7 Towns in Michigan that Transport You to the Past

With Native Americans inhabiting what is now Michigan for over 10,000 years and Europeans settling the land in 1668, the state's history has been shaped by centuries of indigenous and pioneer influence. While a time machine may not be an option, seven towns across Michigan offer a living glimpse into the past, allowing travelers to experience history through immersive museums, preserved military forts, and Bavarian festivals.

Mackinac Island

Stepping onto Mackinac Island feels like traveling back in time, where cars are absent, and history lives on through its two historic military forts. Fort Mackinac, the more renowned and frequently visited of the two, features Michigan’s oldest building and 13 additional historic structures, offering a glimpse into everything from battles and military training to daily life on the fort. Another must-visit is Fort Holmes, built by the British during the War of 1812 and later reclaimed by the US after its victory.

To see what 18th and 19th-century life was like for both colonists and indigenous groups, explore the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, originally opened in the 1880s, the Biddle House, home to the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, and the McGulpin House, dating back to 1790 with exhibits that tell the house’s history.

Frankenmuth

A group of German colonists founded Frankenmuth as a Bavarian-Lutheran community in 1845. Despite the passing of centuries, Frankenmuth remains loyal to its German roots, celebrating its heritage through festivals such as the Bavarian Festival held each summer and its annual Oktoberfest. For the past 33 years, the town has also put on Zehnder’s Snowfest in January, where participants make all kinds of intricate snow sculptures and ice carvings.

To dive further into Frankenmuth’s Bavarian history, spend an afternoon at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, which features 10 permanent gallery exhibits and one temporary gallery. The entire family will enjoy a visit to Grandpa Tiny's Farm, a working historical farm blended with a petting zoo featuring various farm animals.

Charlevoix

During his youth, famed writer Ernest Hemingway spent much of his time around Lake Charlevoix, even marrying his first wife along its shore. Visitors can view his original marriage license at the Charlevoix Historical Society. Hemingway also frequented notable local landmarks, including the Perry Hotel, where he stayed after a camping trip at age 17, and the historic Horton Bay General Store, a combined shop and tavern in operation since 1876.

Another fascinating piece of Charlevoix’s history includes its Earl Young Mushroom Houses. Builder Earl Young constructed over two dozen houses during his lifetime, starting in 1919 and concluding in the 1970s, all of which were made with indigenous materials, such as fieldstone, limestone, and boulders from around the Northern Michigan region. Although visitors cannot go inside the houses, they can admire them from the outside, some of the highlights being the Thatch Roof House, Half House, and Mushroom House.

Holland

In 1847, a group of Dutch Calvinist separatists seeking refuge from religious persecution in the Netherlands settled in what is now Holland, Michigan. Those interested in exploring Dutch culture and early settlement can visit The Settlers House, a living museum that recreates early pioneer life, or the Holland Museum, which showcases over 170 Dutch artifacts and 55 Dutch paintings from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

Windmill Island Gardens is one of the town’s most popular natural attractions, home to the only functioning Dutch Windmill in the country as well as a hand-painted antique carousel, an authentic street organ, and pristine gardens that flower with 150,000 tulips in the spring.

Manchester

Manchester was one of Michigan’s later settlements, with many initially hesitant to settle there due to its boggy land and tree stumps. The first settlers were primarily from New England, later joined by German immigrants. Visitors can explore Manchester’s early life through a historical walking tour, which passes by landmarks such as the Old Village Hall, Whistle Stop, and Manchester Mill. The River Raisin which runs through town is another key landmark, spawning three dams that were used to power factories and mills.

Another popular tour is the Manchester Tour de Barn Quilts, a self-guided biking tour that takes travelers along rural roads past an array of large, colorful quilt squares that are displayed on the side of barns. The tour also passes by historic barns, mills, churches, a farm stand, a Ford Mill, and the Village of Manchester.

Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti is particularly rich in automotive and aviation history that it celebrates through its many museums. The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum is one of the most popular, showcasing the automotive history of iconic brands such as Tucker, Chevrolet Corvair, Hudson, Kaiser-Frazer, and General Motors Hydra-Matic, all with significant ties to Ypsilanti. Other museums include the Michigan Flight Museum, Michigan Firehouse Museum, and Motorcities National Heritage Area.

For vintage gifts that will strike a sense of nostalgia, save an afternoon to stroll through Ypsilanti’s many antique shops. Lucky Haskins Antique & Retro is a good choice, selling hundreds of nostalgic toys, as well as Salt City Antiques, which specializes in vintage furniture, household items, and decor.

South Haven

Situated along the vast Lake Michigan, South Haven is one of Michigan’s best towns to visit for maritime history. The Michigan Maritime Museum is the perfect starting place, situated along the waterfront with hands-on exhibits to explore and the opportunity to step aboard a traditional tall ship.

The Maritime District Harbor Walk is another way to gauge South Haven’s history, running from pierhead to pierhead along the Black River with historical markers and spectacular views of Lake Michigan. At the entrance of the Black River, travelers can admire the town’s historic lighthouse, a red lighthouse that has prominently stood for over 100 years.

Final Thoughts

While time has inevitably faded parts of Michigan’s past, many of the state’s small towns have successfully preserved centuries of history through landmarks like lakeside lighthouses, maritime museums, and pioneer homes. From prehistoric Native American heritage to 20th-century antiques, these historic towns offer a surprisingly comprehensive look at the region’s diverse history, with something to captivate every interest along the way.