10 Michigan Towns That Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Michigan is the lone US State in the Upper Midwest’s Great Lakes region that is separated into two vast land divisions: the heavily forested Upper Peninsula and the characteristic mitten-shaped Lower Peninsula, besides being bounded by Lake St. Clair and four out of the five Great Lakes of North America. Distinguished for its untarnished natural beauty and diverse topography, the Wolverine State enthralls vacationists with its aquamarine lakes, sugar-sand beaches, lush greenery, and limitless recreational opportunities. Even though populated urban centers like Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and the state capital Lansing are top choices for most tourists, the innumerable paradisiacal small towns dotting the Great Lake State beckons every one of you to come and spend some lovely moments away from the hubbub of noisy metropolises.
Mackinac Island
Home to only 583 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, this celebrious tourist magnet in Mackinac County, is located at the far eastern point of the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron. Holidayers visiting this medieval hamlet can travel back in time and view the entire area on bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, or by foot as the use of motorized vehicles is not allowed here. Encompassing a substantial portion of this island town is the Mackinac Island State Park which features the British-built Fort Mackinac as well as parts of the harbor and downtown area. Unnumbered heritage properties such as the Biddle House, Mission Church, Stuart House, McGulpin House, and Mission Point Historical Museum; retail establishments, diners like Millie’s on Main and Horn’s Gaslight Bar & Restaurant; and hotels like Main Street Inn & Suites fill the downtown. Throughout the year, merrymakers get to partake in the town’s different entertainment events such as the Lilac Festival, Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, Epona & Barkus Parade, and an annual American art show at the Victorian-style Grand Hotel.
Saugatuck
A lumber town and port on the Kalamazoo River at the outset, Saugatuck is situated on the southeastern banks of Lake Michigan in Allegan County, almost 45 miles from Grand Rapids and 12 miles south of Holland. This classic summer retreat mesmerizes visitors with its breathtaking sights, cultural offerings, appetizing cuisines, and an array of leisure activities. Globetrotters flock to the town in large numbers enticed by the globally famous soft yellow sands of Oval Beach, the all-inclusive web of trails snaking through the Saugatuck Dunes State Park’s coastal dunes, dozens of art galleries like Jeff Blandford Gallery, James Brandess Studios & Gallery, Inc. in Butler Street, the scintillating vistas of the Mount Baldhead Park, and the wide range of premium wines produced at the Fenn Valley vineyards.
Frankenmuth
Dubbed, “Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is a stunning town located in Saginaw County’s southeastern corner around 90 miles north of Detroit and 75 miles northeast of the state capital. Settled by Lutheran immigrants having roots in the German State of Bavaria, the town’s German ancestry is reflected clearly in the Franconian-style architecture of multiple historic houses in the commercial district. Vacationers can either book a PedAle Trolley or ride a horse-drawn carriage for a tour through the old streets; collect pretty souvenirs at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland; take note of the full-scale replica of Silent Night Memorial Chapel, Frankenmuth Historical Museum, and Zehnder’s Holzbrücke covered bridge; relish yummy chicken dinners served by the Bavarian Inn Restaurant; and sample locally-made wines and brews at St. Julian Winery & Frankenmuth Brewery. Yearly fun-filled events like Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival, Frankenmuth Dog Bowl & Balloons Over Bavarian Inn, and Frankenmuth Fire Muster draw thousands of revelers.
Petoskey
One of the Lower Peninsula’s northernmost towns, Petoskey is the Emmet County seat located by the southern banks of Little Traverse Bay, exactly 70 miles northeast of Traverse City. Placed at the kernel of the Midwest’s peerless year-round resort area, this 5877-inhabitant town is a well-liked holiday refuge providing plentiful recreational pursuits for travelers. Aside from the fanciers of the treasured Petoskey stones, the neighboring Petoskey State Park is a favorite of all those who wish to camp and hike in this panoramic area. The town’s historic Gaslight District with a plethora of landmark structures, independently owned boutiques, art galleries like Somebody’s Gallery, upscale eateries like Palette Bistro, and luxurious stay-ins like Stafford’s Perry Hotel is ideal for walking, shopping, dining, and staying for a while. One can also reach any one of Petoskey’s mind-boggling waterfront parks by taking a leisurely stroll via a pedestrian tunnel, whereas wine aficionados are fond of the Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery and the Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery.
Charlevoix
Charlevoix, labeled after a French Jesuit priest and Great Lakes explorer, is the administrative center of Charlevoix County occupying a narrow land strip betwixt Lake Michigan and the western limit of Lake Charlevoix, around 50 miles southwest of Mackinaw City. As a fitting reflection of its phenomenal natural environs, this Northern Lower Michigan community tags itself as “Charlevoix the Beautiful.” Holidaymakers need to discover the town’s celebrated sites including the Charlevoix Historical Society Harsha House Museum, Belvedere Golf Club, Castle Farms, Mushroom Houses designed by Earl Young, Fisherman’s Island State Park, and Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse. Try to attend any of the town’s amazing annual events like the Venetian Festival, Apple Festival, Petunia Planting, Car Raffle, and Art & Craft Show.
Traverse City
Grand Traverse County’s seat of government, Traverse City forms a portion of the Northern Lower Michigan region at the Grand Traverse Bay’s southern extremity abutted by four extensive townships: Elmwood, East Bay, Garfield, and Peninsula. An acclaimed all-season playground and a hotspot for adrenaline junkies, Traverse City is noted for its cross-cultural fusion, shopping options, quality gourmet treats, and verdant vineyards. The town justifiably advocates itself as ‘The Cherry Capital of the World,’ owing to its apt placement near the Old Mission Peninsula AVA and Leelanau Peninsula AVA in addition to being surrounded by over 50 vineyards and wineries. While touring the town, stop by the City Opera House, Clinch Park, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, Boardman River Nature Center, Mission Point Lighthouse, Dennos Museum Center on the Northwestern Michigan College campus, and the adjacent Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Spare time from your busy schedule to be present at the National Cherry Festival and Great Lakes Equestrian Festival.
South Haven
This 3,964-inhabitant community spans Van Buren and Allegan counties along Lake Michigan shores at the mouth of the 4.2-mile-long Black River. With ultra-clean sandy beaches, lighthouses, nature preserves, outlying parks, and a delightful downtown jam-packed with shops, fancy boutiques, wineries, comfy hotels, and top-class restaurants like Clementine’s and Black River Tavern, South Haven fascinates residents and tourists alike. Vacationers should not forget to tour the South Haven Lighthouse, Michigan Flywheelers Museum, South Haven Center for the Arts, Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, Michigan Maritime Museum, Scott Club, Kal-Haven Trail, and the nearby Van Buren State Park and Van Buren Trail State Park. Yearly on the second weekend of August, over 50,000 merrymakers throng South Haven to attend the National Blueberry Festival.
Marquette
The biggest city in Michigan’s sylvan Upper Peninsula and the seat of government of Marquette County, Marquette is located approximately 65 miles north-northwest of Escanaba on the shores of Lake Superior. The town’s most popular tourist spot is Sugarloaf Mountain and its easily approachable hiking trail which provides sweeping views of Lake Superior. Furthermore, sightseers can tour the Marquette Maritime Museum, Marquette County History Museum, Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, and Marquette Harbor Light; camp at Marquette Tourist Park; partake in a wide variety of recreations at the Presque Isle Park; use Lakeview Arena’s ice hockey facilities; and rest for the night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Marquette.
Ludington
Ludington, the administrative center of Mason County, is set on the eastern banks of Lake Michigan, close to the Pere Marquette River’s mouth, around 58 miles north of Muskegon. Primarily called ‘Pere Marquette’ in honor of the Jesuit explorer Jacques Marquette, this crucial Great Lakes shipping port was in 1871 rechristened after the American businessman James Ludington. The town’s picturesque location has helped transform it into a haven for adventure seekers, with plenty of outdoor recreational activities being offered throughout the year. Additionally, the Ludington State Park, Ludington North Breakwall Light, Stearns Park Beach, Waterfront Sculpture Park, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Historic White Pine Village, S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, and the adjacent Hamlin Lake (providing both kayaking and resort facilities) are some must-visit sites of interest.
Munising
Alger County’s seat, this adorable town of fewer than 2000 inhabitants, sits along Lake Superior’s southern shores on Munising Bay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, approx. 40 miles east of Marquette. Boasting an inviting downtown crammed with numerous red-brick buildings, one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries like Art In The Alley and Up-Scale Art, and eateries such as Tracey’s At Roam Inn and Pictured Rocks Pizza, Munising has something for every taste. One can quickly access the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from the town and admire its glistening waterfalls and naturally sculptured multicolored sandstone cliffs. Also, check out Munising’s myriad scenic waterfalls and other recreational areas such as the Grand Island National Recreation Area, Hiawatha National Forest, Alger Underwater Preserve, and Binsfeld Bayshore Park & Bayshore Marina.
From the Franconian-style architecture seen in Frankenmuth to the offbeat Mushroom Houses in Charlevoix, each gorgeous town wonderfully showcases the true heart and soul of the 10th most populous and 11th largest state of the nation. So, whether you are a nature enthusiast who wishes to discover unparalleled natural wonders or anyone who wants to chill out on the pristine beaches, or partake in outdoor recreation and community celebrations, these favorite Michigan towns should be on your travel plans.
