If there's one place that knows how to make winter magical, it's Northern Michigan! Think snow covered trees, cozy coffee shops, pretty frozen lakes, snowy adventures, and evenings spent curled up somewhere warm. Whether you're dreaming of a weekend away with friends, a family trip, or a peaceful escape from the everyday, there's snow better time than now to plan a getaway up north!
Grab your favorite winter sweater, pack your bags, and let Wander North help you find the perfect place to stay!
Wake Up to a Winter Wonderland
There's something about waking up in Northern Michigan after a fresh snowfall that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.
Picture yourself sipping coffee while watching snowflakes fall outside, enjoying a big breakfast with your favorite people, or spending a lazy morning wrapped up in a blanket before heading out for the day.
One of the best parts of booking a vacation rental is having a space that feels like home. Instead of rushing through a hotel stay, you can settle in, spread out, cook meals together, and enjoy all the little moments that make a vacation memorable.
Whether you're looking for a cozy getaway for two or a spacious home for the whole family, Wander North has a place for your next winter escape.
Hit the Slopes
If your idea of a perfect winter vacation involves a little adventure, Northern Michigan has plenty to offer!
Skiing & Snowboarding
Grab your gear and head to the slopes! Popular destinations like Crystal Mountain, Schuss Mountain, or Mt. Holiday offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding for different experience levels. Whether you're a seasoned skier or trying it for the first time, a day on the mountain is a great way to enjoy the season.
Make it even easier by staying at one of our two cozy Wander North cabins near Shanty Creek Resort! Alpine and Valleylodge are two great home bases for your next winter adventure.
Tubing, Slopes & Snowy Adventures
Not everyone wants to ski down a mountain, and that's okay! Snow tubing is one of the best ways to enjoy a winter day up north, especially when you're traveling with family or friends.
Looking for a few places to get your tubing fix? Here are some local favorites to add to your winter itinerary:
Timberlee Hills (Traverse City): Known for its wide-open, no-lane tubing hill, Timberlee Hills is a fun spot for families and groups looking for a little friendly competition. Keep an eye on their seasonal opening announcements before planning your visit!
Mt. Holiday (Traverse City): A local favorite for winter fun, Mt. Holiday offers snow tubing along with skiing and snowboarding. It's a great option for a day of snowy adventures with the whole family.
Snowshoeing
Looking for a peaceful winter adventure? Snowshoeing is a great way to explore Northern Michigan's beautiful snow-covered trails. Here are a few local favorites around Traverse City:
Hickory Meadows: A beautiful mix of open meadows and wooded trails, perfect for a quick outdoor adventure close to downtown.
Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area: Explore wooded trails and rolling hills, then stop by the Village at Grand Traverse Commons for coffee or lunch.
Brown Bridge Quiet Area: Enjoy peaceful forest trails, scenic Boardman River views, and a little escape into nature.
Pelizzari Natural Area: Take a scenic drive up Old Mission Peninsula and explore snowy meadows, wooded paths, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Sleeping Bear Dunes: Make a day trip to explore snow-covered forests, dunes, and incredible Lake Michigan scenery.
Bundle up, grab your snowshoes, and enjoy everything a Northern Michigan winter has to offer! After a day on the trails, head back to
Explore the Charm of Downtown Traverse City
A winter getaway wouldn't be complete without a trip downtown!
Traverse City has plenty of local charm, even when the temperatures drop. Spend an afternoon exploring Front Street, popping into local boutiques, grabbing a warm drink, or finding a new favorite restaurant.
Here are a few ways to spend a winter afternoon downtown:
Grab a latte or hot chocolate from Espresso Bay
Shop local boutiques and find something unique.
Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of Traverse City's locally loved restaurants. Poppycocks has great soup!
Pick up a sweet treat from a local bakery. Jojo’s Cookies is a fan favorite!
Take a stroll downtown and enjoy the snowy scenery and twinkly lights.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon or a fun night out, downtown Traverse City is always worth exploring.
Catch a Movie at the State Theatre
Looking for a cozy evening activity after a day of exploring? Head downtown to the historic State Theatre in Traverse City! This beautifully restored movie theater is the perfect spot to catch a film, enjoy some popcorn, and experience a little local history. Whether it's a date night or a family movie outing, it's a fun way to end your winter day up north!
Take a Sauna Break at Michigan Sauna on East Bay
One of our favorite ideas for a winter day in Traverse City is making time for a visit to Michigan Sauna on East Bay. There's something about warming up in the sauna after being out in the cold that just makes a winter weekend feel complete. Whether you go with your significant other or make it a fun stop with friends, we'd definitely add this one to your list while visiting up north!
Find Your Perfect Winter Stay With Wander North
Now comes the fun part: finding the perfect place to stay!
At Wander North, we believe your accommodations should be just as memorable as the destination itself. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a couples getaway, or a weekend with friends, having the right home base makes all the difference.
We professionally manage vacation rentals throughout Northern Michigan. From cozy homes to spacious properties perfect for gathering, we're here to help you find a place to make your next up-north memories.
Why spend another winter wishing you had planned a getaway when you could be waking up somewhere beautiful?
Ready to make it happen?
Browse our available Wander North vacation rentals, find your favorite, and start planning your winter escape!
So don't wait for the next snowfall to start planning!
Book your winter stay up north, make some memories, and discover why there's snow better place to be than Northern Michigan.
See you up north!