If you are looking for a romantic winter getaway, then Michigan has a lot to offer for couples. Here are some of the best vacation spots in Michigan for couples in winter:
#1 Best Vacation Spot in Michigan for Couples in Winter: Traverse City
Located in northern Michigan, Traverse City is a picturesque destination known for its wineries, breweries, and also distilleries. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating, as well as cozying up in front of a fireplace at a bed and breakfast.
Traverse City is a beautiful destination for couples looking to escape to Michigan’s northern region.
Here are some activities that couples can do in Traverse City:
- Wine tasting: Traverse City is known for its wineries, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample the region’s famous wines. Couples can visit the many tasting rooms in town, take a wine tour, or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the area’s winery restaurants.
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: Traverse City is home to several state parks and natural areas that offer miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. Couples can explore the snowy landscapes together and also take in the stunning winter scenery.
- Spa day: There are several spas in Traverse City that offer couples’ massages, facials, as well as other relaxing treatments. Couples can unwind and pamper themselves with a day at the spa.
- Dining: Traverse City is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants in town, or opt for a cozy cafe or pub. Red Mesa Grill in Traverse City
- Snowmobiling: For couples looking for a little more adventure, snowmobiling is a popular activity in Traverse City. There are several rental companies in town, and couples can explore the snowy trails and forests together.
- Ice skating: Traverse City has several outdoor ice skating rinks, including one in the town’s downtown area. Couples can lace up their skates and enjoy a fun, romantic afternoon on the ice.
#2 Romantic Destination Mackinac Island
This car-free island located in Lake Huron is a romantic destination year-round. During the winter months, visitors can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, snowshoe through the island’s snow-covered forests, and enjoy the island’s many historic sites.
Mackinaw Island is a beautiful and romantic destination with plenty of activities for couples.
Here are some ideas for couples things to do in Mackinac Island:
- Horse-drawn carriage ride: One of the best ways to see the island is by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. Couples can enjoy a leisurely tour of the island while snuggling up under a blanket.
- Visit historic sites: Mackinaw Island has a rich history, and couples can explore the island’s many historic sites, such as Fort Mackinac as well as the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center.
- Relax at a spa: Several spas on the island offer couples’ massages and other relaxing treatments. After a day of exploring, couples can unwind and pamper themselves at one of these luxurious spas.
- Shopping and dining: Mackinaw Island has a charming downtown area together with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants, or spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and gifts.
- Sunset viewing: The sunsets on Mackinaw Island are truly breathtaking, and couples can enjoy a romantic evening watching the sun dip below the horizon. There are several scenic spots on the island to watch the sunset, including Sunset Rock in addition to British Landing.
#3 Best Vacation Spots in Michigan for Couples in Winter: Saugatuck
Saugatuck is a charming town on the shores of Lake Michigan that offers plenty of activities for couples during the winter months.
Here are some ideas for things to do in Saugatuck:
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: There are several parks and nature preserves in the area that offer miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. In fact, couples can enjoy a leisurely hike through the snow-covered forests and take in the stunning winter scenery.
- Gallery hopping: Saugatuck is home to several art galleries and studios that showcase the work of local artists. As a result, couples can spend a romantic afternoon browsing the galleries and admiring the art.
- Wine tasting: The Saugatuck area is home to several wineries that offer wine tastings and tours. Therefore, couples can sample the local wines and enjoy a romantic evening at one of the area’s winery restaurants.
- Spa day: There are several spas in the area that offer couples’ massages, facials, as well as other relaxing treatments. Couples can unwind and pamper themselves with a day at the spa.
- Cozy cafes and restaurants: Saugatuck has a variety of cafes and restaurants that offer cozy indoor seating and delicious food. Couples can enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea and a meal together while taking in the town’s charming atmosphere.
- Winter festivals: Saugatuck hosts several winter festivals throughout the season, including the Winterfest and the Chili Cook-Off. Couples can enjoy live music, food, and drinks while participating in fun winter activities.
- Ice skating: Saugatuck has an outdoor ice rink in the downtown area that is open during the winter months. Couples can lace up their skates and enjoy a romantic afternoon on the ice.
#4 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This national park located on the shores of Lake Michigan offers stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Visitors can also warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at one of the nearby coffee shops.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful destination making it one of the best vacation Spots in Michigan for couples.
Here are some ideas for couples at Sleeping Bear Dunes:
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: Sleeping Bear Dunes has several trails that are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Couples can enjoy a winter hike through the snowy forests and take in the stunning views of Lake Michigan.
- Sledding and tubing: The Dune Climb is a popular spot for sledding and tubing during the winter months. Couples can rent a sled or tube and have fun racing down the dunes.
- Star gazing: Sleeping Bear Dunes is a designated dark sky park, therefore making it an ideal spot for star gazing. Couples can bring blankets and hot drinks and spend an evening admiring the night sky.
- Winter photography: The winter landscape at Sleeping Bear Dunes offers stunning photo opportunities. Couples can bring their cameras and capture the snowy scenery, including the frozen Lake Michigan.
- Ice fishing: Glen Lake, located near Sleeping Bear Dunes, is a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter months. Couples can rent equipment and spend a day ice fishing together.
- Visit the village of Empire: The nearby village of Empire offers charming shops and restaurants to explore. Couples can enjoy a romantic meal or browse the local shops.
- Snowmobiling: For couples looking for a little more adventure, snowmobiling is a popular activity in the area. There are several rental companies in the area, and couples can explore the snowy trails and forests together.
#5 Best Vacation Spots in Michigan for Couples in Winter Frankenmuth
Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is a charming town that celebrates the winter season with its annual “Snowfest” event. Visitors can enjoy snow sculpting competitions, ice carving demonstrations, and other winter activities, as well as shopping and dining in the town’s many shops and restaurants.
Frankenmuth is a charming Bavarian-themed town in Michigan that offers plenty of activities for couples during the winter months.
Here are some fun things for couples to do in Frankenmuth:
- Zehnder’s Snowfest: Every January, Frankenmuth hosts the Zehnder’s Snowfest, a winter festival that includes snow and ice sculpting competitions, live music, food, and more.
- Shopping: Frankenmuth is known for its unique shops and boutiques, which offer a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs. Couples can enjoy browsing the shops and finding one-of-a-kind treasures.
- Brewery tours: Frankenmuth is home to several breweries that offer tours and tastings. Couples can sample the local beer and enjoy a romantic evening at one of the area’s brewery restaurants.
- Cozy cafes and restaurants: Frankenmuth has several cafes and restaurants that offer cozy indoor seating and delicious food. Couples can enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea and a meal together while taking in the town’s charming atmosphere.
- Snowshoeing: There are several parks and nature preserves in the area that offer snowshoeing trails. Couples can explore the winter landscape and take in the fresh air as well as beautiful scenery.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides: Frankenmuth offers horse-drawn carriage rides through the town, which provide a romantic way to see the sights and take in the Bavarian architecture.
- Cross-country skiing: The nearby Frankenmuth Golf Course offers cross-country skiing trails during the winter months. Couples can enjoy a leisurely ski together and take in the peaceful winter scenery.
- Indoor water park: Frankenmuth is home to the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which features a large indoor water park. Couples can enjoy a day of fun and relaxation at the water park, followed by a romantic evening in the lodge’s cozy accommodations.
Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
