it was a nonexistent season because there was no snow. So we’re really looking forward to this year and we’ve been putting our heads together thinking how we can make it festive and give you a reason to make the trip north and spend it up here with us at Hideaway Tiny Acres.
We thought we’d give you food for thought and put together 50 winter activities that you can enjoy while staying at Hideaway Tiny Cabin in Curtis, MI:
Outdoor Snow Adventures
- Snowshoeing Trails – Explore nearby trails like Milakokia Lake Pathway with snowshoes or just snowshoe around the area at Hideaway Tiny Acres.
- Cross-Country Skiing – Glide through snow-covered trails in the local area. There’s many trails to choose from.
- Snowmobiling – Curtis is known for its extensive snowmobile trail network with groomed trails nearby.
- Winter Hiking – Take a winter walk through the quiet, snow-laden woods.
- Ice Fishing – Try ice fishing on South or Big Manistique Lake.
- Build a Snowman – Get creative with a classic winter snowman or snow sculpture.
- Snowball Fight – Have a playful snowball battle with friends or family.
- Nature Photography – Capture the beauty of winter landscapes around the cabin.
- Snow Angel Making – Make snow angels on a fresh blanket of snow.
- Dog Sled Adventures – set up a dog sled adventure with Nature’s Kennel.
Winter Sports & Activities
- Ice Skating – Skate on local frozen ponds or lakes if conditions allow.
- Ice Hockey on the Lake – Bring some gear and have a fun hockey match.
- Fat Tire Biking – Try fat tire biking on snowy trails for a unique experience.
- Backcountry Skiing – For experienced skiers, explore off-the-beaten-path areas.
- Tubing Downhill – Find a nearby hill for a fun tubing adventure. We can guide you to the best place for tubing – just ask.
- Sledding – Bring a sled or toboggan and find a hill for some winter fun.
- Kick Sledding – If available, try a kick sled on snowy trails or roads.
- Winter Picnics – Pack a thermos of hot chocolate and have a picnic in the snow.
- Build a Snow Fort – Construct a snow fort or igloo for some nostalgic winter fun.
- Avalanche Safety Practice – Learn or practice safety techniques on snowy hillsides.
Cabin Comforts
- Warm Up by the Fireplace – Cozy up by the new fireplace after being out in the cold.
- Hot Chocolate by the Campfire – Make hot chocolate or mulled cider to enjoy by the fire.
- Board Games Inside – Stay cozy indoors with board games or card games. There’s several to choose from here at the cabin.
- Puzzle Time – Work on a winter-themed puzzle.
- Read a Good Book – Take advantage of the peaceful setting to read.
- Write in a Journal – Reflect on the year and your time at the cabin.
- Enjoy Cabin Scents – Use wintery essential oils or a scented candle. We feature doTERRA products year round and will have seasonal oils available for you to experience at the cabin.
- Handmade Crafts – Try a winter DIY craft, like knitting or drawing.
- Listen to an Audiobook – Relax with a cozy audiobook while watching the snow fall.
- Stream a Winter Movie Marathon – Watch holiday movies or winter-themed films. Stream your favorites right here at Hideaway Tiny Cabin
Holiday Activities
- Christmas Lights Drive – Check out Christmas lights in Curtis and nearby towns. We’ll scope it out ahead of time and let you know who has the best lights.
- Cut Your Own Tree – Find a local tree farm to cut your own Christmas tree. Our favorite is Anderson’s Twin Lakes Tree Farm in Newberry. Check hours before going out there.
- Enjoy The Decorations In the Cabin – The cabin will be decorated inside and out to give you that festive holiday feel.
- Make Winter Crafts – Create paper snowflakes or pinecone ornaments.
- Enjoy Fresh Baked Goodies At The Cabin – We’ll be offering some special holiday treats like cookies or gingerbread in a welcome basket when you stay at the cabin.
- Winter Music Playlist – Put together a seasonal playlist and enjoy festive tunes.
- DIY Scented Ornaments – Make cinnamon-scented ornaments as keepsakes.
- Write New Year’s Resolutions – Reflect and plan for the upcoming year.
- Host a Small Gift Exchange – If with friends or family, have a mini gift exchange.
- Attend Curtis Christmas Events – Check back here for the latest on seasonal and holiday happenings in Curtis and surrounding areas.
Wildlife & Nature Observations
- Watch for Winter Birds – Spot species like chickadees, cardinals, and jays in the area.
- Animal Tracking in the Snow – Look for deer, rabbit, and fox tracks in fresh snow.
- Frozen Lake Walks – Take a safe stroll on frozen lake surfaces, if they’re well-frozen.
- Visit the Ancient Apple Trees – Marvel at the historic apple trees blanketed in snow.
- Tree Identification – Learn to identify leafless trees in winter, like pine, cedar, and birch.
- Nighttime Owl Watching – Listen and look for owls during the quiet winter nights.
- Campfire Outdoors – Build a campfire outside to enjoy the winter night sky.
- Explore Frozen Waterfalls – Take a trip to Tahquamenon Falls to see them frozen over.
- Stargazing – Winter skies are often clearer for stargazing; bring a telescope if possible.
- Enjoy a Quiet Sunrise or Sunset – Winter’s short days make these special moments more serene.
These activities offer visitors at Hideaway Tiny Cabin a chance to immerse themselves in winter’s beauty and experience the unique joys of the season in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Book your stay here and stay tuned for lots more information and things to do on your getaway to the beauty and splendor of what the Upper Peninsula has to offer.
More later
Nancy and Don