While things often slow down in the winter, much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula activity ramps up! Snow season means snowmobiling, skiing, ice climbing, sled dog racing, pond hockey and a ton of other niche activities. In addition, you can still visit some of our indoor experiences and enjoy the U.P.’s eclectic culture through professional performances, too. A trip to the U.P. this winter doesn’t just mean recreation and site seeing; it means you can people watch and also participate in the fun!

The most popular events this winter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Here is a roundup of some of our most popular events. Plan your next trip so you can be a part of the action at these winter events in Michigan’s U.P.

Get a blast from the past at this annual vintage snowmobile event. 

  • I-500 Snowmobile Race | Jan. 31-Feb. 5 | Times vary | Sault Convention & Visitors Bureau, 984 W. Fourth Ave., Sault Ste. Marie | Cost varies 

Experience all the thrills of NASCAR on a one-mile oval ice track!

I500, an event in Sault Ste Marie, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA

New records will be set as this will be the first time ski jumpers have gone off this newly built ski jump since its rebuilding in 2020. Watch them soar through the air!

A two-mile, lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. Keep warm with the hot chocolate and bonfire, too.

Strap on your snowshoes and take a free guided hike through the forests of the Upper Falls. Learn about winter at the park and get some snowshoeing tips and tricks. A limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow (first come, first served).

  • 100th Winter Carnival | Feb. 9-12 | Times vary | Michigan Technological University, Houghton | Cost varies by activity 

Known for huge, intricate snow statues around campus and the community, the Winter Carnival also brings MTU students together to compete in broomball, comedy skits, human ice bowling, a royalty coronation and more.

  • Michigan Ice Fest | Feb. 9-13 | Times vary | Munising | Cost varies depending on registration date 

Ice Climbing at its best. If you are a novice or an expert, this is one event you do not want to miss, and it’s the 30th anniversary! 

Choose between watching some hockey games or putting together your team and registering to play. 

Watch one of three sled dog races this weekend! 

Spend the weekend ice fishing! No license is required for any age.

Athletes who want to compete and have lived in Michigan for at least 30 days before the event can register at the link above. Spectators are welcome!

Contestants build outhouses out of wood or cardboard and mount the structures on a pair of skis. The object is to be the fastest two-person team to push an outhouse 500 feet down the street.

Plan your winter visit to the Upper Peninsula

Use the links above to plan your winter U.P. getaway! Then, book a stay in one of our lodgings. We can’t wait to introduce you to our unique winter events.

Share with Us

We would love to see your favorite winter scenes and adventures! Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials. You can also upload your photos to our Winter Photo Crowdriff Collector below.