Why I Love Winter in Traverse City — and You Will, Too
Why I Love Winter in Traverse City (And Why You Will, Too)
Updated for Winter 2024-2025
The region’s colder months offer unobstructed views, a slower pace of life, and a true sense of community.
Key Takeaways
- Winter in Traverse City means skiing, hiking, and fewer crowds
- Winter trails offer clearer views Locals enjoy a slower pace and see friends more often
- Coffee shops and restaurants are less busy Snow gives beaches and dunes a pretty new look
- Winter prices are often lower for accommodations
By Nicole Haase for Livability.com
Traverse City’s population — along with several other Northwest Michigan communities — swells during the summer, as it’s hard to pass up the region’s miles of shoreline and gorgeous turquoise waters. But more and more people have come to learn that this region is just as charming, welcoming, fun, and beautiful during the winter.
Why Locals Prefer Winter
Now a local, Elise Schultz visited Michigan every summer during childhood, traveling with her family from Ohio for nearly 20 years before setting out on a life of her own in big cities like Austin and Chicago. But as she struggled to make connections, Schultz found herself longing for the close-knit community and slower pace she remembered from her childhood summers, so she relocated to Michigan in 2020 and Traverse City in 2023.
For a time, Schultz even worked as the event and marketing director for the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore follows Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Leelanau and Benzie counties.
While she knew she’d enjoy the region’s busy warmer months, the slow down, peaceful winter months have solidified that moving here was the right decision.
Why She Moved to Traverse City
“I missed having all four seasons. I grew up in Ohio. I’m no stranger to long winters, and part of the reason I ended up here is that I missed the seasonality and having that change every few months. I grew up coming here every year for almost 20 years. My grandparents had a place, and my family just loved it so much. I decided it was time to move back and live a little bit slower, a little bit calmer way of life after being in so many big cities for so long.”
What She Loves About Michigan
“So much of what really won me over was the access to so much natural beauty and these amazing scenic destinations that a lot of people who have never been here haven’t heard of or seen. It’s hard to explain to someone who’s never it’s been here why so worth it to come up here. We’re really mindful of protecting the area, as well. As much as we want people to visit, we also want to preserve the area for years to come.
The sense of community is the biggest draw now that I’ve been here for three years. I feel like if you meet someone here, you’re bound to run into them again. It’s just nice to feel so supported and rooted in our community.”
Why Winter Is Special
“In the winter, everything slows down a little bit. It’s a little bit calmer. Summer is such a blur. In winter, I really enjoy having that season to appreciate the area we live in. I feel like I have more time to do everything in the winter. I find myself branching out a little bit more and exploring a little bit more. We get to enjoy our restaurants and local businesses in a different way in the winter.”
Winter Outdoor Activities
A haven for skiers, Traverse City is home to Hickory Hills Recreation Area, a public downhill and cross-country ski area just minutes from downtown. Fat-tire biking and snowshoeing have become increasingly popular, and there’s a wide array of environments for residents to explore, from sandy dunes to dense forests.
Winter Hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes
“I love to enjoy some of my favorite hikes in the winter when it’s less crowded. It’s still beautiful, and you see the area in a different light in the wintertime. I honestly think I sometimes favor hiking in the winter over the summer because the views are so good when there are no leaves on the trees. Everything is so much more visible. It’s totally different. The water views are spectacular in the winter compared to the summer. It’s quieter. Walking on fresh snow is just the best feeling. There’s a peaceful, stark beauty to it in the winter. Unobstructed views at Empire Bluff top my list, for sure.”
Indoor Winter Fun
If you’d rather stay cozy when the temperatures drop, Traverse City offers plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy:
- Curling at the Traverse City Curling Club
- Bouldering and roped climbing at ELEV8 Climbing Gym
- Cooking classes at Northwestern Michigan College
- Cookbook Dinner Series at Amical, a European restaurant downtown
- Volunteering opportunities throughout the community
- Traverse City Young Professionals meetups for networking
Cozy Coffee Shops
“I love going to the coffee shops and cozying up with a good book or to get work done. My favorite place for that is Mundos Roasting & Co. It’s the perfect place to sit back and observe the steady hum of locals going about their daily lives. The coffee is fantastic, and the space makes it easy to lounge for hours on end. My go-to drink is an iced vanilla oat milk latte. Yes, even iced in the winter. Midwesterners get it!”
Local Tips for Winter Visitors
If you’re planning a winter trip to Traverse City, take this advice from a local:
“Don’t knock it until you try it. Every season is worth visiting. Summer is the big draw and has all the attractions and beaches, but if you can embrace it, it’s worth visiting at other times of year. Even though it’s a small town, there’s always something to do. There are so many wineries and breweries and local businesses. Winter is an incredibly beautiful season up here.”
Winter 2024-2025 Updates
New for this winter season:
The Traverse City Winter Comedy Festival returns January 30-February 1, 2025, bringing nationally recognized comedians to downtown venues. Tickets go on sale November 15th.
Mt. Holiday has expanded their tubing runs with two new lanes and extended evening hours until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Black Star Farms is offering new winter wine and food pairing experiences in their heated outdoor igloos.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Traverse City in winter?
January through early March typically offers the best snow conditions for winter sports. February tends to have the most reliable snowfall for skiing and snowshoeing.
What should I pack for a winter trip to Traverse City?
Layers are key! Bring waterproof boots, a warm coat, a hat, gloves, and snow pants if you plan to ski. Many locals also carry ice grippers for their boots for walking downtown.
Are restaurants and shops open during winter?
Yes! While a few seasonal businesses close, the majority of Traverse City’s restaurants, shops, and wineries remain open year-round, often with more relaxed atmospheres and easier reservations.
How cold does it get in Traverse City during winter?
Average winter temperatures range from 15–30°F, but the lake effect can moderate temperatures compared to inland areas. January is typically the coldest month.
What are the best winter photo spots?
The ice formations along Clinch Park Beach, snowy views from Empire Bluff Trail, Mission Point Lighthouse, and downtown Front Street with its winter decorations are local favorites.