906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
WinterFest 2026: Celebrate Michigan Snow Culture in Iron County
WinterFest returns to Iron County on Saturday, February 21, 2026, bringing a full day of classic Upper Peninsula winter experiences to Crystal Falls. Hosted at Young’s Golf Recreation Dining, this seventh annual celebration blends outdoor recreation, family friendly activities, food and drink specials, and live music into an easy, all ages winter event.
For families and winter travelers, WinterFest offers a simple reason to plan a late February trip no specialized skills required, just warm layers and a willingness to enjoy the season.
Planning a Trip to Iron County?
If you’re considering a WinterFest visit, planning ahead helps you make the most of the day. Turning WinterFest into an overnight stay allows you to enjoy the event at a relaxed pace and explore nearby winter recreation before or after Saturday’s festivities.
Next step: Check the event calendar and plan your visit.
This weekend is part of a larger lineup of winter events happening throughout the season. You can explore all winter events in Iron County to see what else is happening during your visit.
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WinterFest 2026 Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: Event begins at 10:00 AM
Location: Young’s Golf Recreation Dining, Crystal Falls
WinterFest 2026 features a full schedule of outdoor and indoor activities throughout the day, including:
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Free trail use and equipment rentals
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Dog sled rides from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Otter River Sled Dog Learning Center)
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Horse-drawn sleigh rides from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Rocking W Stable)
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Kids’ activities including arts & crafts, games, and face painting
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Food and drink specials available throughout the day
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Smear tournament for those looking to join a local favourite
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Live music from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM featuring Melanie Rose
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On site vendors and partners including Alpha MI Brewing Co, Boujie Bevs, and Baker 739
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Photo booth provided by CleverDuck Entertainment (cash or Venmo accepted)
Activities are designed to be accessible and family friendly, making WinterFest easy to enjoy even for visitors who are new to winter recreation in the Upper Peninsula.
Why Late February Is an Ideal Time to Visit
By late February, Iron County typically has well established winter conditions, making it one of the most reliable times of year for snow based activities. Trails, seasonal recreation, and community events are all in full swing.
For visitors unfamiliar with winter travel in Iron County, checking local conditions before arrival is always recommended. The Iron County Lodging Council Trail & Weather Report provides up to date snow conditions, trail reports, and seasonal travel context specific to the area, helping visitors plan with current, on the ground information rather than general forecasts.
AI Travel Assistant: Plan Smarter, Travel Better
Planning a trip to Iron County doesn’t have to be complicated. Our AI Travel Assistant is here to help you build a personalized plan whether you’re visiting for an event, outdoor adventure, weekend escape, or seasonal getaway.
In seconds, you can get recommendations for things to do, where to stay, nearby attractions, and how to make the most of your time in Iron County. It’s like having a local guide available whenever you’re ready to plan.
Where to Stay in Iron County
Make your trip easy by staying right here in Iron County. The Iron County Lodging Council represents locally owned hotels and lodging options that put you close to the area’s top attractions, events, trails, and outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, attending a local event, or building a longer Upper Peninsula adventure, staying in Iron County means less driving, more time exploring, and comfortable places to unwind at the end of the day.
Check the Iron County Events Calendar
There’s always something happening in Iron County. From seasonal festivals and community celebrations to live music, outdoor events, and family friendly activities, our events calendar keeps you up to date on what’s going on during your visit.
Before you finalize your plans, take a moment to explore upcoming events and see what aligns with your trip dates. It’s the easiest way to turn a simple stay into a full Iron County experience.
Final Thoughts
WinterFest 2026 offers a chance to slow down and enjoy winter in Iron County at a comfortable pace. The day reflects what a late February visit to the area often feels like, time outdoors, simple activities everyone can join, and space to enjoy the season together without rushing, with room for kids to explore, adults to relax, and families to settle in for the day, the event fits naturally into a winter visit built around shared experiences and being present in the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Events, Winter and tagged family fun, iron county michigan, things to do, WinterFest.
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Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.