6 Underappreciated Towns To Visit In Michigan
With its vast forests and 10,000 lakes, Michigan is a superb destination for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and more. The state is also home to several natural gems and spectacular historical landmarks. While great cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor attract the most attention, the lesser-known small towns are the heart and soul of Michigan. To truly experience Michigan’s midwestern charm, here are six underappreciated yet unique towns to visit.
Saugatuck
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan lies Saugatuck, a thriving beach town with a booming art scene. While in Saugatuck, crossing the Kalamazoo River on the country’s only chain-driven ferry is a must. Across the river lies Oval Beach and Mount Baldhead Park. Oval Beach has been rated one of the top five beaches in the USA by MTV. The beach is a beautiful spot where visitors can picnic and soak in the sun. Mount Baldhead offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck, and Doughlas. Additionally, there is a one-mile trail for hiking, walking, or running.
Charlevoix
Another charming beach town, Charlevoix is located along the shores of Lake Charlevoix with access to the Jordan River. The Lake is perfect for families as it has a playground, a kid-friendly swim area, and plenty of sand for sand castles. For solo travelers, a guided raft tour down the River offers a scenic escape. A visit to Charlevoix is incomplete without a tour of the town's whimsical mushroom houses. Designed by Earl Young, these houses are made out of cedar shakes and boulders. Castle Farms is another must-see site; the gardens, historical buildings, and model train collection are superb.
Frankenmuth
Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria'', Frankenmuth proudly displays its German heritage. Frankenmuth is home to two of Michigan’s top-rated indoor water parks. Enjoy family fun at the countless pools, twister slides, tube slides, and raft rides at Zehnder’s Splash Village and Bavarian Inn Lodge Waterpark & Family Fun Center. For an insight into the town's German heritage, visitors can tour the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. The Museum is open seven days a week and houses a carefully curated collection of artifacts dating back to the town’s earliest German settlers.
Ludington
Located in West Michigan, Ludington is the home of Ludington State Park; it was voted the top state in the Midwest by Midwest Living Magazine. The Park is breathtakingly beautiful and borders seven miles of Lake Michigan. It allows visitors to boat, fish, camp, hike, or swim and view the Big Sable Point Lighthouse and Hamlin Lake Dam. There are also several beaches in Ludington. Beaches like Stearns Park, with its playground and concession stands, and Skate Park, with its mini golf course and shuffleboard court, are quite popular.
Grand Haven
With its soft-sand beaches and stunning sunsets, Grand Haven is a tranquil small town with several attractions for the whole family. The Lakeshore Trolleys, which were introduced in 2022, are a great way for visitors to tour the entire town. Tours run all week, beginning downtown and dropping visitors at local sites worth exploring. Kayak tours of the Grand River Bayous are another popular attraction. Avid fishermen can head to Spring Lakes to catch bass, trout, perch, bluegill, and more. The Grand Haven musical fountain makes for a fun family outing. It is a water and light show synchronized to popular musical hits. Each show is 20 to 25 minutes long and free for visitors.
Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs is a tiny town in Michigan with immense natural beauty. The town is located close to the famous Tunnel of Trees, a picturesque drive down M-119. The town’s downtown district is beautiful. It is located along the waterfront near the beach and has great restaurants and shops like the Paper Station Bistro and Ivy Boutique. Another popular stop is the Little Traverse Wheelway, which can take visitors from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix. It is a 26-mile-long trail for bikers, walkers, and rollerbladers. For a day basking in the sun, visitors can head to Zorn Park Beach on Bay Street. The beach is open seven days a week and is dog-friendly.
When visiting the Great Lakes State, the charm and beauty of its small towns cannot be ignored. Each of the towns highlighted above - Saugatuck, Charlevoix, Frankenmuth, Ludington, Grand Haven, and Harbor Springs - has a unique appeal that combines nature, culture, and history. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a historical experience, or a peaceful escape, these hidden gems of Michigan offer it all. So, grab your bags and get going on your next adventure.
