Michigan's 6 Most Laid-Back Towns
Located in the Great Lakes Region of the Upper Midwestern United States, the beautiful State of Michigan is a natural and cultural playground that all ages can appreciate. Home to a population of just over 10 million residents, Michigan is America’s 11th largest State by area, and it offers easy access to several other States in the region, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and the Canadian province of Ontario. Michigan is home to a wonderful assortment of laid-back towns, many of which are located near the popular Lake Michigan. Here, a relaxed ambience, charming community allure, and loads of scenic beauty make these towns ideal for a holiday outing outside of the big city, where both the young and old can find something to enjoy.
Grand Haven
A truly grand place to spend a Michigan holiday, the wonderful town of Grand Haven lies right along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. Settled in the 1830s, this seat of Ottawa County is home to a modern population of just over 11,000 residents, where warm summers make it the ideal place to enjoy some lakeside fun. With several beach areas to choose from, there are always plenty of chances to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere in Grand Haven, and activities like swimming, sailing, fishing, and sunbathing are always popular. Spend time at the Grand Haven State Park, which, in addition to pristine white sands and scenic panoramas, offers guests the chance to get up close to some lighthouses. These include the South Pier Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1839.
From there, walk along the delightful Grand Haven Boardwalk, which at nearly 2 miles long will dazzle any visitor with its fine assortment of tasty restaurant options, charming boutiques, and tons of great photo backdrops. From the Snug Harbor Restaurant to the Haven and Main Gift Shop, a charming sampling of Americana will certainly leave a positive impression on all ages here. And do not forget about the beloved Musical Fountain (running from Memorial Day to Labor Day), which entertains all with a synchronized water and light show and its musical accompaniment.
New Buffalo
Also located along Lake Michigan and near the border with the State of Indiana, New Buffalo is another great destination to enjoy a laid-back outing amidst some of Michigan’s most beautiful natural vistas. With a modern foundational history dating to the 1830s, just over 1,700 call this tranquil community home today, and guests will enjoy many of the area’s geographic features and chances to simply unwind. Explore the nearby Warren Dunes State Park and its 1,500 acres of unique natural splendor. In addition to the eponymous sand dunes, spectacular views of the lake can be admired while camping, hiking, swimming, and even cross-country skiing are popular. Other winter activities near the lake shore include sledding and snowshoeing.
Alternatively, one can choose to spend time at the Galien River County Park, which features a charming boardwalk, an observation tower, and truly breathtaking panoramas filled with flower and tree canopies, as well as marshes. Add in great local eateries like The Stray Dog Bar & Grill and The Hidden Gem Gift Shop, and a most welcoming slice of small-town USA becomes apparent.
St Joseph
Seat of Berrien County and lovingly known as “St. Joe,” the town of St Joseph lies along both Lake Michigan and the mouth of the St Joseph River. Incorporated back in the 1830s, this scenic community of just under 8,000 residents is an ideal spot for relaxation and a vacation full of laid-back vibes. Featuring hot summer and cool winter temperatures, a variety of outdoor activities can be enjoyed here throughout the year, ensuring a delight for both young and old. These include sailing, swimming, skating, cycling, picnicking, and lounging on the beach at such places as Silver Beach County Park and Lookout Park. And do not forget about visiting the St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lighthouses that date to the early 1900s.
Meanwhile, the charm of being in a small town shines warmly in St. Joseph, and guests can explore a number of Victorian-style buildings, shops, galleries, and restaurants in the town center. These include Plank’s Tavern on the Water and the State Street Stuff novelty store for that perfect souvenir. Finally, explore historic landmarks such as the Ninth District Lighthouse Depot (1891) and the former Whitcomb Hotel (1928), now converted into spacious senior living accommodations.
Traverse City
The largest town in Northern Michigan, Traverse City, lies along the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan. Seat of the same-named county, this scenic community of just under 16,000 residents can trace its modern history to the 1840s, and it remains an ever-popular place to enjoy the wonder of the outdoors and some of Michigan’s finest fruit. With its affectionate name of the “Cherry Capital of the World,” guests can expect to find an abundance of cherries and other locally grown fruits that have gained fame not just in America, but around the globe.
Take part in the annual July National Cherry Festival, which incredibly attracts upwards of 500,000 guests! Including parades, air shows, live entertainment, vendors, and plenty of opportunities to buy and eat cherry and cherry products, this is one of the sweetest outings all ages can look forward to. Additionally, your tours of local vineyards like Mari and Brys Estate offer scenic views and intriguing looks into the process of alcohol production.
Then there is the area’s natural beauty, and time spent near the water is always a treat here. Enjoy activities like swimming, boating, and kayaking, while the nearby Traverse City State Park has wonderful beaches and campgrounds. From there, visit the Boardman River Nature Center on the banks of the Boardman River, which features interactive exhibits and galleries highlighting the State’s most alluring flora and fauna.
Copper Harbor
Right on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Copper Harbor may only have a population of just over 100 permanent residents, but its size should not deter any guests looking for a most peaceful Michigan holiday. Founded in the 1840s, this quiet community along Lake Superior is known for its warm summers and snowy winters, and fun activities across the seasons can be enjoyed here. These include sailing, swimming, cycling, hiking, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even snow biking!
Spend time at the nearby Isle Royale National Park by taking a scenic ferry ride and admiring the wonderful natural beauty, while an afternoon at the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is a great way to learn more about Michigan’s past. A recreation of a 1840s military fort and barracks, the park also features picturesque campsites and lakeside views across an area spanning nearly 1,000 acres. And with inviting local businesses like the Lake Effect Bar and Grill and the Laughing Loon Gift Shops, a unique sense of small-town quaintness always shines in Copper Harbor.
South Haven
South Haven lies right on the mouth of the Black River, which eventually feeds into the larger Lake Michigan, meaning fun outdoors is never far away. Incorporated in the 1860s, this important port community is now home to just under 4,000 inhabitants, and it remains ever popular as a resort town throughout the year. At both the nearby Van Buren Trail State Park and the Van Buren State Park, exciting opportunities for swimming, camping, cycling, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing await. Marvel at the snowy landscapes in the winter and take in the special sights of blueberry fields and lush greenery in the summer. There is even the National Blueberry Festival in August, where parades, vendors, live entertainment, and blueberry products make the young and old alike smile.
Furthermore, guests to South Haven interested in history will not want to miss the Michigan Maritime Museum and the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum. Learn more about the state’s past on the waters through interactive exhibits and more at the former, while the beauty of farming and horticulture can be appreciated at the latter. Finally, end the day with some fine American cuisine at the Black River Tavern and Clementine’s, and one will be glad to have chosen South Haven for their Michigan holiday.
Also known as “The Great Lakes State,” Michigan is a key component of the Upper Midwest, offering residents and visitors alike loads of natural beauty, historic intrigue, and cultural charm. Bordering several Great Lakes, including Michigan and Superior, the state is a wonderland of geographic splendor, and guests looking for a laid-back vacation experience will find it here. From Grand Haven to Copper Harbor, these splendid communities are never short on natural beauty, small town charm, and plenty of activities for all ages. So wait no more and come see the great State of Michigan through an exploration of its wonderful smaller towns, and see why this Great Lakes wonder has been beloved for so long!
