Suggestions for a family visit during Thanksgiving

Question

Hi TA experts,

We are visiting Lansing, MI during Thanksgiving for a family event. We would like to take a sidetrip for a couple of nights (3 days) before the event. We are traveling with our kids ages 15 & 10. As a family, we like to drive around scenic routes, explore the local towns. Is Mackinac & Traverse City a good option for a 2 day trip during late November? Our dilemma is since we are coming during a seasonal transition, meaning it is neither fall nor snowy winter, the weather might not be ideal. We are planning a trip to Upper Peninsula in the future, so is it better to save it for a later time?

I appreciate your suggestions/inputs. Thank in advance!

Priya

Answer

Visiting Mackinac Island and Traverse City in late November can be a mixed experience. While both destinations are incredibly scenic and charming, the weather during this period is unpredictable, often cold, rainy, or even snowy. Many seasonal attractions, restaurants, and ferry services on Mackinac Island may be closed or operating on limited hours. Traverse City is quieter than in peak summer or fall foliage season, and some wineries, shops, and tourist attractions may have reduced hours.

Given that you have kids aged 15 and 10 and are looking for a short 3-day sidetrip from Lansing, there are alternatives that may provide a more engaging and reliable experience without being affected by seasonal closures or harsh weather:

Grand Rapids & Holland: About 1-2 hours drive from Lansing. Grand Rapids offers museums like the Grand Rapids Public Museum or Frederik Meijer Gardens, which are enjoyable indoors. Holland has quaint downtown streets, shopping, and a cozy small-town atmosphere.
Ann Arbor & Dexter/Saline: About 1-1.5 hours from Lansing. Explore the University of Michigan campus, local parks, and small town charm. Great for family-friendly dining and indoor attractions.
Frankenmuth: Roughly 2 hours from Lansing. This Bavarian-themed town is especially festive in late November as they start decorating for the holiday season. Kid-friendly attractions, unique shops, and dining options make it a reliable choice regardless of weather.
Detroit suburban attractions: If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, Detroit Metro area offers museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, and Belle Isle Park. Plenty of indoor options if weather is poor.

If you do decide to attempt Mackinac Island and Traverse City, plan carefully:

Check ferry schedules to Mackinac Island; some services may stop running in mid-November. Some hotels and attractions on the island may be closed.
Traverse City will be much quieter; the town itself is lovely for a walk, but outdoor activities like beaches, state parks, or boating won’t be feasible. Wineries or indoor attractions may still be open, but confirm ahead of time.
Pack warm, layered clothing and be prepared for rain or early snow. Roads in northern Michigan may be icy or slick.

Overall, for a family trip in late November, it may be more enjoyable and less stressful to choose destinations in southern or western Michigan, closer to Lansing, where indoor and outdoor attractions remain accessible and safe. Saving Mackinac Island and Traverse City for a later trip, ideally in late spring, summer, or early fall, will give you the full experience with active attractions, scenic drives, and more predictable weather.

Suggestions for a family visit during Thanksgiving

More Michigan (MI) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions