One might imagine that in an area where the pursuit of outdoor activities consumes its citizenry throughout spring, summer and fall, folks might pull back in a bit in winter. A little hibernation might be I order once the snow rolls in and the waters turn to ice.
Winter doesn’t send people inside around here. The weather just opens up a whole new set of recreational pursuits for those of us lucky enough to live here and the many who visit our area during the months requiring a bit of layering. We embrace both ends of the whole “Water-Winter-Wonderland” nickname with reckless abandon here in Newaygo County, all in pursuit of having a good time.
And we take having a good time pretty seriously…
Like your fun motorized?
Snowmobiling routes are abundant throughout the county with the White Cloud Trail embarking from the Sports Park Complex and winding its way north to the county line and beyond on well-groomed paths. Sled riders can witness a wide variety of wildlife as they wind their way past wooded wilds and rolling hills, then stop for lunch in White Cloud or Woodland Park to take in some local fare. The trail connects to trails throughout Lake County to our north with over 100 miles of continuous riding available.
Newaygo County is very snowmobile-friendly, hosting large groups from throughout the region and beyond who come for the outstanding trails to be ridden and return time and again for the friendly atmosphere they find.
Prefer your woods and water a bit quieter?
Cross country skiing is not only great exercise but a way to enjoy the feel of skis under your feet without having to wait in line for a ride up a steep hill you are then forced to somehow find your way down in one piece despite not having a clue what you’re doing. Or maybe that was just my experience.
While obviously not well acquainted with the downhill variety of ski’s, many of my most enjoyable hours have been spent on the cross-country kind in the company of friends or just a canine companion, gliding through the wood-lined lanes our area offers. Whether breaking trail or following a pre-broken path, the Visitor’s Center, Hungerford Lake Trail, Branstrom Park and the Coolbough Natural Area are just a few of the places offering a scenic saunter through wintry wooded wonder.
Snowshoeing allows for exploration into places not always navigable or even reachable in warmer times. Beyond accessibility into a wider variety of areas there are no special boots required and with its unhurried pace snowshoeing gives the hiker more opportunity for pausing to take in the snow-laden surroundings. Any of the many hiking trails favoring our county are great spots to spend a bit of time walking on top of the snow, always a pleasant experience.
Enjoy the solitude of the ice?
The ice fishing community that springs up on inland lakes as well as on Croton and Hardy ponds is substantial in numbers and enthusiasm. On any given day on any of the over 100 lakes in our county the ice men and ice women of the sport can be found. Some are in shanties ranging from the portable pop-up variety to opulent hand-crafted creations seemingly suited to housing a couple of fair-sized marching bands.
Others arrive with only a sled and ply their craft while sitting on a solitary pail. Most are aiming for a plethora of pan fish and a few set their sights on spearing a pike or two but all share a passion for pulling in their catch from beneath the ice.
The Croton Pond area has been host to one of the stops on the North American Ice Fishing Circuit professional tournament in recent years as well as the annual Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Tournament, a festival where fun is as central to the purpose as fishing. Both take place during February.
Hit the hills?
The Visitor’s Center and Branstrom Park boast a pair of premiere sledding hills where kids of all ages flock after a snow-fall to catch some gravity enhanced thrills. There is nothing quite like speeding down a snow-covered hill on a disc, tube or the more traditional flexible flyer and the ride off these hills makes the obligatory climb back up worth every step.
Skating ponds in Newaygo and White Cloud allow those potential future Olympians a bit of practice as well as providing an outstanding workout for anyone who laces up the blades for a few laps on the ice.
Newaygo County is a winter recreation hub with over half of the county’s area consisting of National Forest. In addition to providing visitors with an exceptional environmental experience, the restaurants, motels and bed and breakfasts in the area as well as a diverse group of businesses, cater to visitors with outstanding customer service and a welcoming spirit.
Winter in Newaygo County is a time to take it outside when it comes to having fun.
And like I said, we’re pretty serious about our fun.
Writer: Ken Delaat is a local writer and supporter of outdoor recreation in Newaygo County
Spring Fishing in the Rivers of NewayGo County
River Fishing & Spring Camping Cool, crisp morning air, your first morning cup of coffee brewed by campfire, sunshine sparkling across the river, and a full day laid out in front of you reserved for fishing. Longing for the simplicity of a campsite and a few days...
Trail Time & Hot Toddies
Instead of toiling the winter days away, cooped up indoors, why not venture out for some trail time and toddies? Newaygo County is the perfect destination for such an adventure, and we are going to tell you right where to start! Gear up! First….are you going to...
Fremont Gets Ready to Jingle!
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to the Jingle Mingle Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 12th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Fremont Middle School at 500 Woodrow Street. Organizers say that attendees will find many unique handmade gifts and...
Fall Hikes + Hunting Season
Hike Safely During Hunting Season Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy a nice hike on the trails. Cooler, drier weather, changing leaves, and fewer insects make it one of many people’s favorite hiking seasons. Autumn is a favorite season for other forms of outdoor...
Punch your tag & bring home Thanksgiving dinner!
While the average weight of a fall turkey is below 15 pounds, a bird of that size will consume roughly five pounds of food each week. That doesn’t sound like much but fall turkey flocks’ balloon in size this time of year. On the small side, a flock of just a dozen...
Harvest Fest Returns to Fremont!
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the schedule of events for the 16th Annual Fremont Harvest Festival, slated to be Thursday September 22nd, Friday September 23rd and Saturday 24th. The Fremont Harvest Festival celebrates the rich farming...
Hey Newaygo! Let’s CAN some food!
Fall in Newaygo County is full of rich colors as the trees change from green to reds, yellows, and shades of brown. It also is a wonderful time of discovering the amazing bounty of the fall harvest, presented at local farmer markets and roadside country stands. On...
A legacy of family, hunting & conservation: The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch
Welcome to The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch, an institution with a rich legacy of hunting, family, and conservation. A LEGACY OF FAMILY, HUNTING, & CONSERVATION OUR STORY Established in 2018, The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch is a 501(c)3 nonprofit...
White River Adventure
Early in the morning I left Lowell and arrived to drop my canoe and gear at Flowing Wells Park west of White Cloud. A short drive to the end of Bingham Road provided a great parking spot and marked the start of my bike ride back to the canoe. Having paddled...
Feel the ADRENALINE… with the world’s heaviest motorsport!
A need for power and speed is a desire dating back to the chariot races of ancient Rome. It’s a safe bet to say that there is no other sport quite like Truck and Tractor Pulling. The guys and gals that harness these incredibly high-powered machines on the weekends are...
Spring Brings New Life to Newaygo County
For a growing number of residents, that new life is in the form of baby chicks. As “Backyard Birding” continues to grow in popularity, many communities are amending or passing laws that allow residents to raise chickens. With most breeds laying an average of 3-4 eggs...
As the ice melts from Croton Pond, a new season drips into Newaygo County
As the ice melts from Croton Pond and we cautiously put away our snow shovels, a new season drips into Newaygo County. With cold evenings and warm, or at least above freezing daytime temperatures, Maple Syrup season begins to take off at Grey Dog Maple Farms. Situated...
Roaring through Newaygo and Mecosta counties is the beautiful Dragon Trail
Roaring through Newaygo and Mecosta counties is the beautiful Dragon Trail. This winter, my fiancé, two dogs, and I had the chance to check out the trail for the first time and we all quickly fell in love. In fact, we did not just go once, we went twice within the...
Newaygo County is the Perfect Place to Experience 1000 Hours Outside!
My family and I are avid outdoors people. More often than not, you can find us outside enjoying the four seasons of beautiful Michigan weather. From rivers and forests to trails and adventures, we’re pretty blessed to be able to explore Newaygo County that boasts the...
Q & A With a local SLEDHEAD and Snowmobiling Etiquette 101
My family has grown up in the Newaygo County area and we have been riding snowmobiles off the LP3 Trail system for years. When you see the staging parking lots full on a Saturday morning, it feels good to know the area businesses are going to see some out of county...
A Dazzling Light Display at Croton Township Campground!
There is something magical about Christmas light displays that bring out the child in all of us. Memories of car rides to see the neighborhood lights, with noses pressed to the window, are rekindled. These memories can be relived, and new ones created, in Newaygo...
Fremont’s own Award-winning prairie
Fall is my favorite season, hands-down. Between the fall colors, harvest festivals and some fresh-pressed apple cider, I’m one happy girl. A fall favorite event of ours is Fremont’s Hay Art and this year it was extra special. While out exploring the city’s Hay...
White Cloud- Trail Town Hidden Gems
If you venture a few yards off M-37, you will find some amazing hidden gems within White Cloud city limits that most travelers don’t know exist. Hidden Gem #1 If you're heading North into town, Rotary Park is the first stop you’ll make. Taking a right on James Street...