Local wineries are hopeful that our short-lived snow will return for snowshoers.
Rove Winery in Elmwood Towsnhip hosts a happy hour called “Snowshoe Sundays” a self-guided tour that goes around Rove’s two main vineyards.
Even in the winter, Rove is open seven days a week.
“Its a really great way to get outside. I do recommend coming on the weekends, Friday and Saturday. We have fire pits going outside, so it’s really cozy,” Rove co-owner Mackenzie Gallagher said. “Its a great workout. I will say I do it on a regular basis myself.” .
Rove is in its seventh season hosting snowshoers and cross country skiers, one of many wineries in the area to explore local Leelanau scenery.
There are trail maps available for the self-explanatory trails that roughly go for a mile throughout the winery.
Rove features a hot winter sangria during winter to warm up and keep going on the trails.
“It’s very tasty but it’s a great way to warm up and to get outside and move your body,” Gallagher said. “We’ve noticed that a lot of places are closed on Sunday and we’re happy to be open and have something that’s family friendly and recreational as well as of course local wines.”
Other wineries that have cross country and skiing trails include 45North Vineyards and Aurora Cellars in Lake Leelanau.
The Aurora Cellars snowshoeing trail is open when there is enough snow. They have two trails to choose from, and all offer a scenic tour of the snowcapped vineyards. The Cellar Trail is .53 miles, and the Estate Trail is 1.2 miles. For both trails it takes one hour to complete the trail. No dogs are permitted.
Experience winter in Michigan’s wine country like never before with a snowshoe tour that combines adventure, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional local wines. This guided trek takes you through a private vineyard trail connecting three distinct wineries: Suttons Bay Ciders, Ciccone Vineyards, and BigLittle Wines.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide from Grand Traverse Tours participants will snowshoe through local vines, enjoying stunning views of winter while making stops to sample wines at a few local wineries.
The tour offers a casual pace, perfect for both seasoned snowshoers and beginners.
The private vineyard trail connects Suttons Bay Ciders, Ciccone Vineyards and BigLittle Wines. There is a full tour and a point-to-point tour that travels five and three miles each. Each has rolling terrain with plenty of stops.
Warm up with a chili or soup lunch while overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Suttons Bay Ciders while cozying up to the fire.
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse will host snowshoe hikes this winter in two different locations.
On Jan. 4 and Feb. 8, a 2-mile snowshoe hike through the wooded trails to the shoreline on Cathead Bay. The hike takes place at the Leelanau State Park Trailhead parking lot, off Densmore Road, near Woolsey Airport.
A 1.3-mile showshoe hike through the Leelanau State Park campground wooded area and around the Grand Traverse Lighthouse on Jan.25, Feb. 22 and March 3.
Participants can also tour the lighthouse and visit the gift shop, where the hike will begin.
All hikes start at 10 a.m. There is no charge for these outdoor activities, however a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required for your vehicle.
A limited number of snowshoes will be available at no charge. To reserve snowshoes or for more information, call 386-7195.
On Sunday, Feb. 16 the Leelanau Conservancy will host a snowshoe outing at Palmer Woods from 2 to 5 p.m.
Enjoy a fun winter afternoon with the Leelanau Conservancy team. Come dressed for the weather, and bring your skis, snowshoes, or warm hiking gear. If snow conditions aren’t ideal, switch to hiking—yak tracks or ice cleats and poles recommended.
Sign up at leelanauconservancy. com to save you spot.
