The Best Small Towns in Michigan to Chill Out

Between the unique history, beautiful vantage points, and near-endless festivities, it makes sense why Michigan is a state many love to explore. But while big cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Warren can pull in a crowd, smaller towns scattered throughout the region can provide just as great an experience. In fact, a lot of these towns might be the perfect places to hang out if you want some place to relax properly.

Below is a list of several small towns that provide some unique experiences. It speaks volumes to Michigan's diversity that many of the following are located on Lake Michigan.

Frankenmuth

Also referred to as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," the town of Frankenmuth lives up to that name through the celebration of its German roots, traditions, and theming. A great way to unwind while taking in the sights is to journey along Frankenmuth's Historical Walking Tour, where markers are scattered throughout town that share the town's rich historical past.

Afterwards, you can explore the Cass River through a calming riverboat cruise or by kayak. Kayaking would be the more personable choice, as you can paddle under the iconic Holz Brücke Covered Bridge. And once you've built up enough of an appetite, partake in a Frankenmuth tradition and dine on the most famous comfort food: chicken dinners. Served at either Zehnder's of Frankenmuth or Bavarian Inn Restaurant, both provide calming experiences that allow you to relax and chill out with friends and family over some world-famous chicken.

Colon

Another more inland town worth visiting is Colon, and its welcoming sign makes it clear why you'll want to check it out: it's dubbed the "Magic Capital of the World." The town hosts major magic conventions and is associated with legendary magicians, such as Harry Blackstone. Whether you want to indulge in the "see-it-to-believe-it" experience or spend time with friends or family, Colon can easily provide both.

Several of Colon's own local restaurants serve as the go-to hangout spots for locals. Curly's is a sports bar renowned in town for its great food and drinks. Meanwhile, Dawn's Cafe is a comforting spot, and its laid-back vibe has earned it a reputation as one of the best small-town restaurants in Southwest Michigan. The nearby lakes—Palmer, Long, and Sturgeon—provide a calming experience as well, with the opportunity to catch some fish all year round.

Mackinac Island

A Victorian-style town frozen in time and tucked away on an island, Mackinac Island is one of the more iconic getaways if you can manage it. This small island has no cars, stunning landscapes, and keeps its historical charm through bikes and horse-drawn buggies as the only form of transportation.

Due to its size, a great way to unwind is to bike the 8-mile loop around the entire island. Through that experience, you can spot Arch Rock, a limestone arch more than 50 feet wide. Mackinac Island is also the Fudge Capital of the World and lives up to that with its Main Street featuring several fudge stores like May's Candy Shop and Joann's Fudge. A nice round of golf can also be another great way to take in the sights, too. The Greens of Mackinac at Mission Point has 18 real bentgrass greens and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Traverse City

One of the more commonly vacationed spots, Traverse City is a primary location for a great deal of tourism and chilling out. For starters, it's a central point for many other towns along Lake Michigan, but it's also close to several wineries and hosts the annual National Cherry Festival.

The Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours are well worth considering, with places like Bonobo Winery giving you a calming atmosphere, well-crafted wine, and views of the West Bay that are simply incredible during any season. On top of that, the aforementioned National Cherry Festival is most a summer tradition in Traverse City, complete with live music, smoked turkey legs, cherry desserts, fireworks, and more. For the foodie, The Tasting Room is the perfect spot for a calming atmosphere with great and unique cuisine. Their seasonal flavors are mixed with an assortment of craft cocktails, an extensive bourbon list, or an award-winning wine selection.

Leland

Another town frozen in time, Leland doesn't appear to have changed much in 100 years. And yet, it's still a cozy and beautiful town located on just a sliver of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. It's a historic fishing town, and that essence is immediately captured by The Cove, a restaurant located on Lake Michigan's waterfront. Serving up freshwater fish, acclaimed seafood chowder, all-natural steaks, breads, and desserts, you get the coastal taste with a coastal view. Alternatively, Rick's Cafe is just downstairs and offers equally delicious food to enjoy while relaxing: burgers, local craft beers, and wines.

One of the bigger draws to Leland is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A natural wonder, these dunes are climbable, or you can travel through a paved trail. Best of all, these are available all year round, with the options to ski and snowshoe through the area in the winter.

Ludington

Ludington perfectly understands what it means to be a classic lakeside retreat and lives up to that expectation. The golden sands, historic lighthouse, and vibrant marina are some of the biggest draws. But other places beyond that can garner some attention, too.

Ludington State Park is a vast 5,300-acre park offering camping, boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Additionally, numerous marked trails wind throughout the area, offering opportunities for exploration. The entire area is a vacation in and of itself, with special winter activities and summer programs planned. In town, the Historic White Pine Village transports you back to late 1800s and early 1900s living, with each of its buildings offering a piece of its history. Or you could travel to Stearns Park Beach and gaze at Ludington's second-famed lighthouse, the North Breakwater Lighthouse. Shining a light nearly 20 miles out, the lighthouse is still used to guide the S.S. Badger carferry that continues to make Ludington its port.

From the warm summer days to the cold and snowy winters, Michigan's small towns have a lot of diversity to them in the things you can do and what each city offers. As a result, there is always something new that can pull you back to these places during any season. Each of the towns has its own unique charms, but one thing is for sure—they offer some relaxing moments where you can chill out and soak up the natural beauty.