A Winter Guide to Charlevoix, Michigan
Do you get the winter blues? Do you crave a change of scenery or a family-friendly winter escape? If so, look no further than Charlevoix, Michigan for your winter getaway! Charlevoix has lots to do in the winter and is the perfect up-north spot for families to visit if you are craving a cozy small town with plenty of outdoor activities.
Charlevoix is one of our favorite Northern Michigan small towns. It’s situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. Both lakes are gorgeous not only in the summer for swimming and boating, but also in the winter for admiring fresh snow around the lakes. Besides admiring the lakes, there are plenty of fun things for the whole family to do in Charlevoix during the winter.
One of Charlevoix’s famous Mushroom houses in winter
We love to visit Charlevoix in the winter, spring and fall. There are fewer tourists crowding this small town and some of the most popular summertime spots feel like hidden gems in the cold-weather months! We prefer to stroll along Bridge Street, the main street through downtown Charlevoix. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes open year-round, so if you are looking for a quiet winter escape, Charlevoix might be just your pace!
Hiking by candlelight at Mt McSauba
What to do in Charlevoix during the winter
Try a candlelight hike at Mt McSauba. It doesn’t get much more idyllic than this: every Friday evening in the winter, hiking trails at Mt McSauba are lit with candles for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing! At the end of the trail, you are greeted with a bonfire and hot cocoa. Talk about a perfect start to the weekend!
Visit the Charlevoix Historical Society Museum and learn about Ernest Hemingway’s connection to Charlevoix. The museum also features 10,000 historical photos of Charlevoix, an 8-foot tall tower of Petoskey stones, and many more local artifacts.
Visit Michigan Beach Park to see the beach covered in snow and watch the huge winter waves. The beach is gorgeous in any season, but we find it extra special in the winter, with snow and ice along the shore. We love being bundled up and walking the beach, but enjoying the view from the comfort of your car isn’t bad either!
Get your coffee and maple syrup fix (not mixed together, unless that’s your thing) at Hardwood Gold’s Bridge Street location. Hardwood Gold is owned by a pair of sisters who are fifth generation maple syrup makers! They’ve now branched our into sauces, granolas and more, and it’s all available at their cafe downtown, as well as delicious lattes. Enjoy your latte on a cozy couch in the cafe or take it to go while you explore the shops on Bridge Street!
Downhill skiing with a view of Lake Michigan at Mt McSauba
Visit Mt McSauba during the day for views of Lake Michigan while skiing. Mt McSauba was recently named one of the top 3 small ski hills in the country! The hill is actually a sand dune and they offer downhill skiing, cross country skiing, ice skating, sledding, and snow tubing. All of this plus views of Lake Michigan make this a great option for some winter family time outdoors.
Try cross-country skiing at Fisherman’s Island. Did you know that cross country skiing can burn 400 - 650 calories per hour?! If that isn’t reason to strap on some long, skinny skies, how about cross country skiing on a beach? Parent tip: bring the kids and they will be exhausted by the end of the day!
Stop by Friske’s for homemade desserts featuring local fruit. Friske’s has been a landmark in the Charlevoix area for more than 50 years and is known for their homemade apple cider, fresh bakery items and year-round gift shop featuring all kinds of great “only in Michigan” products. It’s the perfect place to stop for a snack on your way in or out of Charlevoix.
Bundle up and take a walk from Round Lake to Lake Michigan, along the Pine River Channel. This channel connects Round Lake/Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan. During the summer, it’s heavy with boat traffic and has a functioning drawbridge. In the winter months, it’s quiet and makes an excellect spot to take a scenic stroll (just be careful not to slip on any ice that may accumulate)!
A cozy mushroom house decorated for winter
Take a walk or drive around the Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix. In the summer, tourists flock to take photos of these adorable houses. But in the winter, there are fewer crowds and you can see for yourself how architect Earl Young integrated these quirky homes with their natural surroundings almost a century ago!
Get a sweet or savory crepe at That French Place. Owners Brian and Emily bring their favorite international flavors into every crepe they make. They also host small tours to Europe focusing on culinary experiences!
Enjoy local cusine at the historic landmark, Stafford’s Weathervane. The building was originally a grist mill, but converted to the current structure by Earl Young (see above: mushroom houses). Since Stafford’s sits next to the Pine River Channel, there are great views all year long. Be sure to check out the fireplace and meteorite on the hearth, not to mention the main bar that’s constructed of shipwreck planks!
Check out local hangout, The Villager Pub, for whitefish tacos. This pub has been a fixture of downtown Charlevoix for almost 4 decades! It’s the perfect spot for laid-back dining downtown.
Stop at Bridge Street Tap Room! If you’re looking for a cozy little spot to grab a delicious bite to eat and a brew, stop here to sample one of their 30+ beers on tap, get some great food, and enjoy the view of Round Lake from their huge windows.
Other options to consider
There are a ton of other towns dotting the coastline of Lake Michigan that are great to visit any time of year. Our detailed tours of a perfect winter afternoon in Charlevoix is available on Built Story. If you are looking for more Michigan fun, be sure to check out our post on Traverse City for 25 of our favorite winter activities! We’re excited to share our experiences in towns like Grand Haven, Frankfort, and Holland this winter, spring and beyond. In the meantime, check out our destination guide to Michigan!
Ready to get packing? Check out our post on winter travel essentials for kids here!
Round Lake, Charlevoix
Photos provided courtesy of Visit Charlevoix