Winter Fanatics

Snow cover walkway next to river

Explore Winter in NewayGo County

EXPLORE WINTER IN NEWAYGO COUNTY

As soon as the snow flies, a new sense of adventure takes hold and our thoughts turn to snowmobiling, fat tire biking, ice fishing, and more.  NewayGo County is your perfect winter destination, whether this is your first time trying a new activity, or you are a seasoned winter warrior. Check out our top ten ways to play to plan a memorable winter getaway.

close up of fatbike tire in the snow

Fat Tire Biking on the Dragon Trail

Don’t let winter keep you from the trails.  29+ miles of technical trails invite you to an action-packed winter fat tire biking adventure on The Dragon. The initial trail segments will be regularly groomed to accommodate fat tire bikers. Trail heads are located at Big Bend Township Park and Hardy Dam County Marina. For more information on winter use and current trail conditions, check out The Dragon Trail Website.

Snowshoeing through a trail in a forest

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

Looking for the perfect trail for your winter trek? Newaygo County is home to 114+ miles of trails for your snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventure. Bring your own gear or even rent snowshoes from 37-North in Newaygo. To learn more about winter trail hiking in our region, click here, or read a story about the winter trail hiking experience in our area by clicking here, or click here to read about snowshoeing The Dragon.

Beautiful woman using mobile phone during shopping in wintertime

Treat Yourself

Plan a mid-week escape, a fun weekend with the girls, or a romantic retreat complete with a visit to The Skincare Center & Spa at Tamarac.  The spa offers an array of therapeutic services including relaxing massage, skin rejuvenation, and refreshing facials. Next, stroll the streets of our quaint small towns, then choose a local spot to enjoy a delicious meal.  The perfect way to spend a winter getaway. Click Here for more a map of the retailers and restaurants in Newaygo County.

River in winter

Winter River Paddling

The open waters of the Muskegon River or the White River welcome paddlers to experience Newaygo County waterways in all 4 seasons of the year.  Winter paddling offers a serene backdrop for experiencing nature up close in the winter months as wildlife make their way to the open water. Although as enjoyable as warm weather paddling, winter can present some challenges. Be sure to watch for ice accumulating at the river’s edge that could tip your watercraft, dress appropriately for the temperature, layer the bottom of your boat or kayak with a wool blanket to stay warmer longer, and bring a dry bag with extra clothing in case you get wet.

Big ice bass

Ice Fishing

If ice fishing is your go to winter activity, Newaygo County is your perfect destination for winter fishing. With more than 480 acres of inland lakes, from Fremont Lake to Croton Pond, you will find numerous lakes dotted with fishing shanties as soon as the lakes freeze over. For more information on ice fishing in Newaygo County, check here, contact Parsley’s or Hesperia Sport Shop for an ice report, or check out the DNR’s Fishing Report here.

Hiking shoes in snow

Winterize Your Exploring Challenge

Experience the winter destinations of our region with the Exploring Challenge. With over 120 activities such as snowshoeing at Loda Lake, seeing a show at the Dogwood Center, or building a snow sculpture at a county park.  Where will your challenge begin? Start planning on the Challenge page: https://newaygocountyexploring.com/challenge/

snowmobile on snowy trail

Snowmobiling

Ready for some wide-open winter adventure? The DNR designated LP3 Trail runs from the staging area located just north of the City of Newaygo across from the Newaygo County Welcome Center to the very Northern end of Newaygo County, continuing on through Lake, Oceana, Mecosta counties and beyond. Turn your ride into a weekend excursion & stay at any of the lodging facilities in Newaygo County, able to offer the perfect retreat for you and your snowmobiling buddies.

Family Sledging Through Snowy Woodland

Downhill Sledding

When the first snow falls, the hills at Branstrom Park in Fremont and The Welcome Center in Newaygo offer the best destinations for downhill sledding in the region! Load up the kiddos and their sleds and head to Newaygo County for a family friendly winter weekend getaway.

Majestic winter landscape

Explore the Arts

Ready to get out of the house for some creative exploration? Try NewayGo County’s public art installations on the NewayGo County Art Trail.  This self-guided tour will lead you to 25+ public art installations along a simple to navigate route.  Enjoy original artist’s works from murals to sculpture while exploring the quaint towns of our region. 

GET OUT AND EXPLORE MORE WINTER IN NEWAYGO COUNTY

With so many trails, lakes, and regional connections for winter sports, Newaygo County has no shortage of things to do when the snow flies.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling routes are abundant throughout the county and connected trails offering more than 100 miles of continuous riding on trails with amenities geared toward a great day on your sled.

Ice Fishing

No need to venture all the way up to the U.P. for an ice fishing weekend, come to Newaygo County and enjoy our pristine waters and big fish!

Fat Tire Biking

Don’t let the winter months dampen your cycling enthusiasm. Newaygo County takes winter warriors to the next level with trails perfect for fat tire biking.
People cross country skiing

XC Skiing & Snowshoeing

Take a scenic glide through the wintery wonderland of Newaygo County. Grab your snowshoes or cross-country skies and take to more than 75 miles of trails and almost 5,000 acres of natural areas ready for winter exploration.

Stories from the Trails

Early Winter Getaway

Early Winter Getaway

With the busy holiday season behind us, who isn’t ready for some “me time”? Maybe a quiet walk in the woods, casting a line along a rapidly flowing riverbank, or pedaling through the pines can provide the renewal you seek. Newaygo County welcomes all seekers to come...