10 Small Towns In Michigan That Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Are you planning a getaway to explore the hidden gems of Michigan? From coastal charms to inland wonders, Michigan is home to many small towns, each boasting unique attractions and a warm local atmosphere. Whether it's a tranquil bike ride on Mackinaw Island, a wine tour in Traverse City, or sailing in Petoskey, these ten remarkable towns offer experiences you'll want to relive. So why wait? Let's embark on a journey through Michigan's most enchanting small towns that are rich in culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a relaxing destination for its elegant island life, where all transportation is non-motorized. It is one of the coolest locations in all of the Great Lakes area. Located on the freshwater Great Lake, Lake Huron, the graceful island of Mackinac has a population of fewer than 1,000 residents but booms in the summer and is one of the top vacation spots for tourists. The island's fascinating, historic, small-town life is unmatchable in Michigan. Grab some of the famous fudge, delicious saltwater taffy, and tasty caramel corn before heading out on horseback across the vast and beautiful island. Take a walk through Fort Mackinaw during the day and book your stay at the Grant Hotel to stay the night at the angelic destination in the heart of Michigan's Great Lakes.
Traverse City
Check out some small-town luxury in Traverse City. It is a highly sought-after location in Michigan for its opulent and regal community along the shore with sailing, rich vineyards, and fresh fruit. Located on the coast of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is known as the first American producer of sour cherries and is now home to a number of wonderful fruit and film festivals with more than 40 different vineyards and delicious regional cuisine. Surrounded by stunning rolling hills and glacier-sculpted landscapes, the coves, dunes, and islands of Traverse City make it a top-rated location for outdoor enthusiasts. The town has a number of shops, and award-winning restaurants that offer farm-to-table cuisine matched with beer from local microbreweries and microdistillaries, making this vibrant city an experience of a lifetime.
Petoskey
Regarding natural beauty in Michigan, Petoskey is where the crowds gather all summer long. A luxurious resort town in lower Michigan that brings together five different vibrant waterfront resort communities, including Alanson, Boyne City, Bay Harbor, Harbor Springs, and Boyne Falls. A picture-perfect getaway, Petoskey is the Midwest's most popular four-season, award-winning resort destination because of the year-round experiences. Famous for its ranch-style horseback riding, competitive golfing, award winning Gaslight shopping district, flawless Victorian cottages and magnificent sailing adventures, Petoskey offers a unique small town essence with a regal feel. Explore the place that inspired Ernest Hemingway while walking the waterfront shores to grab a Petoskey stone, a fossil that is from the 350 million year old colonial coral in the freshwaters of Lake Michigan. Abundant agriculture, surreal landscapes and exhilirating freshwater experiences makes Petoskey is a unique destination for visitors to the state of Michigan.
Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is a fully European-influenced and German-themed quaint village located in Saginaw, This is one of the most sought-after vacations because it is a fully immersive experience in a beautiful small town. With a population of less than 5,000 people, this charming tourist area attracts hundreds yearly for its Bavarian culture and European architecture steeped in German history. Founded and adored by the German settlers, this fascinating small town had made a name for itself for its authentic German cuisine, such as Kern's sausages and annual festivals. Jump into the majestic midwest environment at Grampa's Tiny Farm and participate in a uniquely themed attraction by visiting the local pubs and the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. Head over for a bite to eat at the Cheese Haus or grab a snack at the Frankenmuth Popcorn Wagon before spending an afternoon on the Bavarian Belle River Boat. This German-inspired immersive adventure located in the heart of the Midwest is one of Michigan's hidden gems for tourists around the world.
Munising
Munising is located in Alger County, Michigan, and is a bustling area with a population of around 2,500 people. What makes this place special is its proximity to the Great Lakes experience. One of the most scenic adventures in Michigan, Munising is a top-rated destination because it is home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a highly sought-after location to see the rugged wilderness of the Upper Peninsula. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore comes from the mineral strain seen on the sculpted cliffs and the brown, orange, white, and yellow rockfaces along the bright green and blue lakeshores. Stretching about 42 miles in length, the lakeshore offers beautiful beaches, dunes, waterfalls, lighthouses, and numerous trails for hiking. After spending time on the shores of Lake Superior, head to downtown Munising for some authentic cuisine, shops, boutiques, and pubs. Munising is an ideal place to experience the feeling of the Midwest and a super cool destination for its proximity to amazing outdoor experiences.
Saugatuck
Located along the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is known as Michigan's Art Coast and a top beach town, making it one of the most exciting adventures in the Midwest. A specialized adventure steeped in arts and culture, this is one of the greatest experiences for visitors who are looking for something unique on their vacation. Saugatuck won the award for Best Beach Town in 2020 by Midwest Living Magazine for its Lake Michigan beaches and is a cultural hot spot for the amount of galleries and studios that are available to explore. The Ox-Bow School, established by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Barn, are amazing arts spaces that add tons of culture to the area. Walk through the downtown area that is filled with charming boutiques, pubs, restaurants, and unprecedented access to arts and culture. Visit Oval Beach or head to Mount Baldhead Park for some fun in the sun before taking a boat cruise through the fresh waters of Lake Michigan. A location in Midwestern culture, Saugatuck is perfect for a weekend getaway you'll never forget.
New Buffalo
Located just 90 miles from Chicago, New Buffalo, often called the Hamptons of the Midwest, is one of the top spots to visit along Lake Michigan's shores. Discover this hidden gem to enjoy fantastic outdoor activities and breathtaking views before relaxing with a drink under the stunning Great Lakes sunset. Walk down Whittaker Street to find a bite to eat, admire the mural, and browse shops and boutiques before heading to New Buffalo Beach and Oselka Marina at the end of the road. A highly ranked destination in Michigan, New Buffalo is famous for Indiana Dunes National Park, where visitors can take on the 3-Dunes Challenge. This 1.5-mile hike through the dunes offers an immersive Midwest experience. Take in all the scenery the Midwest provides when visiting the Michigan City Lighthouse and pier or exploring historic homes from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. New Buffalo offers a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere with everything that tourists visiting Michigan are looking for. Enjoy the freshwater charm by visiting New Buffalo on Lake Michigan.
Charlevoix
A vacation to Michigan's heart, Charlevoix, offers a unique experience compared to other destinations. Featuring hundreds of organic, farm-to-table experiences, this trip is a dream come true for food lovers. Situated on three stunning lakes in Northern Michigan, Charlevoix boasts the best harbor in the United States. Be sure to visit the Charlevoix Memorial Drawbridge before heading to Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan, a popular tourist spot. Enjoy a day at Hoffman Park, then venture to Mt. McSauba to view the Northern Lights and the Milky Way, just minutes from downtown Charlevoix. Known for its low light pollution, this scenic getaway provides the perfect small-town Michigan experience. Taste organic, farm-to-table foods at Rudbeckia Farm, then relax with a drink at Shananhan's Pub, a local brewery. Spend an afternoon at Crooked Vine Vineyard and Winery, and stop by Celeste Murdick's Fudge and Candy Kitchen for a sweet treat. Charlevoix embodies Midwest culture and offers unforgettable experiences that will make you want to return.
Suttons Bay
Beautiful summertime beaches and fun in the sun characterize this vacation to Sutton Bay in Michigan. Located on the shores of Traverse City's West Bay, Sutton Bay is home to public beaches, marinas, specialty shops, and many local restaurants that offer the freshest ingredients and most diverse menus. Suttons Bay is located on the Leelanau Peninsula just north of Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore, making it one of the top-ranked small towns worth visiting in the state of Michigan. Sleeping Dunes National Park has 26 inland lakes and 65 miles of protected shoreline with some of the most sought-after beaches in Michigan. Home to Two K Farms Cidery and Winery, Shady Lane Cellars, Sutton Bay Ciders, Black Star Farms, and Tandem Ciders, Sutton Bay is home to the most abundant pastoral landscapes that Northern Michigan has to offer. Top-notch wineries, freshwater shoreline, and beautiful sceneries make Suttons Bay one of the most memorable places to visit in Michigan.
Port Austin
The village of Port Austin on the northern tip of Michigan's Thumbcoast is one of the most charming places in the midwest for its sea caves, water trails, and the famous Turnip Rock. Check out this adventure that shows off the beauty of the glaciers that melted and became the freshwater lakes we know as the Great Lakes. A kayaker's dream, Port Austin is situated on the beautiful Lake Huron and is home to Port Crescent State Park. There are hundreds of water trails to explore, each following along shallow, undeveloped shorelines with views of Michigan's most majestic and enchanting rock formations. Head out to the Port Austin Reef Light, a lighthouse found two and a half miles north of the Port Austin harbor. After a day on the water paddling, head to Port Austin's downtown and grab a bite to eat at Pak's backyard or The Bank 1884 food and spirits before spending the night enjoying local music and entertainment. One of the greatest getaways in Northern Michigan, Port Austin, is a village worth visiting more than once.
A Guide to Small-Town Exploration in Michigan
Michigan's small towns are more than just tourist stops; they are the heart and soul of the state, offering genuine experiences that connect with both locals and visitors. Whether it's the sweeping dunes of Port Austin, the creative energy of Saugatuck, the European charm of Frankenmuth, or the lively coastal vibe of Traverse City, these towns form a diverse and welcoming tapestry of what makes Michigan unique. Each one shares its own story, inviting you to become part of its journey. With stunning landscapes, innovative food scenes, rich history, and friendly neighborhoods, these charming escapes let you experience Michigan in a way that's not just seen but felt. It's your chance to create memories, seek adventures, and discover the Michigan you never knew. Dive into the hidden gems of Michigan and make unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
