Discover Harbor Country’s Winter Side

 

Harbor Country
Southwest Michigan
www.harborcountry.org

 

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Michigan’s mitten is a quaint collection of towns known as Harbor Country. A thriving Mecca for summer travelers for generations, Harbor Country also boasts a wealth of winter wonders along the shores of Lake Michigan.

The 1952-acre Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer is the hot spot for cool fun in the winter. Miles of ungroomed cross country ski and snowshoeing trails meander through the woodlands and along the shoreline, including one six-mile trek designated exclusively for skiing.

You’ll also find some of the best natural hills for sledding and tubing at Warren Dunes, making it the ideal family-friendly destination.

Visitors will be awe-inspired by the way Mother Nature covers the sand dunes – some rising as high as 260-feet above Lake Michigan – with a blanket of snow. Combine that with the ice formations that are crafted along the shoreline, and you have an unparalleled photo opportunity.

Ungroomed ski trails can also be found at Warren Woods Nature Area near Union Pier – a 480-acre tract of virgin beech and maple forest (the last of its type know to exist in Michigan). Considered a National Natural Landmark, Warren Woods is a hidden treasure of Harbor Country. A Michigan State Park pass is required for entry for both (www.michigan.gov/dnr).

The 89-acre Robinson Nature Preserve, owned by The Nature Conservancy, is located on East Road in Chikaming Township, near Lakeside. Its beech-maple forest and oak upland make it the ideal place for cross country skiing, as it travels through the woods and along ravines.

Nearby, the 263-acre Chikaming Township Park & Preserve, located on Warren Woods Road, includes Galien River frontage and a 5.3 acre lake, making for a pristine winter setting. The park and preserve are open from sunrise to sunset.

The New Buffalo Lakefront Park and beach, located on the north end of Whittaker Street just across from the Galien River Bridge, also welcomes skiers who are looking for more open spaces and views out across the frozen Lake Michigan.

Snowmobilers are also drawn to Harbor Country. One trail runs from New Buffalo east to Three Oaks and then back to Galien, starting at Route 39 near I-94. A trail also extends from Galien across the state line toward South Bend, Indiana. Permits are available at several Harbor Country area businesses.

After a day of traipsing through the snow-covered countryside, warm up at one of Harbor Country’s quaint B&Bs, historic inns or hotels.

Harbert House B&B (www.harberthouse.net) in Harbert boasts a cozy living room fireplace, a beautiful winter landscape out every window and easy access to cross country ski trails. Bring in a group of family or friends and fill up all five guest rooms (accommodating 12 individuals) and owner and chef Nancy Watson will provide a festive dinner for you all.

Plan a winter retreat or spa get-away with New Buffalo Inn, Spa & Cottages (www.newbuffaloinn.com), in New Buffalo. All six guest suites at the main inn have gas fireplaces, perfect for relaxing with a good book, a classic movie or a nap on a snowy afternoon. Some rooms also include two-person Jacuzzi tubs. The Inn also offers six quaint cottages throughout New Buffalo.

Add a variety of spa services to enhance your stay. The on-site spa offers an extensive menu of therapies to purify your body, mind and spirit – including massages, facials, hydro-therapy and healing treatments. There’s even a couple’s massage and dry sauna treatment, for those romantic winter get-aways.

Many of the homes in the Blue Fish Vacation Rental (www.bluefishvacations.com) portfolio offer fireplaces and hot tubs, for warming up on cold winter nights. “Lofty Heights” in Sawyer is perched high above the tree tops and is adjacent to Warren Dunes State Park. With a wood-burning fireplace and hot tub (spectacular views included), this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home makes a great romantic or family retreat destination.

The “Unforgettable Cottage” in Union Pier features an indoor steam shower, outdoor hot tub and wood-burning fireplace, in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The three-bedroom bungalow “Sunny Side” in Lakeside also offers a wood-burning fireplace and outdoor hot-tub, just two blocks from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

At The Harbor Grand (www.harborgrand.com), a boutique Frank Lloyd Wright inspired hotel in downtown New Buffalo, several sweet winter traditions await.

Settle into a fireplace room overlooking the snow covered harbor, relax in a whirlpool tub and then wrap yourself in one of the hotel’s fluffy guest robes. Or, head down to the indoor pool and hot tub for some warming aqua-therapy. In-house massages are available, for singles and couples, upon request.

Who says ice cream is just a summer treat? If the urge arises, you can request room-service delivery of Ben & Jerry’s (24/7), with a variety of flavors available. In the morning, order up room service such as the Michigan blueberry bread and coffee from Uncommon Grounds in nearby Saugatuck.

Snuggle into the cozy leather sofa by the fireplace in the Terrace Room and enjoy a specialty coffee drink – such as the warming and mouth-watering Vosges Haut Chocolat. S’mores are also served up nightly, November through April, on the Terrace patio (complimentary for guests and just $6 for non guests).

If your visit to Harbor Country falls within the month of February, be sure to check out the various activities planned around the inaugural “Harbor Country Chocolate Classic.” Every weekend throughout the month will feature classes, tastings and other programs focused on one of the sweetest treats – chocolate!

Harbor Country Chamber
www.harborcountry.org
www.VisitHarborCountry.org/
www.Facebook.com/HarborCountryMich
www.Twitter.com/HarborCountry