When the snow flies in Oceana County, there's no need to stay indoors.

With all the wide open spaces and the abundance of natural resources, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you fit, busy, and happy throughout the winter.

Discover the Pentwater Pathway

Located south of Pentwater off Wayne Road in the Pere Marquette State Forest, Pentwater Pathway offers cross country ski enthusiasts and snowshoers 7.2 miles of trails that form four loops. It is under the care of the Michigan Wildlife Division of the DNR and the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association and is groomed regularly. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails, and those who snowshoe are requested to travel beside the trails. The paths are wide with a flat to moderate grade.

Explore the William-Field Memorial Trail

During the summer the William-Field Memorial Train is filled with bikers and hikers, but in the winter the cross country skiers and snowmobilers take over! At 22.5 miles long, the trail opened in 1991 and is extremely popular with people of all ages. It features restrooms, benches, and picnic tables along the way, along with the beautiful, scenic countryside. The entire trail is accessible, and once 4+ inches of snow hit the trail, it is considered quite safe for snowmobiles due to its relatively flat landscape. The trail runs through the communities of Hart, Shelby, New Era, Rothbury, Montague, and Whitehall.

Crystal Valley Trail in the Forest

Within the Huron-Manistee National Forest is Crystal Valley Trail, nine miles of cross country ski trails. Located just northeast of Hart, there are four loops, all groomed regularly, with loops three and four a bit more challenging. These trail are used primarily for cross country skiing...no horses, bikes, or motorized vehicles are allowed, and snowshoers are asked to walk beside the trails. These trails are also maintained by the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association.

The combination of fresh, cold air and the beauty of this region makes it a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors in Oceana County.

Also see:
West Michigan Winter Fun
Manistee County Winter Activities

Winter in West Michigan...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.