Winter Activities in Muskegon: More Than the Luge
Looking for winter activities? Think Muskegon County is just a summer destination? Wait until you see what happens when winter arrives.
At Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, winter isn’t a season to sit out. It’s an invitation to try something new, whether that’s racing down an ice track, skating through the woods, skiing across snow-covered dunes or exploring the trails on snowshoes.
Located inside Muskegon State Park along the Lake Michigan shoreline, this outdoor adventure destination offers plenty of ways to make the most of a Michigan winter.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a slower-paced way to enjoy the snow, there’s a winter adventure waiting for you.
Luge Like an Olympian
When it comes to winter activities in Muskegon, it’s hard to beat a ride down the ice luge track.
At Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, visitors can learn to luge on one of only four public luge tracks in the United States. The 850-foot track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and uses natural ice rather than refrigeration.
And you don’t need to be an Olympian to try it.
First-time sliders receive instruction and equipment before taking on the track’s curves. Participants must be at least 48 inches tall and 65 pounds.
It’s a chance to learn a sport you may have only watched during the Winter Olympics and experience the thrill of racing down an actual luge track.
But the luge is just one of the winter activities in Muskegon waiting to be explored.
Skate Through the Woods
Prefer your ice adventures standing up?
Trade the traditional indoor rink for an outdoor skating experience through the woods at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.
The park offers two acres of natural outdoor ice for skating and hockey, plus a lighted skating trail winding through the pines. When the winter sun goes down, the lights come on, giving you even more time on the ice.
Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the lodge.
Add snow-covered trees and a crisp Michigan winter night, and suddenly staying inside doesn’t seem nearly as appealing.
Cross-Country Ski Through the State Park
Trade the summer scenery for snowy forest trails.
Explore more than 15 kilometers of marked, groomed cross-country ski trails winding through Muskegon State Park, including routes around Lost Lake. With trails for different experience levels and many lit for evening skiing, you can explore at your own pace long after the winter sun goes down.
Don’t have your own gear? Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park offers cross-country ski rentals.
Gliding through the quiet woods is a completely different way to experience the park in winter.
Hit the Hills: Sledding and Snowboarding
Sometimes winter fun can be as simple as finding a snowy hill.
Bring your own sled or snowboard and make the most of the park’s snowy hills. Alternatively, sled rentals are available at the park. It’s another easy way to enjoy the outdoors and embrace your inner kid during a winter visit.
Did You Know? Snowboarding Has Muskegon Roots
There’s a little local history behind those snowboards, too.
In 1965, Sherman Poppen created the Snurfer in Muskegon by joining two skis together to create a new kind of winter ride for his daughters. The invention helped pave the way for modern snowboarding.
Today, visitors can see original Snurfers on display inside the park’s lodge.
It’s a fun connection between Muskegon’s winter history and a sport enjoyed on snowy hills around the world today.
Slow Things Down on Snowshoes
Not every winter adventure needs speed.
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the park’s winter landscape at your own pace. Follow snowy trails, take in the quiet of the woods and enjoy a closer look at the dunes and natural surroundings.
No previous experience is necessary, and snowshoe rentals make it easy to give the activity a try without investing in your own equipment.
Warm Up Around the Fire
Eventually, even the most enthusiastic winter adventurer needs to thaw out.
The park’s Fire Garden offers a place to gather around bonfires, warm up and enjoy a little downtime between activities. S’mores and additional weekend offerings add to the experience.
It’s a chance to slow down, warm your hands and enjoy the atmosphere after a day outside.
Adaptive Winter Recreation
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park also offers adaptive equipment and accommodations to help more visitors experience winter recreation.
Options include an adaptive luge setup, an ice sled for skating and a sit ski for cross-country skiing.
The park has also added the RightHear navigation system to help visitors who are blind or visually impaired navigate the park more independently. Using a free smartphone app and talking signage throughout the park, RightHear provides audio guidance and information about nearby areas.
Visitors with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the park ahead of their trip to discuss available equipment and accommodations.
Plan Your Winter Adventure
Ready to trade the couch for some fresh air? A little planning will help you make the most of your visit to Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.
Winter activities rely on natural snow and ice, so conditions can change throughout the season. Before heading out, check the park’s current conditions page to see what’s open that day: Check Current Park Conditions.
Luge sessions should be reserved in advance because space is limited and sessions can fill quickly. Day passes for skiing, skating and snowshoeing can be purchased when you arrive.
Additionally, be sure to review rental information, activity requirements and what to bring before your visit.
Because the sports park is located inside Muskegon State Park, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for motor vehicles entering the park. Michigan residents can purchase an annual passport, while visitors with out-of-state vehicle registrations can purchase a daily or annual passport at the park.
Whether you’re trying the luge for the first time, gliding across the ice, cross-country skiing through the forest or exploring snowy trails, winter activities in Muskegon offer plenty of ways to experience the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Winter looks good on Muskegon County. Come see for yourself.
