There was a time when winter in the north saw many small communities “close shop” until the spring thaw. Not today. Wintertime in Antrim County finds a bee hive of activity.
Nature is bountiful with natural snow, and snow machines to supplement nature to offer winter sports from late November through March. The outdoor lovers who do not ski/board are probably snowmobile enthusiasts and they will find trails galore, for those who do not enjoy these two popular winter past time we suggest Ice skating on the man-made rinks or the natural expanse of lakes or taking a snow-shoe trip at Glacial Hills. Ice fishing in a shanty or with a tip-up is another popular sport, fishing either with hook and line or with a spear.
Most shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots remain open all winter long.
Oh, how exciting it is when the snow begins to melt, the days have more than 6 hours of daylight, the temperatures are becoming pleasant and the crocuses’ are blooming – it is a sure sign that SPRING IS HERE!
A beautiful time to be alive – especially in Antrim County.
The awakening of nature is fascinating to watch and there are plenty of things for the active visitor to do; the smelt and early perch runs entice the fisherman and he can look forward to the opening of the trout season. Mushrooming is fun – and so is bird (or deer) watching. Visit a sugar bush or hunt for Petoskey stones. The spring countryside is at its beautiful best. Snap some pictures of the cherry orchards in bloom. It’s a breathtaking sight. The golf courses open early for the hardy souls, the air is delightful, and the spring fishing is altogether exciting. A spring canoe/kayak trip down the winding Grass River is certain to exhilarate the nature lover! Newly born fawns still in their spots are especially easy to see when you are floating quietly down the scenic River.
Let us sum it up – Spring is when the great north country comes alive with a Rush!
“Picture this: 16 hours and 51 minutes of visible daylight. On the summer solstice-the longest day of the year – that’s how much the sun shines in Bellaire. With the sun rising at 5:54 am. And setting after 10 p.m. how many things could you do in northern Michigan in one day? Get started with our list of possibilities!” – Chris Hale, VP of Sales & Marketing, Shanty Creek Resorts
Fall is the most beautiful of all seasons. Crisp fall evenings turn the entire countryside into a brilliant blaze of color.
Take a color tour through the highland by car or boat through the Chain of Lakes. See an indescribable panorama of beauty. Scenic country roads such as 593, 618, 620, and 626, Michigan Highways M-66 and M-88 wander through the most beautiful countryside imaginable.
The view from Dead Man’s Hill is a must in the fall It overlooks thousands of acres at the source of the Jordan River, a view worth driving miles to see.
In the fall the perch and the bass are waiting for the fisherman. Nearby Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan offer fall fishing for Steelheads, Lake Trout, Coho, and Chinook Salmon that you will find hard to equal, the golf courses are open until the snow flies.
For the hunter, small game upland birds and the archery deer season start it off. In November, the white-tail deer season opens, and the herd in Antrim is plentiful. An autumn vacation is a delight to the eye in the North. You will want to take a lot of pictures on your color tour.
