Traverse City, Michigan USA. Editorial credit: Matthew G Eddy / Shutterstock.com

6 Picturesque Small Towns in Michigan for a Weekend Retreat

Michigan is the ideal place to delve into life's simple pleasures, from the soft sand of its many beaches beneath your feet to the breathtaking scenic routes that wind through the area. No matter whether it is spring, summer, fall, or winter, Michigan promises something to do, be it hiking through National Forests, diving into the pristine freshwater coastline, admiring fall foliage, or hitting the slopes of one of over 40 ski areas.

The state's picturesque small towns are the best places to experience all Michigan has to offer, including local annual events, rich culture and community, and cozy places to rest your head on a weekend retreat.

Ideal Destinations In Michigan For A 3-Day WeekendFrom beaches and islands to forests and waterfalls, the Great Lakes State offers plenty of scenic places to unwind for a few days.

Petoskey

The view to the north down Howard St affords a glimpse of Little Traverse Bay off Lake Michigan in Petoskey, Michigan. Editorial credit: Kenneth Sponsler / Shutterstock.com
The view to the north down Howard St affords a glimpse of Little Traverse Bay off Lake Michigan in Petoskey, Michigan. Editorial credit: Kenneth Sponsler / Shutterstock.com

Petoskey is one of the most underrated towns in the Great Lakes region, located on the southern shore of Little Traverse Bay off of Lake Michigan. The town also sits atop a hill, boasting panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding area. The beach at Petoskey State Park is a unique destination, of course, offering lovely beach activities, but it is also home to Petoskey stones, which are rocks and fossils from the colonial coral that lived in the water over 350 million years ago. The sky bridge is just 20 minutes outside of town and is the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Travelers may also walk through Petoskey's history, viewing historic spots such as the Little Traverse History Museum, a restored train depot. To extend a day trip into an unforgettable getaway, travelers may stay overnight at destinations such as Stafford's Perry Hotel or the Bay Inn of Petoskey.

Charlevoix

Aerial view of Round Lake in Charlevoix, Michigan, early summer, with boat traffic.
Aerial view of Round Lake in Charlevoix, Michigan, early summer, with boat traffic.

Charlevoix is a must-see historic town in Michigan, situated on the shores of Round Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Lake Michigan. With proximity to so much glimmering water, it is no surprise that Charlevoix is the perfect spot for a beach vacation, featuring beaches such as Michigan Beach Park. The town is home to plenty of architectural wonders such as those created by Earl Young, including Hobbit-style mushroom houses, as well as the majestic stone buildings of Castle Farms, a 1918 model dairy farm. There are also plenty of trails along Lake Michigan awaiting discovery, such as the Little Traverse Wheelway. Sailing is an especially popular activity, as is taking a ferry to Beaver Island, with the opportunity to tour lighthouses, kayak, search for wildlife, and more. The best places to stay on a weekend trip include Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites, The Earl of Charlevoix, and Charlevoix House.

South Haven

A vividly colorful twilight sky silhouettes a sailboat, people, and the lighthouse at South Haven, Michigan on Lake Michigan.
A vividly colorful twilight sky silhouettes a sailboat, people, and the lighthouse at South Haven, Michigan, on Lake Michigan.

South Haven is one of the best small towns in Michigan for a weekend getaway. It is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and at the mouth of the Black River, home to South Haven Piers, which features a bright red lighthouse. A trip to Black River Preserve is a must, home to two miles of hiking trails through forest and wetland. It is open no matter the time of year, with opportunities for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing and viewing spring flowers or fall foliage. Visitors may learn all about the area's maritime history by visiting the Michigan Maritime Museum. Camping is also a popular activity, with spots to stay, including The Kal-Haven Outpost, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort, and Covert/South Haven KOA. Other places to stay include the Old Harbor Inn, Historic Hotel Nichols, and Carriage House At the Harbor.

Marquette

Marquette, Michigan is a port city on the shores of Lake Superior.
Marquette, Michigan, is a port city on the shores of Lake Superior.

Marquette is one of the prettiest towns in Michigan, boasting views of the glistening Lake Superior and located within Michigan’s forested Upper Peninsula. Travelers may enjoy taking a boat out onto the waters, fishing on the docks, or hiking up Sugarloaf Mountain. Skiing on Marquette Mountain in winter is popular among locals and visitors alike. Visiting the rushing Wright Street Falls and lighthouses such as Big Bay Lighthouse, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, and Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light is popular year-round. Popular nearby camping destinations include Marquette Tourist Park, Van Riper State Park, and Rippling River Resort. Indoor places to stay include Econo Lodge Lakeview, Hampton Inn Marquette/Waterfront, and Blue Harbor View Bungalow.

Traverse City

Nighttime cityscape of Traverse City, Michigan.
Nighttime cityscape of Traverse City, Michigan.

Traverse City is one of the quirkiest towns in Michigan, located on Boardman Lake and the southern edge of Grand Traverse Bay. Travelers may enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, and beach-going in the area. Traverse City brands itself the "Cherry Capital of the World," hosting the National Cherry Festival every June. There are also three lighthouses that visitors may tour: Mission Point, Frankfort, and Grand Traverse. The town is also under 40 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, situated on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan and featuring huge scalable dunes. Cozy places to stay and experience Traverse City include Grand Beach Resort Hotel, Bayshore Resort, and Cherry Tree Inn & Suites.

Mackinac Island

The main street of Mackinac Island is full of quaint shops and restaurants. Editorial credit: aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com
The main street of Mackinac Island is full of quaint shops and restaurants. Editorial credit: aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

Mackinac Island is one of the most welcoming towns in the Great Lakes Region, floating between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, which are two of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The area, which is accessible only via ferry or charter plane, bans motorized vehicles, making it a great escape as only horse-drawn carriages and bikes are allowed (alongside walking, of course). Its old-world charm does not stop there, as Victorian architecture lines the town's streets, while Fort Mackinac, built in 1780, and Fort Holmes, built in 1814, are open for tours. There is plenty to do in the great outdoors, including a trip to Mackinac Island State Park, where there are limestone rock formations and sea caves. Visitors may enjoy a weekend on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel, The Mackinac House, or Hotel Iroquois.

Michigan is the ideal destination for a weekend retreat, whether visitors are looking for a laidback escape or an exciting getaway, with plenty of things to do and see. From strapping on hiking boots and wandering the trails of Marquette with panoramic views of peaks, scenic vistas, and forests to relaxing on the shores and watching the sun go down in South Haven, Michigan, promises a more than memorable vacation. Local events abound, and a rich and enticing community is most notable in some of the most charming places for an overnight stay.

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Sheridan Grant March 12 2024 in Places

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