Well, it’s here. I can’t say I was completely ready for it, or even expecting it, but Michigan weather doesn’t care about that. So, when I woke up this morning to the entirety of the Great Lakes being dropped on my tiny town, all I could do was let out a heavy sigh. We had this coming. Michigan Winter has finally arrived.

The Magic of a Michigan Winter

Before I start coming off as totally doom-and-gloom here, let me emphasize that I adore the winter season. I can’t get enough of it (well, that’s a stretch), especially here in Michigan. Hell, my home state is a world-class winter wonderland. After all, the whirlwind of snow, ice, and cold is so long and intense that we can’t do much else but have some fun with it. Think majestic, ice-covered lighthouses, snowy bridges cast out over frozen lakes, and twinkling wineries and villages looking as though they’d been torn straight from a Hallmark Christmas card.

The winter season provides an excellent opportunity to get out and explore a vibrant Michigan, pulsating with festivity. We’ve got over 40 different ski areas, a plethora of ice caves, and endless snowshoeing. More of the adventurous type? Try ice climbing up a frozen waterfall or racing through a snow-covered forest on a dog sled. The Great Lakes State is rife with adventure, and rest assured, I’ll be hitting the road and getting in on all the fun. As a matter of fact, I’ll be heading out to a certain Bavarian wonderland and hitting up the world’s largest Christmas store pretty soon here, so stay tuned for that.

But for now, though, let’s focus on the brass tacks.

The Snowy Reality of a Michigan Winter

For as incredible as a Michigan winter is, it’s also absolutely brutal. Being surrounded by the Great Lakes, we experience something called “lake-effect snow”. Basically, cold air moves down across the open waters of the lakes, where heat and moisture cause clouds to form. These clouds grow into heavy snow bands down wind of the lake, which can end up dropping over 3 inches of snow in less than an hour. Meaning that I have to get ready 20 minutes early so that I can scrape a bunch of ice of my car.

It also gets cold. Really cold. Average winter temperatures vary across the state, but as a general rule of thumb, the temperature rarely exceeds the mid-thirties. Here in the Lower Peninsula, around Detroit, you can expect temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to the mid-thirties, while the Upper Peninsula almost always clocks in at below freezing. That’s all bad enough, but when wind chill kicks in and drops temperatures down to negative twenty, you know you’re in for a rough go.

Surviving the Storm in a Michigan Winter

While wintery activities are available statewide, you might want to consider limiting yourself to one city or area, such as Detroit or Grand Rapids. This way, you can use public transportation or your own two feet to get from place to place, without ever having to worry about Michigan’s treacherous winter roads. Take it from me, you don’t know fear until you’ve careened headfirst through a comically large, dangerous pothole and wondered afterward how you still have a functioning car.

If you do decide to hit the road, make sure to check on the forecast. You need to know what’s coming your way, and even then, a freak snowstorm can cut your visibility down to zero in almost no time. And in a Michigan winter, visibility is key to staying safe on the road. I’ve already mentioned potholes, but there are other dangers out there, including wild deer, black ice, and other drivers. I realize that slowing down to 30 MPH on the highway isn’t exactly ideal, but it’s the safest option we have, so you might as well accept it.

We Michiganders always try to prepare our vehicles for winter and encourage visitors to do the same. I myself am the proud owner of a 2003 Buick LeSabre (jealous?), and always trick that bad boy out with snow tires when icy roads come knocking. If you’re renting a vehicle, go for one with four-wheel drive.

Wrapping Up

Proper winter attire is also important. If you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, you should consider three or more layers, including a winter jacket, sweater, and undershirt. Your favorite pair of jeans might cut it wandering around Grand Rapids, but the Michigan wilds are a different story. Nice snowpants and proper boots would prove a good investment. A woolly hat and pair of thick gloves round out the ensemble.

Now, obviously, this doesn’t account for Michigan’s notoriously bi-polar weather patterns. One day could be below freezing and the next could turn the heat up to the mid-forties. And then, as soon as you’ve been given that glimmer of hope, that lake-effect snow rips it away with another massive drop to single digits. So, again, keep an eye on forecasts and winter weather advisories, and bundle up accordingly. Remove or add layers if needed, as colds and pneumonia are all too common in these parts.

Final Thoughts

All in all, a Michigan winter trip is well worth the hassle. Having been around my fair share of the state, I can tell you that it’s as breathtaking as it is dangerous. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, around 156,164 automobile accidents occur annually in Michigan due to icy roads. I cannot stress enough the importance of staying safe, both on and off the roads. But, having said all of that, don’t let me scare you off. My home state provides loads of adventure, and I’d be remiss not to recommend it.

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