A wooden fence surrounds a snowy path in the woods.

A Winter Wonderland: Your Weekend Itinerary For A Stay in Grayling, MI

Who doesn’t love a good winter escape? A chance to get away from the fast-paced style of everyday life and relax in a place that makes you feel renewed. Grayling, MI is that kind of place. With fresh snow, frosty treetops, and a satisfying, calming atmosphere, it’s the perfect stop. It doesn’t matter if you’re bringing the kids, heading up with friends, or cozying by the fireplace with your partner, there’s plenty to fill your time, with none of the activities feeling forced.


Let’s look a little further into some of the best winter activities to do in Grayling, Michigan, and what a weekend stay could look like for your party.

A man and a woman are walking in the snow.

Friday Afternoon: Arrival and a Walk

Settle in at our resort in the afternoon, where you can unpack your gear. Before dinner, head on over to Hartwick Pines State Park (only about 10 minutes away) for a fun snowshoe hike through old white pines. In the winter, the trails are easily accessible and often not crowded, especially the Old Growth Forest Trail. If you didn’t bring your own snowshoes, don’t worry, you can find some rentals in town. 


After your adventure, grab a bite at one of our local diners or taverns downtown. There are tons of great options, providing you with all the comfort foods you could hope for.


Saturday Morning: Skiing at Hanson Hills



After you’ve started your day off right with some breakfast, spend your morning at Hanson Hills Recreation Area. It’s a great spot for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. For first-timers, the terrain here is low-pressure, making it easy to learn how to maneuver.


However, if you’d rather take it slower, they also offer snowshoeing, where you can explore their dedicated trails that wind throughout the surrounding woods. They’ve got all their equipment rentals on-site, so don’t worry about bringing anything with you. It, by far, is one of the best things to do in Grayling, MI.

A person is skiing down a snow covered slope.

Saturday Afternoon: Warm Yourself Up

After you’ve had your fill of adventure, it’s time to warm up indoors. Head back into town and spend some time over at the Crawford County Historical Museum. Here you’ll learn more about our logging and military history. It’s free, and best of all, it has a model train exhibit your kids will love!


Craving a treat? Stop by for a drink at Paddle Hard Brewing or Rolling Oak Brewing Company for a craft beer. If you’re with the family, Goodale’s Bakery has tasty cookies and hot drinks that’ll help thaw you out.


Saturday Evening: Stargazing 

Back at Au Sable Riverview Resort, the night skies are ideal for stargazing. Wrap yourself up in a warm blanket and enjoy some quiet time under the stars. Our riverside setting offers a wide-open view of the sky away from all the town lights. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights.

Sunday Morning: Hit the Trails

If you’re up for one last adventure on your weekend trip, drive about 20 minutes south to Cross Country Ski Headquarters near Higgins Lake. They’ve got well-maintained trails as well as a friendly staff to answer any questions. With trails suitable for all ages, you’ll be well taken care of during your trip there. Plus, they serve up some homemade chili that you have to try!


If you’re not interested in skiing, you could walk along the Mason Tract Pathway, where you can enjoy the river’s edge. Just make sure to bring some coffee or hot chocolate!


Fun on a Budget


If you’re trying to keep things simple, here are some great options for you and your family:



  • Build a snow fort or go sledding: There are plenty of public parks in town with great sledding hills for you to go on.
  • Winter photography: Bring your camera and explore the banks of Au Sable River. Trust us, the wildlife sightings in the morning are worth seeing.
  • Library stop: The Crawford County Library has kid-friendly events or quiet reading spaces, perfect for a chilly day.

The Perfect Homebase: Au Sable Riverview Resort

With wonderful views of both the forest and Au Sable River, it’s not hard to see why we are Northern Michigan’s “slice of heaven”. Regardless of the season you’re looking to vacation during, we’re your ideal pit stop. Our cozy cabins will give you the chance to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.


Join us on your next vacation and see for yourself why a trip to Northern Michigan during the winter is one that you will cherish for the rest of your life.