10 Friendliest Little Towns In Michigan
Midwesterners are known for being nice. Pedestrians wave to cars with unknown drivers as a thanks for sharing the road. Grocery store patrons apologize when scooting their carts around another shopper. However, Michiganers take that geniality to the next level, welcoming visitors with open arms and encouraging them to make themselves at home, even if for a short time. In the Great Lake State’s small towns, it’s easy to assimilate by trying for yourself what the locals love—live music events in Beulah, foraging for morel mushrooms in Petoskey, or community theater productions in Jonesville. Check out these ten friendly Michigan small towns that will pull you in with their undeniable charm and warm hospitality.
New Buffalo
New Buffalo is a small town on the shore of Lake Michigan, only 70 miles from Chicago. But there’s no big-city attitude here—instead, you’ll find an inviting community that treats its visitors like neighbors. Of course, with the largest recreational harbor in the region, water activities and beach time are a must in New Buffalo. All summer long, the New Buffalo Farmers Market serves as the town hub, a place where you can stock up on locally sourced produce or perhaps grab a quick dinner from a food truck. A newer community event called Mondays at the Marina features live music from regional artists set against a signature New Buffalo sunset; this family-friendly summertime tradition encourages folks to settle in for an evening of entertainment.
Yet, fall brings its own special flair to this little Michigan town. The crisp air and gorgeous fall colors create a beautiful setting for a local tour of the wineries operating along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Or, you could participate in the Apple Cider Century Ride, one of the longest-running cycling events in the Midwest. Starting in nearby Three Oaks Village, riders of all ages can coast through Southwest Michigan’s wine country and experience the powerful community spirit highlighted by this annual event.
Plymouth
Just 10 minutes west of Detroit lies Plymouth, a burst of winsome Americana in the Mitten State. The local Chamber of Commerce likes to remark that “Plymouth Rocks!”—this clever pun speaks to the sense of pride that runs throughout Plymouth’s quiet neighborhoods, verdant public parks, and booming business area.
The heart of Plymouth’s downtown is Kellogg Park, which hosts many special events throughout the year like The Spring Artisan Market and Scarecrows in the Park. Anchored by a lovely, recently renovated fountain, the park is bordered by Main Street and backdropped by the Penn Theater, a movie house where you can catch old classics like “Casablanca.” What’s more, the downtown dining scene features an array of eateries and cuisines. You can’t go wrong with a morning stop at Plymouth Coffee Bean Co. or Omelette & Waffle Cafe. Later in the day, go for a pint at Sean O’Callaghan’s Public House, followed by an authentic Italian meal at Nico & Vali. There’s much to explore in Plymouth, and you’ll have no problem fitting into this friendly community.
St. Joseph
St. Joseph is where the St. Joseph River meets Lake Michigan, spawning the town’s nickname “The Riviera of the Midwest.” Locals love to spend a relaxing afternoon walking along the North Pier, which features two distinct lighthouses, the Inner and the Outer Lights. And, you definitely can’t miss St. Joseph’s historic downtown, accentuated by brick-paved streets and colorful flowers, for prime shopping and dining.
Further, this little town ranks high in the arts and culture department, with the Krasl Art Center leading the way. The museum and learning center provides locals with the opportunity to engage with interesting exhibits and also hosts an annual Art Fair on its grounds perfect for the entire family. You could also take a cooking class at the Culinary Cottage, a space designed to foster community through food with hands-on classes. However, the community cornerstone is the Blossomtime Festival, an event that dates back to 1906. With highlights such as the Blessing of the Blossoms, the Run for the Buds 5K, and the Grand Floral Parade, these annual traditions are very meaningful to the St. Joseph’s community, cementing the importance of the area’s fruit-producing history and kicking off a bounteous growing season.
Norway
If you’d like a taste of Scandinavia without leaving the country, look no further than Norway, Michigan, a small town on the Upper Peninsula. There’s no better way to feel a part of Norway's Viking heritage than with the Leif Erikson Festival held each October. You can expect Viking re-enactments, live music, and food vendors while the fiercest take on a 5K or 10K. Be sure to snap a memorable souvenir photo with the 10-foot tall Viking statue that proudly stands in Viking Park.
Later in December, the community gathers again to celebrate Christmas in Norway, where festive touches include a tree lighting, a Santa parade, and, of course, a visit with the Big Man himself. When not celebrating the town’s Norwegian roots, you can find folks at the Norway speedway, a stockcar racetrack, filling their empty bottles with artesian water from the Norway Spring off US Highway 2, or assembling at Rainbow’s End Farm to witness the alpacas’ yearly shaving. You will surely be captivated by this quirky small town, and the people of Norway will make you feel extra welcome.
Petoskey
What do morel mushrooms, Ernest Hemingway, and fossilized stones have in common? They are all native to Petoskey, an alluring small town on Michigan’s lower peninsula. While Hemingway might have only spent his summers on the southern shore of Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey is primed to welcome you all seasons of the year. In fact, one of the town’s favorite events is the Winter Wonderland Weekend in February. Complete with a luminary walk, ice carving demonstrations, and a warm winter drink competition, neighbors gather together to chase away the winter blues.
Springtime in Petoskey draws morel mushroom foragers and Petoskey stone beachcombers, as they search for prized fungi and treasured fossils throughout the area. No doubt, you will enjoy a summer spent at Petoskey’s pristine beach at Jones Landing Township Park. The town has even put together a “Culinary Trail” for visiting food lovers, mapping out the best wineries, breweries, farmers markets, and specialty food shops in the area, so consider that your official invitation to make Petoskey your next destination.
Beulah
The village of Beulah on Michigan’s Crystal Lake is known for its gorgeous surroundings, perfect for a plethora of outdoor activities, namely swimming, kayaking, and boating. There, anglers will love fishing for bass, trout, and perch, and you can even visit Beulah’s Platte River State Fish Hatchery to see the important work this facility does to preserve the state’s fish populations.
However, this tiny town prioritizes arts and culture in equal weight, hosting a variety of community events that deliver music and art directly to its residents. The annual Beulah Arts & Crafts Fair showcases an array of creativity from regional artists including photography, pottery, woodcarving, and more. Plus, the Beulah Cool Mountain Run Car Show runs concurrently, which means double the fun on the same summer weekend. All season long, you can also enjoy Music in the Street, a weekly lawnchair listening party in Beulah’s downtown. Even though Beulah’s population is only a few hundred people, you can instantly feel the warmth of the hometown community and the care extended to the local land and wildlife.
Marshall
A jaunt to Marshall quickly transforms into an unbelievable historical journey. Here, you will appreciate the city’s 19th century architecture and more than 850 well-preserved homes and buildings, along with its role as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Marshall takes pride in its remarkable roots, and the stories of that era are frequently told through the city’s great number of local museums and historical sites like the Honolulu House Museum and the Education Oak, the ceremonious tree where attorney Isaac Crary and Reverend John Pierce met to map out Michigan’s public school system.
It should be no surprise then that one beloved community event is Marshall’s annual Historic Home Tour. However, that’s just the beginning of a long list of celebrations. Notably, Marshall pays tribute to spooky season with not one, but two family-friendly events, Skeletonfest and the Witches Walk. And for those who love live music, once a year, the picture-perfect downtown becomes the setting for the Marshall Blues Festival. The all-day event brings together friends, families, and neighbors, and is a great representation of the affinity Marshall residents have for one another and anyone who happens upon their city.
South Haven
Nothing screams summer more than South Haven, a small town that lives up to its name as a welcoming refuge for tourists looking to unplug. Residents officially kick off the season with Harborfest in June, a two-day lakeside event that celebrates all things maritime. With a boat show and dragon boat races, Harborfest leads you to the water, where you can remain for the rest of your stay. Go for a Reel ‘n Hooks fishing charter or a sunset ride on the “Friends Good Will,” a sailboat booked through the Michigan Maritime Museum.
Once you’re back on land, spend a morning at one of the town’s many u-pick options like DeGrandechamp Farms where you can fill your own pint-sized container with the sweetest Michigan blueberries. Later in the summer, South Haven puts on a party in honor of that exalted fruit. Its long-running National Blueberry Festival has everything from a craft fair to a blueberry pie eating contest, from carnival rides to a basketball tournament. If a quintessential summertime experience is what you’re searching for, look no further than South Haven to escape into the sun and the fun.
Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, otherwise known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” oozes with hometown hospitality. Founded by German missionaries, this small town celebrates its heritage at every turn. Starting with food, a trip to Frankenmuth demands a family-style fried chicken dinner, traditionally served with mashed potatoes and cranberry relish, at the famous Zehnder’s restaurant. The town unites each summer at the Bavarian Festival, a days-long celebration featuring polka bands, German beer, and plenty of lederhosen.
The Frankenmuth Mural Finder is a scavenger hunt for the vibrant public art scattered throughout the town and is a great way to get a lay of the land. Or, take a cruise down the Cass River on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat for scenic views of the town’s natural beauty. Later in the year, the holidays transform Frankenmuth into a European-inspired Christmas village—be sure to grab a souvenir ornament from Bronner’s, the largest Christmas store in the world. After a stay in Frankenmuth, you’ll be sure to raise a glass to this über-charming town. Prost!
Jonesville
Another Southern Michigan delight is Jonesville, another town located on the St. Joseph River. The community gathers each May to pay homage to the town’s connection to the water with Riverfest, a weekend that features festivities like an antique tractor show, a pancake breakfast, and a new pickleball tournament.
While Riverfest is a great time to experience Jonesville’s heritage, all year long The Sauk Theatre is the cornerstone of the town’s arts and culture offerings. With the important goal of creating shared experiences between the cast, crew, and the audience, the theater produces an impressive mix of Shakespearean tragedies, iconic musicals, and children’s plays.
And you can’t forget about food. When in Jonesville, make like a local and head downtown to Saucy Dog’s BBQ, a twenty-year old Jonesville institution that serves up authentic southern-style barbeque, or mosey across the street to Ramshackle Brewing Company, also known as “the community brewery,” for a beer and a hotdog or brat off the food menu. However you decide to experience Jonesville, you’ll be drawn in by the little town’s contagious community spirit.
The Bottom Line
So, take advantage of the Midwest’s kind reputation and plan a visit to one of these friendly small towns. Try a family-style meal in Frankenmuth, or immerse yourself in Marshall’s notable history. Plus, nothing puts a small town’s friendliness on display better than its annual festivals. From Norway’s Leif Erikson Festival to South Haven’s National Blueberry Festival, attending a community event allows you to get a taste of the town’s affable interactions and deep-seated values. Any one of these Michigan towns would be great for an easy weekend escape, and while you are there, you will fit right in.
