Winter Activities
Just because it is winter, does not mean you must stay indoors! Harbor Country is rich with colder weather outdoor activities, sure to warm your heart with fond memories. Below are just some of the "Great Outdoor" experiences that await!
Area Recreational Parks
The following links will bring you to nearby public parks that offer winter sport activities. Visit their sites for open times, rules and restrictions.
Snowmobiling
The snowmobile trails are open from New Buffalo MI to Galien MI. Here in Harbor Country starting at highway 39 in New Buffalo, you may park your vehicle at the Plaza One Truck Stop or The Pub, and drive your snowmobile from there. The trails are very well marked. You must cross 39 to get to the trails. There is a trailhead in Three Oaks and in Galien. You may also purchase gas, food, and beverage in New Buffalo, Three Oaks, and Galien. The trail from Galien also extends into Indiana, toward South Bend IN and then south. The trails in this area are also very well marked. www.fishweb.com/recreation/snowmobile/trails/swl.html gives trails and conditions for all of Michigan. Snowmobiles must be registered and display a 3 year registration decal as well as a current trail user permit decal.
In the State of Michigan there is a $25.00 charge for a trail users fee. This permit is good from October 1- September 30. These may be purchased in Harbor Country at Knoll Bros. Gas Station 127 W. Buffalo Street in New Buffalo 269-469-2725, at Captain Cook’s Sports 400 S. Whittaker Street in New Buffalo 269-469-4510, and at The Featherbone Restaurant & Lounge 6741 W. US Hwy 12 in Three Oaks 269-756-6821. They may also be purchased in Galien, MI at the Bungalow Inn and Pro Mart Gas Station, both located on US 12 or at any Secretary of State office. The SOS offices are now located in Niles & Benton Harbor. You may also purchase it by calling MSA Association at 269-361-2285 or online. Snowmobile regulations are posted at www.michigan.gov/dnr
Cross Country Skiing, Tobogganing
Warren Dunes State Park, offers cross country skiing, but no ski rental. Great slopes for tobogganing. Open normal park hours, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 269-426-4013 or website
Chikaming Township has several area preserves that offer excellent cross country skiing opportunities website
Madeline Bertrand Park (Outside of Harbor Country) 3 miles of trails-groomed and electrically lit. Night skiing on Friday and Saturday. Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Rental available every day but Monday and Tuesday. 269-683-8280 or website
Love Creek (Outside of Harbor Country) 6 miles of trails-groomed and lighted. Night skiing on Saturday nights. Cross Country Ski Rental available every day but Monday. 269-471-2617 or website
Sarett Nature Center, (Outside of Harbor Country) Full service center with ski lessons, rentals, cross country, snow shoeing, and nature tours. Call for more information and hours at 269-927-4832 or write 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor MI 49022.
Grand Mere State Park (Outside of Harbor Country) This 371 acre natural area is one of the area's most popular cross country ski sites. There is no ski rental. For more details call 269-426-4013 or visit website
Ski Rental Equipment
Outpost Sports 3602 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN (Outside of Harbor Country) 219-259-1000
Ice Skating Rinks
Harbert Park is located on Red Arrow Highway just north of the Public Safety Building in Harbert at 13535 Red Arrow Highway, and offers free ice skating at the baseball field on a great new ice rink! It will be open during daylight hours during the week and under lights on the weekends beginning Friday, Jan 21st.
(Outside of Harbor Country)
Michigan City, has an ice rink it is located in Washington Park on the lake front in Michigan City.
Howard Park Ice Rink South Bend, IN 219-255-1130
The Ice Box Ice Skating South Bend, IN 219-288-3300
For Winter related events go to our Events page
Downhill Skiing
There are no downhill skiing areas in Berrien County. These two ski areas are approximately 1 hour from Harbor Country.
Swiss Valley in Jones, MI 269-244-8016 - Ski Conditions
Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles, MI 269-694-9449
