6 Underappreciated Towns To Visit In Michigan
With its vast forests and 10,000 lakes, Michigan is a superb destination for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and more. The state is also home to several natural gems and spectacular historical landmarks. While great cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor attract the most attention, the lesser-known small towns are the heart and soul of Michigan. To truly experience Michigan’s midwestern charm, here are six underappreciated yet unique towns to visit.
Saugatuck
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan lies Saugatuck, a thriving beach town with a booming art scene. While in Saugatuck, crossing the Kalamazoo River on the country’s only chain-driven ferry is a must. Across the river lies Oval Beach and Mount Baldhead Park. Oval Beach has been rated one of the top five beaches in the USA by MTV. The beach is a beautiful spot where visitors can picnic and soak in the sun. Mount Baldhead offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck, and Doughlas. Additionally, there is a one-mile trail for hiking, walking, or running.
Charlevoix
Another charming beach town, Charlevoix is located along the shores of Lake Charlevoix with access to the Jordan River. The Lake is perfect for families as it has a playground, a kid-friendly swim area, and plenty of sand for sand castles. For solo travelers, a guided raft tour down the River offers a scenic escape. A visit to Charlevoix is incomplete without a tour of the town's whimsical mushroom houses. Designed by Earl Young, these houses are made out of cedar shakes and boulders. Castle Farms is another must-see site; the gardens, historical buildings, and model train collection are superb.
Frankenmuth
Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria'', Frankenmuth proudly displays its German heritage. Frankenmuth is home to two of Michigan’s top-rated indoor water parks. Enjoy family fun at the countless pools, twister slides, tube slides, and raft rides at Zehnder’s Splash Village and Bavarian Inn Lodge Waterpark & Family Fun Center. For an insight into the town's German heritage, visitors can tour the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. The Museum is open seven days a week and houses a carefully curated collection of artifacts dating back to the town’s earliest German settlers.
Ludington
Located in West Michigan, Ludington hosts Ludington State Park, which was named the top state park in the Midwest by Midwest Living Magazine. The park offers stunning scenery along seven miles of Lake Michigan, where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming, as well as views of the Big Sable Point Lighthouse and Hamlin Lake Dam. Ludington also features several beaches, including Stearns Park, known for its playground and concession stands, and Skate Park, featuring mini golf and a shuffleboard court, making them popular spots.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven, known for its soft-sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets, is a peaceful small town with various attractions suitable for all ages. The Lakeshore Trolleys, introduced in 2022, offer a convenient way for visitors to explore the town. These tours operate daily, starting downtown and stopping at local points of interest. Kayak tours of the Grand River Bayous are also very popular. Fishermen can head to Spring Lakes to catch species like bass, trout, perch, and bluegill. The Grand Haven musical fountain provides a fun family experience, featuring a water and light show synchronized with popular music. Each show lasts about 20 to 25 minutes and is free of charge.
Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs is a small town in Michigan renowned for its stunning natural scenery. It lies close to the iconic Tunnel of Trees, a scenic drive along M-119. The downtown area is charming, situated along the waterfront near the beach, and features excellent restaurants and shops such as the Paper Station Bistro and Ivy Boutique. A notable attraction is the Little Traverse Wheelway, a 26-mile trail perfect for biking, walking, and rollerblading, connecting Harbor Springs to Charlevoix. For a relaxing day in the sun, visitors can visit Zorn Park Beach on Bay Street, which is open daily and welcomes dogs.
When visiting the Great Lakes State, the charm and beauty of its small towns cannot be ignored. Each of the towns highlighted above - Saugatuck, Charlevoix, Frankenmuth, Ludington, Grand Haven, and Harbor Springs - has a unique appeal that combines nature, culture, and history. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a historical experience, or a peaceful escape, these hidden gems of Michigan offer it all. So, grab your bags and get going on your next adventure.
