8 Most Unconventional Towns In Michigan
Michigan is known for its natural history, peculiar small towns, and some of the most unconventional and fascinating destinations in the Midwest. From little pockets of Bavaria, scenery straight from a children's storybook to natural wonders nestled beside the Great Lakes, these towns offer a distinctive unification of history, culture, and awe. Whether you would like to explore architecture, unique mediums of art, or fast-paced adventure, you will find it in one or more of these noteworthy towns. We will take you through some of Michigan's most unexpected spots, where adventure and tradition come together.
Frankenmuth
Touring Frankenmuth, Michigan, feels like walking through a little slice of Bavaria while in the Midwest. The vibe here aligns Midwestern hospitality with old-world German culture. At the same time, the entire town is modeled after a mock German village, making it one of the most unconventional towns in Michigan and full of photo opportunities. Unique attractions like Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland stand out, which is the world's largest Christmas store. Open year-round, stepping foot in Bronners feels like transporting to the most magical time of the year. Showcasing more of a Bavarian-themed culture, Frankenmuth Historical Museum, Zehnder’s Restaurant, and Frankenmuth River Place Shops highlight the history. Frankenmuth Historical Museum allows visitors to participate in hands-on activities like the Pioneer Living Program, where participants get to immerse themselves in mid-1800s life firsthand—the experience has guided tours into the Wolkensdoerfer Log House, where guests can dip beeswax candles and make traditional butter. The Frankenmuth River Place Shops has over 40 specialty shops and boutiques, such as the Enchanted Forest, Sugarhigh Bakery, Jerky Joint, and Black Amber Candle Co. One of the most famous spots in town, however, is Zehnder’s Restaurant, which has been generationally owned since 1856. Due to its large seating capacity, you can eat family-style chicken dinners, go to the bakery, and go to the marketplace. Zehnder’s adds tradition to Frankenmuth.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck, Michigan, proves itself to be offbeat from the rest of the state of Michigan with its arts scene, dunes, beaches, and harbourfront. Views of Lake Michigan from various points of the town offer a coastal feel and allow for the perfect staycation for Michigan natives. Oval Beach is ranked one of the best freshwater beaches in the United States, providing natural dunes, sunsets, and a mellow vibe for swimming, photography, and picnics. Nearby, the Saugatuck Dunes rides kick things up a notch with fast-paced adventure in open-air dune buggies with a professional driver—a unique and thrilling excursion. One of the town's cultural highlights is the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. The building itself is a repurposed industrial warehouse providing a modern and artsy vibe, while inside, rotating live performances, art exhibitions, creative workshops and classes, festivals, and a seasonal farmers and artisan market featuring local produce and handmade crafts. Just a short walk west along Culver Street, you will find yourself in the heart of downtown, where there are art galleries galore! Ever-changing art exhibits and galleries within walking distance from each other create the perfect midday activity. Some notable downtown art galleries include James Brandess Studio & Gallery, Amazwi Contemporary Art, and Water Street Gallery.
Charlevoix
Full of mysterious legends, cottage culture, and unconventional history, Charlevoix is widely known for its unique architecture. Charlevoix dominates the quirky scene with its fairytale neighborhood of mushroom houses. Designed by architect Earl Young, the whimsical stone cottages feature curved roofs and organic designs. You can take a guided tour with the Mushroom House Tour Company, which will include stories, history, and fun facts about the architect. Castle Farms is another location that is straight out of a children's storybook. Initially built in 1918 and inspired by French chateaux, the castle now works as a wedding venue, museum, or family-friendly attraction. Among the undercurrent of the Charlevoix culture, the town sits on the edge of the Michigan Triangle, an area primarily known for ghost ships and UFO sightings. The Charlevoix Historical Society and Museum highlights the town's maritime roots; however, some exhibits touch on the Michigan Triangle, and the staff is knowledgeable about stories and resources for local legend seekers. For those looking for adventure, Lake Charlevoix is one of the largest in Lake Michigan. It is a boating and sailing paradise with breathtaking beaches and ideal swimming conditions. Stargazing is encouraged as well, as light pollution from the town and nearby big cities is minimal, as well as catching the Northern Lights in the winter months.
Mackinac Island
Setting foot on Mackinac Island is equivalent to hopping into a time machine and turning back the clock a century or two. The island prohibits motor vehicles, and the only means of transportation are horse carriage, biking, and walking. Victorian-style houses line the streets, horse hooves are a distinct background noise, and there is a fudge shop on almost every corner! A historic pinnacle is The Grand Hotel, famous for its world record world’s longest front porch and views of The Straits, an essential waterway for Native American tribes, fur traders, and early settlers. The hotel offers traditional afternoon tea with all of the trimmings, such as sandwiches and pastries. It also goes the extra step and offers horseback riding and carriage tours to view the island and its historical landmarks. The Arch is one of the most iconic landmarks of the island, a stunning limestone arch that rises 146ft and spans over 50ft wide—overlooking Lake Huron. During the American Revolution, the British built Fort Mackinac perched on Mission Hill, strategically chosen to protect their interests in the area and oversee the harbor. Visitors are invited to view its well-preserved structures, original barracks, and cannon emplacements, as well as witness reenactments that took place and what the life of a soldier was like back in the 1800s.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais is a remote town sitting on the shores of Lake Superior and is encompassed by natural wonders. The town serves as a gateway to the eastern part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The Pictured Rocks get their name from the colorful 200-foot-tall sandstone cliffs streaked with vibrant colors from mineral deposits such as copper, iron, and manganese. The scenery does not stop there, however, as sea caves, rock formations, waterfalls, beaches, dunes, stargazing, and northern lights are all provided by nature. There are no major highways leading to Grand Marais, and the town sits at the end of the M-77—creating a destination feel inside of a pass-through visit. Within the town, Grand Marais Harbour is protected by two large breakwaters that protect it from the rough waters of Lake Superior. Once a popular logging town, Grand Marais Harbour offers walking tours showcasing the remnants of the shipping era. Grand Marais is famously known for its agate beaches from volcanic activity billions of years ago, attracting rockhounds to Agate Beach and Agate Festival to celebrate the geological history and beach comb the beautiful stones.
Leland
Most widely known for its historic fishing village ("Fishtown") on the Leelanau Peninsula, Leland has an old-world maritime feel with a modern twist. The town has successfully preserved its history, embraced its small-town isolation, and added a touch of luxury in recent years that's turned it into a high-end vacation spot. Fishtown is one of the oldest portions of the town, with weathered wooden shanties that date back over a century. Fishtown still operates today and is a major tourist attraction for Leland, as many of the shanties have been converted into boutiques, eateries, and art galleries. Carlson’s Fishery is located in the heart of Fishtown and is a family-run business famous for its fresh smoked seafood, such as whitefish, salmon, and trout, all found in Lake Michigan. Grabbing a bite to eat at Carlson’s Fishery is a local tradition and a must-do while being a tourist. Just a short walk away, Vans Beach has a pristine Lake Michigan shoreline with crystal-clear waters. Leland blue stones are collectibles and keepsakes of beachcombing—popular with the locals and travelers. The stones are remnants from the 19th-century iron industry and have been tumbled and polished in Lake Michigan for over a century. As a western facing, it is the picture-perfect spot for sunsets and relaxing with soothing lake sounds.
Traverse City
Traverse City is slightly larger in size than other Michigan towns. However, the tight-knit community of only 15,000 people and quirky, unexpected influences were up to scratch for our eight most unconventional towns in Michigan. Traverse City is the cherry capital and takes everything cherry to the next level. The Cherry Republic was founded in 1989 and carries all cherry products, such as cherry jams, wines, salsas, chocolates, and snacks—even the store's aesthetic is cherry-themed. The National Cherry Festival is held every summer in Traverse City, celebrating the region's cherry-growing heritage. Indulge in all things cherry while passing through! The City Opera House is a restored Victorian theatre with immaculate gold leaf detailing, ceiling frescoes, and a grand proscenium arch that now serves as a hub for live performances and cultural events. Many best-selling writers, journalists, and poets have graced the hallways, including Margaret Atwood, Anthony Doer, and Tom Brokaw. Traverse City offers diverse scenery, too: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore entails dune hikes and kayaking, and the Boardman Riverwalk provides peaceful strolls with views of the Bordman River, bridges like Grandview and Boardman, and pitstops such as The Filling Station that serve wood-fired pizzas and craft beers.
Pentwater
Pentwater is a small lakeside village offering a side of adventure. The village is a diamond in the rough and is known for its secluded beaches, art galleries, and access to the Pentwater River. The Pentwater Yacht Club was founded in 1905 and holds a longstanding tradition of sailing and forming a close community of water lovers—offering a peaceful spot to unwind and enjoy the Pentwater Lake. A short walk or boat ride away, Pentwater Pierhead Lighthouse is an iconic heritage spot for the town, has been guiding ships since the late 1800s, and is a favorite for photographers everywhere. Penwater is full of photo-worthy scenery, and nearby the town's lighthouse is Charles Mears State Park, which offers beach access to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and hiking trails that lead to dunes and woodland. Charles Mears State Park is an ideal spot for picnics, camping, and swimming. The Pentwater Artisan Learning Center fosters local artistry, such as pottery, glassblowing, woodworking, and other unique mediums. The center is a community-focused spot that hosts diverse workshops right in the heart of Pentwater.
These Michigan towns offer a testament to Michigan’s rich cultural heritage, diverse oddities, and natural wonders. If you are in the market for a refreshing break from the ordinary, these Michigan towns are ideal for outdoor thrill seekers, collectors, or peaceful escapes to help quiet the mind and become present. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the most unconventional side of Michigan in all of its glory.
