Winter fun awaits at area parks

With sub-zero temperatures, mounds of snow, and gray skies, Mid-Michigan winters often send many indoors to hunker down with a hot cup of chocolate. However, our area is filled with fun things to get you out of the house and enjoy the beauty of winter.

Midland City Forest
Midland City Forest, at 2840 E. Monroe Rd., Midland, is a 520-acre park of hardwoods and pines that offers year-round recreation. Winter activities include a sledding hill and skating rink, as well as groomed cross-country ski trails. Mountain biking is possible with studded tires.

The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., while the chalet, which offers equipment rentals and concessions, operates Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 12-6 p.m., weather permitting. 

Visitors are advised to check conditions before arriving, as weather can affect the availability of certain activities. Updates are available via the Rainout Line or the Midland City Forest Trail Talk Facebook group.

Hoyt Park – Saginaw
Hoyt Park, at 1300 N. Hoyt Ave. offers both ice skating and sledding on its adjoining hill at no cost. Skate rentals are available for $2. The park includes a warming house where visitors can thaw out after playing in the cold, and volunteers serve free hot chocolate and cookies. Skating and sledding are weather dependent.

Veterans Memorial Park – Bay City

Veterans Memorial Park, at John F. Kennedy Drive in Bay City, is the central park of Bay County, encompassing roughly 97 acres along the west bank of the Saginaw River. In winter, sledders frequently use natural hills within the park after snowfalls, and families walk the Riverwalk and open green spaces for casual winter outings. The park also features picnic areas, memorials and access to scenic waterfront views.

Emerson Park Ice Hockey Rink – Midland
Emerson Park has an outdoor regulation-size hockey rink with a smooth concrete surface that is flooded during winter months. The rink is free to all skaters; users must bring their own hockey gear, but nets are provided. 

The rink operates on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Lights are available for extended night use via a self-serve timer, with instructions posted on-site. The rink is open year-round during normal park hours and located at 2840 E. Emerson Rd.

Chippewa Nature Center – Midland

Chippewa Nature Center, at 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, features approximately 19 miles of trails through forests, fields, and wetlands. Trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and are suitable for both beginners and experienced winter adventurers.

In addition to winter recreation, the nature center offers educational programs, guided snowshoe hikes, and outdoor exploration for families. Parking and trail maps are available on-site, and trail conditions are updated regularly.

Bay City State Recreation Area – Bay City

Bay City State Recreation Area, at 3582 State Park Dr. provides extensive trails for hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park’s forested areas and open fields offer scenic views of Saginaw Bay and surrounding wetlands. Visitors can access designated trailheads, enjoy quiet nature walks, and observe local wildlife. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk..

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge – Saginaw

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, at 5050 Stroebel Rd., Saginaw, offers trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in a natural setting. Forested paths and open fields allow visitors to enjoy winter wildlife viewing, including birds and deer. The refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk, with no admission fee.

Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly, check trail and rink conditions, and confirm hours before heading out. Some parks have warming houses or chalets, while others offer equipment rentals for skating, skiing, or snowshoeing. Most parks remain open daily, but weather and maintenance schedules can affect availability.

Staying Warm and Safe

• Dress in layers: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers.
  
• Protect extremities: Gloves, hats, scarves, and warm socks are essential.
  
• Footwear: Use waterproof boots with good traction to prevent slips.
  
• Check conditions: Confirm trail, hill, and rink availability before visiting; snow and ice conditions change quickly.
  
• Stay hydrated and fueled: Bring water and snacks, even for short outings.
  
• Know your limits: Avoid overexertion in cold weather, and supervise children closely on sledding hills and ice surfaces.