Opportunity abounds when winter meets the holidays in Midland

Even when the temperature dips below freezing, winter is a beautiful time to get out and enjoy its splendor. From checking out the new Founders Crossing at the Poseyville Preserve in the East End, to walking the Tridge (the Rail Trail is plowed in the winter), or taking a drive in the country to enjoy some rare sunshine, there are many things to do. 

The Chippewa Nature Center has an indoor area to view many bird species, from chickadees to woodpeckers. Multiple feeders are shown here (hanging close-up) from the outside. If you want to try bird watching from the comfort of your own living room, backyard bird feeding is especially rewarding in the winter. The Nature Niche has everything you need to get started, or most hardware and grocery stores carry bird feeders and feed of all kinds.

In addition to bird watching, the Chippewa Nature Center has several miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or just walking. The trails are open year-round with hours from dawn to dusk. Visitor Center hours can be found online. 

Midland’s City Forest on Monroe Road offers sledding, ice skating (there’s also a rink at Emerson Park), and cross-country skiing for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages. This year has been cold enough to make a solid base of snow, in addition to what has fallen naturally. A warming chalet is on location with concessions available. City Forest also has equipment rentals. More information and hours of operation can be found at cityofmidlandmi.gov. 

The Midland Courthouse is located adjacent to the Santa House, and is also worth a visit. Displays include a nativity and a large blow-up snowman. Heading east into the heart of downtown, you can warm up at an outdoor fireplace and enjoy the festive tree lights.

Driving around town at Christmas looking at the lights is a fun activity for a special date night or an evening of family fun. Two places to check out include the house just north of the Circle on Jefferson and the trees at Down Diamond. Another place to consider is the Freeland Light show at Hayes Park. More information on light displays can be found at the Midland Local Lights map and Facebook groups.

 If being outside in the cold weather is not of interest, heading indoors to the Midland Mall on Eastman Ave. for some shopping or a visit with Santa should be on your list. St. Laurent Brothers should definitely be a stop this time of year, as you’ll feel like a kid at Willy Wonka’s at Christmas. Santa’s hours vary, so be sure to check ahead to find out when he’ll be there. 

Other indoor things to do in the winter can be found at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library and the Midland Center for the Arts, located next door to each other on Eastman Ave. Library hours and programming can be found at gadml.org, and MCFTA shows, exhibits, and classes can be found at midlandcenter.org