If you are looking for fun things to do in Muskegon, Michigan, start with Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.
Park visitors get the best of both worlds when it comes to location. Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is a 501-c3 non-profit located within Muskegon State Park next to Lake Michigan.
Thanks again to Muskegon Luge Adventure Park for hosting my visit. This article contains affiliate links.
You can find fun at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park year-round but my favorite time to visit is in the winter.
It’s a great option for multiple “snowcation” outdoor adventures at one location for an affordable price.
Go Cross Country Skiing During the Day or a Night
If you plan on trying more than one activity at Muskegon Luge in one day, I recommend starting with cross-country skiing. There is a reason that there is gym equipment modeled after it. You will definitely get a workout!
There are over 15 total kilometers of groomed and marked cross-country ski trails. If you want a nighttime adventure, there are 7.5 kilometers of “Nordic Nights” lighted ski trails in Muskegon State Park until 10pm every night.
Cross Country Ski on Easy to Advanced Ski Trails at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
You can choose your own cross-country skiing adventure based on your skill and comfort level.
We were given a basic overview of cross-country skiing from the staff along with a map before we hit the trails.
If you are used to downhill skiing one of the biggest adjustments is keeping your poles behind you vs. in front of you. The back of your foot is also not secured to the ski to help with movement.
Beginners will want to start with the White Night Trail first. It’s on an easy, 2.5K flat trail. The next trail to try after that would be Spencer’s Advanced 2 Kilometer Trail.
There are 5 different trail systems to explore during your visit. I also recommend double-checking with the staff about trail conditions before you select the trails that you will go on during your visit.
Cross Country Trails at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
- 2K Spencer’s Advanced Trail (20-30 minutes) Expert Level
- 2.5K White Night Trail (30-45 minutes) Easy Level
- 3K Verna’s Classic Trail (45-60 minutes) Intermediate Level
- 4K Pete’s Path (55-70 minutes) Intermediate Level
- 5k Lost Lake Trail (60-70 minutes) Intermediate Level
*2.5K, 4K, and 5K trails are lit until 9:45PM
You can Arrange a Private Lesson to Learn How to Cross Country Ski
If you prefer to have more instruction before you hit the trails, you might want to consider arranging a private cross-country skiing lesson. Lessons are available for $50 per hour for groups of up to four people.
A private lesson is also a great option if you want to take your cross-country skiing techniques and skills to the next level.
Is Cross Country Skiing Family-friendly?
Yes! Just be mindful of your skill level, your kids’ ages, and temperaments. There is a learning curve and they might get frustrated if they fall a lot in the beginning.
How Should You Dress for Cross-Country Skiing?
I would recommend dressing in layers. You’ll want a base layer that moves sweat away from your body, a middle layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer layer.
Be prepared to sweat! I got to a point where I took off my gloves because they were making my hands too hot. I would recommend thinner gloves over thick ones.
Cross Country Skiing Equipment Rentals at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
All of the Fischer brand ski rentals come with ski boots and poles. They have boot sizes from toddler size 9 to men’s size 15.
*If you have your own equipment you will still need to purchase a daily trail pass or season pass.
Go Snowshoeing at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
Experience winter hiking on the beautiful snowshoe trails throughout Muskegon State Park.
Snowshoe equipment allows you to walk on snow and ice with more stability and burns more calories than traditional hiking.
As someone who is directionally challenged, I was relieved that there were colored ribbons along the paths to help mark the snowshoe trails.
Snowshoe Trail Lengths
- 0.8K Highland Loop
- 1.5K Lake Michigan Loop
- 1.0K Woods Loop
- 5.0K Lost Lake Dune Trail
Take a Snowshoe Trek to Lake Michigan
The “yellow ribbon” Lake Michigan loop rewards you with scenic views of Lake Michigan.
On the way to Lake Michigan, the snowshoe trail takes you through the Muskegon State Park campground where you might see a few brave winter campers.
Beautiful views of Lake Michigan can also be seen from the top of the Highlands Loop Trail.
The snowshoe trails are not lit at night but you can bring a headlamp if you are feeling extra adventurous.
Snowshoe Equipment Rentals at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
The Redfeather brand snowshoes are worn over top of your regular hiking boots or winter boots. They are sized based on your shoe size and come in a variety of lengths.
The staff can help you determine the best length based on the conditions of the trails and the types of trails you want to hike.
Your rental also includes trekking poles which help keep balance and climbing hills.
The snowshoes are easy to put on and feel secure while you are hiking.
Skate on Two Acres of Natural Ice at the Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
The outdoor skating rink at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is built with natural ice made with no refrigeration.
With 2 acres of natural ice, there is plenty of room for both family skating and hockey on the ice skating rink. There are also lights if you want to skate at night.
Ice Skating Equipment Rentals at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
You don’t need to have your own equipment.
Rental equipment is available at Muskegon Luge Adventure Park
- Figure Skates
- Hockey Skates
Toddler shoe size 9- men’s size 14
- Hockey sticks
- Helmets
- Pucks
*Helmets are required if you are playing with a hockey stick
An Ice Skating Trail in Muskegon That Goes Through the Woods
If you want a more unique ice skating experience, you will want to go on the ice skating trail through the woods.
The 1/4 mile figure-eight loop ice skating trail takes you through the white pine forest and is even lighted at night.
Guests ice skate in one direction on the 5ft wide trail.
To access the ice skating trails, you start on the family skating rink and then head toward the woods.
Guests still need to purchase a daily skate pass even if they have their own skates.
Learn to Luge at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
If you love the thrill of adventure sports, you will definitely want to try the luge during your visit. It is in the name of the complex after all.
As one of three luge tracks in the United States, Muskegon Luge is designed as an introduction for beginners to experience the thrill of the Olympic sport of luge.
Guests over the age of 8 can attend a “Learn to Luge” workshop.
I loved my experience of learning to luge.
During the 2.5-hour session, you are given safety training, equipment to use, and the opportunity to slide.
Your Learn to Luge session concludes after a competitive race with an Olympic-style awards ceremony.
If you or your child want to progress to luge racing there is a Youth Luge League and Locals Luge program.
*Luge tickets need to be purchased in advance due to the limited quantities of tickets available.
Go Sledding at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
Guests can bring their snow tubes or sleds to ride on the sledding hill on the property for free.
Warm-up by the Firepits
If you want a break in between outdoor activities there is a nice section for guests to warm up with multiple fire pits.
How to Save Money on Your Visit to Muskegon Luge Adventure Park
If you plan on visiting the park a few times in one season, you might want to consider the season pass for the best value.
Types of Season Passes at Muskegon Luge Adventure Park
- Family Season Pass – Includes your entire household with up to 6 people for skiing, skating, and snowshoeing all winter long. * ($25/each additional family member).
- An additional $45 for rentals for the entire family on the Family Season Pass (up to 6 people)
- All-Sports Individual Season Pass – Includes access to all sports – skiing, skating, and snowshoeing all season long for a single person.
- *Rental equipment can also be added to your Season Pass.
- *Season passes can be purchased online in advance
Daily Passes at Muskegon Luge Adventure Park
Each activity at Muskegon Luge Adventure Park requires a trail or ice pass.
Guests can purchase day passes and rent equipment for each of the activities when they arrive.
Where is Muskegon Luge Adventure Park Located?
462 Scenic Drive, N. Muskegon, MI
Muskegon Luge Adventure Park was formerly known as Muskegon Winter Sports Complex.
Compare every available hotel deal and Airbnb near Muskegon.
Need a place to stay? Book today to secure the best price!
We love the idea of the ice skating trails. What a fun way to explore the landscape.