7 Historic Towns to Visit in Michigan

Michigan has a rich tapestry of historic towns, each with a unique narrative worth exploring. These historic gems, scattered across the state, from the Upper Peninsula in the north to the west coast of the Mitten, provide a captivating glimpse into Michigan's storied past. These towns serve as living museums, preserving the architectural marvels, cultural traditions, and tales that have shaped the Great Lakes State.

Whether wandering the charming streets in Tecumseh or strolling through the tulips of Holland, a sense of nostalgia permeates the air. These towns are hubs of vibrant communities, where local festivals, art galleries, and boutique shops create a lively atmosphere. Exploring Michigan's historic towns is not merely a journey into the past; it's an immersion into the spirit and resilience of communities that have shaped the state's identity. From Frankenmuth's cultural richness to Alpena's maritime legacy, Michigan's historic towns invite travelers to discover and explore the towns that make up this captivating state.

Alpena

Known for its maritime history and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, located offshore, Alpena is home to Shipwreck Alley, with over 200 vessels that have met their demise. On a Shipwreck Glass Bottom Boat Tour, you can view some of the 50 shipwrecks discovered. This boat tour is a fantastic experience to see a few shallow wrecks up close. The other way to see them is by scuba diving in Thunder Bay.  

Other places to explore in Alpena are its lighthouses, including the Presque Isle Lighthouse, where you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Huron, and the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan. This art, history, and science museum exhibits Native American history and local artists. Make sure to visit the planetarium to see the dark sky and even the Northern Lights. Throughout 2024, Alpena will have numerous festivals to enjoy, like the Alpena Ice Festival on February 10 and the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival in July.   

Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth's Bavarian architecture and atmosphere will make you feel like you stepped into a German village without leaving Michigan. There are several historical sites to explore, like the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, where you can learn about the town’s past and its early settlers, the covered Holz Brücke wooden bridge, and the Michigan Heroes Museum. When you aren’t shopping at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland and the Riverwalk or chowing down on family-style chicken dinners at the Bavarian Inn or Zehnder’s Restaurant, ride in a horse-drawn carriage or the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. Frankenmuth is a fantastic historic getaway all year, but especially during some of Frankenmuth’s festivals like Oktoberfest or the Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, which holds Olympic-style events for dogs during the last weekend in May.      

Holland

Holland, Michigan, is known for its solid Dutch influence, which is evident in its architecture, festivals, and traditions. The city celebrates its Dutch heritage through events like the Tulip Time Festival during the first two weeks of May, where the streets, parks, and window displays are adorned with tulips and traditional Dutch dances are performed. Explore De Zwaan, a functioning Dutch windmill brought from the Netherlands at Windmill Island Gardens, watch wooden shoes being made at the Dutch Marktplaats, visit the Holland Museum, showcasing the town's history, and the Cappon House Museum, providing insights into 19th-century Dutch colonial life. You can also immerse yourself in tulips and Dutch life at the Nelis' Dutch Village and the Veldheer Tulip Garden. Don’t forget to explore the iconic "Big Red" lighthouse for stunning views of Lake Michigan. 

Manistique

Manistique, on the shores of Lake Michigan, was once the logging capital of the U.S. This historical town with two lighthouses is a wonderful location for a summer getaway. The two-mile boardwalk is lovely to enjoy nature, the sand dunes, and the birds along the shore. The River Trail, with a 3.6-mile loop, is another nature area to explore. The highlight in Manistique is seeing Kitch-iti-kipi, the largest spring in Michigan, at Palms Book State Park. Gliding over the clear, smooth water, you can see the huge trout and the bubbles coming up from the bottom 45 feet down. For those wanting to experience the best of Manistique, visit the Manistique Folk Festival in July to enjoy tons of food, music, and much more. 

Saugatuck / Douglas

Saugatuck and Douglas are small towns adjacent to each other on the shores of Lake Michigan. These historic towns in Michigan are built over one long lost, buried in the dunes in the late 1800s. Taking a dune buggy ride, you might see a glimpse of timber logs sticking out of the dunes, remnants of the lost city. Today, these resort towns are worth wandering through the art galleries, dining in the restaurants, and shopping in the boutiques. Oval Beach is one of the best beaches in the world, where you can take in the panoramic breathtaking views of the lake and the rolling dunes. The Douglas Root Beer Barrel is a must-visit stop where you can enjoy hot dogs covered in creamy macaroni and cheese with bacon alongside a delicious homemade root beer. 

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie is home to the famous Soo Locks, a lock system that allows ships to bypass the rapids on the St. Marys River. Visitors can observe the functioning of the locks from above or take the Soo Locks Boat Tour and go through the locks themselves. But, Sault Ste. Marie has more to see than only the locks. The town features several historic sites, including the Tower of History, which offers panoramic views of the area; the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, which provides insights into aviation history; Fort Brady; and the River of History Museum. One of the big draws to the area is the annual Sault International Festival of Races, where race participants get to run across the International Bridge and along the St. Mary River. 

Tecumseh

Tecumseh offers visitors a blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities, making it an enriching Michigan getaway. This historic town has an extensive collection of antebellum architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century. The downtown area is characterized by historic homes, storefronts, and churches, giving visitors a glimpse into the town's past. Some landmarks to explore are the Tecumseh Historical Museum, where visitors can learn about the local history, and the Union School, a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Tecumseh Paddling Trail, a scenic water trail along the River Raisin, perfect for canoeists and kayakers, or the Hidden Lake Gardens, a lovely botanical garden. Foodies will love the Taste of Tecumseh Festival in June, which celebrates local food, music, and art. 

Discover Michigan's Timeless Towns

A wealth of maritime history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty makes many historic towns in Michigan worth exploring. Whether taking a road trip through the state or going up north for the weekend, these charming towns have plenty to offer visitors, from food, art, historical sites, and festivals. The next time you are in Michigan, stop in one of these historic towns, as they are worth exploring.