Our state is a winter wonderland for a little while longer, so get out and enjoy these 12 things to do in Michigan in February 2022.
February 3-6 Michigan International Auto Show – Grand Rapids
After a year of interruption, this popular showcase of available vehicles is back. Visitors will find trucks, SUV’s, crossovers, hybrids, electrics, luxury and performance vehicles throughout DeVos Place. In addition to the latest sets of wheels on the market, the nearby Gilmore Car Museum will feature a portion of its historic collection on site. You can also dream big, while browsing the Million Dollar Motorway, which is filled with vehicles that retail for over $100,000 each. Tickets are $12 each, or $5 for kids aged 6-14. Little ones 5 and under are admitted at no cost.
February 4-6 Winter Blast – Royal Oak
It’s a big year for this annual extravaganza. After years of being nestled between skyscrapers in Detroit, the event is moving to Royal Oak. It will take place east of Main and South of 11 Mile near the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market and Centennial Park. The venue has changed, but the multitude of ways to celebrate the season remain much the same. Expect an outdoor skating rink, ice sculptures, live music, food trucks, marshmallow roasters, the popular Winter Slide, a zipline, and even a Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge. Between activities, be sure to warm up your body, and perhaps even a credit card at the many independent shops and eateries around Royal Oak.
February 4-6 Ice Breaker Festival – South Haven
Let’s face it, any weekend is a fun one, when you head to the shore, regardless of the season. The friendly people of South Haven will warm your heart, as you brave their cool streets. Check out incredible ice sculptures and the always enjoyable cardboard sled races. Take a page out of a popular Seattle destination’s tourism book, and try your hand at flinging frozen fish! The longest toss catches the cash prize. You’ll also find hot chili for your tummy and cold ice for skating or curling. Plenty of pubs and shops abound to add to the experience.
February 9-12 Winter Carnival – Houghton
Wow, this will be the 100th Winter Carnival at Michigan Tech! Organized by Blue Key National Honor Society since 1934, Winter Carnival started in 1922 and has grown to become one of the largest annual winter festivals in the nation. Featuring dozens of huge, intricate snow statues all around campus and the community, this event also brings together students to participate in broomball, comedy skits, sleigh rides, a queen coronation, and lots of winter fun. It’s a phenomenal reason to head up to the Yoop.
February 9-13 Michigan Ice Fest – Munising
While in the Upper Peninsula, the same weekend as the MTU fest, you can also enjoy some of the iciest spots off of Lake Superior. Locals invite you to get active and join them in one of their favorite winter pursuits. Test your skills at ice climbing. This is a unique and exciting outdoor sport unlike any you’ve likely tried before. Visitors of any skill level are welcome to participate, with classes and gear available for beginners. This festival, a Munising tradition for 30 years, should be a destination for anyone who loves outdoor winter sports. If you’re not ready to try yourself, it’s still a wonderful opportunity to see the stunning frozen waterfalls and meet and watch some ice climbing pros in action.
February 12 Chocolate Extravaganza – Chelsea
It’s hard not to rally behind an event built around that luscious, gooey, decadent treat known as chocolate. Whether you prefer milk or dark, drinking or eating, on its own or bedecked with caramel and other wonders, this event is for you. Chocolate makers and bakers will be demonstrating their crafts. Kiddies from 2-7can get in on a penguin egg hunt. A juggler will add to the merriment, as you wander from shop to shop exploring this adorable town and soothing your sweet tooth. Look for chances to win special prizes and great sales and eats along the way.
February 13 Winter Ice Festival – Sault Ste Marie
Mark the calendar for what’s sure to be a fun day in the Soo in 2022. Chainsaws, chisels, and blowtorches will be the tools of choice for ice artists during this annual celebration at the site of Michigan’s first settlement. Take in a real life march of the penguins at 2 p.m. Costumes will be available for children, while supplies last at Cup of the Day starting at 1 p.m. Once the kiddos are suited up, a live ice carving will begin in front of the coffee shop, followed by a parade of the little waddlers. Be sure to also check out the model train exhibit at the Chippewa County Historical Society.
February 17-21 UP 200 Sled Dog Races – Marquette
If you’ve always wondered what it would be like to witness the world famous Iditarod in Alaska, but doubt you’ll get the chance, add this to your Michigan bucket list. UP200 is one of America’s premier 12-dog, mid-distance sled dog races, and a qualifier for the Iditarod. As such, it draws mushers from around the United States and Canada. The 230-mile roundtrip run from Marquette to Grand Marais includes near-wilderness, creek crossings, hills and valleys, and heavily forested land. While in the area you can also cheer on teams in the 90-mile Midnight Run and/or the 26-mile Jack Pine race. It’s a thrill to see these canine athletes up close and in action.
February 18-22 & 25-27 Winter State Games of Michigan – Grand Rapids & Marquette
Excited about the Olympics, but wish you could see the competition live? Why not check out the Meijer State Games of Michigan? It’s a multi-sport, Olympic-style event that welcomes all athletes regardless of age or ability. The Opening Ceremony even features a parade of athletes, lighting of the cauldron, and some great entertainment. From February 18-22, Grand Rapids will play host, and for the first time this year, Marquette takes over February 25-27. Participate or cheer on athletes competing in archery, badminton, basketball, bowling, cross-country skiing, curling, darts, disc golf, fencing, figure skating, ice hockey, karate, luge, ninja, Nordic combined, ski and snowboard, ski jumping, shooting, swimming, wrestling, and virtual reality.
February 19-May 8 Apollo Exhibit at The Henry Ford – Dearborn
The space race really heated up last year with privateers firing up launch pads. It may not be long before space tourism is as common as hopping a flight to Florida. That’s what makes this an ideal time to look back at the brave and brilliant pioneers that helped us get here. Apollo: When We Went to the Moon is an out-of-this-world glimpse into the cultural, technological and political context of the moon landing, available at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation beginning this month. Go behind-the-scenes and relive, or for some, experience for the first time, Neil Armstrong’s initial steps on the moon. Help your kids discover how the space race and Apollo missions inspired generations of Americans to reach for the stars.
February 25-26 Michigan Snowmobile Festival – Gaylord
For those who love snowmobiling, Gaylord is the place to be, and there’s no better weekend to choose than this. Maps with highlighted stops will be given out at registration, and sledders are invited to stop and start or hit hot spots in whatever time or order works for them. A guided ride will kick off from the Tourism Office on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. This year’s stops include: Alpine Tavern, Big Buck Brewery, , Corwith Station, Elkhorn Grill, The Keg Bar & Grille, Mama Leone’s, Paul’s Pub, Porter Haus, and Treetops Resort. End the day with a party at the Eagles Hall. The event even includes an opportunity to claim a $1,000 grand prize.
February 26 16th Annual Winter Beer Festival – Grand Rapids
It may be too cold to catch a game at a ballpark, but that doesn’t mean fun can’t be had at such a destination, especially when the ballpark is in Comstock, and the Michigan Brewer’s Guild is on the mound. This fiesta features more than a hundred Michigan breweries and about a thousand tasting choices. Each $55 guest ticket comes with 15 tasting tokens which can each be exchanged for a 3 oz. sample to sip while enjoying fine music from local bands. You can also chill by an ice sculpture or hit a fire pit to warm those toes. Food will be available onsite for purchase.
Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Tweet @BuyMichiganNow or tag us in a picture on Instagram when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in February 2022. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.
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