Best Things to do in Traverse City: The Winter and Spring Guide
Thinking about visiting Traverse City? Well, we have your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Traverse City for the winter and spring! Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities or looking to indulge in sophisticated experiences, Traverse City has it all.
Winter Wonder Activities
Join the exciting adventure of Grand Traverse Bike Tours' Vine to Wine Snowshoe Tour! Experience the magic of winter landscapes as you journey through stunning vineyards. Along the way, indulge in the flavors of three delightful wineries, savoring local wines and a catered lunch. It's an incredible blend of outdoor exploration, wine tasting, and culinary delights, all amidst the enchanting backdrop of Traverse City's winter wonderland.
For a fantastic ice skating experience at F&M Park, located downtown. Don't forget to bring your own skates for a fun-filled time! F&M Park is a beloved destination in the heart of the Boardman Neighborhood.
Experience the thrill of Traverse City's winter wonderland with Snowblitz Snowmobile Rentals. Discover the excitement of same-day rentals, allowing you to embark on an exhilarating ride through groomed trails. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure amidst the snowy landscapes of Northern Michigan.
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Embrace the warmth of culinary creativity amid the winter chill with Black Star Farms' Cooking Classes. Join their esteemed Estate Chef to learn Tuscan and Northern Italian-inspired recipes. After the class, indulge in a delightful plated dinner. For an enhanced experience, you can even stay at their charming Inn.
Embark on a sensory journey with a delightful range of sparkling wine to dessert wine paired with carefully crafted bites, creating an exquisite and intimate experience for groups of 2-4 people. Black Star Farms' Progressive Wine & Food Tasting.
Cozy up with friends in a private igloo at Hop Lot Brewing! Indulge in craft brews and soak up the warm atmosphere, creating a perfect winter experience in Traverse City. Escape the chill and make memories in this unique and unforgettable setting.
Escape to the Winter Cabana at Delamar – the primary winter retreat! Indulge in Snow Days with a snug cabana rental, a delightful menu, and access to the pool. It's the perfect getaway for families and friends seeking to embrace the enchantment of the season.
Candle Making at Evil Queen
Looking for a unique experience in Traverse City? Check out a candle making class at Evil Queen! Enjoy candle-making in a playful atmosphere at Evil Queen. Whether you're a candle enthusiast or looking for a fun activity, this is a must-visit spot in Traverse City. Create personalized candles and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Winter & Spring Seasonal Events
Looking for something fun to do in the winter or spring in Traverse City? Look no further! Check out these must-try experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.
Experience the enchanting winter wonderland of Traverse City at Ranch Rudolf, the ultimate guest ranch in Northern Michigan! Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, festive Christmas celebrations, snowmobiling, and winter hayrides for the whole family.
Celebrate the New Year at the CherryT Ball Drop in downtown Traverse City! Imagine a giant glowing cherry descending onto Front Street, filling the night sky with vibrant colors. With fireworks illuminating the darkness and an air of excitement, this winter activity is the perfect way to kick off the year. Join the lively celebrations and embrace the festive atmosphere as you welcome the New Year in Traverse.
For the fashionistas, Ladies Night Out and Mens Night Out is a fun-filled shopping event that takes place downtown Traverse City in early December. All the shops on Front Street offer festive drinks, snacks, and deals!
For wine enthusiasts, the Winter Warm Up event hosted by the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail is a perfect choice. Indulge in wine tastings paired with delectable seasonal comfort food bites from local restaurants, all while exploring nine distinct wineries. Don't forget to grab a souvenir mug to commemorate the occasion!
If you're a chili lover, don't miss the Annual Chili Cook-Off at the Traverse Area District Library. Sample various chili entries, vote for your favorites, and enjoy live music. This free event is open to all ages, where judging is done by both the public and Traverse City Fire Fighters. Be part of the excitement and witness the Judge's Choice and People's Choice winners.
Join in on a day of free, exciting art activities with your family at Winterlochen. Hosted by the renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts, this February event offers a wide range of experiences for all ages. From conducting an orchestra to swing dancing, from sledding adventures to captivating performances by Interlochen Arts Academy students, Winterlochen promises an unforgettable time for everyone.
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Foodies, rejoice! Traverse City Restaurant Week is your chance to explore the diverse culinary scene at special prices. Indulge in three-course meals from various restaurants and savor the flavors that make Traverse City a foodie's paradise.
For a unique winter experience, head to Suds & Snow at Timber Ridge Resort. This annual event offers a delightful combination of beer, wine, cider, live music, local vendors, and food trucks. Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere that celebrates the best of winter in Traverse City.
Embark on a captivating Cherry Blossom Tour in Traverse City during the end of winter and into spring, where you can revel in the mesmerizing beauty of blooming cherry blossoms while discovering the rich history and vibrant cherry industry of the region.
For a few laughs, check out Traverse City Comedy Fest! This winter event, which happens typically at the end of January or early February, guarantees uproarious performances by local comedians. Get ready for a season filled with laughter and join in on the winter festivities. You won't want to skip this epic comedy extravaganza!
Enjoy Chateau Chantals Annual Ice Wine Festival. Come celebrate the vineyards as the winter season kicks off with delectable ice wine, a liquid gold crafted from grapes naturally frozen on the vines, delivering an unparalleled taste of winter's sweetest treasures in a picturesque setting.
Winter Skiing in Traverse City
Experience the thrill of winter sports at the renowned ski resorts in Traverse City. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the top ski resorts in the area:
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Mt. Holiday: A local destination known for its inclusive and community-focused ambiance. Experience a plethora of winter activities, ranging from skiing and snowboarding to the thrilling adventure of tubing. Don't miss the opportunity to do winter tubing at Mount Holiday - a must-try for all winter sports enthusiasts, regardless of age.
Hickory Hills: This cherished local ski area is perfect for families and those looking for affordable winter fun. With a range of slopes and trails, Hickory Hills is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Shanty Creek Resort: (1 hour drive)Offering a more advanced skiing experience, Shanty Creek Resort boasts a variety of slopes for all skill levels. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Crystal Mountain (40 minute drive): A premier destination for families, Crystal Mountain offers family-friendly amenities and a wide range of winter activities. From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and snowshoeing, there's something for everyone here.
Nub's Nob: (1 hour 30 min drive) Renowned for its exceptional slopes, Nub's Nob is a favorite among experienced skiers. With challenging runs and breathtaking scenery, it's a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts.
Boyne Highlands:(1 hour 40 min drive) is a family-owned resort located in Harbor Springs. It boasts an idyllic setting and offers a variety of leisure activities such as golfing, skiing, and more. With its charming atmosphere and welcoming hospitality, Boyne Highlands is the perfect destination for all seasons.
Boyne Mountain(1 hour 15 min drive) is a resort known for its thrilling ski slopes and outdoor adventures. From zipline tours to Segway adventures, this resort has something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned skier or looking to try something new, Boyne Mountain provides endless opportunities for excitement and fun.
Winter Wine, Beer & Distillery Tours
Looking for a memorable experience in Traverse City? Discover Wine/Beer/Distillery Tours. As we mentioned in the summer/fall recommendations, Wine, beer and distillery tours are a year-round attraction! Check out our recommendations in the summer/fall wine/beer/distillery section above.
Shopping
Check out all Grand Traverse Commons has to offer. Explore the beautiful grounds, indulge in tastings, and shop at unique boutiques. The blend of sophistication and winter spirits creates a delightful atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression. Don't miss this unique shopping destination within a historic preservation development. With diverse shops, galleries, and restaurants in renovated State Hospital buildings, Grand Traverse Commons offers a truly unique experience.
Explore the Warehouse Mrkt where you can discover Evil Queen and Bohmey Beauty for unique finds. Evil Queen has unique candles and gift items, and Bohmey Beauty, is a haven for distinctive beauty products. Go on a shopping spree, uncovering exclusive items that add a touch of Traverse City to your lifestyle.
Snowshoe, Cross-Country Ski, and Fat Tire Bike Trails
Enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat tire biking on TC’s picturesque trails. These serene paths let you experience winter sports while immersing yourself in nature's beauty.
Traverse City boasts a multitude of hiking options, ranging from forest preserves to breathtaking beach cliffs and pristine natural areas. The Brown Bridge Quiet Area, Vasa Trail, and Miller Creek Nature Preserve, all are highly recommended destinations and provide excellent opportunities for winter and spring activities.
VASA Trail: A Nordic skier's paradise with well-groomed paths, rolling hills, and stunning wooded surroundings. providing 3k, 5k, 10k & 25k trail loops that feature rolling hills and a few challenging climbs.
Boardman River Trail: 24 miles of trail stretching all the way south of Traverse City to Brown Bridge Quiet Area. This easy trail is perfect for any skill level of hiking and with numerous trail heads around Traverse City you can start anywhere and hike as much or little as you please! Perfect place to bring your family, your pup (on a 6-foot leash of course), or if you enjoy trail running!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is renowned for its beautiful trails year round. The park’s 13 trails range from 1.5 miles to 14.7 miles in length, and plenty of options for snowshoeing.
Mackenzie Trail: The trail system totals 10 miles, with loop combinations of varying lengths and levels. The trails are marked with blue diamonds, trail location maps, skiing difficulty levels and directional signs are posted at each intersection.
Brown Bridge Quiet Area: This gorgeous trail just south of Traverse City takes you right out of “city life” and into nature. With loops from 4-6 miles, this easy to moderate trail is the perfect day hike! There are numerous trailheads located around the loops.
Snowmobiling
Looking for winter thrills in Traverse City? Experience the exhilaration of snowmobiling on over 100 miles of diverse trails. Zoom through snowy evergreen tunnels, weave through hardwood stands, conquer ridges, and enjoy panoramic views of glacial lakes.
Cinema Delights
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Discover cinematic delights in Traverse City at the State Theater and Bijou by the Bay! These iconic theaters offer a diverse selection of movies and events, providing a unique experience for locals and visitors.
From family-friendly films to curated selections like TCFF Tuesdays, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the magic of the silver screen at these beloved venues, where every movie becomes unforgettable. Plan your visit to Traverse City and catch a movie at the State Theater or Bijou by the Bay.
Conclusion
Traverse City offers diverse adventures and activities throughout the seasons. Explore stunning landscapes, indulge in local culinary delights, and enjoy the pristine beaches of Lake Michigan during the summer and fall months.
Winter brings opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, while spring invites cherry-picking and savoring the region's flavors.
For a seamless experience, consider Dashing Departure, a trusted concierge service. Plan your Traverse City with us! Discover the best of Traverse City and create unforgettable memories in this captivating destination.
