Some days, you just want to stay inside! Maybe you just want to find that warm fire, and a friendly book. Maybe you’re looking for a great indoor adventure. There is much to enjoy indoors in Traverse City. Here are a few ideas!

A day at the museum


The Dennos Museum has a new collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. It allows the museum to bring traveling exhibits, films, and speakers to the area. Check their website to see when those events take place. This winter the Dennos will feature a regional juried art exhibit that they host every five years that is focused on the best artwork from the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan. The museum also features the largest collection of Inuit (also known as Eskimo) art in the country.

Axe Throwing

The Den at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa


Bring out your inner Viking and learn the fine art of axe throwing. It’s just one of many games at the Den in Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. This is the first axe range in Traverse City and a trained pro will help you with the basics of the sport. Axe throwing is just the start. There’s an arcade, boutique bowling, a virtual reality experience, and a challenging Escape Room. There’s plenty here to keep you fully entertained.

Great Wolf Lodge

Splish Splash


Water parks are a great break from the winter cold, especially for the kids. The Great Wolf Lodge water park with the exhilaration of Alberta Falls or the four-story interactive Fort Mackenzie treehouse there’s a lot to explore. Or if you’re staying at Grand Traverse Resort spend plenty of time at the water playground.

COGnition

Photo Credit: Carla Brooks

Explore the world through cognition


The world around us is hands-on and very interactive. COGnition is a museum-style center in Beulah that creates the same hands-on experience to life. COGnition brings awe and wonder of the world, designed to impact kids of all ages. Enjoy a wide variety of exhibits that encourage play and creativity. Examine a snakeskin under a microscope, learn to tie knots, generate your own electricity, or get introduced to turtles and a hedgehog. This museum works to drive curiosity about the world around you.


Climb to new heights


Challenge yourself to a new climbing wall and fitness center at Elev8. Choose from a variety of terrains and different styles of climbing. Your experience can take you to 14-feet, all the way to 40-feet. It’s great for experienced rock climbers and kids that are just looking for a good challenging time.

State-Theatre-Inside

Historic Movie Theaters


This is the way movies should be viewed. Grand old movie houses that were created when going to a movie as an entertainment experience –  not just an extension of the television. Movies are shown on glorious big screens with magnificent sound. The smell of popcorn is ever-present and may be served with real butter. These historic buildings have been painstakingly refurbished and reflect their glorious past. Check out the State Theatre in downtown Traverse City that is home to the Traverse City Film Festival. But don’t miss the Garden Theater in Frankfort or the Bay Theater in Suttons Bay. They have become the pride of the communities where the bright lights of the marquee welcome you to the next big attraction.

Curling

Curling up to winter


Curling is the fastest-growing winter sport in America. It’s a socially engaging winter activity that you can play when you are very young or getting up there in age. Center Ice Arena is home to the Traverse City Curling Club. The Club hosts Learn to Curl nights and opportunities to watch the curling competition. Learn more at tccurling.org.