10 Undiscovered Small Towns in Michigan
Near the large lakes and waters of the state of Michigan—whose name derives from the Ojibwa word “meicigam” meaning “large lake” or “large water”—are several undiscovered small towns worth visiting this year. From colorful and artistic towns like Munising and Saugatuck on the beaches of Lake Michigan to awesome island towns like Mackinac Island and Charlevoix, these undiscovered small towns have gone unnoticed from your radar for far too long. This 2024, plan a lengthy adventure in the Mitten State, also known as the Lighthouse Capital of the World, with over 115 lighthouses scattered in the Great Lakes of Michigan, Erie, Superior, and Huron.
Munising
Need an amusing place to muse and meander? Then, travel to the South Bay of Lake Superior and into the adventurous town of Munising. Visit the oft-frozen waterfalls the locals call “the Curtains” for picture-taking or ice-climbing, or perhaps venture into the Valley Spur so that you can ski along a snowshoe trail called the “Snowman.” In attractions that do not have a flake of snow, you can find the multi-colored striations of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore overlooking Lake Superior. Deep beneath those superior waters are wreckages of old ships from the 19th and 20th centuries, all located at the Alger Underwater Preserve. Those of you who prefer not to get wet can always camp at the Grand Island or the Hiawatha National Forest. There are more wonders to behold in the amusing town of Munising, and among them are the serene lodgings of the Munising Motel, Roam Inn, and Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites.
St. Joseph
St. Joseph, the “Riviera of the Midwest,” is the gateway to dozens of attractions in Lake Michigan. Only about 90 miles from the city of Chicago in Illinois, you can lounge and splash and wallop on resplendent beaches such as Lions Park Beach, Lookout Park, Tiscornia Park, and Silver Beach. In Silver Beach specifically, one of the oldest pavilions from 1910 can be visited by those seeking shelter on a sunny day.
Newcomers can stand at the top of the historic St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, where sublime views of Lake Michigan and the inland are on full display. St. Joseph is also a town with an affinity for the arts, and this is best seen in the many artworks at the Krasl Art Center. When it comes to the past, the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library provides an abundance of information regarding St. Joseph’s origins. You will certainly not feel unwelcome in the Riviera of the Midwest, especially when staying in excellent establishments like The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Silver Beach Hotel, or South Beach Inn.
South Haven
Similar to St. Joseph, which is about 27 miles away, South Haven promotes some of the best attractions on the shores of Lake Michigan. With its location at the mouth of Black River, South Haven is a paradise for many animals and plants, particularly at the Kal-Haven Trail State Park. Much of South Haven’s history can be gleaned at the Michigan Maritime Museum in addition to the entire history of Lake Michigan. For a more vicarious experience and immersion into the past, you can tour and board historic vessels, freshly renewed, such as the Friends Good Will. Do not feel so amiss or remiss when exploring South Haven because when you are sleeping in lodgings like Historic Hotel Nichols, Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast, and Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort, you will feel right at home.
Traverse City
Traverse City, situated between the East and West Arms of Grand Traverse Bay, is famous for its 40 cherry wineries that has kept spirits and enjoyment high throughout Michigan. In celebration of this agricultural achievement, the townsfolk partake in the National Cherry Festival from June 29 to July 6. Aside from cherry and wine, Traverse City is abundant with rolling sand dunes at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as well as a number of smaller lakes compared to Lake Michigan such as Lake Leelanau, Torch Lake, Elk Lake, and Long Lake. You can always take a scenic boat tour of any of these beautiful bodies of water. You might also want to explore the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, where many of its architecture retains its original appearance since Traverse City’s beginnings. Once all the traversal gets you weary, consider resting up at the Cambria Hotel Traverse City, Bayshore Resort, or Wellington Inn.
Frankenmuth
Want to walk about in Germany in the middle of America? Then, travel 80 miles from either Lansing or Detroit and into the delightful town of Frankenmuth. Two notable museums offer deep insights into the past and the present—first, Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum displays Medals of Honor and US military flight gear; and second, the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, which talks about the German immigrants who made Frankenmuth. Naturally, there is much fun and excitement to find in Frankenmuth, such as ziplining across Frankenmuth Aerial Park and performing live at Heritage Park near the Cass River. Every year, from March 15 to April 14, the townsfolk celebrate Osterbrunnen, a Bavarian Easter festival originating from Franconia, Germany (Northern Bavaria). Frankenmuth also hosts Zehnder’s Ragtime Festival and Michigan’s largest beer sampling event in April 24 - 26 and the third weekend of May, respectively. Invested in Frankenmuth’s Germanic charms? Then do consider spending your days and nights at the Bavarian Inn, Marv Herzog Hotel, or Zehnder’s Splash Village.
Holland
The town of Holland was named after what the nation of Denmark was originally called. From May 4 - 12, the descendants of Dutch immigrants continue to celebrate the much-beloved Tulip Time Festival. Visitors to this joyous town can take pictures of a centuries-old Dutch windmill called De Zwaan (The Swan) at the Windmill Island Gardens or get a grand view of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa from atop the historic Big Red Lighthouse. You can learn all about the Dutch migrations from Europe to America at the Holland Museum and the Cappon House Museum. If you love the outdoors, then the Holland State Park Macatawa Campground is a good place to pitch a tent. But if you prefer indoor beds, then the Holland Farmhouse Inn B&B or the Tulyp Hotel have sufficient accommodations for you.
Mackinac Island
Sandwiched between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, Mackinac Island is one of the best destinations in Michigan. If you want to feel fancy, you can literally take horse-drawn carriage rides towards the numerous attractions in town. From the Mackinac Island State Park—which National Geographic hailed as one of the ten best parks in America—to Fort Mackinac, Fort Holmes, and other wartime structures from the War of 1812, these destinations embody the appeal and beauty of Mackinac Island.
Go roaming at the limestone Arch Rock formation or see the life of a blacksmith at the Benjamin Blacksmith. Learn all about the Anishnaabek people at the Biddle House in the Mackinac Island Native American Museum. Appreciate bohemian artworks at the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, or attend the Fudge Festival on August and the Lilac Festival on June. No matter what you intend in Mackinac Island, you can always keep your belongings safe in the Hotel Iroquois, Grand Hotel, Chippewa Hotel Waterfront, or Lilac Tree Suites.
Charlevoix
Where the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix meet, and only an hour away from Traverse City, you will find the lackadaisical town of Charlevoix. From the top of the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, you can get an excellent view of the two lakes as well as the distant silhouette of Beaver Island. Charlevoix is notable for being the former hometown of American writer Ernest Hemingway, and his life and works can be best appreciated at the Little Traverse Historical Museum. Oddly enough, this same museum also houses the world’s largest cherry pie. While exploring Charlevoix, you might chance upon Earl Young mushroom houses next to modern or old-school edifices. Michigan’s state stones, Petoskey and Charlevoix stones, are in high abundance at Fisherman’s Island State Park. For accommodations, look no further than to The Earl at Charlevoix, Charlevoix House, or Charlevoix Inn and Suites.
Saugatuck
Approximately 12 miles south of Holland and on the southeast shores of Lake Michigan lies the sweet town of Saugatuck. The town, alongside its close neighbors Douglas and Fennville, is idyllically located on Lake Michigan’s Art Coast. There, a cornucopia of award-winning breweries and wineries entreat people to the best of the best, just as there is a superlative quantity of art galleries to admire. Art also originates from nature, and Saugatuck is an excellent spot to view the Aurora Borealis in the winter. Since Saugatuck is on the sandy side of Lake Michigan, it is one of the most ideal places to go swimming. From the sand dunes of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area and the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, you will be walloping and wading through the soothing waters of the state’s biggest lake. You could also follow the winding Kalamazoo River or ascend the slopes of Mount Baldhead for more scenic tours in nature.
Marshall
Set your course towards the magnificent small town of Marshall, only an hour and a half away from Detroit and Chicago. With its cross-section of 19th and 20th-century architecture like the Honolulu House and the Governor’s Mansion, Marshall has been a vital fur-trading town since 1830. Before the American Civil War, Marshall’s townsfolk aided an escaped slave named Adam Crosswhite to flee to Canada via the Underground Railroad—a story that can be learned in several museums, such as the Marshall Historical Museum at GAR Hall. On the other hand, there is the American Museum of Magic, “the Smithsonian of American Magic,” which chronicles a variety of magic tricks and techniques since 1978. So if you wish to see more of what Marshall has to offer, then you ought to book a room at The Royal Hotel & Apartments, the National House Inn, or Arbor Inn.
For those who can hold their liquor, savor your favorite beer in the “Great Beer State” of Michigan. For those who like the road, put your car to the test in a state widely praised for being called “Motor City.” But for those of you who love to discover new and wondrous things, then you should definitely go visit the 10 undiscovered small towns in Michigan. Whether you are learning all about the history of magic in Marshall or sightseeing in the natural beauties of Mackinac Island, you will not grow bored or dismayed by the pleasurable delights each small town in Michigan has to offer.
