Ypsilanti is a go-to when planning outdoor winter fun. Scenic parks and nature areas offer a range of choices for outdoor recreation including mountain biking trails, sledding hills and disc golf courses, and hiking trails. We’ve highlighted a handful of area parks, nature preserves, and outdoor activities you can do around Ypsilanti to help you warm up this winter!

Riverside Park Sledding

Be sure to bundle up and prepare for weather conditions before heading out. Check out this Michigan DNR guide for residents and visitors on safely playing and staying outside this winter, and have fun exploring Ypsilanti outdoors!  

 
Winter Parks 

Many parks in the Ypsilanti area are open year-round to enjoy activities like walking groomed trails and cross-country skiing! Fuel up with a tasty breakfast or lunch takeout from one of the nearby restaurants, then check out these winter park favorites within the Ypsilanti area:

Rolling Hills County Park 

For an ultimate winter park experience in Ypsilanti, visit Rolling Hills County Park, open year-round and offers several activities to enjoy in winter months. Rolling Hills is home to the tallest public sledding hill in Ypsilanti at 275 feet and features a wide area at the hilltop to safely spread out and ride down! Visitors can walk along different trails including the half-mile cleared walking trail, or cross-country ski on three miles of groomed trails throughout the park. Disc Golfers love the putt-putt course for skill-building and the challenging two 18-hole courses open all year.  
Rolling Hills, playing in snow

 

Hewens Creek Park 

Located nearby Rolling Hills in Ypsilanti Township is Hewens Creek Park, well-known for its mountain biking and hiking trail system. The single-track mountain bike trail is popular among mountain and fat tire bikers for riding in any season. For those who desire a longer ride, use the connecting trail to and from Rolling Hills County Park! The park also provides several paths and trail loops perfect for hikers and their pets to explore through its 191 acres, winding and weaving through woodlots alongside its creek and pond.  


LaFurge Park, Ypsilanti

 

LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve  

Feel the fresh air and take in nature with 325 acres of woodlands and natural habitat at LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve, located in Superior Township. This hiking-only trail system winds throughout wetlands, meadows, agricultural lands and preserved LeFurge Woods. This area is known to be a top spot for wildlife viewing, pet-friendly, and an enjoyable stroll any time of year! 


Riverside Park in the Winter

 

Riverside Park 

Tucked between Ypsilanti’s Depot Town and Downtown Districts is Riverside Park, a 16-acre city park sitting along the Huron River. This park is a sledding go-to in winter months with slightly steep hills and tons of open space. Riverside is connected to Frog Island Park by the infamous Ypsilanti ‘tridge’, a three-way foot bridge connecting the parks to Depot Town’s Cross Street. When visiting the shops and eateries in Depot Town, admire the picturesque views from the Cross Street bridge overlooking the park and river. Riverside Park connects the Border-to-Border Trail from Frog Island Park to the Water Street Trail, just South of Michigan Avenue. 


Riverside Park, Ypsilanti

 

North Bay Park 

Known as a local favorite, the serene 139-acre North Bay Park located on the West end of Ford Lake features islands, bridges, an observation tower, fishing spots, and plenty of beautiful winter views. Hike the one-mile trail beside the shores of the lake and across islands and bridges along the way. The observation tower offers distant views of the park and lake landscapes, picture perfect for your winter walk!   

North Bay Park, Ypsilanti

 
Cherry Hill Nature Preserve  

For those seeking a relaxing walk in the woods surrounded by nature, visit Cherry Hill Nature Preserve in Superior Township. This 160-acre park contains a 1.6-mile nature loop trail taking you through meadows and wooded areas, and a boardwalk that leads to an overlook the wetlands and provides superb winter nature views. Cherry Hill is a great location for bird watching and other quiet outdoor activities. Remember to check weather conditions and wear appropriate hiking shoes! Trail conditions here may be muddy on snowy days.  
 

Cherry Hill, Dog in Snow
 
These are just some of the area’s beautiful parks and nature areas. Click here to find more parks and outdoor recreation
 

Hot Coffee & Historic Walking Tours 

Swing by one of Ypsilanti’s nearby local coffee shops, grab your hot drinks to-go, and plan an outdoor adventure around town. There are several self-guided historic walking tours featuring sites of interest for you to enjoy beautiful architecture and learn more history of the Ypsilanti community. Along the way are several locally owned small businesses including antique and specialty shops to visit. Learn more explore Ypsilanti through these walking tours and discover something new!  

Cultivate Coffee

 

Warm up with Dinner and Cocktails

Enjoying your time spent outdoors? Some restaurants in Ypsilanti are now offering heated outdoor igloo dining. Find a wide range of menu options to satisfy your tastebuds with vegetarian and vegan options at Bobcat Bonnies, and sip on craft beer at Corner Brewery

Corner Brewery, Igloos
 

Many area restaurants are now open for indoor dining and carryout. After an exciting day of visiting Ypsilanti’s coolest winter destinations and spending time outdoors, cozy up indoors while enjoying a taste of the town. Try a classic restaurant like Full House or Chick-inn Drive- in, or take home specialty pizza from Aubree's. Don’t forget the craft beer or cocktails for later! Whatever you might be in the mood for, you can find it here in Ypsilanti.  

Ypsilanti Water Tower in Winter

Did we miss some of your Ypsilanti outdoor winter favorites? Share with us in the comments below!