Grand Traverse County is leaning into the so‑called in‑between season with a mix of outdoor and neighborhood activities that public health advocates and community leaders say can help residents maintain physical activity, social ties and support local businesses during quieter months.

Outdoor options around the county offer a variety of difficulty levels and settings. Recreationists can loop the Boardman Lake Trail from Hull Park for a flat, accessible circuit along water, or climb to the overlooks at Hickory Hills for more elevation and panoramic views. Nature preserves such as the Commons Natural Area and Historic Barns Park provide shorter, softer-surface walks for families and older adults, while the VASA Pathway trailheads connect to an extensive network for cross‑country skiing and mountain biking later in the season. Birdwatchers can look for local and migratory species at Mitchell Creek, and shoreline strolls along Open Space and Clinch Park remain an option for waterfront access.

Cultural and commercial assets are positioned to complement outdoor time. The Dennos Museum Center continues to draw visitors with indoor exhibits for those seeking a warm, accessible attraction, and Front Street cafes and coffee shops offer warm drinks to punctuate outings. Neighborhood restaurants are rolling out off‑season menus aimed at locals, and maker markets provide opportunities to shop local craftsmen and artisans on slower weekends.

The local mix of free and low‑cost activities carries public health implications. Regular physical activity outdoors has well‑documented benefits for mental health and chronic disease prevention, and accessible trailheads and parks can reduce barriers for residents who cannot afford gym memberships or out‑of‑town travel. Community leaders note that maintaining trail connectivity, clear signage, and basic amenities like restroom access and safe parking are key to equity: without those investments, low-income residents, seniors and people with mobility limitations can be left out of seasonal programming.

Economic impacts are local and tangible. Off‑season patronage helps stabilize small businesses and keeps jobs in the community during months that historically see reduced tourist traffic. Maker markets and restaurant menus tailored to locals provide revenue streams that can bolster businesses through winter.

Looking ahead, advocates encourage county and municipal planners to prioritize funding for trail maintenance, ADA improvements and public transportation links that would allow more residents to reach parks without relying on personal vehicles. Strengthening those systems can amplify the public health returns of the county’s natural and cultural assets and ensure that the benefits of activity, nature and local commerce are shared broadly.

For residents, pragmatic choices abound: loop the Boardman Lake Trail from Hull Park, take in an overlook at Hickory Hills, browse a maker market or warm up on Front Street — small actions that together support health, community resilience and the local economy during the in‑between season.