7 Most Welcoming Towns In Michigan's Countryside
The shorelines of Michigan that border the Great Lakes are wonderful places to unwind and relax, but there is so much more to see in the Wolverine State. If you travel inland, you will find some of the most charming hamlets scattered throughout Michigan’s vast countryside. From the Amish community of Clare to the stunning waterfalls of Ironwood, these small villages will immediately make you feel right at home. When you are ready to slow down and take in that fresh air, far removed from the bustle of the bigger cities, be sure to add these welcoming countryside towns to your next Michigan road trip!
Clare
Right in the center of Michigan's Lower Peninsula is Clare, a small rural town with a big Amish community and gently rolling hills in the Michigan countryside. While in the area, you can stock up on delicious Amish cheeses and deli meats at Yoder's Kuntry Market Bulk Foods or the delightful Colonville Country Store. The best time to partake in Clare’s Amish scene is in late spring and early summer during the Yoder's Amish Flea Market and Quilt Auction, which is one of Michigan’s largest community flea markets.
Clare may be far from the big lakes of Michigan, but you can still relax along the water at Lake Shamrock! Shamrock Park is a local meeting place where residents gather to hike its modest paths, take in the views of the lake, or gather for live music during the summer under one of its pavilions. Clare may be a secluded neighborhood in central Michigan, but it’s thriving Amish country, and quaint views are well worth the drive!
Chelsea
West of Ann Arbor is the humble community of Chelsea. The area has just over 5,000 residents and a walkable downtown district with charming local shops. You can dine on classic American fare at Uptown Coney Island Restaurant (the coney dogs are a must-try) or the delightful Chelsea Bakery, where you can watch pedestrians walk down the street while sipping on hot coffee and enjoying a freshly made donut.
When you are ready to explore the great Michigan countryside, you have a few options. One of the best places to lace up your hiking boots and explore is the Waterloo Recreation Area, one of Michigan’s largest state parks with a diverse landscape. You can navigate through bogs at the Black Spruce Bog Natural Area, densely wooded forests, and unique glacial formations carved into the land nearly 12,000 years ago! The perfect day in Chelsea consists of exploring the natural wonders of the Waterloo Recreation Area and then winding down with a drink at the Ugly Dog Distillery.
Iron Mountain
On Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on the border of Wisconsin, is the hidden gem of Iron Mountain. From gently rolling hills to steep mountain climbs, the landscape of Iron Mountain is vast with views you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Only in Iron Mountain can you kayak down the Menominee River or scale Iron Mountain's higher peaks at the Pine Mountain Ski Jump. The ski jump is one of the highest manmade jumps anywhere in the world, and even if you aren’t a skier, it’s a great place to watch annual competitions like the FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup.
Downtown Iron Mountain is everything you would expect from a small community tucked away in the Upper Peninsula. It hosts charming coffee shops, like Contrast Coffee Co., where you can grab a cup of joe and take a slow-paced walk at Crystal Lake Park. In the evening, there is no better spot than 51st State Brewing Company to sit on their outdoor patio with a cold brew and get to know the locals!
Cadillac
If you want quaint, lakeside views outside of the Great Lakes of Michigan, make sure to add Cadillac to your Michigan road trip list. This sleepy town sits along the shores of Lake Cadillac and is a nature lover’s paradise. Mitchell State Park offers the best views of not only Lake Cadillac but also Lake Mitchell. It has dense forests, waterside hiking paths, and plenty of opportunities for fishing! Plus, the park isn’t too far from central Cadillac, where you can fill up on classic American fare at Burke's Waterfront or Lakeside Charlies.
Surrounding Cadillac are some of the best views of Michigan’s sweeping countryside. The Waldeck Island Nature Preserve is a great example of this. The trails at the preserve are long and flat, and take you through shaded forests and mossy bogs that feel like you are smack dab in the middle of nowhere!
Gaylord
Nestled in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula is Gaylord, a sleepy community with a population just shy of 5,000. Known as Alpine Village, downtown boasts Alpine-inspired architecture that makes the whole area feel like a rustic resort village. There are fantastic parks not too far from central Gaylord, like Gaylord’s City Elk Park, where you can watch herds of elk in their native habitat. If you love water activities, Otsego Lake State Park offers fishing, boating, and swimming on the calm shores of Otsego Lake. It feels isolated and remote, without straying too far from essential amenities.
Gaylord may feel secluded, but you will find everything you need downtown. You can visit idyllic Alpine-inspired day spa resorts like Treetops Resort, or just grab a filling breakfast before heading out into the great Michigan countryside surrounding Gaylord. The best time to visit Gaylord is in the summer when the main street transforms into a giant party during Alpenfest. You can expect carnival rides, parades, and amazing food celebrating everything Gaylord!
Big Rapids
East of the shores of Lake Michigan is Big Rapids, a city known for its stunning views of the Muskegon River and surrounding forests ripe for adventure. The best way to experience Big Rapids is the Big Rapids Riverwalk. It is a paved trail that traces the Muskegon River in central Big Rapids, and it is a great spot to hike or bike while always being close to a charming cafe or coffee shop. While walking the scenic trail, you can refuel at locally owned cafes like Alamode Cafe, and Three Girls Bakery and Deli.
Another great way to enjoy the isolated, wooded countryside of Big Rapids is the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail. The trail stretches 92 miles from Grand Rapids to Cadillac and passes right through Big Rapids. It is Michigan’s longest linear state park, and passes through a variety of unique Michigan scenery, like farmlands, rolling meadows blooming with wildflowers, and dense forested areas. The trail is especially beautiful when the leaves start to change in the fall!
Ironwood
On Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the Wisconsin border, is Ironwood, not to be confused with Iron Mountain, which is about a 2-hour drive away! If you want to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes Michigan has to offer, Ironwood is a must-see. It is home to stunning vistas within the Ottawa National Forest. The forest encompasses over 1 million acres of wild Michigan woodlands, with amazing waterfalls like Bond Falls (be sure you have enough camera storage on your phone— you will need it!), or spectacular views along the Trap Hills Trail.
There is also very little light pollution in Ironwood, which makes it perfect for stargazing. It is one of the best spots in Michigan to get a rare glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. If you head 20 minutes north to Little Girls Point, you will gain one of the best views of the night sky in all of Michigan! And if you love offbeat attractions, Ironwood is also home to the World's Tallest Native American Statue, named Hiawatha, which stands a massive 52 feet tall and pays tribute to Ironwood’s rich Native American heritage.
Discover the Cozy Corners of the Michigan Countryside
There is something magical about the untapped corners of Michigan's countryside. From the millions of acres of forests, meadows of wildflowers, and miles of gently rolling farmland, they have a way of making you feel like you are home. Within its inviting landscapes are small neighborhoods that always have an open coffee shop, an engaging public event (like Alpenfest in Gaylord), and scenic hiking trails to take in the views. When you are ready for something slower-paced outside of the big cities of Michigan, be sure to check out these incredibly welcoming communities the next time you want to hit the open road!
