Feel-Good Michigan News – First Week, January 2026

Keweenaw Peninsula Hits 100-Inch Snow Milestone

The Keweenaw Snow Gauge, a local landmark, as the peninsula surpasses 100 inches of snow. Credit: @visit_keweenaw via Instagram
The Keweenaw Snow Gauge, a local landmark, as the peninsula surpasses 100 inches of snow. Credit: @visit_keweenaw via Instagram

The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan achieved a winter milestone on Monday, logging enough new snow to reach the 100-inch mark for the season so far. 

The achievement was celebrated by local personality “Yooper Steve,” whose snow-shoveling videos on the Visit Keweenaw Facebook page have captured the joyful spirit of Upper Peninsula winter living.

Upper Michigan Ice Racing Returns to Gwinn for 2026 Season – Every Saturday Through March

A quadcycle bike built for ice racing ahead of the 2026 Upper Michigan Ice Racing season in Gwinn. Credit: @michiganbajaracing via Instagram
A quadcycle bike built for ice racing ahead of the 2026 Upper Michigan Ice Racing season in Gwinn. Credit: @michiganbajaracing via Instagram

Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association has its 2026 dates set, starting Saturday, January 3, and continuing every Saturday in Gwinn until March 10. 

The family-friendly races feature motorcycles and quads competing on a quarter-mile ice oval track right in the middle of town, offering inexpensive entertainment at just $5 per carload.

Michigan Offers Free Snowmobiling Weekend January 10-11 Across 6,000+ Miles of Trails

Snowmobilers will be able to ride Michigan’s 6,000+ miles of trails for free during the January 10–11 weekend. Credit: @sledmichigan via Instagram
Snowmobilers will be able to ride Michigan’s 6,000+ miles of trails for free during the January 10–11 weekend. Credit: @sledmichigan via Instagram

Residents and out-of-state visitors can legally ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit on January 10-11, 2026.

It provides access to 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads, and public lands. 

This annual event encourages people to test out snowmobiling and explore Michigan’s extensive winter trail system.

“Raise the Woof” Comedy Show Fundraiser for Copper Country Humane Society Coming January 10

Raise the Woof Comedy Show is a fundraiser for the Copper Country Humane Society at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton, starting at 8 p.m. on January 10. 

The event combines laughter with a good cause, supporting animal welfare in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Echo Valley Winter Sports Park Opens January 1 with Tubing, Tobogganing, and a Circular Fireplace

Echo Valley opened January 1st, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm, with plans to remain open January 2-4 to finish off the winter break. 

The winter sports park features a 500-foot tubing hill, eight quarter-mile-long toboggan tracks, and a 2,100 square foot warming lodge with a circular fireplace where families can watch the action.

Isla Mae Molasso Becomes Traverse City’s First Baby of 2026 at Munson Medical Center

Isla Mae Molasso was born just after midnight on January 1 at Munson Medical Center, joining the tradition of hospitals across Michigan celebrating their first babies of the new year with families and communities.

Baby Connor was born at 2:37 a.m. Kicks Off 2026 in Upper Peninsula Hospital

Baby Connor was born at 2:37 a.m. on Jan. 1 at a hospital in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, marking another joyful start to the new year for a Michigan family.

Gladstone’s Lucy Hill Opens for Sledding for First Time in Three Years with Ample Snow

Snow sledders enjoying a winter day, similar to the experience at Lucy Hill in Gladstone. Credit: @wmuintl via Instagram
Snow sledders enjoying a winter day, similar to the experience at Lucy Hill in Gladstone. Credit: @wmuintl via Instagram

The Gladstone Parks and Recreation Director says it’s the first time in three years the hill had ample snow.

Anyone five years old and up can pre-register for two hours at Lucy Hill in Negaunee, bringing winter joy back to the community.

Grand Marais Tavern Experiences Slower December, But Owners Optimistic About Winter Season

Grand Marais Tavern owner Jessica Flynn thinks a more widespread snow across the region led to a slower December, though the snowy conditions promise a busier winter tourism season ahead for Upper Peninsula businesses.

Scenic Sleigh Rides Through Snow-Covered Trails Delight Upper Peninsula Visitors

The sleigh ride took guests through snow-covered trails with many scenic views, offering a magical winter experience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during the first days of 2026.

Monday Movies and More Begins January 5 at Muskegon Area District Library – Free for All

Beginning Jan. 5, popular movies and scores of other family-friendly activities are available at various branches of the MADL at multiple times, all for free. 

The programming offers accessible entertainment options for families throughout the month.

Sensory-Friendly “Paddington in Peru” Screening at Loutit District Library January 10

Catch Paddington in Peru at a sensory-friendly screening on January 10 at Loutit District Library. Credit: @auroracineplex via Instagram
Catch Paddington in Peru at a sensory-friendly screening on January 10 at Loutit District Library. Credit: @auroracineplex via Instagram

Loutit District Library hosts a lights-up, sound-down movie experience for all ages on January 10, 10:30 a.m. to noon. 

This event features “Paddington in Peru,” with flexible seating including space for blankets on the floor and permission to bring your own snacks. 

The inclusive event welcomes everyone regardless of sensory needs.

Days Gaining Sunlight Again – Michigan Adds at Least a Minute Daily Starting This Week

Cold, dark winter got you down? Here’s some good news: Beginning Monday, the days gain at least a minute of sunlight daily. 

The gradual return of daylight offers hope and a mood boost for Michiganders enduring the winter months.

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