6 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Michigan

Whether you crave a vacation to an exciting, cosmopolitan city, or a coastal getaway on a sandy beach, you'll have no problem finding it in Michigan. The beautiful Midwestern state offers miles and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, an abundance of year-round outdoor activities, and world-class festivals and fairs, making it the perfect place to visit. Rather than picking the most well-known cities to call home for a few days or weeks, go with a charming, underrated small town to explore instead.

Petoskey

Situated on scenic Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, pretty Petoskey is known as an ideal four-season getaway destination due to its abundance of year-round activities. Even though it's a small town, Petoskey has a lot of the amenities that a big city offers, with a quaint community feel. The town is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches offering soft sand and breathtaking sunsets. If you're visiting during the warm summer months, check out Fisherman's Island State Park, which features six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and plenty of highly sought-after sparkling Petrosey Stones.

Another family-friendly activity is visiting the 88,000-square-foot Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, a mega-park that offers seven waterslides, activity pools, and much more. You can immerse yourself in regional history by checking ou the Ephraim Shay House, which was constructed by the Shay geared locamotive creator in 1892. The stately house is now owned by Harbor Springs Historical Society, and is open for tours.

Copper Harbor

Situated at the very tip of Michigan's pristine Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor is known as the gateway to Isle Royale National Park, which is accessible by a daily ferry service called the Isle Royale Queen. The park is located on the largest island in the world's largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior. Visitors are also drawn to the quaint town to view the northern lights, which are highly visible due to the area's velvety dark skies.

Copper Harbor is an outdoor adventurer's dream since it offers so many opportunities to get out and explore nature all year long. The Keweenaw Adventure Company is a one-stop-shop for all things outdoors, whether you want to go kayaking on the lake or biking Brockway Mountain. For Wilkins, Historic State Park is a must-see local attraction, as it features two 1860s lighthouses, a rocky Lake Superior shoreline, and a living history program. The park also offers a modern campground for those wanting to spend a night, a week, or more.

Escanaba

Also located in Michigan's stunning Upper Peninsula, charming Escanaba is situated on Little Bay de Noc. Escanaba offers miles of scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing for prized walleye and trophy-size bass. The town also offers easy access to ATV, hiking and biking trails, along with disc golf courses and many other outdoor attractions.

If you're visiting during summertime, don't miss a trip to Escanaba Municipal Beach, which offers a spacious, sandy beachfront and a fishing pier. Fayette Historic State Park features more than 20 historic buildings that you can explore, along with interactive museum exhibits, limestone cliffs, and trails for snowshoers, biking, and hiking. The Sand Point Lighthouse and Historical Complex is another local attraction worth checking out.

Dexter

The warm and welcoming small town of Dexter is located just 10 miles south of bustling Ann Arbor on the scenic Huron River. The region has more than its fair share of natural beauty, with an abundance of hiking and biking trails, 14 pretty parks, and Mill Creek. Dexter also has a historic downtown filled with unique boutiques, antique shops, and eateries serving local cuisine.

If you love canoeing and kayaking you'll in luck in Dexter. You can rent a tube or boat at Skip's Huron River Canoe Livery if you don't have your own watercraft, and even sign up for a guided river tour during the summer months. During the fall, visit the Dexter Cider Mill, the oldest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan. Recently featured on the Foot Network, the mill offers wood press blended apple cider, homemade apple pies, apple jelly and butter, and other fruity delicacies.

Lexington

Although it has a population of just under 2,000, lovely Lexington is a relaxing place to visit all year long. This underrated town is located on expansive Lake Huron, and offers public beach access at Patrick Tierney Park, boat access and a marina, and boat slip rental. Lexington Park also offers offers beach access for swimming, as well as picnic areas, a playground, and 43 shaded grass campsites.

Arts and culture lovers will delight in the Lexington Village Theatre, which bring world-class live entertainment acts to the area. The venue is housed in a historic Victorian-era building complete with period oak woodwork and a large stage. If you're looking for a unique summertime experience, rent a pontoon boat from Lexington Pontoon Rentals and explore Lake Huron at your own pace.

Manchester

The cute small town of Manchester is another suburb of Ann Arbor and is located just 20 miles southwest of the busy city. The 19th-century village is known for its eye-catching historic architecture, thriving downtown, and lush local parks that are perfect for summertime strolls. The town makes a great getaway destination, as it hosts special events, such as a community fair, street festivals, holiday celebrations, and concerts all year long.

Sharon Park, which is located on the banks of the River Raisin, is the centerpiece of the town. It's both a significant historical site and a natural setting for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The mill was constructed in the 1850s, was used by Henry Ford as a small factory in the 1930s, and is now listed as a State of Michigan Historic Site.

Although these seven sweet towns may not be as popular as some other Michigan destinations, they have a lot to offer travelers looking for history, culture, and outdoor adventures. If you find yourself in the Upper Midwest in 2024, take time to get off of the beaten path to explore these Michigan towns, whether you're seeking a beach retreat or want to immerse yourself in the state's interesting past.