7 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Michigan

In the Great Lakes State, one shall not correlate the number of attractions to the undisturbed vibe of a town; the two are rarely mutually exclusive, whether you're chasing historic lighthouses, chasing down drinks along the winery and brewery trails, or Petoskey Stones, all of which, in fact, describe a single town on this list.

Their quaintness enhances the level of attractiveness to make you feel just as undisturbed escaping life in your favorite way, from beach lounging to watersports and thrilling skywalks, arts, and shopping. These seven are anything but "ho-hum," starting with the first, home to not one, but two record-breaking attractions.

Boyne Falls

This small village in Charlevoix County can compete in attractions with those found in more popular destinations. Its sense of quaintness, on the other hand, is unbeatable. In addition to impressive rapids along the eponymous river, enjoy five-star service at the fairly priced Bluegreen Vacations Resort Mountain, an RV park, or a charming motel along the lake's edge. SkyBridge Michigan is a recent addition to experience an adrenaline rush and drink in the views of the surrounding forests and mountains at 118 feet over the Boyne Valley.

The world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge is an architectural masterpiece, suspended between two peaks. It is accessible daily through October 23rd by the historic two-person Boyne’s Hemlock Chairlift to walk high above the treetops with a jaw-dropping panorama. Take the world's oldest chairlift atop Boyne Mountain in fall colors and enjoy a drink of choice, some ice cream, or a snack with scenic views up top. Eagle’s Nest is ideal to warm up in winter between skiing, with falling snowflakes, boarders, and skiers outside.

Copper Harbor

Copper Harbor is often overlooked at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The rare blend of remote nature and notable landmarks enhances its appeal for the relentless adventurers. As the northernmost point accessible by road in the state, it is home to "The Beginning of U.S. Highway 41," which extends for nearly 2,000 miles. In addition to biking trails that rate among the world's finest, Hunter's Point Park offers a 9.4-acre spit with a loop trail and pebbly beaches against Lake Superior views.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park features an 1844 fort right along the highway and Lake Fanny Hooe, plus a rustic lighthouse visible across the harbor. Dine on local seafood with a German twist, and spend the night in scenic seclusion under the best viewing spot for the Northern Lights in Michigan. Between King Copper Waterfront Motel and Brickside Brewery for locally crafted beers, you'll be rested to charge at more rugged terrain, like Brockway Mountain Lookout.

East Tawas

East Tawas is undisturbed by crowds between Tawas Lake and Tawas Bay of Lake Huron—the Great Lake that tends to be overlooked. There's everything for foodies and culture fans to chill out, including the Iosco County Historical Museum and Tawas Bay Art Gallery with pottery and workshops across the large marina at the Harbor Park. In addition to local parks and beach access, the city dock is adjacent to a long wooden pier for hand-in-hand strolls into the lake.

Score a stay at the top-rated Lake Life Cottages (at prices you won't believe) and head out for a hike. The wonderful Tawas Point State Park covers the entire hook peninsula with pet-friendly trails, beloved among locals and tourists alike, and a scenic campground. From a scenic lighthouse to migratory birds overhead, it is all of Michigan's best on a peaceful, naturally rich slice in the state. The remote vibes along Michigan's "Sunrise Coast" elevate the feeling of "having escaped."

Lexington

Rarely disturbed by the crowds of the popular Lake Michigan destinations, this village is an ideal retreat along the clear waters of Lake Huron. Enjoy a quaint backdrop of its scenic harbor and winding streams through the picturesque downtown. Boasting a rich array of cultural and recreational activities, Tierney Park offers events along a serene greenscape and a rocky overlook of the star attraction. State Harbor Marina is a launch point for boating, fishing, and water sports.

Meanwhile, the sandy Lexington Beach offers a kid-friendly space to cool off with plenty of shade along the rocks sprouting greens for picnics. After a stroll on the breaker wall, follow the yummy scent to the lakeside Windjammer Bar & Grill, utilizing fresh and local ingredients. The intimate Lexington Village Theatre presents a lineup of live music and comedy performances. Finally, drop by Angel's Garden for gifts and decor to bring back a piece of Lexington home.

Pentwater

This coastal village wears Victorian makeup and casual vibes like no other. Boasting a picturesque downtown lined with galleries, boutiques, and historic buildings, the rare blend of arts and peaceful ambiance is enhanced between the two lakefronts—Penwater Lake and the east shore of Lake Michigan. The Village Green centers on leisure and arts at the heart of Pentwater. Regular arts and crafts summer fairs and weekly concerts provide a homegrown vibe to come as you are.

Located centrally on the Great Lake, Charles Mears State Park is the key to scenic recreation. After a trail hike, take a plunge along the beachfront, enjoy swimming and picnics, paved campsites, and a lodge. From the well-equipped Pentwater Municipal Marina for fishing and boating, stick around Pentwater South Pierhead, which has views of a Lake Michigan lighthouse. Scenically lit by the pink sunset, the memory of this offshore skeleton will follow you to the local bar & grill at Brown Bear.

Petoskey

Michigan was once covered by a warm, shallow saltwater sea near the equator with thriving marine life in tropical reefs. The tectonic movement pushed the state north to the 45th parallel, revealing dry land above sea level. Glaciers scraped and spread fossils across the northern Lower Peninsula, with major deposits in the Petoskey area. The prehistoric fossil became the official state stone in 1965. There's nothing more undisturbed than an immersive hunt for these elusive stones, the fossilized "colonial coral hexagonaria percarinata," through the vast 30-mile corridor.

Found among rocky areas, Petoskey Stones carry a six-sided “rays of the rising sun” etch that pops out when wet. See how many you can find wading in the shallows along Lake Michigan beaches. The small town, a stop along Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery, is known for its grand Little Traverse Bay views. Located along the southern shore, Petoskey draws nature lovers to the eponymous state park, minutes east. This key attraction offers camping, woodsy hiking trails, and a mile-long bayside beach, with magnificent westward-facing sunsets lighting up the bay.

St. Joseph

Welcome to the Riviera of the Midwest, where the St. Joseph River enters the Great Lakes. Named “The Most Romantic City in Michigan” by the Detroit Free Press, how so, you may ask? In addition to Victorian charm downtown and a navigable river, St. Joseph boasts some of Lake Michigan's most refreshing and clear waters. Take a plunge in the cool lake, then stretch out along a golden sand strand. From the busier Silver Beach to the Lions Park, the towering sand dunes offer breathtaking views.

After the beach crowds depart, St. Joseph quiets down. Daily Amtrak trains drop off passengers at the depot, steps from the soft sand beaches. Check out the two iconic lighthouses on a breakwater with an elevated catwalk and dramatic sunsets. Jean Klock Park draws local beach bums, a sole artist painting at an easel, and sparse picnickers. Vendor booths fill up blufftop parks with arts, crafts, and antiques through fall, while the magnificent Silver Beach Carousel spins alive year-round with its 48 hand-carved creatures.

Michigan, the "Third Coast in the US," is perpetually favored for lakeside escapes and family attractions in a small-town feel. The gems, hidden along the shores or a quick drive from one of the four Great Lakes, offer a chance to exchange the rapid tempo of modern life for serene charm.

There's no compromising on excitement or sensory overload that coexist in the scenic outdoors, a given in the Great Lakes Region. The hidden attractions of Michigan’s lesser-known gems are timeless, like the carousel and untouched Victorian charm in the Riviera of the Midwest.