The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In Michigan

According to Travel Michigan, the state welcomed more than 131 million visitors in 2024, a number greater than the total population of Mexico! It might sound unbelievable, but if you ask any Michigan local, they will likely tell you the state has more than enough beauty to attract the crowds. Not only does the state border four of the Great Lakes, but it also has towns rich in Bavarian and Dutch influence. If you are looking to visit some of the state’s most incredible destinations, these seven towns should be at the top of your itinerary.

Frankenmuth

Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” travelers will feel as if they are transported to Germany while in Frankenmuth. The town hosts several iconic German-influenced festivals each year, one of the most popular being the annual Frankenmuth Oktoberfest. Taking place from September 18th through the 21st this year, attendees will be able to enjoy lots of beer, food, live music, and even weiner dog races! The Bavarian Festival, occurring in June each year, is another one of the town’s most beloved expressions of German heritage. This festival kicks off with the raising of the Maypole, followed by a keg tapping, a street party, a kindertag parade for the kids, and plenty more fun. If you are looking for some traditional German grub while in town, swing by the Bavarian Inn, which has been in the community since 1888 and serves dishes like Sauerbraten, Schnitzel, and its famous family-style chicken dinners.

Charlevoix

Sitting on a strip between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, Charlevoix offers plenty of opportunities for water recreation. Travelers can enjoy an afternoon of sailing with one of the local sailing companies, such as Sunshine Charters, which has been operating in Charlevoix for over 15 years, providing relaxing trips on its 40-foot-long by 24-foot-wide catamaran. The dinner views won’t get much better than when dining at Weathervane Restaurant, composed of glacial boulders and overlooking the Pine River Channel. Before leaving town, make sure to check out the Earl Young Mushroom Houses, a collection of 30 properties that were uniquely designed by Young with fieldstone, boulders, and limestone that he found in the Northern Michigan region.

Mackinac Island

Set in the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Island provides a true change of pace, where even motorized vehicles are prohibited! Over 80% of the island belongs to Mackinac Island State Park, where travelers will find nature trails, intricate rock formations, serene forests, and historic landmarks to explore. Due to its island location, there are also plenty of chances to get out on the water. If you want to explore the water at a slower pace, consider renting a kayak with Great Turtle Kayak Tours, which offers both public and private tours in the waters around the island. To conclude your peaceful day, head back to one of the town’s charming bed and breakfasts, such as Cloghaun Bed and Breakfast, which is set in one of the island’s oldest Victorian homes and is owned by the descendants of Irish immigrants.

Port Huron

Home to the oldest lighthouse in Michigan, Port Huron is filled with interesting maritime history. Built in 1829 and situated slightly north of the Blue Water Bridge, travelers can climb the famous Fort Gratiot Lighthouse for themselves, taking in a beautiful view from the catwalk at the top. The Huron Lightship Museum is another fascinating stop for history lovers, housing a functional lightship that served the Great Lakes for over five decades before retiring in 1970. If you prefer to soak up some sunshine, head to Lakeside Beach for an afternoon of sunbathing, where you can relax on over 1,000 feet of lakefront beach. Amenities on this beach include volleyball courts, picnic tables, grills, a splashpad, two pavilions, and restrooms.

Holland

About two and a half hours away from Frankenmuth, travelers will find Holland, another fun town with European roots. Founded in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists, this town has maintained its Dutch traditions over the centuries. Travelers can start their trip with a visit to the Windmill Island Gardens, home to the country’s only authentic Dutch windmill, along with 36 acres of well-kept gardens. Nelis' Dutch Village is another charming spot to spend the afternoon, a Dutch-style village with wooden shoe carving, dancing, farm animals, and rides. If you have flexible travel dates, consider visiting Holland in May during the annual Tulip Time Festival. Taking place since 1929, this festival celebrates the yearly tulip bloom with a parade, dance performances, fireworks, and plenty of other family-friendly activities.

Manistee

With 25 miles of shoreline, 270 miles of rivers, and three Lake Michigan harbors, Manistee is a true gem in Northwest Michigan. No matter your skill level, Manistee has the perfect river adventure for you. Travelers looking for a laid-back float, for example, will love a trip on the Little Manistee River, which is shallow and popular for two to three-hour tubing trips. Have a bit more experience and looking for more adrenaline? You might prefer an adventure on the Pine River, which has some of the Lower Peninsula’s only white water rapids, frequently visited by expert paddlers. If you prefer to simply lounge on one of Manistee’s beaches, you can make your way over to Fifth Avenue Beach, which lies at the end of a pier walk, offering amenities like a volleyball court, playground, and tennis courts.

Marquette

Situated along the southern shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is surrounded by peaks and waterfalls, many of which are fairly easy to access. Those up for a mountain hike will enjoy spending the day at Mt. Marquette, a 1,200-foot peak that travelers can reach via a 3.7-mile loop. You can also reach this summit by car, bike, or even snowshoe in the winter months! Sugarloaf Mountain is another favorite hike in the community, just six miles north of downtown and accessible via a 1.2-mile hiking loop. For some beautiful waterfall views, stop by Wright Street Falls, which lie just on the edge of town and can be accessed by a short river trail walk.

Final Thoughts

If choosing where to go has been tricky, these seven towns might help point you in the right direction. Some of them offer the classic lakeside experience, while others provide cultural festivals, waterfall hikes, and relaxing river floats. Mackinac Island even offers the opportunity to ditch your car for the weekend! No matter which town you pick for your next trip, you are sure to create memories that you will be reflecting on for years to come.