Do you ever have intrusive thoughts? We all do, but have they ever led you to wonder how thick the ice needs to be for you to drive your car onto a frozen lake and make ice donuts? If you have, don't listen. Before safely driving, skating, or even walking on a frozen lake in Michigan, there are many things to consider (also, even though driving on safe ice is legal, doing donuts anywhere in Michigan can result in a reckless driving citation).

Michigan Lake Ice Safety's #1 Rule

An overhead shot of a large truck on a frozen lake is seen next to an outline of Michigan.
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Rule #1 of ice safety in Michigan and anywhere else is: If you don't know, stay off the ice. I grew up on a lake and knew that the ice thickness varied depending on which bay I was in and which shorelines had thinner ice.

RELATED: Prehistoric Beast Is the Largest Fish In Michigan

While a chart may say the ice is safe at (insert inches here), only a local can tell if the lake has a current running through it that may make that area's ice thin and, therefore, dangerous. Bait and tackle shops are a wealth of information on ice safety in Michigan. But, if you don't know, stay off the ice.

When Lake Ice Is "Safe" for You, Your Toys, and Your Car

Three men stand around an ice fishing hole in the middle of a Michigan lake. The furthest to the right is pulling a fish out of the ice while the man in the middle watches empty handed. The man on the left is holding an ice spud.
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It isn't easy to find two sources that agree on ice safety. For instance, the US Army Corps of Engineers says 2 inches of ice on a "sound" body of water (no currents) is safe for a single person, whereas the Old Farmer's Almanac recommends 3. Knowing how long the ice has been there and the temperature for the previous few days, if you don't know, stay off the ice.

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It's also essential to test the ice every hundred feet or so. Shallow areas can be warmer than deeper areas, resulting in thin ice. Never assume the ice is the same thickness throughout the entire body of water.

Expert Tips For Safe Ice Adventures On Michigan Lakes

Wondering if it's safe to walk on the ice? What about a snowmobile, car, or truck? Opinions vary, but not by much. Here's a look at the recommended ice thickness needed to enjoy activities on Michigan's current free lakes safely, according to the United States Army Corp of Engineers and The Old Farmer's Almanac. Remember, when venturing onto the ice, always have a buddy and your cell phone.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

World's Largest Snow Thermometer is in Mohawk, Michigan

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is full of beautiful views, but if you're looking for the perfect 'Proof of Vacation' photo, then Keweenaw's Snow Thermometer is a must-see. Here's a look at the World's Largest Snow Thermometer.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Countdown to 2025's Snowiest County in America: Top 100

Lawn Love has crunched the numbers to rank 2025’s Snowiest Counties.
They analyzed 258 counties in all, diving into three key categories. The rankings consider historical snowfall records, temperatures, and the demand for snow removal services, using seven metrics to crown the snowiest spots.
For Lawn Love's full methodology, see the link in the #1 entry in the Top 100 Countdown to 2025's Snowiest County in America:

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

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