Chill Out This Winter in Michigan’s Thumbcoast
Winter in Michigan’s Thumbcoast is more than just a season; it’s a time to embrace everything that makes our region a special place to visit. The peaceful beauty of snow-covered landscapes and the excitement of winter activities create a unique charm. Nature takes center stage here, offering endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, such as birdwatching, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and fat tire biking. Along with professional hockey games, live theater, and other indoor entertainment options, you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable winter experience inside and out.
Featured Photo, Fort Gratiot Light in Port Huron by Andrew Jowett
Jan. 24-26, 2025 Icy Bazaar—The Riverview Plaza park comes alive with live ice carvings, fire pits, circus acts, music, and fireworks. 201 N. Riverside Ave., St. Clair.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025 Winter Carnival—The Broomball Tournament and the Polar Bear Dip into Lake Huron are beloved traditions that surround all the other family-friendly activities. Lake St. Area, Port Austin.
Feb. 1, 2025 Winterfest—Experience the magic of winter with dazzling ice sculptures, frosty festivities, and the thrill of a polar plunge! Bundle up for a day filled with fun and unforgettable seasonal excitement. Huron Ave., Lexington.
Feb. 7-9, 2025 Chilly Fest—This longtime family-friendly event has grown in popularity. It features bed races, a s’mores station, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice sculptures, a restaurant chili competition, live music, and a penguin hunt. 701 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron.
Feb. 8, 2025 Fire, Ice, and Spice—Stay cozy next to the fire pits to see a live skating and fire performance at this charming winter wonderland festival with family-friendly activities. 300 Broadway, Marine City.
Feb. 14-15, 2025 Shanty Days—If you love the Cheeseburger Festival, their winter festival is a must! Enjoy exciting activities like a snowball toss, ice tug-of-war, a polar bear dip, fishing and chili cook-offs, live entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks display. Downtown Caseville.
Feb. 15, 2025 Carhartt Day—Get your Carhartt gear or warm-weather clothes and join this indoor-outdoor party of delicious drinks, music, food trucks, and camaraderie. This event has been going strong for 12 years and recently expanded its footprint to a larger venue at McMorran Plaza. 701 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron.
OUTDOOR COOLED RINKS
Two outdoor cooled rinks use refrigeration to stay frozen, but even weather can affect them. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to check rink conditions before heading out to ensure it’s ready for skating!
McMorran Plaza Park—701 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron, 810-985-6166. Open for the season starting Jan. 6, 2025 with free admission 7 days a week, 10am-10pm. Free skate rentals are available Friday 6-9pm, Saturday, 12-9 pm, Sunday 12-6pm.
Gallup Park—271 W. State St., Port Austin, 989-738-5199. It’s free to attend—just bring your own skates! Enjoy a cozy warming station and outdoor firepits.
FAT TIRE BIKING, CROSS-COUNTRY, AND SNOWSHOEING TRAILS
- Columbus County Park—1670 Bauman Rd., Columbus. 411 acres.
- Goodells County Park—8264 County Park Dr., Goodells. 366 Acres.
- Woodsong County Park—3494 Abbottsford Rd., North Street. 44.5 Acres.
- Wadhams to Avoca Trail—8258 Imlay City Rd., Avoca. 12-Mile Rail Trail.
- Port Crescent State Park Day-Use Area—2616 Port Austin Rd., Port Austin
SLEDDING HILLS
Sledding hill conditions vary with the weather—call the numbers listed before visiting.
- Columbus County Park—1670 Bauman Rd., Columbus. 586-727-3717
- East China Twp. Park—701 Recor Rd., East China. 810-765-8879
- Palmer Park—2829 Armour St., Port Huron. 810-984-9760
- Gallup Park—271 W. State St., Port Austin. 989-738-5199
The 40-mile St. Clair River’s Bridge to Bay Trail is a birding paradise, attracting enthusiasts eager to spot various species. Even in the coldest months, the open waters create a haven for waterfowl, bald eagles, and snowy owls. Whether you’re an experienced birder or love watching nature’s beauty in action, the river offers incredible views for birdwatching during the quieter winter season.
Birding in Marysville by Nichole Flynn
Theatres
The boutique theatres performances here offer an up-close experience with powerful storytelling and live action.
Thumbcoast Live Theatres—Three locations in Marine City and St. Clair.
Enter Stage Right—609 Huron Ave., Port Huron
Lexington Village Theatre—7318 Huron Ave., Lexington. Year-round entertainment like comedy shows, live music, magic acts, and dance parties.
- Jan. 31—Comedian Rob Little
- Feb. 7—ABBA Revisited
- Feb. 15— The Ultimate Doors
- March 29—Teddy Petty & the Refugees
McMorran Place—701 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron. Year-round entertainment with family-friendly shows, live music, and theatre.
- Jan. 10—Abbamania
- Jan. 17—Spheres Bubble Show
- Feb. 7—Men are From Mars Women are From Venus
- Feb. 14—The Drifters
- Feb. 28—Wizard of Oz on Ice
MUSEUMS & GREEN ADVENTURES
Visit MUSEUMS for a complete list.
Discovery City Children’s Museum—Interactive, nature-inspired hands-on museum for little kids. Open Tuesday-Sunday with varied hours.
SC4 Experience Center—Natural Science Museum with hands-on exhibits. Open Monday – Friday, 9-5 pm.
Pine River Nature Center—Indoor nature center with interactive displays, trails, and a accessible tree house. Open Monday-Thursday, 8-4 pm and Friday, 8-3 pm.
Winter Ecotourism—Exciting news for nature enthusiasts! In early 2025, the Friends of the St. Clair River will open a brand-new, hands-on discovery center in St. Clair. The organization will also partner with Port Huron Museums to bring a major new exhibit, Wildlife and Water Wonders, to life, showcasing the region’s incredible biodiversity. In addition to these exciting developments, the organization hosts year-round workshops, guided nature hikes, and green initiatives open to everyone.
ARCADES, ESCAPE ROOMS, GOLF
- Quarters MC—302 S. Water St., Marine City
- Arcade at Wrigley—318 Grand River Ave., Port Huron
- Sperry’s Arcade—301 Huron Ave., Port Huron. Inside Sperry’s Moviehouse.
- Hallway Entertainment—1219 Military St., Port Huron. Escape rooms, game show nights, live music.
- Birchwood Mall Activities—4350 24th Ave., Fort Gratiot. There are a few options here for family-friendly indoor entertainment: The Gaming Lab VR Arcade, Carousel, Blue Water Jump Zone, Chill Zone Arcade, Sophisticatz Karaoke, and an AMC Movie Theater.
- Family Fun and Skate—1080 Wadhams Rd., Kimball. Indoor rollerskating.
- YMCA Indoor Pool—1525 Third St., Port Huron. Buy a day-pass to their indoor waterpark pool.
- Tee It Up—318 Grand River Ave., Port Huron. Indoor golf simulator inside of Wrigley Center entertainment venue.
- Solitude Links—5810 Flinchbaugh Rd., Kimball. Indoor golf simulator.
- Golf Country—4730 Smiths Creek Rd., Kimball. Indoor golf simulator, heated and covered bays.
FPHL PRO HOCKEY
Get in on the fast-paced action this winter at a Port Huron Prowlers hockey game at McMorran Place! Check out phprowlers.com for game dates and tickets, and don’t miss the excitement!
701 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron.
PAMPERING
Escape the winter chill and enjoy well-deserved pampering at an indoor spa. Warm up with a relaxing massage, rejuvenate your skin with a soothing facial, or indulge in a pedicure to bring back that feel-good glow. It’s the perfect way to beat the cold and recharge your mind and body this season.
WET YOUR WHISTLE CHALLENGE
Start the new year with our self-guided beer, wine, and spirits tour! With 24 unique stops to explore, including breweries, wineries, and distilleries, you can create your adventure and discover the flavors of our region at your own pace. Complete the Wet Your Whistle Challenge by visiting at least 12 locations, making purchases, and submitting receipts within the 2025 calendar year to earn a free hotel stay!
Share your stunning photos from Michigan’s Thumbcoast for a chance to be featured on bluewater.org, our travel guide, social media, or our partner pages with the DNR and Pure Michigan. Upload your images HERE. We can’t wait to see your adventures!
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Article by Katie Stepp, Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau – Discover the Blue Michigan’s Thumbcoast
