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Michigan Has the Snowiest City in the U.S.

If you aren’t a fan of snow, then Michigan is not the place for you. We have lots of snow each winter season here in the Mitten, and sometimes that…

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(Photo by John Normile/Getty Images)

If you aren't a fan of snow, then Michigan is not the place for you. We have lots of snow each winter season here in the Mitten, and sometimes that bleeds into the fall and spring months, too.

Now, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Michigan has the No. 1 snowiest city in the U.S. In addition, it also has one of the other snowiest cities in America.

So, what's No. 1? According to the famed publication, Sault Ste. Marie has been the snowiest city in America over the last 30 years. "One of the oldest French settlements in North America, Sault Ste. Marie is located near the bank of a river which connects Lake Huron and Lake Superior," the publication states. "With lake-effect snow, it's no surprise that it’s one of the snowiest places in the United States."

The other Michigan city to make the list of the top 10 snowiest is Muskegon. It came in at No. 7 on the tally. "A winter wonderland, Muskegon is situated between Lake Michigan to the west and Muskegon Lake to the north, receiving heavy lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan during winter time, totaling 79.3 inches annually," the outlet states. "Midwesterners flock to Muskegon in the winter for luging, ice skating, and wintry fun." The publication also gave shout outs to other Michigan cities that have a lot of snow each season, including Grand Rapids (an average of 74.6 inches), Flint (an average of 49.9 inches) and Detroit (an average of 43 inches).

According to the Almanac, the information they used came from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is based on a 30-year average. Weather states across America report the weather data. They only include cities with a population of more than 10,000 people. Other cities on the list for getting tons of snow include Syracuse, New York; Juneau, Alaska; Duluth, Minnesota; Erie, Pennsylvania; Burlington, Vermont; Casper, Wyoming; Portland, Maine; and Worcester, Massachusetts. Find the full tally here.

Winter is upon us, and it goes without saying that Michigan is a beautiful place to be during the cold months. Sure, we do get freezing here, but we also have beautiful, picturesque views of snowfall and winter creatures that many other states don't enjoy.

Now, four Michigan towns have been named the most "Magical Winter Wonderland Towns in the U.S." The list comes from Trips To Discover, and it names the most "magical" spots to visit in the winter in America.

"Instead of trying to beat the winter blues by traveling to a tropical beach, why not delve into the season?" they state in the article. "There's an invigorating feeling that comes from being in a snowy wonderland, enjoying the fresh air and often all sorts of fun activities like building a snowman, skiing, tubing, or even old-fashioned sleigh rides. In America’s most magical winter wonderland towns, you’re guaranteed breathtaking surroundings and often charming streets lined with historical buildings or perhaps simply an ideal eatery for sitting next to a roaring fire, a glass of wine, or a cup of hot cocoa in hand."

I'm admittedly not a winter fan, but seeing this list of charming Michigan towns in the winter does make me look forward to the cozy months. Read on for the full list of Michigan towns, as well as some neighboring ones. Find the full list here.

Munising, Michigan

Munising, Michigan, is one of the top picks on Trips to Discover's list. The outlet states, "The breathtaking ice walls can be marveled at from various angles, or even climbed, with rental equipment and lessons available for beginners. Over the second weekend in February, the annual Michigan Ice Fest offers climbing classes and seminars conducted by world-class climbers." Sounds like fun!

Holland, Michigan

Of course Holland, Michigan, is on this list. My uncle lives near there, and it's a delightful spot. Trips to Discover states, "Nestled along Lake Michigan, Holland may be medium sized but it feels more like a small town." I usually travel to Holland in the summer, but it definitely has its own charm in the winter, too. I'm glad to see it made this national list.

Marquette, Michigan

Going up north to Marquette, Trips to Discover states, "Marquette sees an annual average of 200 inches of snowfall. It sits along the shores of Lake Superior and is often blanketed in the white powder while nearly 75 miles of cross-country ski trails, 60 miles of groomed trails for fat bikes, and 400 miles of snowmobile trails await. The daring can even try winter surfing." It's certainly beautiful this time of year.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth is the Christmas spotlight of America. Trips to Discover states, "Frankenmuth is a Bavarian-style town that's ideal to visit around Christmas, drawing many to enjoy the festivities that include everything from a Christmas tree light show to sleigh rides." It offers so much holiday fun.

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Trips to Discover states, "The charming town of Elkhart Lake is the quintessential winter wonderland during the season. You’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy it from snowshoeing and ice fishing to spa experiences and brewery tastings."

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sounds like a great Christmas town, judging by the name, and it is a perfect holiday spot. Trips to Discover states, "Bethlehem is an obvious place to visit for Christmas, with its annual Christkindlmarkt inspired by the markets of Germany and a top Christmas market in the U.S., but it offers a whole lot more throughout the winter months." It's a great area for skiing and snowboarding.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

New Hope, Pennsylvania, is beautiful this time of year. Trips to Discover states, "New Hope is like walking into an antique snow globe in the winter and as you stroll the streets downtown, you can check out unique boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and more."

Lake Placid, New York

Heading to the New York area? Lake Placid, New York, is a choice stop for the holidays. Trips to Discover states, "Nestled in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid has hosted the Olympic Winter Games twice, so you know your odds are good when it comes to snow and winter activities. Visitors can even ride the Lake Placid Toboggan Chut, which was converted from a 30-foot-high ski jump."

New York City, New York

There's no city like New York City! Trips to Discover states, "Temperatures may be below freezing, but New York City will be livelier than ever in the winter. Enjoy the scene at Rockefeller Center with its famous ice rink, snow-covered Central Park, and winter markets throughout the season, or visit for larger-than-life holiday attractions, including the Times Square Ball, which drops from a height of 141 feet to mark the New Year." If you've never been to New York City during the holidays, now if your chance.

Skaneateles, New York

Another popular New York holiday destination is Skaneateles. Trips to Discover states, "Set on one of the scenic Finger Lakes in Upstate, the town of Skaneateles has a vibrant downtown with lots of festivities to enjoy during the holidays along with plenty of dining, shopping, and opportunities to sample the local wine." It offers plenty of skiing, too.

Lake Placid, New York

One more New York destination is Lake Placid. Trips to Discover states, "Nestled in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid has hosted the Olympic Winter Games twice, so you know your odds are good when it comes to snow and winter activities. Visitors can even ride the Lake Placid Toboggan Chut, which was converted from a 30-foot-high ski jump." Sounds delightful.

Source: Trips to Discover

Find the full list here.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.