8 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Michigan
Michigan sits in the heart of the American Midwest and touches four of the five Great Lakes, making it an unmatched destination for natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The aptly-nicknamed “Great Lakes State” is home to bustling cities like Detroit, but also some of the most picturesque small towns in America. From charming coastal communities to quaint inland havens, here is a guide to eight of the prettiest small towns in Michigan.
St. Joseph
Located where the St. Joseph River enters Lake Michigan, St. Joseph has transformed from a thriving port into a lakeside destination that offers both scenic beauty and historical richness. The lakeside area, known as Silver Beach, offers unparalleled sunset views and is home to an iconic lighthouse, a restored historic carousel, a spray park, a public beach, and more. Downtown St. Joseph, which overlooks Silver Beach—and those fantastic lake sunsets—from the bluff, is brimming with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and delightful restaurants. Check out the House of David Museum for an interesting look at a quirky piece of St. Joseph history.
Calumet
Set on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Calumet is an isolated getaway that is steeped in copper mining history. Its well-preserved historical architecture, contained within two National Historic Districts that encompass practically the entire downtown, provides a glimpse into its prosperous past. Enjoy the historic beauty and a show at the Calumet Theatre, which has been hosting performances since 1900. From there, explore the region’s mining heritage at nearby Keweenaw National Historical Park, then take a short drive to soak up the natural beauty—particularly during autumn—at Queen Anne’s Falls or Black Creek Nature Sanctuary.
Frankenmuth
Known as “Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth was founded by southern German immigrants in the 1840s and remains famous for its German-inspired architecture and festive atmosphere. This town is perfect if you enjoy a bit of European charm with your Midwestern hospitality! The Bavarian-style buildings are adorned with intricate details, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the “World’s Largest Christmas Store,” is a year-round attraction for visitors. Frankenmuth hosts a great Oktoberfest in autumn and a delightful “Christkindlmarkt” (holiday market) in December, but you can enjoy authentic German foods and crafts any time of year.
Mackinac Island
Spending a day on Mackinac Island is like traveling decades into the past, back to a quieter and slower-paced style of life. Situated in Lake Huron between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, the island is famously automobile-free and accessible only by ferry boat. Minus cars, its streets are lively with bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and pedestrians, especially during the summer tourist season. The island's homes, businesses, and hotels have retained their 19th-century charm, with the opulent 1887 Grand Hotel being a standout example. Enjoy a kayak trip along the shore to get a unique view of this distinctly nostalgic island community.
Niles
Niles, the “City of Four Flags,” is a charming southwestern Michigan town with a rich cultural heritage. Take a walking tour to explore Niles’ nice collection of historic homes and architectural highlights such as the Greek Revival-style public library and lovely 1892 train station. Plan your trip for early autumn to experience the annual Four Flags Apple Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with apple-themed activities, crafts, and treats. You can also enjoy the fall foliage along routes to Chicago (90 miles), Lake Michigan (25 miles), and the University of Notre Dame (10 miles).
Petoskey
Petoskey, located on the northern coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, offers stunning views of Little Traverse Bay. The lovely blue-water shores of the bay also draw visitors seeking Petoskey stones, beautifully distinctive pieces of ancient fossilized coral that are the official state stone of Michigan. Back in town, Petoskey’s downtown district is dotted with charming boutiques, art galleries, and cafes, making it a delightful place to spend an afternoon. As a longtime resort destination, Petoskey and its surroundings also offer great accommodations, ranging from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to Victorian cottages to the grand Hotel Walloon.
Marquette
With 20,000 residents, Marquette rates as the “big city” of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, yet it is definitely a small town at heart. Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, the town serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Marquette’s beautiful parks, such as Presque Isle Park and Mattson Lower Harbor Park, offer stunning lake views and ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. The historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Marquette Maritime Museum. Meanwhile, ghost hunters can explore the possibly haunted grounds of the Old Catholic Cemetery and Holy Cross Orphanage.
New Buffalo
New Buffalo, located along the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, has long been a popular getaway for residents of Chicago, which is about a 70 mile drive and visible across the lake on a clear day. Known for its sandy town beach, vibrant marina, and sunset views, New Buffalo’s waterfront offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the lake. Whitaker Street, which leads right to the waterfront, anchors a postcard-pretty downtown that is lined with shops and eateries. Local food favorites include Redamak’s hamburgers and Oink’s ice cream, and you can walk off some calories at nearby Warren Dunes State Park
From the historic charm of Calumet and Niles, to the Bavarian beauty of Frankenmuth, to the natural splendor of Copper Harbor, Michigan’s small towns offer something for everyone. Whether you are searching for a lakeside retreat with breathtaking vistas, seeking out authentic local cuisine, or amassing a photo collection of historic architecture, these eight beautiful small towns are sure to captivate you and inspire further exploration of the Great Lakes State.
