Love. Fresh Powder. Trails. If that trio sounds like an amazing time to you, then a February spent in Detroit's outdoors may become your new favorite month of the year - especially with these top 10 outdoor events near Detroit coming down the pipeline!
February in Detroit's outdoors will always keep you guessing. One day you'll have your cross-country skis clipped in or snowshoes strapped on tight, trekking through fresh powder looking for backcountry ski lines. A week later and you might be running the same line with your trail runners, shorts, and a light long-sleeve shirt. At least that's how last February played out.
February 2025 is looking all-time though. A "true winter" vs. a "shoulder-season prelude" where we'll actually be able to properly ski the "Big Four" resorts. Or explore trails that are perfectly groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. Maybe even set out on a winter backpacking expedition or relax at a favorite "glamping" destination.
In this season of love, we encourage each of you to fall deeply in love with each sporadic moment that February may throw at us. And if you're looking for easy "Valentine's Season" date ideas, well, these top 10 outdoor events near Detroit will provide the perfect ice breaker for your new recreational love!
Spoiler: Keep scrolling for SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON RACE ENTRIES below!
1. Fall in Love with Winter along the Detroit River
Throughout February | Valade Park, Detroit, Michigan
"When in doubt, head to the Detroit Riverfront." That has been our go-to advice for visitors to Downtown Detroit for the last decade, and it has become an easier and easier sell thanks to the ground-breaking team at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
All February long, head down to Valade Park for a full schedule of programs and events, including the return of their signature themed weekends, winter wellness activities, and so much more. The highlights include their "Winter in Valade" weekend events," "Pack Walk" meet-up on February 16th, "Fireside Fridays," and "Self Care Sundays." On top of all of this, you'll have the opportunity to explore one of the best riverwalks in America.
2. Viva la Après at Detroit's Big Four Ski Resorts
Throughout February | Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Pine Knob, and Mt. Holly Ski Resorts
Of all of the time-honored traditions associated with a ski trip, you would be hard-pressed to beat a good ol' fashion Après-ski. For the uninitiated, "Après" is loosely defined as any pre or post-ski activity that typically involves a healthy level of rivalry or debauchery.
And don't worry, friends - Detroit's Big Four Ski Resorts have plenty of Après to go around.
The main highlights this month include live music at Alpine Valley, "College Nights" at Mt. Brighton, and the Dew After Dark event at Mt. Brighton.
3. Earn the Couch by Running the Super 5K
February 9th | Novi, Michigan | 8:30 a.m.
Let's all recognize an indisputable fact: we in the Detroit region will still be in a state of mourning this weekend after the Detroit Lions' loss in the NFC Playoffs. That being said...Super Bowl Sunday is a de facto American national holiday, even if the Feds never formally acknowledge it as one. And, whenever there's a holiday, there will always be an appropriately themed holiday 5K run to support it.
For the Detroit region, our premiere Super Bowl 5K run - the "Super 5K" - is annually hosted by our friends at RF Events. Lace up the shoes, burn some pregame calories, and earn that spot on the couch!
4. Learn a New Skill along a Winter Tracking Hike
February 9th | Lake Erie Metropark | 2 p.m.
Winter in the Detroit region provides several unique recreational opportunities. Cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are some obvious selections. But the snow also equips us all with the opportunity to develop a new, nuanced skillset: animal tracking.
The team at Lake Erie Metropark invite wildlife aficionados of all ages to join their "Winter Tracking" event on this Sunday, February 9th! The event will traverse the park's nature trails in search of tracks and signs of the wildlife that stay active all winter long. Metropark rangers will also educate participants on how the park's wildlife has adapted to stick around all winter.
5. Explore Your State Parks with Expedition Detroit!
All February | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
Deep powder or blue skies, freezing temps or 60º bliss. For us at Expedition Detroit, it doesn't matter what crazy weather February may throw at us - we'll keep leading guided trips across the Detroit region's most beautiful state parks, and we hope that you'll join us!
This month, we are planning a select offering of guided hiking, snowshoeing, and night hiking day trips throughout Metro Detroit. For anyone interested in our guided snowshoe treks, note that we offer no-risk reservation transfer options for any treks that are cancelled due to conditions.
In other words, we guarantee that you will enjoy a world-class outdoor experience.
The Expedition Detroit team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coach across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience.
P.S. Subscribers to our content get discounts on our guided trips AND online store items...
Experience a 5-Star Rated Maybury State Park Night Hike with Expedition Detroit!
6. Embrace the WTF Life at Winter Trail Fest 2025
February 15th | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 10:30 a.m.
Freezing temperatures. Snow-covered trails. Half-marathon trail racing event. If at least one of these descriptors gave you a "WTF?" sentiment coupled with curiosity, then congratulations - you've found your perfect mid-winter racing event!
If logging serious miles in the dead of winter is moderately appealing to you, then we strongly encourage joining the off-season running faithful at the the fourth annual "Winter Trail Fest." This year's edition goes beyond Winter Trail Fest's famous half-marathon or 5-mile race events, adding half-marathon and 5 miles "Ruck Races" too. Bonus points if you also join in June's "Summer Trail Fest Ultra and Half Marathon," appropriately acronymed "STFU," or March's "west side" "WTF" event, through the new "WTF-STFU 2025 Bundle."
7. Feel the Love at Cupid's Undie Run
February 15th | Detroit, Michigan | 2 p.m.
You really didn't think we'd publish this "Events Article" without a Valentine's Day themed race, did you..? Oh, and we found a good one. Strip down and feel the love (while probably going numb) at the "Cupid's Undie Run" through Downtown Detroit!
Join thousands of runners in cities all across the U.S. to support patients affected by neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and affects 1 in every 3,000 births. The run appropriately starts with ample drinking and dancing to warm up, followed by a mile(ish) run in your best undies, before concluding with an epic dance party at the finish line.
8. Ski under Candlelight at a Special Winter Trails Event
February 15th | Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area | 6:30 p.m.
Head over to Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area to experience one of this winter's most unique recreational events! The Michigan DNR invites you to cross-country ski (or snowshoe) a groomed trail through the park, but illuminated by candles at night. Then warm up by the fire with a refreshment. If there is a lack of snow, this will convert into a hiking event.
This event is open to all ages. Bring your cross-country skis or snowshoes (skis and snowshoes will not be available to borrow or rent). Dress for the weather. No advanced registration required.
9. Light Up the Night at Dew After Dark
February 21st | Mt. Brighton Ski Area | 7 p.m.
Back for its second year, the team at Mt. Brighton will be lighting up its terrain park with their epic "Dew After Dark" freestyle event! Beyond fully-lit jumps, rails, and slopes, Dew After Dark will feature MTN DEW samples, exclusive Dew After Dark swag, "Rail Jam," live music, glow sticks, and the good vibes that you can only expect at Mt. Brighton.
10. Run Off the Cold with a Frosty 5K
February 22nd | Milford, Michigan | 10 a.m.
As much as we love winter's cold - and take advantage of every opportunity that we can to #OptOutside during Detroit's coldest, darkest months - we must admit that winter can take its toll. Especially when it comes to gearing up for the 2025 racing season.
If this sounds like you, then we invite to you LACE UP with us for a "Frosty 5K" in Milford! We're joining forces with our #ExpeditionPartner Running Venture in encouraging the Detroit region to run off the cold in a community-focused 5K. All race participants will receive a custom winter beanie, finisher medal, and complimentary refreshments.
SAVE 25% ON YOUR RACE REGISTRATION WITH CODE "EXPDET25"!
Keeping with the holiday spirit, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to tell you all - our growing, dynamic community - how much we love and appreciate you. Wishing you nothing but the best for this month and rest of the 2025 winter season. And, as always, we can’t wait to see you out one, two, or all of these events!
Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.
Comments