11 Things To Do In Traverse City, Michigan, That Will Make You Love Winter

So many winter activities, so little time. Get started by checking out these lodging deals then get ready to explore the fun and excitement waiting for you in northern Michigan!

1. Spend the day sampling a variety of blends with your besties at Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate.

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Does your friend group consider themselves amateur sommeliers? Put on your coziest sweater, gather the crew, and tuck in for some good times atop the highest point in the Leelanau Peninsula. With locally sourced small plates, stunning sights, and superb sips, you'll want to make a visit to the Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate a yearly tradition.

2. Learn all about the unique and special process of making ice wine.

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Whether you're visiting Chateau Chantal Winery or any other Leelanau Peninsula area wineries, you won't want to miss out on your chance to sample this "liquid gold." Specially crafted and harvested after the first deep freeze, ice wine is made up of concentrated juices and berries pressed into a delicious dessert that you'll want to sip all the time.

Be sure to check out Ice Wine Weekend Jan. 26–27!

3. Take your taste buds on a tour of flavor during Traverse City Restaurant Week.

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Calling all foodies! Get ready for a weeklong eating extravaganza in Traverse City, where local restaurants will be serving up world-class dishes at special prices. Plan your foodie adventure during Traverse City Restaurant Week (Feb. 25–March 2, 2024) and find your next favorite eatery! 

4. Soak in the serene and sandy sights of Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes (yes, even in winter).

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A top attraction in the Traverse City area in the summer, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is a must-visit in Northern Michigan even when it's chilly! With mountains of sand, miles of trails for any level, and sweeping vistas, this park will have you flocking to the beach to experience the winterized version of this iconic site.

5. Adventure in the outdoors and sample amazing drinks on the Three Winery Snowshoe Trail.

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Want a perfect winter experience and to sample a few wines and bevs along the way? The Grand Traverse Bike Tours offer a private vineyard trail featuring stops at Big Little Wines, Ciccone Vineyards, and Suttons Bay Ciders. If you want to see them all, you can take a loop tour or go on a point-to-point excursion with van service (to save you a chilly trek back). Tours even include a catered lunch, because you will work up an appetite! 

6. Cozy up at one of Traverse City's many wineries if venturing out into the cold isn't your vibe.

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If braving the winter weather doesn't rank high up on your Traverse City dream itinerary, don't worry — there's plenty for you to do! With a plethora of wineries offering cozy interiors and delicious local wines, you can escape the cold and still enjoy the best of what the city has to offer!

7. Or sip and sample a variety of craft spirits at the local distilleries if cocktails are more your speed.

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With the climate of Northern Michigan being prime for hops and grapes, it's also perfect for growing wheat, corn, and barley (aka the key ingredients for distilled spirits). From fruity brandies and small-batch vodka to local whiskeys and gins, there's a spirit in Traverse City to suit everyone's tastes!

8. Laugh it up at the Traverse City Comedy Festival.

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Don't miss your chance to laugh it up in Traverse City the weekend of Jan. 31–Feb 3! If you enjoy standup, improv, or even murder mystery shows, you won't want to miss the Traverse City Comedy Festival, featuring over 80 performances and dozens of shows.

9. Sled the day away at Timberlee Hills.

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A perfect snowy day activity for families and large groups, Timberlee Hills is all about winter fun (and less work) with their epic snow tubing. Just like sledding sans the struggle of hiking back up a hill with a sled, Timberlee Hills has a handy tow system so you can maximize all the tubing fun! And when you're finished, warm up at the lodge with cozy eats, sweet treats, and adult drinks.

10. Treat yourself to an spa day at Crystal Mountain Spa.

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Whether you spent a long day on the slopes or just want to treat yourself, give your body the ultimate TLC experience during your Traverse City trip at Crystal Mountain Spa. From Swedish and deep tissue massages to a eucalyptus-infused steam room and infrared sauna, you'll achieve peak après-ski vibes in record time.

11. Hit the slopes and shred through fresh powder no matter your skiing or snowboarding skill level.

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It wouldn't be a winter trip to Traverse City if you didn't stop off at one of the many spots to glide down the slopes. To fully immerse yourself in the full skiing and snowboarding experience, head to Crystal Mountain, Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreation Area, or Hickory Hills for a variety of downhill trails and runs that are perfect for beginners and advanced alike.

Need a getaway with the S.O.? Taking a trip with the besties? Or want to vacay with the whole fam? Plan your winter adventure to Traverse City, Michigan, now!