Swing into Fun on Frozen Budd Lake!

In Harrison, Michigan, we can’t wait for spring to golf! Each February, participants dust off their golf clubs and invite visitors to play in this uproarious golf tournament on frozen Budd Lake in downtown Harrison. This fun event is played with tennis balls on a 9-hole course.

Save the date for the 2025 Frostbite Winter Festival: February, 2025

History of the Frostbite Winter Festival

The inaugural Frostbite Open took place in the early 1980s when a group of Harrison residents decided it would be fun to plow a nine-hole course on frozen Budd Lake. They used tennis balls instead of golf balls and drilled shallow holes in the ice to play a few rounds.

In the years following this first fun wintertime diversion, the event became extremely popular and is now known as the Frostbite Winter Festival. The Harrison Area Chamber of Commerce and many amazing volunteers plan months in advance for this lively event.

 

What to Expect at the Frostbite Winter Festival

Typical features of the festival often include:

  • Golf on Ice
  • Sled Building Contest – Creative and ingenious sleds are developed to bring necessary supplies along with the team of golfers.
  • Innertube Race
  • Polar Dip – Take the plunge in the icy waters of Budd Lake!
  • Chili & Soup Cook-Off – Get your favorite recipe ready for the Chili & Soup Cook-Off! Whether it’s great-grandma’s recipe or your own creation, we know the judges will enjoy tasting the samples!
  • Ice Fishing Tournament – Set your tip-up and watch for a bite. Prizes are awarded in several categories.
  • Entertainment, food and fun from local establishments

 

How To Participate

Plan to register your team and head to Harrison from February, 2025. For more information and to register, contact the Harrison Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-539-6011.

 

Places to Eat

While visiting Harrison and the greater Clare County area, be sure to sample some of our excellent restaurants. From elegant dinners to cozy cafes with home-cooked meals, and from fast food staples to lively karaoke lounges, there are a range of dining options for every taste.

Explore Dining Options

Lodging and Accommodations