10 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Michigan
Michigan is often called “The Great Lakes State,” and its location by Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, and Erie proves that this moniker is no lie. In fact, Michigan makes a surprisingly great waterfront destination, including a lakeshore with 450-foot-tall sand dunes, a real-life Lake of the Clouds, and sugar-sand beaches crowned by an iconic “Big Red” lighthouse. Even as it shifts inland, Michigan has a few more special features, such as "The City of Two Rivers," a paradise for fishing and kayaking enthusiasts, and a college town that combines big scholarly sophistication with a uniquely small-town vibe. Whether one’s hoping to ski new hills, discover new wineries, or simply turn a new leaf on a quiet lakeside beach, Michigan is perfect for escaping the disturbances of the outside world. With this in mind, this article delves into ten undisturbed towns to visit in Michigan.
Ontonagon
Around 150 miles east of Duluth (Minnesota), one will find a wild and wonderful corner of Lake Superior’s south shore at the Michigan town of Ontonagon. To the west of town lies Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, or “the Porkies” as locals call it, a 60,000-acre park full of old-growth forests, pristine Lake Superior beaches, hiking and (seasonal) snowmobiling trails, and even the spectacular Lake of the Clouds that must be seen to be believed. During winter, folks can also check out the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex and go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and fat biking here. And to the south of town, Ottawa National Forest extends for nearly one million acres across rolling hills, thick forests, lovely lakes, and wild waterfalls.
Back in town, one can find refreshment and a very unique vibe at Stubb’s Bar and Museum, a working museum with taxidermy animals and other special finds on display, and a friendly neighborhood bar-restaurant. For some more local hospitality, it’s also worth a stay at Nancy’s Northern Lights, a stately Victorian home that’s now a cozy bed-and-breakfast close to Ontonagon’s central village.
Copper Harbor
Perched on the edge of the Upper Peninsula's Keweenaw Peninsula is Copper Harbor, a former mining town that’s since reinvented itself into an all-season destination to discover exceptional natural treasures. For those interested in seeing more of Copper Harbor’s backstory, they can head out with Delaware Mine Tours to explore the historic Delaware Mine, where copper was extracted from 1847 to 1887. Or, if the weather remains frosty and one prefers to ski on the open snow, the nearby Mount Bohemia Ski Resort offers one of the Midwest’s wildest winter sports experiences with around 100 trails (the vast majority of which are advanced-level) across over 500 acres. Then, there’s Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, a rare old-growth white pine forest (some trees are over 300 years old!) perfect for a beautiful day of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
For the ultimate day exploring Copper Harbor’s wild side, one can also head out to the Mary Macdonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor, a glorious nature preserve extending for some five miles along the local Lake Superior shore, where the unique environment provides habitat for wildlife like black bears, snowshoe hares, peregrine falcons, ruffed grouse, golden-crowned kinglets, and yellow-rumped warblers. Whatever visitors decide to do in and around Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is a great place to stay close to the area’s best attractions while enjoying the calm, serene atmosphere of their classic camp-style cabins.
Grand Marais
It’s about a 111-mile journey from Sault Ste. Marie to Grand Marais, but it’s one that’s oh-so very worthwhile for one wildly beautiful expanse of Great Lakes wilderness. Many of the absolute most beautiful places can be found at the nearby Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a National Park Service-run preserve that includes the historic Au Sable Light Station that’s been providing guidance along the Shipwreck Coast since 1874, the seemingly endless stretch of Lake Superior shore at Twelvemile Beach, and the simply stunning scenery at Grand Sable Lake.
Even in town, one will find a memorable, serene scene at Bayshore Park, a bright white sand beach just steps away from downtown. And right by this beach, folks can stay at Fletchy's Pictured Rocks Resort and take advantage of this ideal basecamp for snowmobiling excursions and other great adventures across the Pictured Rocks region.
Mackinac Island
Right in between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas at Lake Huron is Mackinac Island, a place so undisturbed by troubles of the outside world that it’s proudly car-free. And for a truly undisturbed corner of natural bliss, folks can explore Mackinac Island State Park, its curious geological wonders, such as the 146-foot-tall Arch Rock along the coast, and its verdant coniferous and hardwood forests inland. Then, in town, off-season visitors can take advantage of the thinner crowds and grab some locally made goods (including handmade pizzas!) at Doud’s Market, fun goods for kids of all ages at Great Turtle Toys, and a treasure trove of often hard-to-find keepsakes and souvenirs at the Loon Feather & Balsam Shop.
Though some Mackinac Island hotels stay closed for the winter and spring off-season, visitors can find a few great places to stay year-round. In particular, Village Inn Suites offers a convenient downtown location and a comfy assortment of spacious, family-friendly suites.
Glen Arbor
Only 25 miles northwest of Traverse City, travelers will discover a spectacular wonderland of massive sand dunes, pristine Lake Michigan fronting beaches, and a wealth of delicious delights in the town of Glen Arbor. A key highlight here is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a gorgeous corner of the Leelanau Peninsula that’s home to 450-foot-tall sand dunes, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, lush inland forests, and plenty of scenic trails to hike, snowshoe, or ski cross-country (depending on conditions). Beyond the national park lands, there’s even more to explore at the 1,075-acre Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, full of recreational trails open year-round near Glen Lake. For a different kind of exploration, the Glen Arbor Arts Center showcases works by local artists in its gallery and hosts year-round classes and workshops on everything from ceramics to painting and creative writing.
Over the years, Leelanau County has earned a reputation for its exceptionally tasty farm-to-table food culture. Glen Arbor’s own Cherry Republic is the perfect one-stop shop for locally made cherry-centric products, cherry wines, kid-friendly cherry sodas, cherry salsas, cherry candies, and even a full Cherry Public House with a seasonal menu of crafty pub fare. To complete the perfect Glen Arbor trip, it’s a good idea to stay at Sylvan Inn, a classic Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast that’s been welcoming visitors to town since 1885.
Ludington
Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan is Ludington, a perfectly picturesque four-season beach town. To the north of town is Ludington State Park, a full seven miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline with expansive sand dunes, the towering Big Sable Point Lighthouse, and 21 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. A little farther north, the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area (of Huron-Manistee National Forests) protects another four miles of lakeshore along with a mixed hardwood forest that serves as habitat for native animals like bears, deer, and porcupines. And, shifting inland, the Franklin F. and Brenda L. Holly Nature Sanctuary has a wonderful set of trails that lead to well-preserved forest and wetlands.
Moving into town, there’s a lot more family-friendly fun available at Sandcastles Children's Museum, a full “world of play” with over 30 hands-on displays, including a mini pizzeria, a music studio, a climbing wall, and “Grandpa’s Farm.” Whatever one wants to do in and around town, the Sunset Bluff Resort makes a perfect retreat with its idyllic location by Hamlin Lake and its wonderful collection of cozy cabins available to book.
Holland
The town of Holland may be proud of its Dutch heritage and design, yet the incredible natural landscapes and lakeshores exude “Pure Michigan.” Just 35 miles from Grand Rapids, Holland State Park is famous for its super-soft sugar sand beaches, picture-perfect sunset vistas, and perhaps the best views of the iconic “Big Red” lighthouse that’s been illuminating the coast since 1907. For another prime vantage point of “Big Red,” folks can head over to Mt. Pisgah Park and climb around 240 steps to take in the panoramic views.
In case anyone’s curious about Holland’s connections to the Netherlands, the Holland Museum shares the stories of Dutch-American families who chose to settle here, along with the immigrant communities who continue to arrive and enrich this region. And in spring, Windmill Island Gardens opens and showcases special local treasures like the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States (the De Zwaan Windmill), gardens full of blooming tulips, a hand-painted Dutch carousel, and an authentic Amsterdam street organ. After a long day traipsing around town, guests can settle down and enjoy the simple yet sumptuous hospitality at The Beach House at Lake Street, an award-winning vacation rental complex with eight large townhouses that really feel like the ideal “home away from home.”
Portland
Only about 25 miles northwest of Lansing lies Portland, "The City of Two Rivers," where it’s always easy to navigate one’s way to natural adventures and an easygoing escape. To the south of town sits the Portland State Game Area, a great stretch of public lands for hunting and fishing, yet it also has lovely trails for hiking. Then, on the north end of town, Bogue Flats Recreation Area has two miles of nature trails and easy access to the Grand River for canoeing and fishing. And at Two Rivers Park, visitors can enjoy the tranquil waterfront scenery or catch the Portland Riverwalk for hiking and biking treks along the Grand and Looking Glass Rivers.
After a busy day on the trails and in the parks, folks can treat themselves to a hearty meal and great river views at Riversedge Bar & Grill. Then, they can head out to the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lansing to keep close to all of Portland’s best attractions and the many more offerings of Michigan's capital region.
Clarkston
Just 35 miles from Downtown Detroit, visitors can explore plenty of beautiful and daring outdoor spaces in and around Clarkston. During winter, Pine Knob Ski Resort provides acres of prime terrain for skiing and snowboarding. (And in the warmer months, Pine Knob Golf Club opens for tee times.) A short drive north, Independence Oaks County Park is a 1,286-acre year-round destination for various outdoor activities, from wintertime cross-country skiing to springtime archery and kayaking at this nationally recognized old-growth forest.
Heading west, there’s even more to see and do at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, a 3,745-acre park with 11 miles of award-winning mountain bike trails and a great spot for wintertime skiing and snowshoeing, and for boating and swimming during the warmer months. And right next to Pontiac Lake, Indian Springs Metropark offers a wide variety of outdoor amenities, from an 18-hole golf course to a paved hike-bike path and a larger network of nature trails that wander through prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Once folks are ready to wrap up for the day, Millpond Inn Bed & Breakfast makes a calm, cozy, and restful retreat space in town.
Ypsilanti
Just east of Ann Arbor sits Ypsilanti, a college town that appears smaller and more low-key, but also one that abounds in unexpected treasures. At Riverside Arts Center, visitors can check out exhibitions at the gallery and sign up for interactive classes and workshops (including dancing and singing). Or, for those seeking a quieter space outside, Ypsilanti has plenty of local parks, including its crown jewel, Ford Lake Park, an urban oasis with woodland trails, sporting fields, and a picturesque lakeshore for boating and fishing. And for those wanting to see more beyond this planet, Sherzer Observatory (on the Eastern Michigan University campus) often opens to the general public for interactive astronomy programs.
For being a smaller town in southeast Michigan, Ypsilanti has a vibrant and varied dining scene, and Bellflower is a wonderful “sandwich shop by day, and fine dining hub at night” restaurant to begin exploring it. Then, for a nice place to stay, Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest has a prime location by Ford Lake and Eagle Crest Golf Club, and they make the most of it with their lovely garden setting and snazzy collection of recently renovated rooms and suites.
These Michigan Towns May Be Undisturbed, Yet They’re Anything But Unappealing
Across “The Wolverine State” of Michigan, travelers will discover all sorts of fascinating towns with abundant natural gems and cultural highlights. In the Upper Peninsula, Ontonagon has the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, with the real-life Lake of the Clouds and an impressive winter sports complex, and Grand Marais opens onto the stunning shores of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Heading down to the Leelanau Peninsula, Glen Arbor is home to the majestic sand dunes and lakeshore beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Continuing south, Holland is a cute Dutch-style village on the shores of Lake Michigan, and Clarkston provides a wealth of outdoor adventure opportunities at the foot of the Detroit metro region. No matter how one prefers to unplug and unwind, Michigan is the picture-perfect state to drop the disturbances and escape to an amazing Midwestern paradise.
