Winter at the Metroparks in Macomb County

Experience the cooler months at Lake St. Clair Metropark, Stony Creek Metropark and Wolcott Mill Metropark.

When snow first hits the ground, everyone is excited and enjoys looking at the beautiful scenery. Then, as time goes on, most people in metro Detroit are sick of it and thinking about what there is to do indoors and out of the cold.

But the Huron-Clinton Metroparks wants families to instead think about all of the fun adventures they can have in the winter time.

“There are programs for all ages and we invite you to stay engaged with us, even though it might be cold and snowy outside,” says Danielle Mauter, Chief of Marketing and Communications for Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Winter activities at the Metroparks

Photo credit: Huron-Clinton Metroparks

There is plenty for families to do at the Macomb County Metroparks this winter. Each Metropark offers various amenities and activities to check out.

Lake St. Clair Metropark offers opportunities to enjoy sledding, ice skating, ice fishing and trail exploration,” says Mauter. “It’s a great time of year to enjoy unique nature views you might not see in the summer, and of course the view is always changing depending how much snow or lack of snow we have.”

Lake St. Clair is a great walking Metropark with boardwalks and trails to walk on. To view the winter activities at Lake St. Clair Metropark, use this map.

Stony Creek Metropark offers opportunities for sledding, ice fishing, cross country skiing, fat tire mountain biking, wildlife view and exploring all of our trails,” says Mauter. “Stony Creek even offers low-cost cross-country ski rentals out of the golf course when the ground and snow conditions allow.”

Best yet, you can try all of these fun activities without traveling too far. You’ll need this map for all of their winter activities since Stony Creek is such a large Metropark.

“All the animals at Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center are still here to say hi to visitors exploring the farm center,” says Mauter. “Or families can take an adventure down one of our hiking or equestrian trails on a snowy day to feel like they’re walking straight into a snow globe.”

The amenities at Wolcott Mill Metropark aren’t all that different when the seasons change. Check out the Metroparks map to plan out your day.

List of winter events at the Macomb County Metroparks

Photo credit: Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Lake St. Clair Metropark

  • Beginning Birding (Jan. 13)
  • Little Critters (Jan. 16, 20; Feb. 20, 24; March 19, 23)
  • Wild Michigan (Jan. 21, Feb. 25, March 24)
  • Twilight Nature Hikes (Jan. 26; March 22)
  • Art in Nature (Jan. 28, March 16)
  • Science Olympiad: Amazing Arthropods I (Feb. 3-4)
  • Homeschool Adventures (Feb. 8, March 14)
  • Girl Scouts: Space Science Badge (Feb. 9)
  • Science Olympiad: Wildlife Safari (Feb. 10-11)
  • Science Olympiad: Starry, Starry Night I (Feb. 17-18)
  • Science Olympiad: Amazing Arthropods II (March 2-3)
  • Kid’s Night-In at the Nature Center (March 8)
  • Beginning Birding (March 9)
  • Paint Like Bob Ross: Lake St. Clair (March 10)

Stony Creek Metropark

  • Nighttime Nature (Jan. 12, 26; Feb. 23; March 15)
  • Let’s Go Outside Pre-K (Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 18)
  • Science Olympiad: Wildlife Safari (Jan. 27-28)
  • Nature Discovery Hikes (Feb. 3, March 2)
  • Tracking a Snowman: Stony Creek (Feb. 4)
  • Nature Arts & Crafts: Feb. 17)
  • Science Olympiad: Amazing Arthropods (Feb. 24-25)
  • Homeschool Series (March 6, 20)
  • Build a Backyard Birdhouse (March 16)
  • Salamander Migration (March 28)

Wolcott Mill Metropark

  • Maple Sweetness (March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24)
  • Farm Egg Scramble (March 23-24)
  • Pancake Breakfast at the Farm (March 30)
  • Sheep Shearing & Fiber Fair (March 30)

Photo credit: Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Tips for attending events at Macomb County Metroparks

Make sure to check out their events calendar to find out when registration is and any information you may need to know beforehand. This will also show more information about the event, including what ages the event is for.

“A good majority of these programs require advanced registration,” she says. “We recommend page exploration early and register as soon as you can.”

Since the weather can be unpredictable during the wintertime, you should also check their website before heading out to the Metroparks. Winter activities are always dependent on the weather and ground conditions.

“We recommend checking our ‘conditions and closures’ page before heading out to an activity that is snow dependent, says Mauter. “We keep winter conditions posted there as we start to get them and there is an alert bar that is at the top of our website.”

Also, there are no dining areas or concession stands open during the winter months at these Metroparks, so either bring snacks, pack a meal or eat before you head out.

For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.

Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Metro Parent's Audience Development Coordinator. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families in print and online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring metro Detroit with her son.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Does My Child Have Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Brought to you by The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation

Halloween Treats to Devour in Metro Detroit

Eat more than just candy this spooky season!

Take a Family Road Trip to Brown County, Indiana

Brought to you by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers



- Advertisement -