8 Best Towns in Michigan to Visit in 2024
Aside from Detroit (and the remnants of greatness there), which has been named among the best places to go in 2024 by Conde Nast, the Mitten State is star-studded with a delightful array of other towns worth visiting in 2024. And then the seasons and the lakes. Make no mistake. Michigan is incredibly beautiful. Yet every year, a town turns a pin in the scale of beauty while another witnesses a subtle but significant drop. From hidden gems to established names, we blow the lid off the best towns in Michigan to visit in 2024. Let us dive in.
Munising
Munising is a stunner of a town where, within walking distance of your hotel room, you can have access to three or four sparkling waterfalls. These include Munising Falls, one of the most accessible and gorgeous. This waterfall is within the city limits and sprays water 50 feet down. Still, if you want to see what Mother Nature can pull off, the appropriately named Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is better seen than described. And for photos that can quickly go viral on Instagram, Miners Rock will have to be on your itinerary. For something unique, however, the Alger Underwater Preserve is known for its sea caves, underwater interpretive trails, and most of all, shipwrecks.
Marquette
While Detroit may boast the best downtown in Michigan, Marquette comes incredibly close. The bars and restaurants that dot Washington Street and Third Street are classy and include those that open out to beautiful views of Lake Superior, especially from their balconies. Lakenenland Sculpture Park, a holder of 2023 Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, is about 15 miles down the road from downtown Marquette — and is a place that will awaken all your senses. A cultural mecca, Marquette boasts not less than 5 museums within its precincts. Marquette Maritime Museum, for instance, houses the largest collection of Fresnel lenses on the Great Lakes. At the Presque Isle, one of the town’s most sought-after attractions, you can hold your breath as you see people cliff-jumping into Lake Superior from the famed Black Rocks.
Rogers City
If you want to explore a town along the shoreline of Lake Huron, Rogers City can make for a perfect choice. Besides its clean and pristine beaches, you will have access to the largest limestone quarry on the planet. To view this dizzying spectacle, a massive hole that will make your heart skip a beat, wend your way to Quarry View, a scenic overlook from where a truck at the bottom almost looks like a grain of sand. For those who have not seen the Grand Canyon, this overlook may just suffice. Also, besides the chance to handpick apples at the Knaebe's Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm, one can pet sheep and goats, enjoy some wood-fired pizza, and relish some kick-ass apple cider. Needless to add, Hoeft State Park, boasting a mile of sugar-white sand beach, is among the Mitten State’s most underrated gems.
Tawas and East Tawas
We will take Tawas and East Tawas together since they are only about 1.4 miles apart. You may first want to book a room at the Bambi Motel, located within walking distance of Newman Street in East Tawas, and enjoy a space that is homey and cozy. From here, you can explore the two stunning towns, the spectacular beach, and of course, Tawas Point State Park. At the park, sometimes called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” — and on a crisp night — star gazing is often a sought-after menu item. Do not miss the historic 475-foot-high white stucco lighthouse. Previously closed for renovations, Tawas Point Lighthouse is set to reopen in the Spring of 2024. For some delicious, well-crusted pizza, Tawas Bay Pizza awaits. Alternatively, check out G's Pizzeria, a nice little pizza joint steps across the street from the beach.
Saugatuck
“Cute” does not even begin to describe Saugatuck’s downtown area. Secreted on the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, this artsy lakeshore getaway, and a dune-buggy rider’s paradise, will effortlessly blow away a first-time visitor. Conde Nast, to mention but one travel magazine, has previously ranked Saugatuck as among the 26 most beautiful towns in the United States. Saugatuck Dunes State Park boasts a stunning mix of forest, cascading dunes, and a pretty beach. Oval Beach, for instance, is less than 10 minutes from downtown Saugatuck and is one of the best beaches in the country. And do not be in a hurry here. If anything, you will be glad you stayed for a sunset. Alternatively, you will want to continue up to Mount Baldhead, especially for excellent views of the Kalamazoo River. While Saugatuck boasts a decent array of restaurants, for a sizzling culinary experience, check out Salt of the Earth in Fennville.
Petoskey
Petoskey is awesome throughout the year and is worth visiting anytime in 2024. But in fall, when almost every leaf turns into a flower, the Tunnel of Trees M119 Scenic Drive, which features spectacular views of Lake Michigan, is often a favorite pastime. At Beards Brewery one can sit down to a delicious meal or drink while enjoying beautiful views of the water. For a well-constructed sandwich, however, washed down with some smooth gin, the small but quaint Chandler's will come in handy. Petoskey State Park features one of the best Lake Michigan beaches in the area, roomy campsites (adequate for RVs), modern restrooms and showers, and nice hiking trails. One can also enjoy strolling along the Bear River amid beautiful sun-dappled wildflowers.
Harbor Springs
Not far from Petoskey, Harbor Springs is worth visiting in 2024 — and it is not just because it boasts the deepest freshwater harbor in the Great Lakes. This quaint waterfront town, with its small but excellent collection of art galleries (check out the 28-year-old Tvedten Fine Art) — as well as casual culinary attractions — will exceed the expectations of a first-time visitor. If worried about where to stay, the Colonial Inn, which has been in business since 1894, is clean, quiet, and perfect for moonlight strolls. One will want to amble through Zorn Park, if just for the views of water and to clear the mind. If you enjoy the calm of winter walks and have not heard about the Enchanted Trail at The Highlands at Harbor Springs, you are criminally late to the party. Finally, Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, typically open from April 15 through November 14, is both heart-ravishing and educational.
St. Joseph
Rounding off this list is the charming town of St Joseph, an eye candy perched atop a bluff along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. To begin the day — and for the best muffins — grab a quick bite at Broad Street Cafe. Alternatively, Caffe Tosi, located steps away from the only Great Lake within the U.S., is like something plucked up out of Europe and planted right in the heart of the Midwest. After this, you will want to amble through the town and gawk at some of the most stunning architecture in the area. For beach bums, the sand at Silver Beach is clean and soft; the water crystal clear, and the views heart-melting and delicious. Minutes away, Warren Dunes State Park is tastefully surreal and comes with the feeling of being on a different planet.
The Takeaway
Michigan not only boasts unmatched access to the water bodies that make up the Great Lakes but also some of the most spellbinding views in the United States. Without a doubt, the Mitten State is the most beautiful state east of the Mississippi. It may be landlocked — but who said an ocean is better than a glimmering lake? Dotting this expanse is an array of towns that every American should consider visiting in 2024. At the top of this list include such gems as Munising, Marquette, Rogers City, and both Tawas City and East Tawas.
