8 of the Quirkiest Towns in Michigan
Michigan, the only US State in the Great Lakes region of the Upper American Midwest, to be split into two large peninsulas (the Northern Upper Peninsula and Southern Lower Peninsula) and be bounded by four of the five Great Lakes, is renowned for its diverse geography. Although the state’s bustling metropolitan centers like Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, etc., captivate the attention of a majority of tourists, it is the quirky small towns dotting the scenic terrain that truly showcase the heart and soul of Michigan. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage and embark on a journey to these gorgeous hamlets of the Wolverine State.
Saugatuck
Initially a lumber town and port on the Kalamazoo River, this Allegan County town on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan is located approximately 45 miles from Grand Rapids and 12 miles south of Holland. Saugatuck is the perfect summer getaway enticing visitors with its stunning sceneries, cultural attractions, world-renowned cuisines, and a variety of thrilling activities. The soft golden sands of the Oval Beach, the expansive network of trails winding through the coastal dunes of the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, the historic Saugatuck Chain Ferry ferrying visitors across the Kalamazoo River, the diverse collection of galleries in the Butler Street reflecting Saugatuck’s colorful art scene, the adjacent Fenn Valley vineyards producing a wide selection of premium wines, and the Mount Baldhead Park offering awe-inspiring vistas of the abutting region, are all that lure travelers to this idyllic lakeside town.
Ludington
The administrative center of Mason County, Ludington is situated on Lake Michigan’s eastern shores close to the mouth of the Pere Marquette River, about 58 miles north of Muskegon. Initially named “Pere Marquette” after Father Jacques Marquette, this vital Great Lakes shipping port was renamed in 1871 after the native lumberman James Ludington. Ludington’s scenic location has helped transform it into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with ample recreation activities for the entire family all year round. The Ludington State Park, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the Ludington North Breakwall Light, S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, Stearns Park Beach, Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, Waterfront Sculpture Park, Historic White Pine Village, and the nearby Hamlin Lake (with its kayaking and resort facilities) are some of the town’s must-visit attractions. Additionally, Ludington boasts a walkable downtown jam-packed with t-shirt shops, bars, restaurants, lovely Victorian beach houses, and cozy bed & breakfasts.
Petoskey
One of the northernmost towns in the state’s Lower Peninsula, Petoskey, the seat of government of Emmet County, is located along the southern banks of Little Traverse Bay, roughly 70 miles northeast of Traverse City. Placed at the center of the Midwest’s famed all-season resort area, Petoskey promotes itself as a four-season destination offering exciting activities for every vacationer. The neighboring Petoskey State Park is a favorite destination for connoisseurs of the highly prized Petoskey stones, besides those who want to hike and camp in this picturesque area. Featuring landmark structures and an array of independently owned shops, boutiques, and art galleries, Petoskey’s historic Gaslight District is an ideal place to stroll, shop, and dine, while a walk through the pedestrian tunnel will take one to the wonderful waterfront parks where one can enjoy sweeping views of the spectacular surroundings. The area around the town is also home to many noted wineries including the Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery and the Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery.
Traverse City
Bordered by four sprawling townships: East Bay, Garfield, Peninsula, and Elmwood, this Grand Traverse County seat is situated along the southern edge of Grand Traverse Bay and forms a part of the bigger Northern Michigan region. Acclaimed as a four-season adventure hub and a top-rated destination for outdoorsy types, Traverse City is at present celebrated for its most varied culture, shopping options, local culinary delights, and luxuriant vineyards. The town’s placement at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula AVA and the more than 40 tart cherry producing farms located around it, has rightfully earned Traverse City the moniker “The Cherry Capital (of the World).” Some of the town’s noteworthy points of interest include the City Opera House, Dennos Museum Center on the Northwestern Michigan College campus, Boardman River Nature Center, Mission Point Lighthouse, Clinch Park, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, and the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Throughout the year, Traverse City hosts various festivals such as the National Cherry Festival, Traverse City Film Festival, and the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival.
South Haven
Spread across the Van Buren and Allegan counties, South Haven is located at the mouth of the Black River along the shores of Lake Michigan. Having beautiful sandy beaches, lighthouses, outlying parks, nature preserves, and a charming downtown replete with quaint boutiques, upscale shops, wineries, and top-class eateries, South Haven has something for everyone. Holidaymakers are especially drawn to the South Haven Lighthouse, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, the South Haven Center for the Arts, the Scott Club, the Michigan Maritime Museum, the Historical Association of South Haven at the Hartman School Building, the Michigan Flywheelers Museum, the Kal-Haven Trail, and the adjoining Van Buren Trail State Park. About 50,000 people flock to South Haven every year during the second weekend of August to attend the National Blueberry Festival.
Charlevoix
Charlevoix County’s seat, Charlevoix is located on a narrow strip of land between Lake Michigan and the western extremity of Lake Charlevoix, approximately 50 miles southwest of Mackinaw City. Christened in honor of a French Jesuit missionary and explorer, this Northern Michigan town promotes itself as “Charlevoix the Beautiful” aptly reflecting its eye-catching natural surroundings. Earl Young designed Hobbit Houses, Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, Charlevoix Historical Society Harsha House Museum, Belvedere Golf Club, Castle Farms, and Fisherman’s Island State Park are some of the town’s prominent attractions. Charlevoix hosts many special events like Petunia Planting, Apple Festival, Art & Craft Show, Car Raffle, and Venetian Festival.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, situated at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron, is a well-known summer resort and tourist destination in Northern Michigan’s Mackinac County. Steeped in history, tourists visiting Mackinac Island can step back in time and explore the area on foot, bicycles, or horse-drawn carriages as the use of motorized vehicles is strictly prohibited. Around 80% of the island’s area is covered by the Mackinac Island State Park which includes the British-built Fort Mackinac in addition to parts of the harbor and downtown area. Numerous landmark properties like Biddle House, McGulpin House, Stuart House, Mission Church, and Mission Point Historical Museum; retail stores, and restaurants line the downtown. Mackinac Island hosts several cultural events such as the Lilac Festival, an annual American art show at the Grand Hotel, the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, the Feast of Epona and the Epona & Barkus Parade.
Frankenmuth
Nicknamed “Little Bavaria,” this adorable town in the southeastern corner of Michigan’s Saginaw County is located about 75 miles northeast of Lansing and 90 miles north of Detroit. Initially settled by Lutheran immigrants who arrived from the State of Bavaria in Germany, Frankenmuth is best known for its German heritage, which is observed in the Franconian-style architecture of innumerable buildings in the town’s commercial district. Travelers can either book a PedAle Trolley or ride a horse-drawn carriage for a tour through the historic streets and browse the unique Frankenmuth River Place shops and restaurants. Also, indulge in world-famous chicken dinners at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, taste local wines and brews at St. Julian Winery and Frankenmuth Brewery, collect your souvenirs at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, and check out the Zehnder’s Holzbrücke covered bridge, the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, and the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. Merrymakers can partake in a variety of annual events like the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival, Frankenmuth SnowFest, Frankenmuth Fire Muster, and Frankenmuth Dog Bowl & Balloons Over Bavarian Inn.
From Saugatuck - the most sought-after Michigan Art Coast getaway to the Bavarian-inspired Frankenmuth, the small towns in the nation’s 11th-largest and 10th-most-populous state attract vacationers from all over the globe with their distinctive charms. Whether you want to discover the extraordinary natural wonders, relax on the immaculate beaches, attend annual cultural celebrations, or enjoy outdoor recreation, these quirky towns in Michigan will surely provide you with memories of a lifetime.
