In the winter, outdoor activities exist in Delta County for enthusiasts of various hobbies. Residents and visitors alike enjoy taking tubing to the next level on downhill runs in Gladstone, strapping on cross-country skis or snowshoes at local trails, and drilling through the ice of the Bays de Noc for world-renowned fishing in the height of its season.

ICE FISHING

As its borders curve around the Stonington and Garden Peninsulas, Delta County has the longest freshwater shoreline of any county in the entire U.S. Because Little Bay de Noc is a smaller and more protected body of water than other parts of the big lake, it is often one of the first areas to freeze, and ice can get quite thick at the northern half of the bay. It’s no surprise that “villages” of ice fishing shanties spring up on both Little and Big Bays de Noc. 

Anglers often have success fishing for walleye during the winter on the bays. Tackle and tips may be found at local bait shops such as Blade’s Bait and Tackle in Kipling, Bayshore Bait and Hideaway in Kipling and Bay View Bait and Tackle in Gladstone. Bayshore and Bay View both also offer lodging for ice anglers to rent – Bayshore has cabins; Bay View an attached motel. Other destinations with lakeside lodging that anglers appreciate are the Vagabond Resort outside of Rapid River, Rod and Reel Resort in Kipling, Lindberg’s Cove Resort in Kipling and The Last Resort in Gladstone.

A man pushes an auger through thick ice on Little Bay de Noc in February. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

Experts caution to avoid river mouths — heavy currents and unstable ice are often found there — and stay off thin, slushy, dark or discolored ice. Use common sense and check the ice thickness with a spud bar. Watch for pressure ridges, and always heed warnings, especially late in the season when ore shipping resumes.

Paul “Blade” Bloedorn, co-owner of Blade’s Bait and Tackle, maintains a blog on the business’s website with semi-regular fishing reports. These reports may include photos, statements of what fish people are catching, ice measurements and/or warnings about what areas may be unsafe.

For more information, contact the Delta County Sheriff Marine Patrol Office at 906-786-3633.

SKATING

While some skate on frozen ponds and the bays, the Hannahville Ice & Turf Complex, formerly known as the Wells Sports Complex, offers open skating for all ages in its indoor facility. The family can rent skates at the complex and concessions are available as well.

Children pull themselves up a rope on a hill in Ludington Park in Escanaba after sledding down during last year's winter.  (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press) 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SHOEING, FAT TIRE BIKING

People can keep active in the winter by experiencing the miles of groomed trails venturing through snow-covered trees in the local forests. Non-motorized trails can be ideal for cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, skate skiing or snowshoeing. There are trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels located within a few minutes’ drive of lodgings and places to eat.

Delta County non-motorized trails include the Bay de Noc Grand Island Trail, Days River Nature Trail, Escanaba West Side Recreation Area, Gladstone Sports Park Trails, Haymeadow Falls Trail, and Maywood History Trail. Keep in mind that parks both small and large – from Van Cleve Park in Gladstone to Fayette Historic State Park – can also provide ideal and scenic conditions.

DOWNHILL SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, TUBING

The John & Melissa Besse Sports Park at 900 N. Bluff Drive in Gladstone is the local downhill skiing area and a great place to learn how to ski. For those who want something less challenging and just as much fun, tubing is another attraction at this winter hotspot. The hill was set to open today for the season; the City of Gladstone website has information about fees and hours.

SNOWMOBILING

Snowmobilers in Delta County can access 3,000 miles of trails that cross public and private land. Free maps of snowmobile trails are available at Michigan Department of Natural Resources offices plus some gas stations and restaurants. The DNR Escanaba Field Office is at 6833 U.S. 2/41 and M-35 in Gladstone and can also be reached at 906-786-2351 for more information.

The Rapid River Relic Riders Ride, Show & Swap takes place on the last weekend in January in Rapid River, with more than 250 riders from the Midwest and Canada filling the streets — and trails — of Rapid River with up to 500 antique and vintage sleds. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/rapidriver.relicriders.