Hiawatha National Forest Winter

Winter Fun

Schoolcraft County, Michigan

If you use the town of Manistique as your winter base camp, you may need help in deciding what to do first in the blanket of snow. Schoolcraft County offers ample opportunities for fans of snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

Manistique Winter

For anyone into cross-country skiing, the Indian Lake Pathway Ski Trail would be an excellent place to start. Just out of town on the west side of Indian Lake, the Indian Lake Pathways Ski Trail offer trails ranging from just under a mile in length to eight miles.

Other popular winter pursuits would include snowshoeing and there is no better spot for that than the Rainey Memorial Wildlife Area. Located on the northeast end of Indian Lake, the Rainey Wildlife Area is a cooperative project between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Conservation Foundation. At the end of the trail is a large open marshy area that is home to several species of wildlife.

Even if the wildlife doesn’t cooperate, good friends and good food always adds up to a good time.

Indian Lake State Park
Manistique Snowmobiles
Manistique Lighthouse

Another must-see winter scene in Schoolcraft County would have to be Kitchi-ti-kipi, or the Big Spring. Accessible in winter only by skis, snowshoes and snowmobile, the Big Spring are as lovely to see framed in white as it is in the other seasons and at this time of year you'll probably have it all to yourself.

Don't think for a minute that we've forgotten about the snowmobiling possibilities in Schoolcraft County. There's opportunity aplenty with hundreds of miles of groomed trails leading off in every direction regardless of where you start. One interesting place in particular is the "Thunder Bowl." An old abandoned ski hill, the Thunder Bowl is now the playground of snowmobiles and sledders alike.

Manistique Area Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling

Schoolcraft County

The Upper Peninsula is a true destination for snowmobilers. Whether you want to take a quick ride along the Manistique River on a scenic trail or tap into the more than 2,000 miles of groomed trails the U.P. offers, there’s something for every snowmobiler.

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Manistique Area Cross Country Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing

Schoolcraft County

When winter snows turn the Upper Peninsula into a frozen wonderland, there’s no better way to explore the glittery unknown than by putting on a pair of skis or snowshoes and hitting the trails.

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Bishop Baraga Shrine
Snowshoeing

Schoolcraft County

When winter snows turn the Upper Peninsula into a frozen wonderland, there’s no better way to explore the glittery unknown than by putting on a pair of skis or snowshoes and hitting the trails.

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Manistique Area Fishing
Ice Fishing

Schoolcraft County

Schoolcraft County has an abundance of pristine lakes, rivers and bays teeming with fish just waiting for you to drop a line and catch the lunker you have been dreaming about.

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Kitch-iti-kipi
Christmas Tree Ship
Environmental Education Lab
Manistique Snowshoeing
Rainey Wildlife Area
Snowshoeing Manistique
Dogs Ice Fishing
Indian Lake State Park
Fayette State Park

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