6 Quietly Charming Towns In Michigan
Michigan means ‘large lake’ in the Algonquian/Ojibwe language, and there could not be a more apt name for this gorgeous state. Lining the wilderness areas is more than 3,200 miles of shoreline that features dramatic limestone rocks and sandy beaches. Michigan is not all water, however. There is a lot of history in this state, which started with the settlement of the western Great Lakes by Paleo-Indians as early as 11,000 B.C.E. Today, this history runs strong through the cities and small towns, with many towns offering a quiet charm as you explore what life was like here hundreds of years ago. The following towns feature historic downtowns, incredible natural beauty, festivals, and an enviable sense of community.
Port Austin
Port Austin is a small, picturesque town at the tip of Michigan’s ‘Thumb’ peninsula where it meets Lake Huron in Huron County. One of the first sights to seek out here is Turnip Rock, especially if you visit during the summer. The best view of this unique rock is from the water of Lake Huron while kayaking or paddleboarding, since there is no foot access. The rock’s turnip shape is due to erosion, and several large trees grow on its flat top, making it look like the backdrop of an adventure movie.
Back on land, you can go stargazing at Port Crescent State Park, located near Turnip Rock. The park has been designated a Dark Sky Preserve, which means minimal light pollution for clear stargazing. You can also pitch a tent to camp overnight or spend some time fishing and hiking. When you head downtown in the morning, you can stop by the local farmers’ market or enjoy an ice-cold craft beer from PAK’s Backyard Beer Garden.
Colon
Colon may have a quirky name, but the magic is real in this small town in more ways than one. Not only will you be charmed by Colon’s beauty, but you will also find yourself in the place where Abbot’s Magic Get Together is held annually, resulting in Colon being nicknamed the Magic Capital of the World. The get-together is a magic convention that draws magicians from all over the world, and it includes several magic shops as well. While you are in town, you can visit the Abbott Magic Co., which offers several magic products and services, specifically geared toward practicioners. You can also stop by the Grand Magic Theater in downtown Colon for a grand magic show.
Other things to do in this quietly charming town include renting a lakeside cabin from Palmer Lake Lodges and waking up to a magnificent lake view. Or you can opt for The Retreat at Miller’s Landing, which sits on Sturgeon Lake. There are more great views, as well as picnic spots and ready lawn chairs to enjoy. Before you leave, make some time to visit the historic Lakeside Cemetery, which is the final resting place of more magicians than any other graveyard in the world.
Petoskey
The stunning small town of Petoskey may not offer magic shows, but it is no less magical than Colon. One of the best (and most unique) things to do here is hunting for the famous Petoskey stones. These stones are both fossils and rocks, and they are unique to the Great Lakes beaches. People find them on Petoskey’s shores often, and with some patience, you likely will too. If you do not want to go stone hunting, you can tour the mushroom houses of Charlevoix, around 17 miles away. Master builder Earl Young created the houses, which look like something you might find hobbits in.
Another must-visit is Petoskey’s downtown area, known as the Historic Gaslight District. There are gaslight street lamps lining the streets and several homey shops, including Palette Bistro, where you will find excellent food. If you visit the Perry Hotel, you will follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, who is said to have frequented the establishment at one time.
Harbor Springs
The charming Harbor Springs lies across Little Traverse Bay from Petoskey and is an 18-minute drive away. A world of outdoor activities awaits in this small town, including biking along the Little Traverse Wheelway and visiting the beach at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. You can also go boating, kayaking, or fishing in Little Traverse Bay.
In downtown Harbor Springs, you can stroll Main Street and visit the Harbor Springs Historical Society and Museum. There is a lot to learn about the town’s history through guided tours and exhibits at the museum. If you visit in the fall, be sure to drive the M-119 route to experience the rich fall colors. In summer, you can join the Waterfront Wine Festival to enjoy fantastic wines and gourmet food to the beat of live entertainment at the waterfront.
Copper Harbor
If you are a natural explorer, the pretty little town of Copper Harbor will appeal to your sense of adventure. Copper Harbor sits at the northernmost point of the Upper Peninsula along the shores of Lake Superior. The climate here, thanks to the lake, is wonderful in summer, so you will never be too heat-exhausted to hike the forests or bike the great trails around the town. The Copper Harbor Trail System features several mountain biking trails with unforgettable views of the forest and lake.
You can also explore the Fort Wilkins Historic Park, which features a 19th-century military outpost. Or, you can take the ferry to Isle Royale National Park in the heart of Lake Superior to explore the rugged wilderness. If you stop by the Copper Harbor Lighthouse at dusk, you might even catch the Northern Lights dancing across the darkening sky above the shining lake waters.
Holland
Holland is the largest of these serenely charming towns, with a distinctly Dutch vibe. You will find everything you might see in the Netherlands right here in this beautiful part of Michigan, including tulips and windmills. Holland sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, with freshwater beaches that draw visitors to experience fiery sunsets. The town is also home to the Windmill Island Gardens, open from April to October. These colorful gardens feature the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the U.S., De Zwaan, and are said to be an inspiration behind L. Frank Baum’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.’
The Christmas holidays are the best time to visit Holland if you want to experience the town’s charm firsthand. In December, garland and wreaths are everywhere, as is an open-air ‘Kerstmarkt’ that has become an institution. Stay for the Parade of Lights and the Magic at the Mill event at the gardens, where the trees and windmill are lit for the holidays.
The Lasting Appeal of Michigan’s Charming Small Towns
Michigan’s quietly charming towns are always going to draw visitors from all over America and even the world. There is nothing off-puttingly flashy about these towns, so you will feel that irresistible pull to stay longer and explore a little more. Michigan’s history and innate culture run like a strong thread through each town, so with each place you visit, you learn a little more about what makes this state tick. Whether you are standing on a tranquil beach or walking down a street that has hardly changed in fifty years, you might find yourself musing over what life must have been like all those years ago. And, you will realize that the history and culture are what make these places as unique as they were and still are.
