2024's 10 Most Scenic Michigan Towns

The beautiful state of Michigan, located in the Upper Midwest Great Lakes region, is famous for several things, most notably fishing and timber. Of its 3,288 miles of coastline, 90% of the Upper Peninsula is uncut forest and remote. Scenic natural landscapes also include the mighty Great Lakes, of which Michigan is bordered by four out of five ocean-sized bodies of water.

Michigan boasts four stunning seasons, transforming charming towns into picturesque wonderlands. Explore vibrant fall foliage, cozy winter getaways, blooming spring gardens, and sun-soaked summer shores—each town bursting with character and beauty! These are Michigan's 10 most scenic towns.

Traverse City

Traverse City is a scenic town on the banks of Lake Michigan known as the "cherry capital of the world." It is home to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which includes freshwater beaches, mountains of dunes, and forested islands. It is a popular outdoor destination for skiing, fishing, hiking, and camping. The waterfront town is also famous for its wineries, and there are several guided walking tours through award-winning vineyards, such as Black Star Farm.

There are over 50 wineries in Traverse City, perfect for raising a glass while enjoying sweeping views of the majestic Great Lakes. Many lighthouses, including Mission Point and Grand Travers, add to the natural scenery. Mission Point was built in 1850 to warn ships away from the treacherous shoals of Grand Traverse Bay. Grand Traverse Lighthouse, with its trademark red roof, is one of Michigan's oldest lighthouses and guides vessels into Manitou Passage.

Petoskey

Petoskey is in the center of the region's all-season resort area on Little Traverse Bay, the deepest harbor in Michigan. The scenic town is renowned for its fantastic scenery, such as the Tunnel of Trees. The 20-mile picturesque route runs along the banks of Lake Michigan under a colorful canopy of trees that is especially striking in the Fall. The bay offers several parks and trails along its banks, many of which have been there since the 19th century.

The Petoskey Waterfront, Petoskey State Park, and the Little Traverse Wheelway are a handful of waterfront parks along the bay. The Wheelway offers 26 miles of beaches, panoramic views, and hiking and biking trails. Another scenic route is the North Western Michigan State Trail. The 32-mile trail runs along the old Grand Rapids with several miles of paved and crushed limestone paths.

Mackinac Island

Scenic Mackinac Island is on Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beauty, historic sites, and outdoor entertainment. Mackinac Island State Park is among the many points of interest known for its splendid limestone cliffs, vistas, and geological formations. Historic Fort Mackinac, founded during the American Revolution, contains 14 original structures and offers tours and reenactments.

Downtown has Victorian architecture, horse and carriage tours, and comfort food eateries, adding to the natural beauty, specifically the rock formations. Arch Rock is the most notable of the island's rock formations and is a popular photographic location. The 50-foot wide arch formation is accessible by carriage, walking, or vehicle. There is also a boardwalk so visitors can view the expansive Lake Huron.

Beaver Island

The largest island in Michigan, Beaver Island, is a tranquil isle with a sparse year-round population, mostly of Irish descent. It is part of a seven-island archipelago and the only inhabited island that offers many amenities to its residents and visitors. One of the first things people notice is the Beaver Head Lighthouse, built in 1852, which guided ships traversing Lake Michigan.

People visit Beaver Island primarily because of its secluded beaches, majestic dunes, and dense forests. An excellent way to discover the island is by taking a guided "slow roll" bicycle tour to its north side or renting a UTV to ride around the beaches. Beachcombing, bird watching, and relaxing on the shores of Lake Michigan are just a few of the island's serene activities. Visitors are welcome to snorkel and scuba dive in the warmer months. Over 100 miles of scenic roads and many biking trails lead to abandoned logging cabins, beaver dams, and a rare glimpse of the majestic wildlife that calls the island home.

Saugatuck

Saugatuck, on the banks of Lake Michigan, is home to the famous Oval Beach. The beach is known for its spectacular shoreline and sweeping dunes and is often voted one of the best freshwater beaches in the US. A short distance from Oval Beach is Mt. Baldhead Park, a 100-acre park in the middle of a critical dune area. It includes 303 wooden steps to an observation deck offering panoramic lake views.

Hiking along the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area is a pristine option for seeing the small town's natural beauty. The area contains wetlands, remnants of the historic Fishtown Pier, and views of Lake Michigan. Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery adds to the natural beauty, where guests are invited to sample artisinal cheeses and experience the wild goats. Saugatuck is a scenic town ideal for leisurely walks, bicycling, and jaw-dropping lake views.

Munising

Beautiful Munising is in the Upper Peninsula and is enveloped by natural beauty. One of the main attractions is the stunning Munising Falls. The 50-foot waterfall is inside the town limits, and an 800-foot paved walking trail leads to two viewing platforms atop a canyon wall. Then there is Horseshoe Falls, known as the "Enchanted Falls" because of its well-maintained grounds and slow-moving water cascading into a pond.

Other natural attractions include Sand Point Beach and Hiawatha National Forest. The protected forest borders Lake Superior, Huron, and Michigan and is known for its dramatic shoreline. Along with the nature trails, camping, and fishing, there are unique manmade structures such as lighthouses, like the Munising Rear Range Lighthouse. The 33-foot lighthouse, constructed in 1907, has a continuous red light that works with a front-range light to safely guide ships along Lake Superior.

St. Joseph

St. Joseph rests on the banks of Lake Michigan and the mouth of the St. Joseph River. One of seven beautiful beaches, Sandy Beach, adjoins the river and contains a carousel built in 1910 as a fine point to the natural surroundings. Thousands of acres of State Park land and beaches beg to be explored, and rustic camping is a pastime in this area for its serene beauty.

Silver Beach is one of the most popular because it stretches to Park Street and is accessible from downtown. Grand Mere State Park is a 371-acre nature preserve that attracts many bird watchers and includes marshes, cranberry bog, and dunes. Warren Dunes State Park is a favorite in the summer, where visitors can enjoy lakefront camping in over 190 campsites. St. Joseph is famous for its outdoor recreation, but it also has a quaint town district with noteworthy restaurants like Plank's Tavern on the Water.

Holland

Holland is on Lake Macatawa's banks and is famous for its landmark Big Red Lighthouse. It also has notable parks like Holland State Park and the Windmill Island Gardens. The state park is on the water and is popular among bird watchers and nature lovers. Windmill Island Gardens, on Windmill Island, features the exquisite "de Zwaan," the only working Dutch windmill in the US. The windmill is the center attraction and pays homage to the town's Dutch heritage.

Other points of interest on the island are a hand-painted carousel and an organ donated by Amsterdam. One of the more popular outdoor activities is renting a bicycle and touring the many paths, primarily through Tunnel Park and Kollen Park. Bike rides also follow the many Dutch cultural sites, including the Dutch Village.

South Haven

South Haven is a port city on the banks of Lake Michigan and the Black River. Summer is a popular time to visit this beach town because of its abundance of fishing, boating, and snorkeling opportunities. The Black River Marina offers 2,000 transient boat slips, rental kayaks, and other watercraft. South Haven is known as the "Sunset Coast" for its majestic views along its coast, and the historic lighthouses are one of the best reasons to visit.

Iconic South Haven Lighthouse first lit in 1872, guards the entrance to Black River and contains the original catwalk. The red lighthouse is easy to spot and provides scenic photo opportunities. Hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists enjoy the Trail Town Challenge in the Fall. The 34-mile trail leads to Kalamazoo and immerses participants in the foliage and natural beauty of South Haven. The stunning natural beauty and the beaches are a significant draw, but a charming town also offers amenities, primarily in the South Haven Social District.

Charlevoix

Charlevoix is on an isthmus between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. The Pine River also flows through this town, so fantastic lake views surround it. Michigan Beach, one of many, has free admission, views of the South Pier Lighthouse, and many family-friendly amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and easy hiking trails. South Pier Lighthouse is not the only historic site in this enchanting town.

Earl Young's Mushroom Houses is a landmark architecture collection built from indigenous materials. The 30 properties are built from limestone, borders, and other materials from Northern Michigan. The Charles Ransom Nature Preserve is an excellent opportunity for nature photographers to capture the entire landscape of Charlevoix. This scenic town is noteworthy for its gorgeous beaches, parks, and small-town feel, packed with historic points of interest that add to the natural aesthetic.

Scenic boat rides on four of the Great Lakes, fantastic beaches, and State Parks make these 10 towns among the most beautiful in Michigan. Stunning waterfalls greet visitors to Munising, while Saugatuck offers a famous beach and a town district filled with art galleries. Michigan is home to some of the most renowned freshwater beaches in the US, and these towns prove why.

Mackinac Island is a well-known vacation spot for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. It also has beautiful architecture that adds to the island's scenic beauty. Hiking, camping, and fishing are famous in these towns, but the downtown areas offer modern amenities, lodging, and cultural points of interest. The best way to explore these towns is by walking around the charming downtowns or taking a cruise to soak in the natural beauty.