Winter is our favorite season in the Grand Haven Area and offers plenty of things to do in Grand Haven in the winter. The bitter weather and snow provide a plethora of yearly events, outdoor activities, and holiday parties.
Continue reading to learn some winter-weather ideas for things to do in the Grand Haven Area during the months of December through February.
Think of all the “s” sports that go with snow, and Grand Haven has them all. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and sledding are only a few examples. To mention just a few. Park facilities are open.
Warming houses and concessions are packed. The roaring fireplaces in cozy inns are ideal for a blanket and an afternoon snooze. there are plenty of things to do in Grand Haven in the winter.
Shopping is also another competitive sport, so don’t forget to go shopping! No matter the weather, downtown Grand Haven will not disappoint.
Even the sidewalks and streets are equipped with a snowmelt system to keep you safe and confident as you wander. The Grand Haven Winterfest, which takes place in early January, is a popular event among families and locals.
1. Views At Lake Michigan
Let’s start with our list of things to do in Grand Haven in the winter. During the summer, Lake Michigan is a breathtaking sight, but even stunning in the winter.
The combination of wind, water, sand, ice, and man-made architecture creates some unusual and beautiful shapes when the weather is cold enough to make Grand Haven’s boardwalk and Grand Haven State Park accessible throughout the winter.
The two lighthouses on Grand Haven’s pier acquire layers of ice as frequent winds pound the seas against them. Ice shelves develop along the coast as the shallows freeze, and waves create an ice buildup. Onshore, the wind scoops sand and ice formations into shape.
Taking cool winter images is a great way to keep those memories. So on your things to do in Grand Haven in the winter bring a camera, dress warmly, and bring gloves if you have them.
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2. Hang Out At Mulligan’s Hollow
The Mulligan’s Hollow, located just at the waterfront, behind Tri-Cities YMCA and adjacent Imagination Station, is one of Grand Haven’s little-known secrets and among the most interesting things to do in Grand Haven in the winter
In this park owned by the city, you can have all the fun in winter including tow ropes, and snowmaking for lighted paths. Enjoy family-friendly downhill skiing and snowboarding on illuminated routes.
Warm up next to Mulligan’s Lodge’s fire pit or by the fireplace inside on chilly days.
The best way to enjoy the slopes is with membership or a pass. Daily passes start at $8, while passbooks and lessons are all available.
For information on things to do in Grand Haven in the winter, call Mulligan’s Hollow. Downhill skis and rentals are also available during regular hours.
3. Things To Do In Grand Haven In The Winter – Visit Duncan Memorial Park

Within the city limits, Duncan Memorial Park (also known as Duncan Woods), has 40 acres of undisturbed nature. This gives you plenty of options on things to do in Grand Haven in the winter.
In the winter, it’s a great spot for sledding, cross-country skiing, and trekking. In 1913, Martha Huntington Duncan donated the park in memory of her late husband Robert Duncan, the second mayor of Grand Haven.
Their little sanctuary had been in the woods.
We believe that regardless of how old you are, sledding is never too late! It’s one of the most fun things to do in Grand Haven in the winter.
Grand Haven has a number of beautiful parks with plenty of hills. Pigeon Creek Park offers nighttime sledding on a lighted sledding hill. So grab your gear and come along! And don’t worry if you don’t have a sled as there are plenty of places where you can rent one.
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4. Take A Sip-Or A Few
Here is one of the most engaging things to do in Grand Haven in the winter. Three breweries can be found within two blocks of Great Lakes’ headquarters in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Odd Side Ales: This 7-year-old brewery is on its way to becoming a big kid. Its brews are available in bottles and cans, but nothing beats going to its birthplace for a draft beer and a pleasant environment.
It’s a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food). It’s at 41 Washington Ave.
Grand Armory Brewing: The brewery, which was founded in an old armory in 2015, took its name to commemorate the site. Beer names such as Beechtree Blonde, Chinook Pier Pale, and Dewey Hill on Fire continue to pay tribute to both the town and the building.
Grand Haven Brew House: The brewhouse serves a wide range of craft beers, including its own HawkPeak Brewing brands. It also has a full dining and drinking establishment. If you want to add this to your list of things to do in Grand Haven in the winter, It’s at 100 Washington Avenue.
5. Go Snowshoeing
During the winter, there are several snowshoeing possibilities that you can add to your things to do in a Grand Haven in the winter.
With West Michigan turning into a winter wonderland, these and other exciting activities will be available for you to explore.
When you visit The Grand Haven Area during the winter, you’ll discover something new. Winter’s beauty is captivating, providing the ideal escape with plenty of options for fun and entertainment. Try snowshoeing along the miles and kilometers of groomed and ungroomed pathways to explore what lies beyond!
With so much leisure and fun, winter is the ideal time to unwind. Take a walk along the miles and miles of groomed and un-groomed paths to appreciate the stunning beauty of winter. Don’t let the thick snow keep you from discovering what lies beyond the curve.
Even better to add to the things to do in Grand Haven in the winter carry your camera with you for some cool landscape photos.
Snowshoe rentals are available at Pigeon Creek Park and Hemlock Crossing, where you may also go snowshoeing on varied
