Think Michigan winters are just for staying inside? Think again! From snow-dusted trails of East Lansing to the festive glow of downtown Lansing, winter in Mid-Michigan is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Whether you're enjoying a weekend getaway or local to the area, these are the top five winter activities in Greater Lansing that belong at the very top of your 2026 bucket list.
Rent a Snow Tube & Hit the Hills
Hawk Island
Experience the thrill of a high-speed ride at Hawk Island Park, located in South Lansing. This isn't your average sledding hill. It is a professionally groomed, 500-foot-long tubing run with a 60-foot vertical drop. Skip the hike back up the hill using the Magic Carpet conveyor belt that whisks you and your tube back to the top for maximum downhill time.
- Location: 1601 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing, MI 48910
- Cost: Tickets are $12 per person for a 1-hour and 45-minute time slot.
- Parking: Vehicle entrance is $3 for Ingham County residents and $5 for non-residents.
- Reservations: Required! Reserve your time at the Ingham County Parks website.
- Safety: Riders must be able to ride solo (no lap riding).
Insider Tip. After your session, head to the warming building to get nice and toasty!
Burchfield Park
If you're looking for variety, Burchfield Park in Holt is the place to be. As the largest park in the Ingham County system, it offers a range of slopes designed to suit every skill level. From gentle inclines for toddlers to steeper runs for thrill-seekers.
Burchfield offers two ways ot play. You can rent a snow tube on the weekends or bring your own classic sled to tackle the smaller hills any day of the week. Because Burchfield relies on natural snowfall, the hills offer a more traditional Michigan winter experience.
- Location: 881 Grovenburg Rd., Holt, MI, 48842
- Hours & Availability: Since the park relies on fresh powder, always check the Burchfield Park Winter Activity Page before heading out to ensure the hills are open.
- Rentals: Snow tubes are available on Saturdays and Sundays (no reservations required, first-come, first-served).
- Safety: Please leave toboggans and snowboards at home. The hills are reserved strictly for sleds and tubes.
- Parking: Vehicle entrance is $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents.
Insider Tip: When you need a break from the wind, the Burchfield warming building is the perfect spot to defrost. They offer self-serve hot chocolate for just $2.
Bring Your Own Sled
Do you already have a sled or tube? Check out these locations for a great sledding experience.
- Granger Meadows Park, DeWitt Township
- Fitzgerald Park, Grand Ledge
- Hayes Park, Mason
- John Taylor Memorial Park-Deadman Hill, Delhi Township
- North Meridian Road Park, Meridian Township
Glide into Winter Fun: Ice Skating
Synthetic Ice Rink in Meridian Township
Head over to the Meridian Ice Skating Rink to enjoy an all-weather synthetic rink.
- Location: 2100 Gaylord C Smith Ct, Haslett, MI 48840
- Cost: Free
- Rentals: A limited number of skates are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis
Biggby Coffee Ice Cube East Lansing
Biggby Coffee Ice Cube East Lansing has two ice rinks and is perfect for year-round skating.
- Location: 2810 Hannah Blvd, East Lansing, MI 48823
- Cost: $10 for Admission
- Rentals: Skate rentals are available for $5
- Online pre-registration is required
Insider Tip: Biggby Coffee Ice Cube East Lansing also has "Skate Walkers" for children under 48 inches to help them keep their balance, making this an excellent, family-friendly winter activity.
Munn Ice Arena
Munn Ice Arena is located on MSU campus and is where the Spartans play! Munn offers public skating sessions throughout the season.
- Location: 509 Birch Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Cost: $7 for the General Public, $6 for MSU students/staff and youth under 18.
- Rentals: Skate rentals are available for $3
Insider Tip: Because Munn hosts MSU Hockey games and events, the public skate schedule varies weekly. Always check the Munn Ice Arena schedule before heading out.
Enjoy Miles of Cross Country Skiing
Burchfield Park
Explore approximately 6 miles of groomed ski trails through wooded terrain at Burchfield Park. Stop by the ski building afterward for a self-serve $2 (cash only) coffee and hot cocoa station. You can bring your own gear or rent some at the park.
- Location: 881 Grovenburg Rd., Holt, MI, 48842
- Rental Hours: Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting). Pick up your gear at the Ski Rental building in the lower parking lot.
- Cost: $12 per hour for adults, $6 per hour for children
- Parking: Vehicle entrance is $3 for Ingham County residents and $5 for non-residents.
Insider Tip: Check the trail conditions before you go at Ingham County Parks Winter Sports Conditions.
Lake Lansing North
Lake Lansing North offers 10 miles of trail that are open to cross-country skiing in the winter months. The trail winds through marshlands and hilly wooded sections, providing a scenic and physically engaging workout. You can bring your own gear or rent some at the park.
- Location: 6260 E Lake Dr, Haslett, MI 48840
- Rental Hours: Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting), 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Cost: $12 per hour for adults, $6 per hour for children (12 and under).
- Parking: Vehicle entrance is $3 for Ingham County residents and $5 for non-residents.
Insider Tip: Check the trail conditions before you go at Ingham County Parks Winter Sports Conditions.
Explore a Nature Center by Snowshoe
For a peaceful winter experience, head to one of Greater Lansing's nature centers and go snowshoeing.
Harris Nature Center
Explore over 200 acres of forest and meadows along the banks of the Red Cedar River at Harris Nature Center. Rent snowshoes or bring your own.
- Location: 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos, MI 48864
- Rental Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (snow dependent).
- Cost: $10 per person per hour.
Insider Tip: Call 517-349-3866 to check trail conditions and reserve your equipment ahead of time.
Fenner Nature Center
Explore 4 miles of trails at Fenner Nature Center! Experience 134 acres of rolling glacial terrain and towering maple groves right in the heart of the city. Bring your own snowshoes or rent them!
- Location: 2020 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910
- Rental Hours: Vary depending on weather conditions.
- Cost: $5 per hour.
Insider Tip: New to snowshoeing? Sign up for a guided snowshow hike at Fenner Nature Center and learn beginner skills.
Woldumar Nature Center
Grab your snowshoes and come enjoy a winter wonderland exploration through the diverse habitats at Woldumar Nature Center.
- Location: 5739 Old Lansing Rd, Lansing, MI 48917
- Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Insider Tip: Don't miss the Cocoa & the Cabin series occurring throughout the winter months. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa at the Moon Cabin, a craft project, and get cozy by the fire.
Attend a Winter Event or Festival
Get out and celebrate winter by attending an outdoor event or festival, like the annual Nordic Fire Festival in Charlotte. There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season in Greater Lansing.
