“13 parks. Endless fun. That’s the motto of Huron-Clinton Metroparks. With so much to do outdoors at Metroparks all year round, it’s the perfect motto.”
Winters in Michigan can be harsh, but there are many things you can do to enjoy the cold weather and snow at Metroparks.
This activity is perfect for people of all ages. If you want to do something outdoors this winter, you’ll find several options at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Stoney Creek Metropark – 4300 Main Park Rd. in Shelby Township
Stoney Creek Metroparks in Macomb and Oakland counties offer ice fishing, sledding, skiing, snowboarding and skating.
Ice fishing is available on both sections of Stoney Creek Lake below 28 Mile Road and must be marked for ice shanty.
There are over 13 miles of varied cross-country ski trails, marked and maintained on flat and hilly terrain. Trails follow golf courses and mountain bike routes. Ski rental is available.
Snowshoeing is also possible in most parks, with the exception of the cross-country ski trails.
The park also has an ice skating rink on Stoney Creek Lake near the boat launch, and ice hockey can be played in designated areas.
There are also several sledding hills for all ages, and some even allow snowboarding.
Stoney Creek Metropark, @meganbuchananphoto
Lake St. Clair Metropark – 31300 Metro Parkway in Harrison Township
Weather permitting, you can go ice fishing at Lake St. Clair Metropark. The area is known for panfish and yellow perch, and fishing is permitted in the open waters of the lake, canals, and the North Boat Basin.
There are 2.5 miles of marked cross-country ski trails with relatively flat terrain for beginner to intermediate skiers.
Nearby West Playfield is an outdoor sledding hill with comfort stations, a warming room and picnic tables so people can go fast in Metropark.
Finally, there’s ice hockey at the outdoor ice hockey rink near Sled Hill, and an outdoor family ice skating rink near West Playfield.
Lake St. Clair Metropark, @mimichiganphotos
Huron Meadows Metropark – 8765 Hammel Rd. in Brighton
Huron Meadows is one of the few parks in Metro Detroit. Enjoy classic groomed cross-country skiing in skating style.
Overall, there are over 15 miles of trails geared for classic skiing with tracks, moderate terrain and rolling hills. There are also his 11 miles of trails geared for skate-style skiing.
In winters with little snow, skiers can enjoy a 1.5-mile loop on the Backs Run. The Bucks Run is refreshed with a snow gun and lit up at night.
Metropark also offers ski rentals and a heated lounge with restrooms and snacks.
More than 11 miles of pristine trails can be hiked within the Huron Meadows Metropark, but the trails are not cleaned or salted during the winter months, making them snowy, slippery and muddy. Please be aware that you may
Indian Springs Metropark – 5200 Indian Trail at White Lake
Go sledding, cross-country skiing, or go winter hiking in Indian Springs. Bring your own sleigh or saucer to slide down the hills of the Meadowlark Picnic Area, according to the park. Great for children.
The park has many hiking trails ranging from half a mile to over 3 miles.
Finally, there are 12 miles of trails in varied terrain and a wide expanse of golf courses for classic and traditional Nordic cross-country skiing.
Indian Springs Metropark, @hiking.with.the.hansens
Kensington Metropark – 450 Huron River Parkway in Milford
Kingston Metropark has plenty of activities to keep you entertained all day long. They enjoy ice skating on a small rink next to the Orchard picnic area. A small mat is laid from the shelter to the rink.
There is also a sled that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers, and a bunny hill for children that is covered with trees. There are also toboggan runs, sledding runs and beginner snowboard runs.
The park has 12 miles of groomed trails with ski rentals in Kensington, with trails designed for beginner and advanced skiers.
Kensington Metropark, @highvibetrailrides
Hudson Mills Metropark – 8801 N. Territorial Rd. at Dexter
There are 3 miles of paved hiking and biking trails throughout the park, as well as the 2-mile Acorn Nature Trail, where you can walk along the Huron River. In winter, the snow piles up and it becomes quiet, and you can try looking for footprints.
Metropark also has six miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing. The course is purpose-built for classic skiing and features a variety of terrains for all skill levels. Afterwards, you can go to the Activity Center, a heated lounge with vending machines and restrooms.
Lake Erie Metropark – 32481 W. Jefferson Avenue, Brownstown Township
Located on one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie Metropark offers in-park sledding, cross-country skiing and hiking.
There is a large sledding hill near the Great Wave Pool Complex that offers visitors hours of fun during the winter months.
There are several trails that run through the park, some of which are not cut down or salted during the winter, so be careful if you walk.
Finally, a 4.25-mile cross-country ski trail is located near Sled Hill.
Lake Erie Metropark, @yeahhh_toast
Delhi Metropark – 3902 E. Delhi Road.in Ann Arbor
Because Delhi Metropark sits on the Huron River, there isn’t much to do in the winter, but the park has some trails that are great for hiking and biking year-round.
Delhi Metropark, @maine_trails
Dexter Huron Metropark – 6535 Huron River Dr. Dexter
Like Delhi, the Dexter Huron Metropark sits on the Huron River, and the majority of winter activity focuses on hiking and biking on trails and trails.
Lower Huron Metropark – 40151 E. Huron River Dr. Belleville
Lower Huron Metropark has trails perfect for freestyle cross-country skiing with views of the Huron River and snowy forests. You may also see some beautiful wildlife.
Photo courtesy of Huron-Clinton Metroparks on Facebook
Oakwoods Metropark – 32911 Willow Road.in new boston
Oakwoods also offers cross-country skiing at nearby Willow Metropark and Lower Huron Metropark.
Willow Metropark – 23200 South Huron Rd. in New Boston
Willow Metropark offers sledding, cross-country skiing and hiking throughout the park.
Different sled hills offer different speeds and some are even lit up for nighttime sledding.
Willow Metropark has more than 6 miles of groomed trails and access to other nearby parks.
Photo courtesy of Huron-Clinton Metroparks on Facebook
Walcott Mill Metropark – 65775 Wolcott Street.in Ray
At Walcott Mill Metropark, you can tour a working farm and see how the barn animals live.
Get up close to cows, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, ducks and cows on the 250-acre farm.
You are asked not to feed the animals, but you can pet them. As the website puts it, “Do you like having your head scratched? So do our animals. Some of our goats and cows really enjoy being good pets.”
The farm will feature interactive programming on a variety of subjects, including sustainable agriculture, milk, laboratory wool production, and soil and water conservation.
Wolcott Mill Metropark, @lililarah