2025's 10 Best Small Towns To Visit In Michigan
Michigan boasts one of the most enchanting natural scenes in the country, marked by vast Great Lakes shorelines, dramatic sand dunes, and rugged cliffs. Between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, the Mitten State shines through more than merely postcard-worthy landscapes. It is riddled with countless small towns brimming with rural charm, unexplored history, and authentic character. These hidden gems are the heart and soul of the Great Lakes State, inviting travelers to discover what makes it so unique and relatable.
Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, lakeside relaxation, or a journey through time, the best small towns to visit in Michigan are guaranteed to deliver on your travel expectations. From Mackinac Island to Grand Haven, these lovely destinations ought to feature in your upcoming itinerary for 2025.
St. Joseph
This beautiful community in Berrien County sits where the St. Joseph River meets Lake Michigan. It offers an attractive combination of small-town flair and waterfront relaxation, with many tourists heading to relax on the sandy shores of Silver Beach County Park. This popular hub is a go-to for sunbathers and swimmers, while kids get the most out of the restored Silver Beach Carousel, which dates back to the early 1900s. But to skip the crowds, you can opt for Tiscornia Park, which conveniently borders Lake Michigan and hosts a picturesque lighthouse.
The Box Factory For the Arts attracts droves of art lovers by displaying changing exhibits across three galleries and fun performances. Meanwhile, the Curious Kids' Museum excites young minds with hands-on exhibits and entertaining games.
Traverse City
The Cherry Capital of the World is famous for its award-winning craft wines, shopping opportunities, and picturesque waterfront. Traverse City has several park areas that let you revel in the surrounding waters, with tourists converging on the relaxed grounds of Clinch Park to relax and unwind. The downtown area offers plenty of retail therapy destinations, including the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This restored hospital complex houses a mix of restaurants, entertainment spots, and nationally recognized retail stores.
Traverse City is an excellent destination for wine lovers, known for hosting multiple wineries and vineyards, including Bowers Harbor Vineyards. Furthermore, the town hosts its annual National Cherry Festival in the summer, which features eight days of nonstop fun celebrating the cherry harvest.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a precious gem on the shores of Lake Huron with a rare mix of historical charm, spectacular natural scenery, and laid-back outdoor adventure. There are no cars driving around downtown Mackinac Island. Instead, tourists can explore the town on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, which you can experience by booking a tour with Grand Hotel Stables. Several preserved historical landmarks allude to the island's rich history. A tour of Fort Mackinac transports guests back to the 18th century, where period structures full of artifacts chronicle everything from military training to battles.
Mackinac Island State Park is the ultimate escape for outdoor adventurers, presenting 1,000 acres of lakeside wilderness with stunning geological formations, vibrant maritime forests, and awe-inspiring water views. A hike to the majestic Arch Rock places you at an ideal vantage point to soak in the glistening surface of Lake Huron.
Beaver Island
This island escape in Lake Michigan is full of natural wonders and bursting with outdoor adventures, promising tourists a fun-filled itinerary. It takes a boat ride to access Beaver Island, and one of the first things you will notice is the imposing Beaver Head Lighthouse. This 19th-century landmark informs guests about the town's longstanding maritime heritage. The Beaver Island Golf Course provides a great reason to step outside and see the island. This 18-hole course is designed for seasoned and amateur players, surrounded by raw natural landscapes.
While exploring the outdoors, be sure to look for the "Big Rock" and the "Big Birch," two iconic town landmarks. The latter is the largest tree on the island, estimated to be at least 250 years old. Finally, you can get the ultimate outdoor experience in Beaver Island by camping at Bill Wagner Campground.
Saugatuck
Nicknamed the "Art Coast of Michigan," Saugatuck boasts a lively arts community, adorable shoreline, and majestic dunes. It draws scores of art enthusiasts to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, which stages an impressive schedule of entertaining theatrical productions, including concerts, musicals, and drama. Amazwi Contemporary Art is another go-to spot for the artistically inclined, and exhibits intricate pieces by artists from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and other African nations.
Meanwhile, a trip to the beach is inevitable while in Saugatuck. Oval Beach is pretty popular among guests because of its extensive shoreline and rolling dunes, providing the perfect atmosphere for stress-free walks. But if you want to sail on the water, the Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises offers easygoing tours on Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River.
Holland
Holland's charm lies in its rich Dutch heritage, welcoming locals, and manicured gardens. Guests can expect a rich cultural experience, especially when they visit during the annual Tulip Time Festival. This well-attended event honors the community's Dutch roots, celebrating through song, dance, games, and other family-friendly activities. The Windmill Island Gardens reflect the town's European origins with an over two-century-old working windmill and colorful themed gardens with hundreds of tulips.
Outdoor lovers can head to Holland State Park, which provides access to the sandy shores of Lake Macatawa. This 142-acre waterfront playground is popular among campers, sunbathers, and picnickers. Finally, historians can take a trip back in time to explore the town's pioneer periods and the Holland Museum.
Marquette
Marquette is considered by many seasoned travelers to be one of the best small towns to visit in Michigan. This is a credit to its picturesque setting along the Lake Superior shoreline and exquisite outdoor adventures. Outdoor lovers find time to relish the serene environment of Presque Isle State Park. Covering more than 300 acres, the reserve is home to dramatic natural landscapes, featuring lakeside cliffs, wooded trails, and marshes. The Marquette Regional History Center documents the community's past using a vast collection of cultural and historical artifacts.
Meanwhile, the Marquette Maritime Museum focuses on the nautical heritage. It provides fascinating tours that expose visitors to vintage vessel relics, Coast Guard boats, and shipwrecks from the surrounding lake. Also, be sure to sample the area's active brewery scene by enjoying a pint or two at Ore Dock Brewing Company.
Munising
Munising is a gem in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known for hosting one of the most diverse natural ecosystems in the region. Thousands of travelers come to experience the unparalleled beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, whose endless shoreline is best explored aboard the Pictured Rocks Cruises. Multiple stunning waterfalls, including Munising Falls and Tannery Falls, add to the town's natural allure. The former tumbles approximately 50 feet over a sandstone cliff, resulting in a postcard-worthy spectacle.
Those who want to access waterside fun can head to Sand Point Beach for a lazy stroll on the smooth sands and watch the stunning sunset over Munising Bay. Away from the great outdoors, downtown Munising welcomes newcomers to enjoy its beers from a selection of fine crafts at ByGeorge Brewing Company.
South Haven
South Haven sits along the Lake Michigan shoreline and stands out for its combination of small-town atmosphere, waterfront scenery, and vibrant downtown. Beaches are a major draw for tourists, with many choosing to spend their free time picnicking or strolling in the smooth sands of South Beach. The downtown district is home to a lively arts community, frequently entertaining guests with compelling stage performances, like concerts and dramas at the South Haven Center for the Arts.
Meanwhile, a history lesson beckons at Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, which is one of the oldest buildings in town, dating back to the mid-19th century, and served as a childhood dwelling for the famous horticulturist. Lastly, there are enough eateries in South Haven to keep tourists satisfied at all times, and if you enjoy gourmet burgers, you can always stop by Kitchen 527.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven is another popular escape along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, known for its pristine beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and terrific lake views. Most tourists love gathering at Grand Haven State Park to beachcomb, swim, and picnic on its 48-acre expanse. A beautiful boardwalk cuts through the park, leading to the Grand Haven South Pier Lighthouse. The site features two conspicuous red lighthouses that were initially installed in the late 19th century to guide ships.
Those visiting with family will enjoy an exhilarating show at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain, which features a synchronized water, light, and music spectacle lasting about 25 minutes. Lastly, history buffs curious about Grand Haven's past can check out resourceful documents and artifacts at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum.
Whether you are seeking an isolated escape to Marquette or outdoor immersion in Munising, these delightful small towns to visit in Michigan in 2025 offer something for every kind of traveler in the United States. From artisanal shops to stunning natural beauty and waterfront serenity, each destination captures the spirit of the Great Lakes State. Take the scenic route, slow down, and experience the Wolverine State's small-town magic where every visit feels like home away from home, and every moment leaves a lasting impression.
