It’s a new year, and boy are we happy to see it arrive! Let’s celebrate. Here are our 12 things to do in Michigan in January 2021.

Jan 1-May 1 100 Years of Women’s Rights Exhibit – Midland

America is celebrating a century of the women’s right to vote. Hence, the Midland Center for the Arts is taking a look back at the struggle and the triumphs. Women have always been central to historical change. They have shaped ideas, constructed movements, leveraged their social capital. Women lead where others have followed, and dream visions others never dare. Take some time to ponder the past, ans envision the future, at this fascinating exhibit.

January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Snowshoe Wine and Brew – Suttons Bay

Sundays are officially fun again, especially if you head out to Old Mission Peninsula. Every Sunday from now until March 6, weather permitting, you can hop aboard the TC Brew Bus. It departs from Jolly Pumpkin for a fun adventure. The bus will transport you to Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery. From there you will follow a flagged snowshoe trail across Old Mission Peninsula to Bowers Harbor Vineyards. Then, when ready, snowshoe back to where you parked at Jolly Pumpkin. Tickets are $28 per person and include parking. Plus, you’ll get a mug of Brys Estate spiked hot cider and a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay at Bowers Harbor. You can also enjoy a North Peak beer or Nomad cider at the Peninsula Room. Finally, if you want more, you’ll save 10% on Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak beers to take home.

Jan 9, 23 Skiable Feast – Gaylord

For the eighth straight season, Treetops Resort is hosting its skiable feasts. They are foodie adventures set in a pristine setting. Don’t worry about how much you eat, because you’ll get enough exercise to work it off. Participants can make the 3.8-mile trek on cross-country skis or snowshoes. There are stops at five different trailside gourmet food stations along the way. Tickets for this winter adventure are $89 per person. Couple that with a ski or snowshoe rental for a total of $104.

Jan 13 Auto Insurance Virtual Town Hall – Virtual

Michigan’s new auto insurance law may help you save money. However, it’s important to make sure you get all of the coverage you need. Navigating those waters can be tricky. That’s why the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) offers virtual town hall events. Michigan’s new auto insurance law lowers average statewide costs for most Michigan drivers. Yet it still includes the highest coverage options in the country. Lastly, it strengthens consumer protections. Participate in a town hall meetings so you can learn about the new choices. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to submit questions.

Jan 14 Well Aware with Michigan Medicine – Virtual

One of the great things about living in Michigan is our incredibly well-versed medical community. Take the team at the University of Michigan, for example. They put together an educational webinar to address questions and concerns related to the vaccine. Experts will discuss how the new COVID-19 vaccines were developed, how they are being rolled out, and the differences among the various vaccines. Participants are invited to submit questions. This virtual event will be hosted on Zoom at 1pm on January 14.

Jan 15-Feb 28 World of Winter Festival – Grand Rapids

World of Winter boasts 15 interactive art exhibitions, including the Singing Tree at Canal Park, Winter Tumbleweeds at the Blue Bridge, and Impulse on Monroe, which is an interactive art installation that consists of 15 seesaws that light up and create sound when put into motion by people. Bundle up and go on this winter wonderland adventure in Grand Rapids, then stop by one of the many breweries offering outdoor seating for a cold beer in a cozy setting.

Jan 18 Holland Museum MLK Celebration – Holland

The Holland Museum will be celebrating the life of Dr. King both virtually and in person. Throughout the day the museum will be posting MLK virtual resources to help families learn about Martin Luther King Jr.’s life as well as the Civil Rights movement in America. It is also providing an MLK Day activity kit for community members, which can be picked up from the front desk on Jan 15, 16 or 18. Admission is free on the 18th for a variety of activities including a panel exhibit of Dr. King’s life, a civil rights scavenger hunt, a variety of crafts, and Dr. King’s speeches playing on TV in the library’s lobby.

Jan 21 Martin Luther King Day at The Henry Ford – Dearborn

While visitors agree it’s worth every penny, it can be pricey to bring the whole family to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, so take advantage of this special offer. We’re celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the civil rights leaders who had the extraordinary courage to ask for more from their nation, by offering a free and SAFE day of inspiration at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation on January 18, 2021.

Jan 28 – Throwback Thursday Movie Watch Party – Virtual

The famed Redford Theatre in Detroit hosts regular movie viewing parties through its Facebook page. Some are family favorites, while others, like this one, provide a rare opportunity to see an old classic. The Jan 28 event features Frank Sinatra in The Man with the Golden Arm, circa 1955. It was one of several movies directed in the 1950s by Otto Preminger which challenged the censorship limits of the time. A jazzy musical score by Elmer Bernstein helps propel the drama in this edgy psychological drama. Sinatra, as a man battling addiction, earned an Oscar nomination for his performance opposite Kim Novak. The film will be introduced by John Monaghan, a Detroit Free Press movie writer. Organist John Lauter will perform opening music on the Barton Theatre Pipe Organ.

Jan 29-31 Zehnder’s Snowfest – Frankenmuth

For 30 years, Zehnder’s Snowfest has entertained and delighted visitors of Frankenmuth. Zehnder’s Snowfest is a can’t miss, winter tradition with larger than life snow and ice sculptures throughout the community. Although it will look a bit different this year, we encourage you to get outside with your family, visit the wonderful shops and restaurants around Frankenmuth and most importantly, stay safe as you visit the 2021 Ice and Snow Art Display. When you’ve seen enough, or seen them all, grab some of that famous fried chicken or get a local-centric meal from the fine folks at Michigan on Main.

Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Tweet @BuyMichiganNow to tell us about your favorite places or questions you have. We’d especially love to know if you make it out to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in January 2021. For next month’s events, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page.

Author: BMN Staff