Activities for rainy week?

Looks like our visit the first week in October will be cloudy and rainy every day. We had planned on all outdoor activities and being on the water for the week. Any suggestions for rainy day fun? Wineries are not a favorite stop! Thanks!!

Even if the weather in Traverse City is rainy during your first week of October, there are still plenty of enjoyable indoor activities to keep your trip interesting. The area has a variety of museums, cultural spots, and cozy indoor experiences that don’t involve wineries or outdoor excursions.

Here are some options to consider for rainy day fun:

  • Dennos Museum Center: Located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, this museum features a collection of Inuit art, rotating exhibits, and contemporary art pieces. It’s a great spot for a few hours of indoor exploration.
  • Music House Museum: A unique museum dedicated to antique musical instruments, player pianos, and music boxes. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations and even play some instruments.
  • Traverse City Film Festival screenings: Check local listings to see if there are any screenings or film events happening during your visit.
  • Indoor sports or activity centers: Some options include bowling alleys, indoor trampoline parks, or escape rooms in and around Traverse City.

If you’d like to combine sightseeing with indoor comfort, consider:

  • Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Maritime Museum: While the lighthouse itself is outdoors, the museum portion is indoors and offers interesting exhibits on local maritime history.
  • Shopping and browsing local boutiques: Downtown Traverse City has several unique shops and artisan stores that can make for a leisurely indoor day.
  • Cooking classes or craft workshops: Check local listings for classes offered at community centers, culinary schools, or craft studios.

For dining and cozy experiences, you can also plan to explore some of Traverse City’s well-regarded restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, enjoying long lunches or relaxed dinners while waiting out the rain.

Even with rainy weather, a mix of museums, unique indoor attractions, and leisurely indoor activities will allow you to make the most of your Traverse City trip.


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