7 Most Scenic Small Towns In Michigan For Nature Lovers

Michigan, which borders four Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Superior), is undoubtedly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. While large cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor are considered part of the Great Lakes Megalopolis and are more well-known, Michigan's smaller towns offer everything from the most scenic escapes to world-class recreation. Picture yourself spotting vibrant cliffs in Munising, strolling picturesque pathways in Petoskey, resting on sandy beaches in Charlevoix, discovering various lighthouse vantage points in Frankfort, camping in a renowned state park in Traverse City, exploring coastal dunes in Saugatuck, or going on the ultimate sea kayaking excursion in Copper Harbor.

Munising

Munising, situated along Lake Superior’s southern edge in the Upper Peninsula, is a small town full of beautiful scenery and natural wonders. One of the most breathtaking sites in the area is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, known for its multicolored, mineral-stained cliffs that stretch for 15 miles along a 42-mile shoreline. Additionally, Pictured Rocks features several beaches, including Miners Beach, and numerous hiking destinations, such as Miner's Castle, which is located nearby. Water activities like canoeing, kayaking, boating, and swimming are popular in the area.

For something more adventurous, visit in the winter to enjoy ice climbing, skiing, or snowmobiling. Travel from Pictured Rocks to Hiawatha National Forest for more outdoor experiences and discoveries, such as the Grand Island National Recreation Area.

Petoskey

Petoskey, located on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, is one of northern Michigan’s most beloved small towns. The first stop for nature lovers should be Petoskey State Park. While there, relax along the mile-long sandy beach, take a short hike along the Petoskey-Old Baldy trail, or settle in at one of the campgrounds for a true outdoor escape. For those interested in other activities, kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes are conveniently available to rent.

Beyond the state park, Little Traverse Bay offers miles of paved walking and biking paths along the Little Traverse Wheelway. Among the scenic stops, Bayfront Park features serene views of the bay and the Petoskey waterfront. Nearby, the Bear River Valley Recreation Area has more trails to explore, in addition to fishing opportunities and whitewater paddling along Bear River.

Charlevoix

Situated along Lake Michigan’s shore, Charlevoix is one of the best towns for nature lovers to explore. Fisherman’s Island State Park, for example, offers something for everyone. More than just an island, the state park features tranquil trails, beautiful beaches, and rustic campsites for a peaceful day outdoors. Other discoveries in Charlevoix include the Susan Creek Nature Preserve, a wildlife habitat surrounded by trails that are suitable for hiking and walking, as well as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter.

From there, take a short drive to the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, a historic structure that overlooks Lake Michigan. While in Charlevoix, consider a boat tour to Beaver Island to learn about the area’s rich history, with stops at St. James Village, Whiskey Point Lighthouse, and Donegal Bay.

Frankfort

Located in Benzie County, Frankfort sits on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Betsie River and is home to the Point Betsie Lighthouse, one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Despite being the oldest standing structure in the area, there is still plenty to see and do. From May through October, the lighthouse is an ideal place to watch the sunset, take a self-guided tour, or unwind at the adjacent public beach.

Just minutes away is Frankfort Light, another lighthouse worth discovering. Those interested in a long walk, bike ride, or hike can tackle the 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail, which extends from Frankfort into the county’s small villages: Elberta, Beulah, and Thompsonville. For nearby camping, the Betsie River Campsite offers space for tents and RVs, along with amenities such as a small cafe and store, world-class fishing, and bike rentals.

Traverse City

Traverse City, located on Grand Traverse Bay on the shore of Lake Michigan, has several state parks for nature lovers to explore. Old Mission State Park, located on the Old Mission Peninsula, features multiple trails, acres of forest, and a lighthouse. The Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is known for its campgrounds, lodging area, cabins, sandy beach, picnic area, and proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, another top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Traverse City is also home to the Boardman River Nature Center, conveniently located on the banks of the Boardman River within the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve. Open to the public Tuesday through Friday, the nature center features everything from flora and fauna displays to seasonal exhibits.

Saugatuck

Beyond its artsy vibe and lively downtown area, Saugatuck, nestled along the Kalamazoo River on the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, offers a wealth of outdoor adventure. No visit is complete without a stop at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. While there, take advantage of the various trails, such as the Beach Trail, or explore the towering dunes within the Patty Birkholz Natural Area. In addition to the state park, other natural attractions like Shore Acres Township Park feature mountain bike trails and a disc golf course.

For water fun, paddle around the Oxbow Lagoon in the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area or board the Star of Saugatuck for a riverboat cruise with scenic views. For a complete Saugatuck experience, don’t miss pristine beaches like Oval Beach, which was named one of the best shorelines in the world by Condé Nast Traveler.

Copper Harbor

The small town of Copper Harbor is home to the Mary Macdonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor. This renowned destination captures the rugged beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula, surrounded by Lake Superior. Access the preserve’s online audio tour to hear stories, interesting facts, and natural sounds to enhance your visit. From there, travel a short distance to explore Copper Harbor’s trails, which are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. For an exceptional water adventure, the Keweenaw Adventure Company, one of the town’s top tour operators, offers day and overnight sea kayaking trips for all skill levels.

While in Copper Harbor, a visit to Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is a must. This landmark is home to a restored 1844 army military outpost, Fort Wilkins, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to exploring the town’s past, take time to enjoy the campground, lighthouses, trails, and a sandy beach on Lake Manganese.

Explore Michigan’s Most Beautiful Small Towns

As you can see, these seven towns within the Great Lakes region are ideal destinations for nature lovers. Beyond Michigan’s most populous areas, exploring lesser-known communities such as Munising, Saugatuck, and Copper Harbor is an adventure in itself. Whether admiring the colorful sandstone cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, taking in towering dunes and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or sea kayaking along the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, these towns allow you to experience Michigan’s natural splendor like never before.