9 Most Overlooked Michigan Towns For 2025
Named after the Ojibwe word “mishigamaa,” meaning “great water,” Michigan lives up to its name with its sweeping shorelines along four of the five Great Lakes of America. While the state’s larger cities have their charms and appeals, the soul of Michigan is best discovered in its most overlooked towns to visit for 2025. From the tranquil beauty of Munising’s shores to the historic streets of Marshall, these overlooked Michigan towns offer an authentic taste of the Mitten State’s hospitality, character, and spirited attitude. Many will be drawn towards Frankenmuth’s vibrant culture, towards Mackinac Island’s incredible festivals, and towards Saugatuck’s artistic nuances. This 2025, you should definitely not miss the most overlooked Michigan towns.
Grand Haven
Less than an hour away from the cities of Grand Rapids and Muskegon, the grandiose town of Grand Haven is a magnanimous and magnificent destination that should not be overlooked. Along the harbor and beside the Grand River, travelers can explore the Grand Haven boardwalk that is filled with shops, restaurants, marinas, and charter fishing boats, all of which lead you towards the historic Grand Haven Lighthouse, which you can stand upon and get excellent photos of the area. At the Grand Haven Musical Fountain, you can enjoy daily and nightly performances as the fountain processes over 90,000 gallons of water with a synchronized display of water, lights, and music from May 25 all the way to September 1 each year.
You can also enjoy the Music at the Point at Spring Lake’s Mill Point Park for free and exciting concerts from June to August every year. Many recreational and beachside activities can be experienced at Grand Haven State Park, which offers exquisite sights and sensations of Lake Michigan. Last but not least, you can have an even grander time in Grand Haven once you have booked for a longer vacation here at places such as The Boyden House or the Looking Glass Beachfront Inn.
Petoskey
Perfection is everything, and the small town of Petoskey provides a perfect setting for vacation and relaxation on the south side of Little Traverse Bay. Within splendid recreational regions such as the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, you can partake in exhilarating whitewater rafting, riverine pursuits, and sports of all sorts in this splendid small town. Those who prefer games of chance and subterfuge can improve their poker faces at the Odawa Casino. Meanwhile, individuals eager to watch lively performances and local concerts can head over to the Crooked Tree Arts Center for monthly events and venues.
Undoubtedly, the most famous objects of wonder you can collect are the Hexagonaria percarinata, also known as the Petoskey stones, which are prehistoric coral fossils of once-living coral polyps on the beaches of Petoskey or at Petoskey State Park. If you find any opportunities for boating excursions out into Lake Michigan, you ought to visit Beaver Island, a lonesome yet lovely spot of land in the middle of the lake brimming with character and biodiversity. Better yet, you should first seek out rooms and accommodations from fine abodes such as the Perry Hotel for a more comfortable vacation in this overlooked small town.
Munising
Lounging on the southern edge of Lake Superior, Munising is a gateway to some of Michigan’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Its crown jewel, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, enchants newcomers with vibrant sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling and sprawling waters where one can go fishing and boating on Lake Superior. Beneath the lake’s surface, the Alger Underwater Preserve reveals a hauntingly beautiful collection of 19th- and 20th-century shipwrecks ideal for scuba diving.
When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a frosty playground, where ice climbers can scale the frozen “Curtains” waterfall just as snowshoers and cross-country skiers can tackle the Valley Spur’s trails. Outdoor adventures aside, Munising provides plenty of comfortable lodgings to stay at, among them the Roam Inn, Munising Motel, and Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites. With its insurable attractions and amenities, besides one of the greatest lakes in America, Munising is certainly the type of town one should not overlook in their vacation throughout Michigan.
St. Joseph
Often dubbed the “Riviera of the Midwest,” the town of St Joseph attracts hundreds of yearly visitors with its inviting beaches and stunning lake vistas just 90 miles from Chicago. Overlooking the gentle waves of Lake Michigan, parks like Tiscornia Park and Lions Park are perfect for introspective strolls and wanderings in addition to family and friend outings and picnics. The iconic North Pier Lighthouse showcases photogenic views of the land on a landmark brimming with historical anecdotes for you to learn about. Meanwhile, the Krasl Art Center exhibits regional and contemporary art in a thoughtfully curated space.
Find local history at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library. On the other hand, you can engage in sports and exquisite laser tag fun at the Slackers Family Fun Center with Laser Tag. For extended stays in this diverse and dynamic town, you ought to consider relaxing accommodations like The Boulevard Inn & Bistro or the Silver Beach Hotel for a more quintessential and enthusiastic vacation in St Joseph.
Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth brings a slice of Bavaria into Michigan’s heartland. Located just under 90 minutes from both Detroit and Lansing, this charming town proudly celebrates its German heritage year-round, especially during the vibrant Osterbrunnen Festival each spring. Similarly, the famous World Expo of Beer in May honors Frankenmuth’s German heritage as well as the fact that Michigan is often called the Great Beer State. Even more festivities await with Zehnder’s Ragtime Festival in April and holiday-themed events later in the year.
As a town filled with culture and festivities, you can learn more about the history of this eclectic destination at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. In contrast, the Michigan Heroes Museum focuses more on paying tribute to decorated veterans and military pioneers in the past. Thrill-seekers can swing through the trees at Frankenmuth Aerial Park for exhilarating sports and gameplay. With cozy, European-inspired lodgings like the Bavarian Inn, Marv Herzog Hotel, and Zehnder’s Splash Village, Frankenmuth offers an enchanting blend of culture, family fun, and warm hospitality this 2025.
Holland
The town of Holland, deriving its name from the Netherlands’ ancient name of Holland, is an adorable mirror of the European country of the Dutch people, complete with windmills, tulips, and Old-World charm on the shores of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. The towering De Zwaan windmill at Windmill Island Gardens stands as a living piece of Dutch history and the only authentic windmill of its kind operating in the US. Visitors can appreciate local heritage at the Holland Museum and Cappon House Museum, which both trace the journey of Dutch immigrants from Europe all the way to America.
The month of May brings the colorful Tulip Time Festival into full bloom, where one can enjoy eight days of celebration for all the blossoms, parades, and folk dancing happening in Holland. In nearby areas of interest, such as Big Red Lighthouse and the Holland State Park, you can savor more experiences and memories in this homely little town. Whether you opt for a rustic campsite or relax at elegant establishments like the Tulyp Hotel or Holland Farmhouse Inn B&B, Holland is a town that must not be overlooked on your journey throughout the Mitten State.
Mackinac Island
A step onto Mackinac Island is a step back in time, where horse-drawn carriages replace cars and Victorian houses and architectural landmarks have retained their shapes since their founding. This island-town located between Lakes Michigan and Huron captivates newcomers with stunning regions such as the Mackinac Island State Park, an outdoor wonderland praised by National Geographic. Amateur historians can unearth the lessons of the past when exploring military history at Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes.
Furthermore, you can visit the Biddle House and Native American Museum to learn about the Anishnaabek people who first inhabited the region. Art and craftsmanship thrive on Mackinac Island, from traditional blacksmithing at Benjamin Blacksmith Shop to local exhibits at the Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. Photographers will find many inspirational and iconic images due to the Arch Rock formation and scenic coastal trails surrounding this island town. Seasonal events like the Lilac Festival in June and the Fudge Festival in August provide even more amusement in an already amazing town, and awesome lodgings like the Grand Hotel ensure you have a safe and relaxing evening in one of the most overlooked towns in Michigan.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck is an amicable and heartwarming town perched along the shores of Lake Michigan. For years, it has served as an overlooked and underrated haven for artisans seeking a picturesque escape into Michigan’s lakeside wonders. After all, it is lauded for being part of Michigan’s “Art Coast,” where one can find dozens of art galleries, artisan shops, and studios all catering to the aesthetics of life. The Saugatuck Dunes State Park is just one of many inspiring areas worth seeing for yourselves, alongside the harbor-front Saugatuck Natural Area.
Additionally, travelers can ascend the steep Mount Baldhead for many impressive vistas and views of the land. You might also be interested in paddling along the Kalamazoo River for riverine opportunities and sights. In the cooler months, some are even lucky enough to glimpse the northern lights dancing above Lake Michigan. After a day of exploring, you can unwind with a glass of local wine or craft beer, and then rest at boutique abodes like The Hotel Saugatuck, Serendipity Bed & Breakfast, or the Wickwood Inn. However you intend to go about in Saugatuck, you will nevertheless feel rejuvenated and tranquil in your explorations in this overlooked Michigan town, roughly 12 miles away from Holland.
Marshall
Located between the major metropolises of Chicago and Detroit, the small town of Marshall is a living museum of American history. Established in 1830 as a fur trading post, the town played a vital role in the Underground Railroad, famously aiding escaped slave Adam Crosswhite and others towards emancipation. That legacy lives on at the Marshall Historical Museum at GAR Hall, a historic edifice that you can visit and learn from. Likewise, visitors can stroll through the historic district to admire beautifully preserved 19th-century landmarks like the Honolulu House and Governor’s Mansion to see more into Marshall’s past.
Strangely enough, you can find magic and mysteries aplenty at the American Museum of Magic, which houses one of the largest collections of magic memorabilia in the world. While the town is poised for the future with projects like Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park, its past remains proudly on display, and you can certainly spend a longer time perusing Marshall’s history once you have booked a room at either the National House Inn, The Royal Hotel & Apartments, or Arbor Inn.
With over 115 lighthouses beaming across the Great Lakes, Michigan stands as the Lighthouse Capital of the World, a fitting symbol for a state that guides travelers to some of the most overlooked Michigan towns for 2025 vacations. Travelers will be seen basking in the cultural radiance of Saugatuck, relishing in the European traditions of both Frankenmuth and Holland, and traversing the sandstone cliffs of Munising. Most of all, visitors will be smitten by the Mitten State’s many overlooked Michigan towns, each one feeling like a home filled with amazing tourist attractions that everyone will adore.
