The holidays are winding down, giving me time to breath and dream about one of my family’s favorite winter traditions: exploring Lake Michigan’s Ice. We usually don’t make it to the ice until the weekend of Valentine’s Day, but this year I am hoping to get there earlier and more often.

Stepping onto the winter shoreline of Lake Michigan is exhilarating. The landscape, filled with sand and ice and devoid of plants, calls to mind photos of the moon or distant planets. Wind whistles over the landscape, whipping up water and sand which in turn creates craters, hills, valleys, and icebergs. The brisk air and ever-changing landscape awaken our adventurous spirit — we are explorers discovering new lands.

The photos above and the following two were taken at Muskegon State Park. If you are up for an extended outing, consider visiting The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex (which is only a couple miles from the beach). Here you will have access to one of only four luge tracks in the United States as well as ski trails, ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing (rentals are available for each activity). They also offer a warming house, snacks, and beverages.

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