Top 5 Must-Dos in Downtown Frankfort This Winter
#1 Experience Main Street
Trade the big city's traffic for a sparkling snowflake-lit Main Street that offers exceptional dining, one-of-a-kind shopping, and a rich local culture.
After tackling the day's adventures—whether you're gliding through silent trails while cross-country skiing at Sleeping Bear Dunes or carving fresh powder during downhill fun at Crystal Mountain—you'll crave the warmth of downtown. The culinary scene on Main Street doesn't just refuel you; it elevates your entire experience. Savor the festive, communal atmosphere at Stormcloud Brewing Company, known for its Belgian-style ales and even its own curling action. For a taste of the Mediterranean, indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza at Vita Bella Italian Kitchen and Market or discover modern, made-from-scratch dishes and craft cocktails overlooking Betsie Bay at Birch & Maple.
Once you're warmed up, let Main Street guide you through a "Shopper's Paradise" brimming with unique, high-quality finds. Browse artisan goods, gourmet gifts, and fine wines at Lynn & Perin Mercantile, or explore timeless, customizable pieces and accessories for your home at Betsie Bay Furniture. Need to gear up for tomorrow’s fresh snowfall? Find name-brand winter apparel and gear at Crystal Lake Adventure Sports.
The charm extends beyond the storefronts. A treasured Main Street fixture, the historic Garden Theater, invites you to step back in time. This jewel of a venue delivers a delightfully curated lineup of film, live theater, and entertainment, perfect for capping off a winter evening.
Frankfort’s downtown doesn't just offer activities; it provides everything you need to make your winter weekend truly unforgettable.
#2 Visit the Oliver Art Center
The Oliver Art Center is a true cornerstone of the Michigan arts scene, offering year-round exhibitions, classes, and workshops for all ages, and a must-see Winter Market featuring a remarkable collection of handmade gift items from a wide range of Michigan-based artists.
What makes this center truly unique is its setting: it is stunningly housed in a restored former Coast Guard building on the waterfront. This heritage location provides a dramatic and evocative backdrop for its mission. With a deep dedication to celebrating and promoting the arts and a relentless focus on community enrichment, the Oliver Art Center offers a dose of vibrant, creative energy that is both inspiring and essential to your Frankfort getaway. It’s the perfect place to pause, reflect, and engage with art.
#3 Conquer the Bluffs on Snowshoes
Time to earn those spectacular views.
Frankfort is located right at the gateway to the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which transforms into a dazzling, silent playground every winter. Snowshoeing is the perfect way to experience this majesty. Strap on a pair and take on the various trails, climbing to the top of the snow-dusted dunes and bluffs.
The reward for your effort is simply breathtaking: panoramic, unobstructed views of the frozen Lake Michigan coastline. This exhilarating excursion is the best way to embrace the solitude and immense natural beauty of the area. Plus, it ensures you’ll have worked up a true appetite for those delicious meals waiting for you back on Main Street!
No gear? No worries! Crystal Lake Adventure Sports has you covered with snowshoe rentals and name-brand winter apparel—everything you need to conquer the bluffs (and your day!).
#4 Curl at the Cloud
Frankfort’s charm extends beyond the bluffs and the tables—it’s built into the unique community spirit, and nothing demonstrates this better than curling at Stormcloud Brewing Company!
When the temperatures drop, the action heats up at this local favorite. Stormcloud Brewing isn't just famous for its delicious Belgian-style ales and satisfying pub menu; it’s also the proud home of the Stormcloud Curling Club.
Whether you've watched it during the Olympics or never touched a stone before, this quirky winter favorite is incredibly fun and accessible. Visitors can sign up for beginner classes or even join an open session. It’s the perfect way to spend a lively afternoon or evening, blending light competition with great local brews.
Beyond curling, Stormcloud Brewing hosts a packed calendar of events throughout the winter months, including live music, pub trivia, Burger Fridays, and much more—keep your eye on their events calendar!
#5 Brave Point Betsie
No visit to Frankfort is complete without seeing one of the Great Lakes' most photographed and historically significant landmarks—the magnificent Point Betsie Lighthouse!
A short, scenic drive from downtown, Point Betsie stands proudly along the Lake Michigan shoreline. While less daunting than conquering the bluffs, this trip is rich with local history and offers a spectacular dose of Northern Michigan's stark winter beauty.
Bundle up and take in the gorgeous, panoramic views of the frozen coastal landscape. The contrast of the lighthouse's clean lines against the ice-rimmed lake and snow-dusted dunes makes for unparalleled photo opportunities. It's a peaceful, moving way to cap off your weekend—and you might even find a Petoskey Stone along the icy shoreline.
BONUS!
For the ultimate proof that Frankfort's spirit runs deep—even in the dead of winter—this bonus must-do is to face the frigid waves and witness the spectacle of winter surfing off the pier!
While most visitors bundle up for a stroll, a dedicated, intrepid crew of local surfers knows that the best waves on Lake Michigan often arrive when the temperatures plummet. The harbor piers and the surrounding areas are known to create unique breaks, drawing surfers in wetsuits who thrive on the challenge of the icy conditions. You might even catch a local surfer in a Santa suit out there!
Head down to the Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse to watch them ride the magnificent, massive swells. It’s an exhilarating sight that perfectly captures the wild, adventurous personality of Northern Michigan.
This unexpected sport proves that in Frankfort, the action truly never stops—no matter how cold it gets!