6 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Michigan

Among the Great Lakes states, the Great Lake State is the most popular to visit. Known for its artistry, architects, and flair for castles, Michigan's small towns transport you to a fairytale of your choosing. While people travel to Illinois for business, they come to Michigan to take a break. It is no wonder, with natural wonders like Pictured Rocks Shore and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Immerse yourself in the Victorian charm and frozen-in-time nature on Mackinac Island or the European-inspired riverfront town of Frankenmuth. The wilderness of the Upper Peninsula calls for magic woodland hikes and shimmering cascades like Tahquamenon Falls, near a town aptly named Paradise.

Charlevoix

Charlevoix the Beautiful inspires a fairytale from the moment you set foot in this serene coastal townscape against the sparkling blue waters of two lakes. The famous Hobbit Houses "grow" organically from the forest floor near Lake Charlevoix, Lake Michigan, and downtown. Designed by Earl Young, one of Charlevoix's first architects, two are open for tours of the interior and five for rent, but none are easily forgotten from the outside. He collected boulders along the shorelines, fields, and woods, building 30 between 1918 and the early 1950s.

There is one with a thatched roof imported from England, and "Half House” is, no doubt, the most whimsical. Hotel Earl is a boutique hotel designed by yours truly, with mid-century details and modern comforts. In addition to unique boutiques, the nearby historic Castle Farms was built in 1918 in the French Normandy style as a model dairy farm from the French countryside. Having hosted an artist colony and rock concerts, the event venue is open for tours, with a collection of wedding cake toppers and storied artifacts, plus the state's largest model railroad on site.

Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth is nothing short of a fairytale come alive in the thumb crease of the lower peninsula, or the "Mitten." Hidden amidst unassuming farmland with its gingerbread houses, church steeples, and the Cass River running through, the historical museum within a 1905 hotel offers a multi-gallery display of history. Don't miss the St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, a real stone beauty straight from Europe. In between sightseeing and shopping for trinkets, have a beer and schnitzel at the Bavarian Inn.

Did you save room for the chocolate shops and a family-style chicken dinner at the world-famous Zehnder's? You will be ready to start the next day at the Memorial Park with natural sights, attractions, and authentic structures, take off from the boat launch, or board the Belle Riverboat. Frankenmuth is home to the world’s largest Christmas store. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is only a glimpse of what the town turns into during the holidays. There is year-round fun to be had during events like Oktoberfest.

Mackinac Island

Accessible by ferry from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Mackinac Island blends the bygone era into comforts and wild adventures. Nothing feels ordinary amidst Lake Huron, tinted with Lake Michigan's waters, just east of the peninsular gap. The state park comprises 80% of this car-free island, with forested trails, limestone bluffs, and rocky beaches, including the easily accessible Arch Rock. The one-of-a-kind culture and refreshing nature ignite the spark in those tired of conventions with its horse carriages and historic residences.

Visitors enjoy spectacular views of the iconic 5-mile-long suspension Mackinac Bridge, "bridging" the "gap" between here and reality. Exploring on foot or bike, try the island’s famous fudge at one-too-many places, then pedal on a sugar rush along the numerous winding paths. Among the gardens, rock formations, and boat launches, no time will feel enough in its serene atmosphere. Founded in 1780, British Fort Mackinac features history exhibits and tours by costumed guides, while the island's Grand Hotel hosted president Thomas Edison and author Mark Twain.

Owosso

Just 37 miles northeast of Lansing, this charming riverfront town draws visitors with easy access and plentiful character as the largest city in the county, with a head count of roughly 15,000. In addition to street murals and art venues, Owosso boasts one of Michigan's famous castles, located at the heart of town along the bend of the Shiawassee River. Completed in 1922 with turrets and a watchtower, Owosso's Curwood Castle is now a museum with tours of the former writing studio of the novelist James Oliver Curwood.

After enough pictures from the surrounding castle park, cross the swinging bridge right over to Amos Gould House. The Italian villa with a mansard roof and ornate front and side entrances looks as if it belongs in your favorite 19th-century play, like The Nutcracker. Speaking of magic, the Steam Railroading Institute gleans popularity among train lovers and families as a showcase of steam-era railroad technology, with a variety of train excursions, including the festive Polar Express, complete with Santa and hot chocolate.

Paradise

There is paradise on the Upper Peninsula in Michigan on Lake Superior's southeasternmost shore. Tahquamenon Falls spills over a ledge in a series of waterfalls along the Tahquamenon River. The expansive, shimmering cascades are miraculous to experience from a lookout point, especially beautiful in an autumnal embrace. Accessible via a winding 4-mile trail through the changing leaves, many enjoy wading in the shallow waters surrounding the falls, picnics in the mist, and even a refreshing summertime dip.

After woodland hikes, you will surely work up an appetite for the convenient and affordable deliciousness at Wheelhouse Diner & Goatlocker Saloon. Whether you are in for a quick overnight stay or a longer camping excursion, the small town behind the imposing Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers enough accommodation options for any budget, almost all of which are exclusively lakefront. Spare an hour or two for a fifteen-minute trip north to the tip of the peninsula at Whitefish Point. It is home to the wonderfully graphic Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

South Haven

South Haven is popular among local beach bums and long-weekenders to fully soak in the magic and relax with kids, friends, or a special other. It is accessible in just two hours from Chicago, a scenic drive ringing the south shore of Lake Michigan. The sprawling South Beach juts into the lake with a lighthouse at the long concrete pierhead. Patrons enjoy picnics, fishing, and hand-in-hand sunset strolls. South Haven Lighthouse is the red beacon from your mind's eye, built in the 19th century in traditional style.

South Haven is a "design-your-own" fairytale type of town for any age; say you are a seafaring fan. The Michigan Maritime Museum houses exhibits on the Great Lakes' boating history and culture. Laced by the Black River, the vibrant downtown area is a jet set to popular hikes like the Kal-Haven near marinas and a covered bridge. Take the paved Van Buren Trails, meandering through forested neighborhoods on a peaceful walk or bike ride with open views to soak up the local culture, with birds in the sunny sky.

Home to four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan boasts over 125 lighthouses lining the ocean-like shorelines. Anywhere in Michigan is just a quick drive to the sprawling shore. The fiber of this state alone is enough sightseeing to take your mind off the daily grind, not to mention a special blend of local culture and friendly vibes.

From lighthouses to "Hobbit Houses," castles to famous fudge, stay lakefront, drink suds, or take the Polar Express. The beachy havens in the "Mitten," like South Haven with a traditional lighthouse, are material for family-friendly vacations. Michigan's fairy tale small towns are uncanny in their ability to transport you further in mind than body.