Bundle up, West Michigan! This weekend brings classic Michigan winter weather—the kind that reminds us why we're made of tougher stuff than most. With frigid temperatures and snow on the ground, January 23-25 offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the season with both outdoor adventures and cozy indoor escapes throughout Muskegon and the surrounding area.
Whether you're a winter warrior ready to tackle the cold or someone who prefers warm indoor activities, this guide has you covered with the best events and activities happening right in our backyard.
Celebrate 50 Years of Winter Fun at Grand Haven Winterfest
Just a scenic 20-minute drive from Muskegon, Grand Haven is hosting its milestone 50th anniversary Winterfest from January 22-25, and it's absolutely worth the trip. This beloved tradition proves that West Michigan knows how to make the most of winter.
Must-Do Events:
- Cardboard Sled Race (Saturday, January 24): This decades-long tradition brings hundreds of creative sleds to Mulligan's Hollow. Watch teams launch down the hill in everything from pirate ships to space shuttles made entirely of cardboard. It's equal parts hilarious and impressive.
- Dog Sled Demonstrations: New this year are dog sled demos, giving you a chance to see these incredible animals in action and learn about this traditional winter sport.
- Bonfire Bash (Saturday, 3-10 PM): Warm up by the fires at the Harborfront Parking Lot while enjoying hot chocolate, roasting marshmallows, and sipping craft beers and cider. There's nothing quite like a bonfire to take the edge off a cold winter day.
- Kids' Day at Tri-Cities YMCA (Saturday, 12-3 PM): Free family fun with crafts, face painting, bounce houses, and snow angel contests.
- Flannel and Flapjacks Breakfast (Sunday, 9 AM-12 PM): End your Winterfest weekend with pancakes at The Kirby House, featuring a special appearance from Anna and Elsa.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the free shuttle running Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM between downtown, Mulligan's Hollow, and the YMCA.
Experience Olympic-Level Thrills at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
Right here in Muskegon, you can experience one of only four public luge tracks in the entire United States. The track is 850 feet long, made of natural ice, and features six curves. Even if you're not ready to tackle the luge yourself, the park offers multiple winter activities that are perfect for all skill levels.
Activities Available:
- Ice skating on a quarter-mile lighted trail through a white pine forest
- Cross-country skiing on over 15 kilometers of groomed trails
- Snowshoeing trails ranging from beginner to challenging
- Two acres of natural outdoor ice skating rinks
The winter sports complex offers a unique way to embrace the cold weather while getting some exercise and making memories with family and friends.
Warm Up Indoors: Museums and Cultural Attractions
When you need to escape the cold, Muskegon's indoor attractions offer the perfect refuge.
Lakeshore Museum Center (430 W. Clay Ave., Downtown Muskegon) Explore their newest hands-on exhibit, "From Here to There," which invites visitors to discover the forces and mechanics that move people and things across land, sea, and air. It's perfect for families with curious kids who need to burn off energy indoors.
Muskegon Museum of Art One of West Michigan's cultural gems, the museum offers free admission on Thursdays and the second Saturday of each month. This weekend falls right after that, but admission is still affordable and children 17 and under are always free.
USS Silversides Submarine Museum For something truly unique, tour the most famous surviving submarine from World War II. The museum is open year-round and offers an incredible glimpse into naval history.
Hackley & Hume Historic Sites Step back in time and tour these stunning Victorian homes featuring Tiffany-type stained glass, ceramic tiles, and beautifully restored architecture from the late 1800s.
Family Fun at Craig's Cruisers
When cabin fever sets in, head to Craig's Cruisers for indoor entertainment. The arcade, laser tag, and other indoor attractions stay open year-round, making it a reliable option for keeping the whole family entertained regardless of the weather outside.
Browse the Grand Rapids Home Show at Woodland Mall
If you're thinking about home improvements for 2026, the Grand Rapids Home Show runs January 23-25 at Woodland Mall with free admission and free parking. Explore exhibits featuring windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor living spaces, and more from Michigan's best home improvement companies. It's the perfect indoor activity that might just inspire your next project.
Enjoy Local Dining and Breweries
After a day of winter activities, warm up at one of Muskegon's excellent local restaurants or craft breweries. Downtown Muskegon offers numerous options for comfort food, craft beer, and cozy atmospheres—the perfect way to end a cold winter day.
Planning Your Perfect Winter Weekend
For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Start Saturday at Grand Haven Winterfest, catch the cardboard sled race, enjoy the bonfire bash, then head to Muskegon Luge on Sunday for cross-country skiing or ice skating.
For Indoor Adventurers: Explore the Lakeshore Museum Center and Muskegon Museum of Art on Saturday, visit the USS Silversides, then make a Sunday trip to the Grand Rapids Home Show while enjoying brunch at a local downtown spot.
For Families: Combine the best of both worlds—hit the Winterfest Kids' Day on Saturday afternoon, warm up with hot chocolate downtown, then spend Sunday morning at Craig's Cruisers before a cozy family dinner.
Why This Weekend Matters
Living in West Michigan means embracing all four seasons, and winter can be just as enjoyable as our famous summer beach days—you just need to dress appropriately and know where to go. This weekend's combination of Grand Haven's historic Winterfest celebration and Muskegon's year-round attractions proves that our community knows how to make the most of every season.
Thinking About Making West Michigan Your Home?
Whether you're a long-time resident enjoying these winter activities or you're considering relocating to the beautiful Muskegon area, knowing your community is essential. The vibrant events, natural beauty, and strong sense of community that make weekends like this possible are just a few reasons why families continue to choose West Michigan as their home.
Chris Simpson, Realtor with Five Star Real Estate, specializes in helping families find their perfect home in Muskegon and the surrounding West Michigan communities. From beachfront properties to downtown living, from historic neighborhoods to new construction, Chris understands what makes each area unique and can help you find a home that fits your lifestyle—whether that means easy access to winter sports, walkable downtown amenities, or proximity to excellent schools.
Interested in learning more about Muskegon-area real estate or getting a market analysis for your current home? Contact Chris Simpson at Five Star Real Estate to discover how you can become part of this amazing community.
Share Your Winter Adventures!
We'd love to see how you're spending your winter weekend in West Michigan. Tag your photos and share this guide with friends and family who might be looking for weekend plans. The more we support local events and businesses, the stronger our community becomes.
Stay warm, stay active, and enjoy everything West Michigan has to offer this winter!
