Winter Activities in Northern Michigan
Inland Waterway
Winter brings numerous opportunities on the
Inland Waterway. While the rivers rarely freeze, the lakes
usually do. This provides great conditions for ice fishing on
the various lakes in the area. See the current Michigan fishing
guide for regulations. Snowmobilers and cross country skiers may
also enjoy the frozen lakes. Be sure to check the local ice
conditions before venturing out.
Crooked and Pickerel Lakes
Both Crooked and Pickerel Lakes are noted for
good fishing, and relatively deep lakes given their more compact
size in comparison to Burt and Mullett Lakes.
Crooked River
The Crooked River flows from Crooked Lake to
Burt Lake.
Burt Lake
This is Michigan's fourth largest inland lake
and is known for its wide span of water and its beautiful bays.
There are two nature preserves on the shores of Burt Lake, Seven
Springs Nature Preserve and Colonial Point Forest/Chaboiganing
Nature Preserve.
Indian River
Connecting Burt and Mullett Lakes is the 5 mile
stretch of the Indian River. The area where the Indian River
flows into Mullett Lake is a marshy area known as the Indian
River Spreads. The Indian River Spreads is a wildlife habitat
for a variety of wildlife including Bald Eagle, Osprey, Otters
and Loons and other waterfowl.
Mullett Lake
This is Michigan's fifth largest inland lake.
Enjoy ice fishing on this deep lake.
Cheboygan River
This is the largest river in the Waterway system
and it flows into Lake Huron. At is mouth, the Coast Guard
Cutter "Mackinaw" makes its home. A drawbridge spans the river
downtown and a gate lock raises and lowers boats 12 feet.
Sturgeon River Rafting
Trips
Guided winter rafting trips are available at
Big Bear Adventures. Imagine floating down the crystal clear
Sturgeon River amidst the snow covered evergreens. Also
available for rental at Big Bear Adventures are cross-country
skis and snow shoes.
For more information contact:
Big Bear Adventures
Phone: (231) 238-8181
Silent Sport Lodge
This serene Bed and Breakfast on the West Branch
of the Sturgeon River is a peaceful retreat with many activities
available all year round. In winter, activities include
snowshoeing, cross country skiing and dog sled rides.
For more information contact:
Silent Sport Lodge
Phone: (231) 525-6166
Website:
www.silentsportlodge.com
Cooperation Park
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking,
ice skating, hockey and sledding will be tons of fun when the
snow arrives at Cooperation Park. Located just south of the town
of Indian River, this great facility has something for everyone.
For more information contact:
Tuscarora Township Parks Commission
Phone: (231) 238-7865
Fishing
There are many lakes available for ice
fishing in the area, including a limited license drawing for
Sturgeon fishing on Black Lake beginning the first Saturday in
February. Also, the Sturgeon River is open to fishing year
around from Burt Lake upstream to Wolverine. See the current
Michigan fishing guide for regulations and seasons.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
North Central State
Trail/Snowmobiling
When the snow flies, it is time for the
snowmobiles to hit the trail. Snowmobilers will have a great
ride through the beautiful woodlands and along the west shore of
Mullett Lake. This trail is groomed. Speed limits and restricted
hours are enforced on portions of the trail. Additionally, there
are hundreds of miles of other groomed snowmobile trails in the
area for you to enjoy.
View map
(pdf)
For more information Contact:
Top of Michigan Trails Council
Phone: (231) 348-8280
Website:
www.trailscouncil.org
Elk Viewing
Visitors to Indian River are only minutes away
from the Pigeon River Country State Forest, a prime location for
catching a glimpse of the largest free-roaming elk herd east of
the Mississippi. Stop by the Chamber office to pick up an elk
viewing map.
For more information contact:
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov.dnr
Hunting
There are many thousands of acres of state
land available for you to pursue the various types of hunting
northern Michigan offers in the winter including coyote, bobcat,
small game and land and water trapping. In addition, there is a
limited license drawing elk hunt in December. See the current
Michigan hunting and trapping guide for regulations and seasons.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
 Cross
Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is offered at the Indian
River golf course during the winter months. There is also cross
country skiing available on both the Wildwood Hills pathway and
the Black Mt. Forest Trail. All of these trails are groomed for
the winter. We have several businesses that can set you up with
rental equipment if you would like to give this peaceful way to
enjoy the woods in the winter a try.
For more information contact:
Indian River Golf Club
Phone: (231) 238-7011
Website:
www.indianrivergolfclub.com
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone: (989) 732-3541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiing is available at nearby Harbor
Springs. This resort has won awards for best terrain park, best
grooming and best snowmaking in the Midwest. This family
oriented ski area has challenging slopes for all skill levels.
Equipment rentals and instruction are available.
For more information contact:
Nub’s Nob Ski Resort
Phone: (231) 526-2131
Website:
www.nubsnob.com
Geocaching
Opportunities to participate in this fun
worldwide game of hiding and seeking abound in the Indian River
Area. There are traditional, multi and earth caches for every
skill level. The Indian River zip code is 49749.
For more information contact:
Geocaching – the official Global GPS Cache Hunt Website:
www.geocaching.com
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding opportunities exist in the
nearby Pigeon River Country and Lee Grand Ranch area. For those
horse owners who enjoy peaceful, quiet, wooded areas, these
trails are for you.
For more information contact:
Dept of Natural Resources
Gaylord District Office
Phone :(989) 732-2541
Website:
www.michigan.gov/dnr
The Cross in the Woods
Join us for worship Year Round:
Saturday: 4:30 pm
Sunday: 8:30am (indoor) and 10:30am
Monday thru Friday: 8:30am and Noon
In 1954, the Cross, made from a Redwood tree was
erected. Renowned Michigan sculptor, Marshall M. Fredericks
created a bronze image of the crucified Jesus which was raised
into place in 1959 to complete the Crucifix.
Interesting Statistics about the Cross
1953 Redwood tree cut down in the mountains of Oregon.
1954 Cross is 55 feet high, 22 feet wide
1959 Corpus (or body) designed by Marshall Fredericks was cast
in bronze at a foundry in Norway, weighing 7 tons, 28 feet head
to toe, and outstretched arms span 21 feet.
1992 Corpus was cleaned and Cross repainted beige to emphasize
the bronze corpus.
Corpus is cleaned and waxed every two years.
For More Information Contact:
The Cross in the Woods
Phone: (231) 238-8973
Website:
www.crossinthewoods.com
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