7 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Michigan
Michigan, the Great Lakes State, is a trove of national treasures, including prize-winning communities and natural attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. No wonder it's most charming towns sport names to remember, each being an escape from the ordinary, like Leland, home to the iconic Fishtown neighborhood.
Houghton is a lively Keweenaw Peninsula college town, while Empire, the town along the national lakeshore, offers camping right along the pristine coast for wildly natural splendor into the night. Beckoning every type of traveler, Grand Haven delivers the promise behind its name with the namesake state park and panoramic views along the award-winning 48-acre stretch of beach. Uncover the most charming small towns in Michigan to visit on your next vacation or weekend getaway.
Empire
This central, charming town, rightfully named Empire, is home to one of the state's most treasured natural sites, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Locals enjoy easy access to the coastline for endless strolls and hypnotizing panoramas, as well as trails and climbs to the highest bluffs of Lake Michigan for views from up to 450 feet over the sparkling sea. Empire, the ideal fusion of rural and seaside charm, offers opportunities to camp right along the pristine shores for wild natural splendor through the night, under some of the best stargazing skies.
This national lakeshore is every water baby's and adventurer's dream realized through relaxing, lighthearted recreation, or active treks with views of the lake, like a real seascape, which evokes a sense of serene tranquility. The sensory overload extends into the gorgeous downtown of eclectic stores and restaurants, like the amicable Joe's Friendly Tavern by the beach, to recharge after a hike up the magnificent paths like the Empire Bluffs Trail. From Empire Beach, don't miss the historic Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse and, steps north, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trailhead to the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook and Dune Climb.
Grand Haven
This coastal area on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan is a year-round recreation destination, with the little town in the midst behind every word for its promising moniker. From a morning stroll or jog through Grand Haven State Park to the historic Grand Haven Pier at sunset, there is something fun for everyone to fill each day with charming memories in between. Visitors can explore the Rosy Mound Natural Area on a nature walk before hitting the town's shopping, cute cafes, and fine dining in the evening, or lounge the day away at the award-winning 48-acre stretch of beach with panoramic views of the coast and the lake.
Famous for its beaches and Grand Haven State Park, there are enough hiking areas and biking trails to outlast a summer vacation. The most active enjoy the daunting, picturesque sand dunes, while the scenery after a 1,000-foot stair climb to an observation deck is worth the effort for even their less-avid friends. Save Tri-Cities Historical Museum with history on the Native Americans and pioneers for a rainy day in the fall when you come to take advantage of the famous salmon via a charter fishing excursion. Receiving a complaint amount of powder in the winter, snow sports enthusiasts rejoice in sledding, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and unique snowkiting, while the hiking trails turn to snowshoeing.
Harbor Springs
Bursting in trillium and morel mushrooms in the spring, many start looking for a charming summertime escape to Harbor Springs, dreaming of its beach for lounging against the natural, deep harbor. Tucked away along the beautiful banks of Little Traverse Bay, this wonderful main street town is a four-season destination for outdoor fun as well as a business district full of fabulous shopping and dining experiences, with venues right on the water as well as waterfront concerts and art walks. From sailing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking like the Little Traverse Wheelway, Harbor Springs is a favorite family escape or a full-blown vacation, complete with quaint bed and breakfasts and resorts. Don't miss the charming Hanni Gallery, Tvedten Fine Art, and Elizabeth Pollie Fine Art.
Harbor Springs hosts a summertime art fair at the park, while in the fall, leaf peepers enjoy the beautiful colors through the Tunnel of Trees to Cross Village. The bay's waters stay warm until the first Halloween decorations and events, like Taste of Harbor Springs and the Great Lakes Glass Pumpkin Patch. The locals stay outdoors when the snowflakes start flying, dispersing in between snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing, among the seasonal festivities that end with a bang during February's Ice Fest. From the scenic shoreline to the antique buildings, Harbor Springs screams of a cozy Great Lakes appeal for a beautiful outdoor refuge, complete with picturesque golf courses, beautiful trekking paths, and the waterfront at sunset for dinner.
Holland
Nestled within the splendid nature of western Michigan, Holland is the state's famous Dutch village. Settled by the Dutch on the edges of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, the locals do not forget their deep ancestral roots, celebrating heritage and rich agriculture with thousands of brilliant tulip blooms in the city's parks and streets. Known the world over, the Tulip Festival is the most popular spring event and your perfect excuse for a family getaway or a sensual romantic escape to get in touch with nature and culture on the side. Flaunting landmarks like the iconic Windmill Island Gardens, an operational Dutch windmill at the center of a gardenscape, there are also many businesses from the past and new thematic commercial spots popping up with each new visit.
Heck, get away overseas on a summertime budget vacation with authentic experiences. From the tulip festival's dazzling display of hues to the beaches, dunes, and trails, the fantastic Holland State Park sports a sandy beach and stunning views of Lake Michigan that will have you starving for all the traditional delights and cuisine in between swimming, basking in the sun, and boating. Got a day to spare? Don't miss the nearby Saugatuck Dunes State Park for more trekking trails with vistas over the lake and dunes, as well as all the authentic gifts to buy from the friendly townsfolk, including handcrafted items for your friends or as a memory of this amicable community and your best summer vacation.
Houghton
Houghton, the small college town at the gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula, blends the best of the Great Lakes outdoors with its own rich history along the southern shore of the Keweenaw Waterway and the shore of Portage Lake. Home to Michigan Tech University, youthful vibes prevail from the historic downtown to the numerous village greens, where families enjoy Chutes and Ladders, a playground that brings out a jealous tint from adults. Mingle with the busy student body on the immense university campus or a friendly crowd at one of the bars for a throwback to youth without the studious part, or enjoy the tranquil summertime at the same lenient prices.
Offering a ton of family-friendly lodgings, visitors can enjoy the summertime recreation trails, shopping, and a variety of dining options, as well as entertainment geared toward student life. From cute cafes to gear shops and eclectic art galleries, Houghton's is the ideal basecamp for trails, views, and trips like Isle Royale National Park and Copper Harbor. From there, it is all about picnics and photoshoots in nature that stay pristinely quiet, since Houghton is often overlooked for the more famous neighborhoods, retaining an authentic feel. Don't miss the Quincy Mine minutes across the waterway, which is a must-see landmark when in the state.
Leland
Nestled between Northern Lake Leelanau to the east and Lake Michigan to the west, Leland can be a memorable adventure or a peaceful weekend escape to roam, chill, and relax in the “interrupted” place on the west side of the Leelanau Peninsula. Tranquility prevails through the pristine natural surroundings for recreation and active pursuits like watersports, boating, vineyard strolls, and tasting rooms. Home to under 500, the friendly locals fiercely protect the culture built around fishing with a love for boating, seafood restaurants, and the whole lot of natural beauty along Lake Michigan's shores, like Van's Beach, which is especially breathtaking at sunset.
With its maritime history most evident through the iconic Fishtown neighborhood, don't miss the cool small businesses like the Village Cheese Shanty for the best snack and the Leland Gal for memorabilia, among other antique shanties with unique stores, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can taste and buy fresh catch in between browsing for crafts and local artwork and take advantage of a scenic ferry ride to the serene Manitou Islands or a lively evening over the best locally-grown wines at the Verterra Winery.
Paradise
Imagine saying, "I'm going to paradise," and meaning it in every sense. This aptly named town on Lake Superior is the nexus for fishing and other lake-bound pursuits, with Tahquamenon Falls State Park to the west and the Sault Ste. Marie State Forest Area to the south. From camping to backpacking, visitors can explore the area via beautiful trails.
Paradise is an atypical yet idyllic Upper Peninsula waterside escape some 70 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge, with captivating beaches for lounging until the spectacular sunset takes away your breath. Don't miss the renowned Shipwreck Museum and hunting for unique Yooperlites into the night before kicking up your feet at Tahquamenon Suites lodging, the Paradise Shores Cabins, or the Shelldrake Roadhouse. Try and find a more ambient downtown area with the best food and drink combos, where the Wheelhouse Diner & Goatlocker Saloon or the Inn Gastropub & Smokehouse is quiet for a family meal, while the famous Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub stays lively after hours.
Come discover the most charming small towns in Michigan to visit. Holland is the state's famous Dutch village, home to a million blooms in city parks during the Tulip Festival in the spring. Come to Paradise, 70 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge, for captivating beaches, but stay for local culture, the renowned Shipwreck Museum, and a unique hunt for Yooperlites into the night.
Tucked away along the beautiful banks of Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs is every water baby's dream, with antique buildings, a second-to-one-art scene, and wintertime pursuits that make it rightfully a four-season getaway. Adventure awaits in the Great Lakes state.
