Traverse City Winter: Best Things To Do In 2024: From A Local!

There are so many fun things to do in Northern Michigan when the weather is cold and the snow is plentiful. The Traverse City region is a winter wonderland due to its proximity to Lake Michigan and its lake effect snow. Of course, skiing tubing, and snowmobiling are hugely popular activities once the snow sets in. Not a skier? No problem. The region offers a diverse array activities, both indoor and outdoor, during the winter.. Here are the best things to do near Traverse City in winter, even if you don’t ski!

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Things To Do Outside

Dog Sled Rides with Second Chance Mushers

Things to do in winter: go on a dog sled ride with Second Chance Mushers
Sled dogs from Second Chance Mushers Sanctuary

Second Chance Mushers is a sanctuary for rescued, northern breed dogs. The sanctuary focuses on training and rehabilitation, and giving these dogs the opportunity enjoy a second chance at life as they live in a pack and become eligible for adoption.

Second Chance Mushers offers dog sled rides during the winter in order to help pay for the costs of rescuing and caring for the dogs. Sign up for an unforgettable experience gliding through fields and trees behind these energetic animals who clearly love to run. Rides take place on the beautiful terrain of  Rocky Top Farms, located at 8642 US 31 in Ellsworth, among northern Michigan’s beautiful drumlin hills.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the sound of excited howls, yips and high pitched whines. An absolute highlight of our experience was meeting the dogs and giving them a special treat after our sled ride.

The cost is $85.00 per ride. Each run is about a mile in length. Adults can either ride singly or accompany a child. To ensure the safety of the dogs, there is a 225 pound weight limit. Insider type: you may want to book your ride earlier in the day, when the dogs are the most energetic and eager to run!

Head to the Second Chance Mushers website to check out available dates and times to book your memorable dog sled adventure.

Winter Rafting on The Jordan River

Unique things to do near Traverse City in the winter: raft the Jordan River!
Rafting down the Jordan River in Winter

Searching for another unique adventure in winter? Put on your warmest socks and raft down the Jordan River!

Jordan Valley Outfitters, located in East Jordan, offers 90 minute guided rafting trips on Saturdays and Sundays from December through March. You may also be able to book a trip during the week if there is a guide available.

You will meet up with your guide at the Jordan Valley Outfitters store in East Jordan. Participants then pile into a small bus to be transported to the boat launch. There you will board a white water style raft, holding up to 5 people.

The Jordan River is Michigan’s first designated Wild and Scenic River. It originates from springs in the Jordan River Valley near Mancelona, and flows about 25 miles into Lake Charlevoix. The river current is swift enough to keep it from freezing over, but it is closer to a peaceful float than a whitewater adventure.

On our trip, our guide, Al steered us down the Jordan. He was well acquainted with every twist and turn of the river, including each overhanging tree limb and submerged log. Al did the vast majority of the work, only calling on David and I to paddle when we had to act swiftly in order to avoid obstacles. Al entertained us with jokes and stories, as well as with information about the river and the surrounding area.

The surrounding forest was incredibly quiet. We took a break midway at Frog Island to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Our entire experience felt wonderfully serene.

Our trip lasted about two hours. We felt we were in very good hands with the experienced guides from Jordan Valley Outfitters.

Be sure to wear waterproof boats and warm socks, hats and mittens. Layers are a good idea in case you warm up on a sunny day. Life jackets are provided.

A rafting excursion costs $47.00 for ages 13 – adult, $20.00 for kids ages 9-12, and $17.00 for kids ages 4-8.Make reservations at the Jordan Valley Outfitters website.

SkyBridge Michigan At Boyne Mountain Resort

Things to do around Traverse City in the winter: venture across Boyne Mountain Resort's SkyBridge Michigan
Halfway across Boyne Mountain Resort’s SkyBridge Michigan

Looking to spend a magical evening in a winter wonderland? Bundle up and head to Boyne Mountain Resort’s SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s largest timber-towered suspension bridge. Stroll out on the quarter-mile bridge during the evening, and find yourself surrounded by a dazzling display of over 150,000 sparkling lights.

Upon arrival at the Resort, hop on the rustic Hemlock scenic chairlift and enjoy the ride to the mountain top. The SkyBridge soars 118 feet above the valley between the peaks of McLouth and Disciples Ridge. Venture across the bridge for breath taking views, as skiers and snow boarders sail down the ski slopes beneath you.

The walking surface of the bridge is about five feet across. Be prepared: the SkyBridge definitely sways in the wind, or when large crowds are walking on it at the same time. Fortunately, there is a handrail for you to hang onto.

There is a clear glass section in the very center of the bridge. Just look out at the exhilarating view if your fear of heights kicks in!

Warm up around the fire pits on the far side of the bridge. You can even get a cocktail from the Skybridge Food Truck. Pierogies and kielbasa are also on the menu, along with fries and chicken tenders. Restrooms are also available.

The SkyBridge Michigan Food Truck
The SkyBridge Michigan Food Truck

Be sure to walk along the SkyBridge trail, which loops back to the chairlifts. About half way across, you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of the SkyBridge and its light display, and the valley below. Continue on to the chairlifts, or retrace your steps so that you can cross the bridge one more time.

Be sure to stop in at the Eagle’s Nest restaurant at the top of the mountain for a hot chocolate or even a meal, before riding the chair lift back down.

View of Skybridge Michigan from the SkyBridge Trail
View of Skybridge Michigan from the SkyBridge Trail

Your all-day access ticket allows you to ride up and down the chairlift and walk across the bridge as many times as you like.

Purchase tickets online ahead of time for $25 per adult, versus $30 in-person.

The bridge is open daily from 3:00pm – 9:00 pm. Keep in mind there is no night skiing Sunday through Tuesday, so plan your SkyBridge adventure between Wednesday and Saturday if you want the thrill of viewing skiers underneath you.

Sleigh Ride At Antler Ridge Farms

Things to do near Traverse City in winter: go on a horse drawn sleigh ride at Antler Ridge Farms!

What could be more fun in the winter than a horse-drawn sleigh ride? The huge Percheron draft horses at Antler Ridge Farms in Williamsburg have been pulling people through the snow since 1982.

Dixie and Danny, a mother and son team, pull the sleigh along the 1.3-mile route through the farmland and into the forest. (They pull a hay wagon on wheels on days where there isn’t enough snow for the sleigh) Once in the woods, guests are treated to a roaring bonfire where they can roast marshmallows and enjoy hot chocolate.

This winter, Antler Ridge Farms is offering private sleigh rides by appointment only. Up to 12 people can ride in the sleigh at one time. Rides are available on weekends, weather permitting. The entire sleigh can be rented for $195.00 Be sure to bring a blanket to keep you warm and an apple for the horses!

Be advised that while there is a port-a-potty available for use, there is no indoor restroom facility. Check out the Antler Ridge Farms website to read more and schedule your winter wonderland adventure.

Experience A Finnish Sauna!

Things to do in Traverse City in the winter: Experience a Finnish sauna!

Ready to experience a bit of warmth in the midst of winter, when temperatures drop and the chill sets in? Embrace the culture of Finland and head to Mi Sauna.

MI Sauna is a mobile sauna and is typically at the Traverse City State Park beach on East Grand Traverse Bay on Saturdays and Sundays. Daniel Sarya brought this Finnish tradition to Traverse City in 2020.

Saunas are known for reducing stress, improving sleep, and helping northerners cope with the effects of seasonal affective disorder. In Finland, saunas also are viewed as a social activity, where friends and family come together to relax and enjoy one another’s company.

Mi Sauna is housed in a wood-fire heated trailer, with beautiful wooden benches inside. Best of all, its great location makes it possible to dash from the heat of the sauna straight into a cold plunge in the bay.

Sessions in the sauna last for 80 minutes and cost $35 per seat. The Sauna is also available for private parties. Book your weekend Sauna session at the MI Sauna website.

Winter Fun At Black Star Farms

The Inn at Black Star Farms, on the outskirts of Traverse City, Michigan
The Inn at Black Star Farms

Black Star Farms is a luxury bed and breakfast, and an award winning winery located twelve miles from downtown Traverse City. Their tasting room is open seven days a week. Onsite restaurant Bistro Polaris hosts a trivia night on Mondays, has live music on Saturday evenings, and is known for their exquisite Sunday Brunch.

Experience a winter wonderland during Black Star Farm’s Snowshoe, Wines and Vines events. Snowshoe on trails around the grounds and through the vineyards, and then head to the tasting room to warm up with mulled wine and home made soup or chili. Or opt to pop in to the for a wood fired pizza.

Snowshoe, Wines and Vines is held on Saturdays throughout the winter, plus on two Sundays: January 14th and February 18th. The one exception is Saturday, February 10th, as Black Star Farms is participating in the Taste The Passion food and winery event.

Onsite snowshoe rentals are available from noon -4:00 pm. Of course, if you have your own snowshoes you are welcome to explore the trails at any time.

Guests at the Inn have the option to sign up for Fat Tire Biking and Snowshoeing Adventure package. A shuttle bus will transport you to Suttons Bay, where you’ll hop on your fat tire bike, and then cruise four miles back to Black Star Farms along the groomed Leelanau trail bike path. Upon arrival, you’ll partake in a tasty bowl of chili and a hot chocolate. Spend the afternoon on snowshoes, exploring the 160 acres of trails and vineyards around the Inn.

Guest can also sign up to enjoy two Yoga Day Retreats, held on Saturday, February 10th and March 16th.

Black Star Farms offers a wide variety of culinary events during January, February March, and April. Traditional raclette dinners, featuring rich, melted cheese combined with potatoes, meats, vegetables, and fresh bread are scheduled for January 19th, February 3rd, March 15th and April 19th.

Progressive wine and food tasting tours area available for small groups and will take you behind the scenes into the wine cave followed by the VIP Barrel Room. Tours are scheduled for Mondays January – April.

Participate in a cooking class under the watchful eye of the Black Star Farms’ Chef. A Tuscan menu will be featured on January 20th and 24th. A menu from northern Italy will be showcased on February 24th, and again on March 23rd.

Global Cheddar & Wine Tasting Workshops will be held on January 26th and April 26th.

Find out more about what Black Star Farms has to offer and make reservations here.

The culinary staff at Black Star Farms preparing a special dinner
The culinary staff preparing a special dinner

Things To Do Inside

Get A Snow Day Pass At The Delamar Hotel!

The year-round-heated outdoor pool at The Delamar Hotel in Traverse City, Michigan
The heated outdoor pool at the Delamar Resort

Need a little pick-me-up from cold winter days? Head to the Delamar Hotel at 615 East Front Street in downtown Traverse City. Locals and travelers can purchase a Snow Day Pass to enjoy all of the amenities that are available to hotel guests.

The Snow Day Pass includes swimming in the hotel’s indoor pool, whirlpool hot tub and sauna. Outdoor lovers can take a dip in the steamy outdoor pool. Towels, showers and changing rooms are all available.

You can also reserve one of the poolside Cozy Cabanas with seating for up to six guests. Order something to eat and your favorite beverage from the Cabana menu, which features items such as flatbread pizza, a classic cheeseburger, or white cheddar fondue. Use of a Cozy Cabana costs $15.00 per person for a two hour time slot.

Inside a cozy cabana at the Delamar Hotel in Traverse City
Inside a cozy cabana at the Delamar Hotel

Poolside fire pits are fired up at 5:00 pm. Warm up and enjoy your complimentary s’mores kit! You can also indulge at the complimentary hot cocoa bar from noon until 9:00 pm.

The Snow Day Pass gives you access to the hotel’s gym, which features a Peloton, treadmills, and free weights. You are also eligible for 20% off drop-in classes at the onsite Yen Yoga and Fitness studio.

Complimentary snowshoes are available if you’d like to head out to one the region’s many hiking trails. Or, if you’d prefer to stay in, your family can play one of the available board games by the indoor fireplace.

Snow Days Day Passes are available weekly Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am through 9:00 pm, through April 14th. Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for youngsters ages 3-12. Children under the age of 3 are free.

Book your Delamar Snow Day Pass here!

Play a board game by the fireplace inside of the Delamar Hotel
Play board games by the fireplace

Enjoy A Relaxing Float At Solitude Float and Wellness Spa

Indoor things to do in Traverse City: Enjoy a float at Solitude Float and Wellness Spa!

There are so many outdoor activities to choose from when snow blankets the land. Rigorous activities, such as downhill skiing and snowmobiling, (or shoveling!) may leave you feeling sore afterwards. Solitude Float and Wellness Spa on Front Street in downtown Traverse City has you covered!

You’ll climb into a pod that holds about a foot of water filled with 12,000 pounds of Epsom salt. All that magnesium-rich salt makes floating effortless.

With the water temperature so close to the temperature of your skin, you can lose the sense of where your body actually is. If this scenario creates anxiety, you can keep the tank’s lid open, or float with soft lights or gentle music on. You can open the lid at any time. Just don’t plan on doing anything too strenuous afterwards: you’ll be feeling incredibly relaxed for the rest of the day!

Go to the Solitude Float website to book your incredibly relaxing float.

Not sure if a float is right for you? Read more about my experience on my Solitude Float Spa blog post.

Float pod at Solitude Float and Wellness Spa In Traverse City
Float Pod at Traverse City’s Solitude Float and Wellness Spa

Winter Events In And Around Traverse City

Old Mission Snowshoe Wine and Brew

Winter walk through the vineyards during the  Old mission Snowshoe Wine and Brew event
Walking through the vineyards during the Snowshoe Wine and Brew Event

Mark your calendars: the always popular Old mission Snowshoe Wine and Brew event is being held on January 14 and February 18, 2024. Strap on your snowshoes and get ready to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Traverse City’s Old Mission peninsula, along with the trifecta of stopping by a brewery, a distillery and a winery!

Your adventure begins at the Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant And Brewery. (13512 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City) Leave your car behind and catch the TC Brew Bus.

You’ll be transported to Old Mission Distilling, where you can hang out by the outdoor fire pits, savor hot or cold cider with rum or whiskey, or a highball, and listen to live music. Delicious food will be available from Mission Proper.

From there, follow the flagged snowshoe trail to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, where you will indulge in some incredible local wine. You can also enjoy food service in the heated pavilion.

Then hike back to The Jolly Pumpkin to enjoy an award winning brew, cider or seltzer as you warm up by the fireplace.

Be sure to check in on Facebook or tag the event on Instagram at each stop to earn a stamp. Collect all three and receive a snowshoe souvenir wine glass at Jolly Pumpkin Peninsula Room.

If there isn’t enough snow for snowshoeing, you can hike the trail instead. If you don’t have your own snowshoes, reserve your ticket and then call to get on the rental list. Tickets for the Wine and brew Snowshoe hike are $36 per person and can be reserved online here.

Heated Pavilion at Bowers Harbor Vineyard
Heated Pavilion at Bowers Harbor Vineyard

Souper Saturdays at Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery

Warming up at the outdoor fire pit at Brys Estate and Winery in Traverse City
Warming up at the fire pit at Brys Estate

Located on Old Mission Peninsula, Brys Estate is partnering with Peninsula Provisions Specialty Food and Wine shop to offer a different soup with wine pairings each week.

Enjoy wild mushroom bisque on February 3rd, turkey minestrone on February 10 and tomato bisque on both February 17th and 18th.

Order a cup of soup for $6, pair it with a glass of wine (price depends on the wine) or enjoy three glasses of wine with the soup for $15.

Reservations are recommended for seating in the old-world tasting room, and around the outside fire pits.

TC Comedy Fest

The Traverse City Comedy Fest is one of the biggest events on Traverse City’s winter calendar. Dozens of comedians will be performing at seven venues around town from January 31 – February 3, 2024. Enjoy comedy sketches, stand-up comedy, improv and some specialty shows.

Traverse City will be welcoming national headliners, as well as state and local favorites. The event kicks off with a performance by nationally acclaimed Joe List at The City Opera House. Zainab Johnson and Rory Scovel are also making appearances during the fest, along with local favorite Good On Paper.

Head to the Old Town Playhouse and participate in a murder mystery during the Big Fun Murder improv show. Or for a bit of hip hop, check out the Hip Prove game show at Encore 201. The Roast Battle Tournament will also take place at Encore, where eight comics square off in uproarious verbal duels.

Get ready for a weekend full of laughs, and order your tickets at Traverse City Comedy Fest website.

Cookbook Dinner Series At Amical Restaurant

Cozy table inside of the Amical Restaurant in Traverse City, Michigan

When the summer tourists have departed from northern Michigan, a much-loved tradition kicks in at The Amical Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Traverse City. For over 30 years, the talented kitchen team have developed special menus featuring over 100 different cookbooks.

Once a month from November through April, the Amical staff creates a dinner menu from a chosen cookbook. The week of January 8th -14th, 2024 will feature dishes from Xi’an Famous Foods by Jason Wang. Xi’an Famous Foods is a noodle shop in New York City’s Chinatown. For this week only, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of western China.

February 5th – 10th will highlight Italian cuisine with a British twist from the Trullo restaurant in London.

Check out the menus and make your dinner reservation at the Amical Restaurant website.

Pork Satay from Amical's Restaurant in Traverse city, Michigan
Pork Satay from Amical Restaurant

Guns N Hoses Benefit Hockey Game

February brings an annual event near and dear to the hearts of locals: the Guns and Hoses Benefit Hockey Game. Each year, a team of local police face off against local firefighters, battling it out to see who wins bragging rights for being the best hockey team.

Best of all, proceeds from the game are donated to a local family nominated by community members. The 2024 beneficiary is Kelly Florip of Cedar, Michigan. Guns N Hoses is proud to support Kelly and her family as she battles the long term effects of Triple Positive Breast Cancer.

The game will be held on February 24th, 2024 at Centre Ice Arena, located at 1600 Chartwell Drive in Traverse City. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the puck drops at 7:00. Pregame events include a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, a public safety honor guard, team introductions and an introduction of the Florip family.

Tickets are $5.00 per person. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets ahead of time at the Guns N Hoses website. Any remaining tickets can be purchased at the door.

Traverse City Restaurant Week

Delicious dessert at Trattoria Stella's during Restaurant Week in Traverse City
Delicious dessert at Trattoria Stella’s during Restaurant Week

Traverse City’s wildly popular Restaurant Week will be held from February 25th – March 2nd, 2024. In 2023, three dozen restaurants participated, creating a special menu that often is not available any other time of year. Three course meals are priced between $25 and $45 per person.

During the past four years, we’ve headed to The Boathouse Restaurant, on Old mission peninsula. Their Restaurant Week menu consists of a choice between The Boathouse salad, a wedge salad, or a simply fabulous bowl of lobster and shrimp bisque. (you can guess which starter I choose!)

Main course choices are surf and turf (lobster tail and filet: my favorite), braised Michigan pork shank, duck leg confit, or David’s go-to entrée, rice crusted rainbow trout.

Dessert choices include vanilla bean crème brulee, New York chocolate cheesecake or carrot cake with pineapple sauce. We choose whichever one we fancy at the moment, as we’ve tried and loved them all!

The Boathouse, along with many other in-demand restaurants, will sell-out during Traverse City Restaurant Week. Be sure to make a reservation if you have your heart set on a particular establishment. Check out the Traverse City Restaurant Week website for participating restaurants and their menus, and to make reservations.

Bonus: When The Weather Is Frigid: Check Out The Ice!

Elk Rapids break wall in winter
Break Wall Near Elk Rapids

Michigan beaches are beautiful any time of year. They can be especially spectacular during a frozen winter. Between miles of coastline on the Great Lakes and countless inland lakes, there’s plenty of opportunities to view the incredible beauty of ice. In any given winter, it’s possible to view mounds of ice piling up on the shore, ice volcanoes towering over sand bars, ice balls rolling in the waves, crystal clear on smaller lakes and ice-covered vegetation that got got battered by wind and waves. Checking out the ice is truly a unique winter experience, as formations can change from one day to the next.

Blue Ice Near Leland

A few years ago, during the frigid temperatures of a polar vortex, this magical landscape was created on the shore near Leland. Blue ice forms when snow on top of the ice is compressed, squeezing out all air bubbles. The resulting ice is very dense, allowing it to absorb more color. Blue ice is rare, and is most brilliant on a sunny day.

things to near near Traverse City in winter

Ice Balls In Grand Traverse Bay

Ice balls form in the water when slush rolls and freezes in shallow waves near the shore. One of the best parts of coming across a patch of ice balls is listening to the cracking and popping sounds that they make.

Crystal Clear Ice On Elk Lake

Every few years, Elk Lake is known to have thick, crystal clear ice. This occurs when the lake freezes slowly, allowing air bubbles and other impurities to be pushed down into the water below. The resulting ice around the shore allows you to see straight down to the bottom and gives you the unsettling sensation that you are walking on water. It’s a unique experience!

Ice-Covered Vegetation Along Lake Michigan

We never tire of catching sight of ice-encrusted vegetation. Unique formations can be found all up and down the coast of the Great Lakes. It’s never the same from one month to the next.

Winter near Traverse City

Do be careful any time you decide to venture out on the ice. Lake ice may look sturdy when in fact it is difficult to tell how thick the ice actually is. My rule of thumb is: don’t venture too far from shore, never go out onto any ice by yourself, and look around for spots where others are already safely enjoying the ice. If in doubt, stay on shore and use a zoom lens on your camera.

Olympus Tough T-6 Camera

Shooting photos with the Olympus Tough T-6 camera

Of course, you’re going to want to take photos during your winter activities! The photos on this post were taken with my Olympus Tough T-6 camera. It’s a rugged, waterproof, lightweight camera that gets sharp images while being incredibly easy to use. I didn’t have to worry about dropping it in the snow while dog sledding, or getting salt water on it during my float. It’s small size and light weight make it easy to handle even while you are in motion. Check out the Olympus Tough T-6 here.

I am so grateful to live in an area that experiences all four seasons. Spring, summer, winter or fall, there’s nothing better than enjoying the outdoors! We are always on the lookout for unique things to do near Traverse City in the winter!

winter sunset near Traverse City

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68 Comments

  1. Wow! That’s the first I’ve heard of a dog rescue/sanctuary for dog sledding! If you’re going to do it, this is the way to do it. Thanks for sharing that info.

    1. I agree, Keirsten. We were happy to splurge on a dog sled ride knowing that the money was going to a good cause.

  2. I would love to go dog sledding-it seems like such an exhilarating experience. Your pictures are amazing!! Wow, that blue ice!!
    My husband enjoys sensory deprivation floating. Personally, I would rather try the dark chocolate hot cocoa bomb! haha

    1. Exhilarating is the perfect word to describe our dog sled ride! And yes, the float experience and the hot cocoa bomb are both fantastic: don’t make me choose!

    1. I agree: the hot chocolate bombs can be enjoyed multiple times. There’s nothing that says we can’t drink them in summer as well, right?

    1. The horses were so beautiful! We are making it a point to book a sleigh ride next year when hopefully the COVID restrictions will have eased.

  3. I would love to go on a dog sled ride. That is so cool. The information and the pictures are awesome. I like the ice and snow pictures the best. So pretty. Thanks for sharing.

    1. The dog sled ride was so much fun. Second Chance Mushers accepts donations from people to help support the rescue dogs even if they aren’t able to ride.

    1. I hope you can find a way to dogsled this winter. We are quite a distance from Ohio, but maybe you can find a dogsled team somewhere in between?

    1. We do love checking out all of the different ice formations. The best part is that they are never the same from year to year!

    1. We have never attended an actual dog sledding race: what a good idea! I’m going to start Googling for one now.

  4. We love following the Iditarod as well and have wanted to do dog sledding as well. I will have to check into this. It looks like so much fun.

  5. Wow. I don’t know what I like more. The blue ice, ice balls, or ice-covered vegetation… OR the fact that there’s a sanctuary with dog sledding. That is pretty amazing!

  6. curious with the blue ice! hopefully travelling will be back in the coming months or year, This sounds close to where my cousin lives and would love to visit this place with her.

    1. One reason we love the blue ice so much is that it is somewhat rare and we don’t see it every year. The Straits of Mackinac is another good area to spot blue ice.

  7. Most of the time I do not miss the cold from up north, but your photos make me miss frozen Lake Michigan. I think my favorite item was the dog sled. That is so cool!

    1. It’s not the snowy winters that bother me as much as the in-between times: gray days that are cold and slushy without snow. As long as it’s cold, we might as well have snow!

  8. I love the photos of those beautiful, majestic dogs – and what a blast it would be to go dog-sledding. I tend to avoid snow and cold weather, but a snow sleigh ride would be so fun – I’ve been entranced ever since seeing the scene in “Dr. Zhivago” of the sleigh ride to Varykino, with the foal following its mother; just magical.

  9. Your photos are incredible! Especially the ones of the ice and the clear lake! Going on a dogsled ride is a top bucket list item for me! Can’t wait to give it a shot!

  10. 2nd Chance Mushers sounds like such a great organization! And they provide a unique experience! Sounds like you had so much fun, thanks for sharing!

  11. Wow! I had no idea you could do this in Traverse City. Dog sledding is something that has been on my bucket list for a while! Thanks for the tip!

    1. We did know of some dog sled races in our region that spectators can attend, but it was just this year that we figured out how to get on a dog sled ourselves.

  12. Great post! I think I liked the dog sledding the best. We used to have a huge malamute named Moose and he was a bit of a pain! Extremely stubborn and they do need ridiculous amounts of exercise or they get unruly.

  13. The dog sledding looks amazing! Huskies are the cutest, I would probably just end up playing with them the whole time. Standing on a frozen lake looks terrifying. Looks like a great trip!

    1. The huskies are beautiful! They’re definitely working dogs, though, so they will tolerate attention for a while but they really want to run!

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