9 Adorable Small Towns in Michigan to Visit in 2024
When people mention Michigan, the big and dazzling urban centers like Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids often cross people’s minds. However, unbeknownst to many travelers, Michigan is actually a treasure trove of the most charming and fairy-tale-like towns in the United States.
Let “The Great Lake State” of the US enchant you on your next vacation! From stunning harbor views of Lake Michigan and downtowns lined with brick storefronts to beautiful lavender fields and fun tulip festivals, here are 9 of the most adorable small towns in Michigan. They are an absolute feast for the eyes and healing to the soul. Ready your cameras because there will be a lot of picture-taking!
Saugatuck
Situated on the east coast of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck primarily draws tourists to its stunning shores thanks to its vibrant downtown full of beautiful brick storefronts and a thriving art scene. Just down Butler Street are the amusing gift and knickknacks shops of The Owl House and Puddingstone, as well as the highly inspiring art galleries of Saugatuck Gallery and James Brandess Studio.
Saugatuck transformed into an art colony during the 19th century, eventually becoming an art hub for Michigan tourists. But the city also has non-artsy attractions and activities, like boat cruises along Lake Michigan, hiking trails in Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, and the historical marker downtown for the sunken town of Singapore.
Holland
As if plucked from a fairy tale, Holland is a popular tourist spot for its picturesque tulip fields, European architecture, and exciting celebrations of its Dutch heritage. Begin your trip with a visit to the famous Windmill Island Gardens and be amazed at its authentic Dutch windmill and field of 150,000 tulips. Take a trip back in time with Nelis’ Dutch Village, a replica of what the Netherlands was like 100 years ago.
Every May, the town comes alive for its Tulip Time Festival, an 8-day jubilee that fills the town with parades, outdoor exhibits, and of course, tulips. Lastly, end your Holland tour on a high note with a sunset cruise via The Holland Princess—there’s no better river view than this!
St. Ignace
Let the port town of St. Ignace turns your Michigan trip into a memorable one with its historic attractions, lighthouses, and shipwreck scuba diving. Visitors can start with a lighthouse tour that takes you to the numerous lighthouses within and near the city. Got a free day to roam around? Ride a ferry to Mackinac Island and enjoy a village steeped in Native American and European history.
An interesting (and exciting!) way to take a peek at St. Ignace’s port history is to explore nearby shipwrecks through scuba diving. But if that’s too much, enjoying a sunset view of Wawatam Lighthouse through Wawatam Park or at Mackinac Grille and Patio Bar is most welcome. Nothing like a Steak Mackinac, Mackinac Double Decker Ice Cream, and a lovely view to cap off your St. Ignace trip!
Frankenmuth
Lovingly called “The Little Bavaria of Michigan”, Frankenmuth will whisk you away into a German fairy tale town full of Bavarian architecture, hearty German food, and festivals. Start your tour with a visit to the Frankenmuth Historical Museum to learn about the town’s German heritage. Follow this experience with a river cruise via the Bavarian Belle Riverboat and enjoy the town from a different perspective.
When here, don’t miss out on German cuisine like the wiener schnitzel from Bavarian Inn Restaurant or a sip of beer from Frankenmuth Brewery. As a fun side activity, keep an eye out for gnomes while exploring the town! Got ya convinced for a Frankenmuth trip? October and December are the best times to visit Frankenmuth for its Oktoberfest and the town turning into a Christmas wonderland.
Suttons Bay
The quaint village of Suttons Bay may be small, but the town has a bevy of attractions and hang-out places, like breweries, water sports spots, and parks. Situated in the eponymous Suttons Bay, a tiny bay in Lake Michigan, the town’s marina near downtown is the perfect place for sailing, swimming, and even sunbathing. The nearby beach and location of Leelanau Watersports are even great for kayaking and riding ski boats.
Enjoy Suttons Bay’s lush greenery while sipping a drink or two with the locals at Hop Lot Brewing Company or Shady Lane Cellars. These two spots are true-blue beer gardens—in more ways than one! For a place to stay, Suttons Bay Harbor House is one of the top recommendations in the area. It’s near Sutton Park, a playground and picnic area overlooking the picturesque bay.
Petoskey
Originally known for being a Midwestern resort town, modern Petoskey continues the town’s tourist reputation through its seasonal parks, bustling downtown, and vineyards. The center of it all is Bayfront Park, a 25-acre park with unparalleled views of Little Traverse Bay. On top of its natural scenery, it has amenities like a marina, sports field, pavilion, historical museum, and even a clock tower.
Visit Petoskey during spring and summer to get the most out of its vineyards, like Petoskey Farms Vineyards and Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery. In winter, the place turns into a winter wonderland filled with winter sports thanks to Petoskey Winter Sports Park. Craving for some retail therapy? Gaslight District is the place to be for some Petoskey shopping. Before leaving, don’t skip on collecting Petoskey Stones, Michigan’s state stone!
Marquette
This charming Michigan city wonderfully blends urban and idyllic vibes with its active downtown and natural scenic vistas. Experience fishing, swimming, and kayaking in Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Enjoy trekking? Hike up to Wright Street Falls or the majestic Mt. Marquette.
If your kind of adventure is shopping, sipping beverages, and foodie hopping, Marquette has that in spades, too! Shop for artisan glass at Northern Lights Glass and antiques at Lowenstein’s Antique Marketplace. Raise a glass at Ore Dock Brewing Company or Blackrocks Brewery. Satisfy your cravings at Bodega and The Vierling Restaurant. For a historic touch to your trip, stay at The Historic Thunder Bay Inn and visit the Marquette Regional History Center.
Harbor Springs
With the town’s art galleries and parks, the tiny waterfront city of Harbor Springs is a haven for artsy and outdoorsy folks. Stroll or jog near the shore at Zorn Park Beach and Josephine Ford Park, or pet some adorable deer at Harbor Springs Deer Park. Love sunsets? There’s no better way to enjoy them in Harbor Springs than a cruise with the historical Pointer Boat!
After a refreshing tour in nature, tourists can enrich your artistic side with Harbor Springs's numerous galleries. Hanni Gallery, Pierre Bittar Gallery, and Oil Paintings By Karen Rolfes are just some of these spots. Lastly, your Harbor Springs visit isn’t complete without some fresh seafood at Stafford’s Pier Restaurant.
Boyne City
Four big reasons that tourists flock to this adorable Michigan city: gorgeous lake views, a stunning lavender farm, a renowned mountain resort, and an award-winning Main Street. Start your Boyne City vacation with a stay at Water Street Inn, a lakeside hotel with a great view of Lake Charlevoix. Then, stroll and shop to your heart’s content through the Main Street, where storefronts like Provisions Wine Emporium and Alpine Chocolat Haus add character to the city.
If the mountains are calling you, Boyne Mountain Resort is the perfect lodging and activity hub for your needs. Golfing, splashing in the nearby indoor waterpark, and ziplining through trees are just some of the activities you can do at the resort. Finally, don’t miss out on visiting Boyne’s crème de la crème—Lavender Hill Farm. From lavender products to photo ops, this hidden gem is a must-visit in Boyne!
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s due to work, school, or accommodations, the hustle and bustle of life often drive many people to stay in major urban cities, which can result in a yearning for a quaint way of life. Thankfully, the people who live in or near Michigan don’t have to travel far for such an experience.
From seaports and lavender farms to European-themed burgs and art-focused cities, these adorable small towns in Michigan will make any newbie or seasoned tourist fall in love with traveling. A word of advice: bring the best camera for photo keepsakes! While enjoying the moment is preferable, these towns have such gorgeous sceneries that you just can’t help but capture them!
