14 Oct 2013
With its beautiful landscapes and picturesque scenery, the Great Lakes are the perfect getaway for winter sports. Whether it's snowmobiling in Wisconsin, ice fishing in Minnesota or skiing in Michigan, the Great Lakes have plenty to offer for all ages and abilities.
Sledding in Illinois
This adrenaline pumping sport is popular with Illinois residents due to the abundance of great sledding spots across the state. In Chicago, James Park has become a firm favourite in the winter due to its size and close proximity to the city. Southwest of Chicago is the New Swallow Cliff Sled Hills at Palos Park, which also used to be a popular toboggan hill. Now the toboggan tracks have been removed for sledding, a 400ft hill has been left behind with a 50 degree slope which is sure to get your heart racing. For more information http://www.palospark.org/attractions.htm
Skiing in Michigan
With a total of 51 ski areas and over 1,000 runs, the slopes of Michigan offer some of the best alpine skiing in the Midwest. Big Powderhorn Resort, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a family favourite for skiing. The resort has been ranked one of the top five in the Midwest and offers 33 downhill trails. Alternatively if you prefer cross country skiing, Michigan offers over 3,000 miles of ski trails where you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of its beautiful snow-covered scenery away from the crowds. Find out more http://www.michigan.org/skiing/
Ice Fishing in Minnesota
Minnesota offers some of the best multi-species fishing in the U.S. and even has its own state fish, the mighty Walleye. A particularly popular destination is the Mille Lacs Lake area which is set in over 130,000 acres of beautiful scenery. Every winter, more than 8,000 fish houses magically appear, complete with stoves and gas heaters to keep you warm. On 25 January 2014, the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza takes place, also known as the world's largest charitable ice fishing contest. The competition attracts thousands of people with guests from all over the world hoping to 'catch the big one' and win the prize money. For more information visit http://icefishing.org/
Snowmobiling in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has enough miles of snowmobiling trails to circle the circumference of the Earth! A staggering 25,000 miles of pristine trails wind through the picturesque countryside. In fact, the first snowmobile was invented in Sayner in 1924 by Carl Eliason. One of the most famous places for snowmobiling is Eagle River, officially registered as "The Snowmobile Capital of the World." Eagle River has five snowmobile clubs with 600 miles of trails daily. A must see on your journey is the city's annual ice castle creation, an icy architectural wonder that has changed in design year after year. Every year, the Pro Vintage Snowmobile Olympus, a vintage snowmobile parade takes place in Hurley. The main attraction is the race around the half mile oval track on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Find out more http://provintageracing.com/
Winterfest in Ohio
Winterfest in Bowling Green is a three-day event of ice skating, curling and figure skating with free fun and surprises for all the family. The event takes place from 13-15 February and includes the Arts Council "Snowflakes of all kinds" artist's interpretations of snowflakes displays, Frostbite Fun Run, ice sculptures and free movies. Ice skating is extremely popular in Ohio during the winter months, with fantastic public ice rinks and ponds located across the state. From November through until January, Lock 3 hosts Ohio's largest outdoor ice skating rink.
Learn more http://consumer.discoverohio.com/searchdetails.aspx?detail=70441
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Editor's Notes
For further information on the Great Lakes USA, please contact Fiona Pettitt at Cellet Travel Services on 08456 020 574, fiona@cellet.co.uk
The Great Lakes USA is the largest expanse of freshwater in the world with a unique and diverse landscape. This region which is the size of continental Europe includes the U.S. states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
