It was a clear, crisp winter night and off in the distance you could hear sleigh bells and laughter.  Did you sleep through the snowshoe hike/sleigh bell hayride pulled by horses at Port Crescent? They even had Chef Pam Gabriel there with chili, cookies and brownies.

Or how about the Muskrat Run at Sterling State Park? Ninety-two runners signed up to run for charity in 15-degree weather. There were bonfires, hot chocolate and "a lot of fun," said Jamie Allen, Sterling's unit supervisor. 

Did you know that on the second and fourth Tuesday night of each winter month the Friends of Proud Lake Recreation Area sponsor "Fantastic Night Hikes and Nature Programs?"

"Bird Feathers and How They Work" was the topic for their last nature program. They recently held a demonstration on what is an atlatl and how it works. Future programs will deal with plant and animal diversity, and Native American culture. Of course, there will be the usual free refreshments. And everyone is encouraged to hike, ski or snowshoe the candle-lit trail.

Rifle River had a large turnout for their winter "GO-Get Outdoors" event. Sledding and a three-mile hayride were two of the activities for the visitors.

More than 1,000 visitors stopped at Bay City for their Winter Festival. Activities included an ice fishing rod making class, snowshoeing, an ice fishing seminar, ice fishing derby and a snow angel making contest. 

All these events were listed on the GO-Get Outdoors calendar. There is still time to catch a lit pathway through the woods for a quiet evening of skiing. Or how about attending the March MadnessSprint Adventure Race at Holly Recreation Area or an Easter egg hunt? (How about adding the "GO-Get Outdoors" calendar to your favorites?)

Are your kids sitting around inside with all their electronic devices? How about surprising them with an awesome weekend in the snow at one of our cabins?

Sometimes, there is nothing better to chase away the winter blues than to look forward to a new adventure. The adventure does not have to include a warmer climate. Start by booking a weekend at a park cabin or a yurt.

Plan events such as a sunrise hike and a scavenger hunt. How about your own contest to see who can make the best snow angel? Or check the "GO" calendar for an upcoming activity such as an Easter egg hunt and then see if there is a cabin available at that location..

Reservations can be made at www.mi.dnrreservations.com or by calling 800-44-PARKS. Mini-cabins sleep four people and are available at the following state parks in winter: Bay City, Fort Custer, Fort Wilkins, Harrisville, Ludington, McLain, Mitchell, Muskegon, North Higgins, Port Crescent, Sleeper, South Higgins, Tawas and Traverse City.

These cabins have electricity and are heated and most feature a microwave and small refrigerator. There also are camper cabins at the following locations: Lakeport, Tawas, Port Crescent, Mitchell and Interlochen. Camper cabins are larger than the mini-cabin with three rooms; they sleep six and have electricity.

But if you prefer to go a little more rustic with no electric (some have propane heat and some have wood heat), try a rustic cabin at  Bald Mountain, Brighton, Cheboygan, Harrisville, Hartwick Pines, Holly, Island Lake, McLain, Ortonville, Porcupine Mountains, Rifle River, Sleeper, Van Riper, Waterloo, Wells or Wilderness.

And of course we have 10 campgrounds in the parks open for winter camping at Traverse City, Rifle River, Waterloo/Portage, North Higgins Lake, Ludington, Mitchell, Bay City, Algonac, Fort Custer and Tahquamenon Falls.  Don't forget at Mitchell, Traverse City and Rifle River the modern restrooms are open for winter use. 

Many parks offer groomed cross-country ski trails. At Porcupine Mountains, you also will find the only ski hill in the Michigan State park system. They have added snow cat skiing where you can access hundreds of acres of backwoods cross country skiing.

Or how about trying a luge run or some ice skating? At Muskegon State Park, visitors can have a great time at the winter sports complex. A 700-foot ice skating loop was added this winter. The loop is lit for nighttime use.   

So there is a lot to do in Michigan in winter. One only has to move away from the television and the computer and "Go-Get Outdoors" to explore the fun of making a snow angel or going ice fishing for the first time. Now, where did I put my skates? Or maybe I should try out the snowshoes....