Two acres of ice rink, more than five-miles of lighted cross-country paths, snowshoe trails along Lake Michigan …
It’s all available at The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex!
Sports at The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex (MWSC)
The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offers an array of winter sports and activities for all ages — from 4 to 104! Even if you’ve never snowshoed or skated before or you’re a novice cross country skier, you’ll love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that the MWSC provides.
Here are the sports you can expect to find at the Complex:
Ice Skating and Hockey
Skating is a great skill to learn if you live in the Midwest. You can skate at the MWSC in one of three ways:
- On the family skating rink
- On the hockey rink
- On the lighted, quarter-mile skate trail
If you don’t have skates or skating equipment, the MWSC rents everything you’ll need. Sizes range from a toddler’s 9 to a men’s 14. Keep in mind that helmets are required for all hockey players.
Need some help gaining your “skating legs”? Skating lessons are available and are FREE on Wednesdays for youngsters 4 to 16.
Cross Country Skiing
One of the best (and most picturesque) workouts you can get in the winter is going cross country skiing. At the MWSC, there are 15+ kilometers of peaceful trails — many of which go along the dunes, through the woods, and further west toward Lake Michigan.
Never cross country skied before? No problem. Lessons are available for an hourly fee and can be arranged for up to six people at once. You must make lesson arrangements beforehand, however. Simply contact the Complex with your request.
Trail maps for cross country skiing at the MWSC can be found here.
Luge
The 850-foot luge at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is one of the most publicly accessible luges in the nation. Five-time Olympian Mark Grimmette also got his start here!
Never luged before? That’s no problem! You can learn to luge from trained athletes who will teach you the basics and offer useful tips for your first few runs. To luge, you’ll need to wear a helmet and pads. All equipment will be provided by the Complex, including the well-serviced Latvian or Austrian luge sleds you’ll be riding on.
Remember to purchase your tickets for the luge in advance. Each luge session lasts two and a half hours and includes the instructional period with trained and experienced lugers. Purchase your luge tickets here.
Snowshoeing
Instead of trudging through deep piles of snow, why not walk right over it!
That’s what snowshoeing lets you do. Snowshoes are shoes worn over boots and allow snowshoers to essentially walk on top of the snow (your feet won’t sink entirely). This means you can traverse large areas without fatigue.
Beginner, intermediate, and expert snowshoers are all welcome at the Winter Sports Complex. There are three different trails for all competency levels. One of the trails even takes you right along the shores of Lake Michigan! Snow shoes and poles can be rented at the Complex if you don’t have your own.
Sledding
Generally for those 8 and under, the sledding hill is perfect for family fun and is free for all. Because of its closeness to the skating rink, parents often like to skate while children sled so that they can keep a close eye on them.
Although metal runner sleds and snowboards are not permitted on the hill at the MWSC, you can also head two miles south of the park entrance to the Sugar Bowl Dune, which is much bigger, with much longer and more extreme runs.
February Events at The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Below is a rundown of what’s coming up at The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex this February. Check the Complex calendar here for more detailed information on each event!
- February 21 @ 5pm – 10pm: ‘Norsemen Family Night’ event
- Tuesdays: ‘Watch Us Go Locals Luge’ event
- Wednesdays @ 5:30pm – 7:30pm: FREE ice skating lessons for kids 4 to 16
- Thursdays @ 6pm – 8pm: Youth Luge Development League
About The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is operated by The Muskegon Sports Council, a non-profit organization. One of the core goals of the Complex is to make outdoor sports and activities available to all. That’s why they provide universal access in most venues, complete with adaptive equipment and programming that allows individuals with disabilities to take full advantage of fun outdoor sports.
Once you arrive at the Complex, the Complex Sports Lodge is where you’ll begin. The lodge is at the center of the park and has everything you’ll need to enjoy a beautiful day at the MWSC, including a wide array of rental equipment for all ages, snacks and drinks, restrooms, and more. Stop here for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, warm yourself by the fire, and rest up between activities.
Everyone is welcome at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, and it is a huge draw for families, couples, friends, and groups from around the state and the entire Midwest.
Visitor Details and Contact Information
From The Weathervane Inn in Montague, The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is just a short, 20-minute drive south along the lake.
Weather permitting, the MWSC is open daily throughout the winter season from 10am to 10pm.
Contact Information
26 Scenic Drive
N. Muskegon, MI 49445
1-877-TRY-LUGE
1-877-879-5843
A Note on Weather Conditions
If you live in Michigan, you already know that weather can change at the drop of a hat. For this reason, it’s crucial to check weather conditions before making concrete plans at the MWSC. This page provides up-to-date reports on trail and ice conditions as well as notifications clarifying the closing or opening of any activities at the Complex.