Rainy-Day Activities in Traverse City

One of the first things you may notice upon your arrival in Traverse City is how green, lush, and verdant our landscape is. This part of Michigan is known for its cherries, its grapes, and its natural beauty, all of which could not be without more than a few drops of rain. The weather along the Great Lakes can change rapidly, and just as clouds may roll in unexpectedly, they can roll out just as fast.

Additionally, some of the area’s best experiences take place indoors. If you didn’t spend time inside, you would be missing out! As you scroll through this guide, you will learn all about some of our favorite indoor activities in Traverse City.

We’re starting out strong on our list of things to do in Traverse City when it rains by heading to downtown Traverse City. Shopping and browsing the art galleries in the area while the skies turn gray and rain falls will make you forget that you initially thought the moisture would ruin your trip.

Browse Unique Boutiques and Local Shops

My Secret Stash is a fantastic boutique specializing in gifts, souvenirs, home décor, and other wonderful items.

• Address: 124 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (4 PM on Sundays)

• Phone: (231) 929-0340

Discover Art Galleries and Creative Spaces

Visiting the galleries that line our streets is one of the most popular rainy-day activities in Traverse City. Laughing Fish Gallery is just one example of the talent found in this area. Offering whimsical, colorful masterpieces, we especially love their collection of wooden fish that swim across the shop's walls. 

• Address: Downtown: 121 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Grand Traverse Commons: 1200 W Eleventh St Ste 207, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 11 AM to 4 PM Friday-Saturday

• 11 AM to 3 PM Sunday-Monday

• Plan Your Visit

Enjoy a Relaxed Afternoon Exploring Front Street

Front Street is considered the heart of Traverse City, filled with 19th-century Victorian buildings housing boutiques, restaurants, and more. Exploring all that Front Street has to offer could take longer than one rainy day, but we invite you to stop by Horizon Books, an iconic bookstore open since 1961. Independent bookstores are rapidly disappearing from the retail scene in America, but Horizon Books has been a popular bookstore and gathering place for over 60 years.

• Address: 243 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM

• Phone: (231) 946-7290

Wine Tasting on Old Mission Peninsula

Although there are outdoor tables at the wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula, many also offer indoor seating, making a wine tasting an ideal thing to do in Traverse City when it rains. Bowers Harbor Vineyards is known for its indoor wine tasting room, which offers wine by the glass and flights that let you sample all the varietals.

• Address: 2896 Bowers Harbor Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Hours: 11 AM to 6 PM

• Phone: (231) 223-7615

• Reserve a Tasting

Exploring Leelanau Peninsula Wineries

The Leelanau Peninsula is also famed for its collection of wineries, and Black Star Farms is known for its rustic indoor tasting room and for serving over 40 wines.

• Address: 10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

• Phone: (231) 944-1270

• Tasting Rooms

Indoor Tasting Experiences for Couples and Groups

You don’t have to go to either of the peninsulas in the area to enjoy an indoor wine tasting, as downtown Traverse City also offers its own indoor tasting rooms, including Lake District Wine Co. They even offer free tastings every Saturday!

• Address: 539 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Hours: 12 PM to 6 PM Monday

• 10 AM to 6 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday

• 10 AM to 7 PM Thursday, Friday

• 12 PM to 4 PM Sunday

• Phone: (231) 421-8572

Museums are always a great indoor activity in Traverse City, and whether you choose a history, art, or local cultural museum, you will find it exciting to connect more deeply with the area.

Learning About Traverse City's History

Traverse City State Hospital was once the state asylum, but today it pays homage to the troubled souls that lived there while exploring a way of life that no longer exists. The state hospital is a part of the larger whole of The Village at Grand Commons.

• Address: 830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Phone: (231) 941-1900

• Tours at The Village

Family-Friendly Educational Attractions

The Curiosity Place, powered by the Great Lake Children’s Museum, is a fun, colorful spot in the Grand Traverse Mall that’s perfect for exploring on a rainy day. You can enjoy hands-on exhibits, a lighthouse keeper role-play area, and STEM programs for children.

• Address: 3200 W South Airport Rd Suite 420, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Tuesday-Saturday

• 12 PM to 4:30 PM Sunday-Monday

• Phone: (231) 932-4526

• Plan Your Visit

Local Art and Cultural Exhibits

One of our favorite things to do in Traverse City when it rains is to head to one of the many art galleries and shops that are in the area, including the Crooked Tree Arts Center. Offering both exhibits and art classes so visitors can enjoy the hard work of other artists or learn to make their own, their galleries are free to explore.

• Address: 322 Sixth St, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday-Friday

• 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday

• Phone: (231) 941-9488

• Learn More

Hidden Indoor Gems Visitors Often Miss

All children of the 80s and admirers of vintage fun should make a point of visiting The Coin Slot when looking for indoor activities in Traverse City. This downtown hangout spot is famous for its classic arcade games and its collection of vintage pinball machines; it also offers a full bar.

• Address: 346 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM Monday-Thursday

• 12 PM to 12 AM Friday-Sunday

• Phone: (231) 642-5661

Farm-to-Table Dining Experiences

Dining out is a favorite activity for many, and when you sample the menu at Modern Bird, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious farm-to-table experience. Just be sure to save room for their Oatmeal Cream Pie after devouring the main entrée.

• Address: 541 W Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM Tuesday-Saturday

• Menu

Cozy Breweries and Taprooms

7 Monks Taproom offers both indoor and outdoor seating areas, so don’t forget to explore its menu on a sunny day as well. Their beer menu is far larger than most restaurant menus, and their delicious burgers have also earned local recognition.

• Address: 128 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 3 PM to 11 PM Monday-Thursday

• 12 PM to 12 AM Friday-Saturday

• 12 PM to 10 PM Sunday

• Drink Menu

Your favorite thing to do in Traverse City when it rains might just be staying home in your Elevated Stays Michigan retreat, exploring all its amenities. Every space we offer will provide comfort and fun on a rainy day, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy:

• Family movie nights and board games

• Cooking together in a fully equipped kitchen

• Lake views

• Relaxing indoors without missing the vacation experience

You know that old song about rainy days and Mondays? Neither will get you down when you enjoy all these indoor activities in Traverse City close to our downtown vacation rentals. Reserve your favorite property today and discover all the reasons our rentals will become your newest obsession!