9 Charming Michigan Towns For The Perfect Getaway
Touching four of the five Great Lakes, it is no wonder Michigan is one of the most popular states to visit in the US. With lighthouses and pristine beaches to boardwalks and state parks, Michigan's natural wonders sprawl across two peninsulas. These nine small towns throughout "Mitten" encapsulate the Great Lake State’s charm.
Each highlights the Midwestern spirit with local ingenuity, friendliness, and artistry surrounded by natural beauty, and lake towns are some of the most popular vacation destinations. Manistee is a Victorian port city, while Tawas City offers easy access to the peninsular Tawas Point State Park, aka, the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." Find charming Michigan towns for a perfect getaway.
Grand Haven
Experience the good life in Grand Haven on a real beachin' getaway. Home to some of the area's soft-sand beaches, it really feels like the locals got dealt a lucky hand. There is plenty of fun and relaxation to go around at Grand Haven State Park, a sandy beachfront for swimming and sunbathing with scenic views. Wake up early for a stroll along the Grand River Boardwalk to meet the sunrise over the 1839 Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse. One of two red-painted lighthouses, the Inner Light Beacon Station is a cylindrical red lighthouse from 1905 on the south pier, the historic boardwalk extending from the state park.
Looking Glass Beachfront Inn completes the perfect weekend escape, with an epic staircase right down to the beach. Spend a day at the central city beach or the next-door dog beach. In the summer, you can park your sailboat at the municipal marina. Enjoy views from along Fisherman's Pier, catch a fishing charter, or explore the 40-acre Duncan Woods with hiking trails and wildlife at the heart. When the flakes fly, there is skiing and a sled hill at Mulligan's Hollow. For more budget-friendly options, Eastpointe RV Resort is top-rated, while the typical chain hotels that typically cost extra in the city go for around $100.
Grand Marais
On the same Great Lake as its eponymous Minnesota cousin to the north, this Grand Marais is a shining gem on Lake Superior's southern shore of the Upper Peninsula. Boasting an over 50-mile rugged shoreline, there is so much unspoiled beach to explore. Beachcombing is a local sport that involves trudging along the scenery and plopping down or taking a cooling dip. Grand Marais wouldn't be the same without its two lighthouses—on the fishing pier and out in the lake. Explore west to Sable Beach and Sable Falls, which are accessible from the parking lot. The beautiful waterfall is worth climbing 168 stairs for top views in every season.
If pedaling is more your speed, biking trails follow the waterline for a breezy ride between the dense forests and the breathtaking lake. Drop off your bags at Hilltop Cabins or Sunset Cabins. The beachfront Woodland Park Campground appeals to nature lovers who want to doze off in the sounds of the whooshing Superior waters. Grand Marais is also the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Snap a selfie at the Log Slide overlook and drop by the Light Keeper's House Museum for the rich maritime history. And don't miss the Pickle Barrel House, a quirky museum. Finally, bookend the weekend at the Dunes Saloon Lake Superior Brewing Co.
Hancock
The Ontonagon area is concentrated in the breathtaking scenery and rich heritage of the Western Upper Peninsula. Founded in 1859 around the Quincy Mine Company, Michigan's northernmost city is right across the Portage Canal from the more popular Houghton. Nearly ten times smaller, yet with much of the same views along the northern shore, the underdog makes for an ideal getaway. Wake up early to admire the Portage Canal Lift Bridge without people or traffic. Hancock's crowdfree feel is elevated with a quaint downtown collection of local shops, restaurants, and accommodations, like Magnuson Hotel Copper Crown.
Just west of downtown, Hancock Recreation Area features electrically hooked campgrounds with amenities for a budget weekend. Take the leisurely trail with benches and picnic spots to relax, as well as a serene beach area and boat launch. Overlooking the magnificent Porcupine Mountains to the west, there is plenty of water access and abundant outdoor activities. Insightful landmarks complement every nature-driven escape, like the Finnish American Heritage Center exposing its proud roots. Lastly, don't forget to head to the Quincy Mine, a spectacular museum with exhibits on a former mineral extraction site and an underground ride to a mine shaft.
Manistee
From Manistee Natural Forest to waterways and shoreline trails, it is hard to break away from the splendor of Manistee County. The seat is a small town, a Victorian port city hidden on Lake Michigan's eastern shore behind Manistee Lake. Many enjoy the River Walk through downtown—on the state and national historic registers—to Lake Michigan. It is perfect for a morning stroll with a pet, watching fishing boats and local charters plying the waters for an early catch. Strolling along the attractive downtown, water peeks through historic buildings, and Dempsey Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn doubles as the Victorian House Museum.
Manistee Inn and Marina overlooks the sails next to the spectacular drawbridge. The river empties into the lake near Manistee North Pier Lighthouse, a longtime beacon of affection tipping the pier. Lighthouse Park offers great views with a playground, amenities, and picnic spots. Stay put at First Street Beach, awarded the "Best Beach in Michigan" last year by USA Today's 10 Best Readers’ Choice. At the backdoor, Manistee River State Game Area is an unspoiled wilderness. Down the highway, Bungalow Inn has a woodsy, down-home vibe of a relaxed sports pub serving hearty chophouse dishes and cocktails.
Muskegon
As a larger town snug against two lakes, Muskegon boasts some of the region's top attractions. From boardwalks to scenic parks and homey stays, there is plenty to discover on a memorable weekend getaway, like Kruse Park. Pack a picnic for the blufftop hike and a relaxed sandy shoreline below with shelters, a playground, and an off-leash dog area. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum will pique the interest of families and history fans. This naval history museum displays artifacts inside a spacious preserved WWII sub with tours. Toast 'N Jams is a 50s-style diner, while the Station Grill is an ex-40s gas station.
Muskegon South Breakwater Light Beacon Station is a magenta beacon off the expansive Pere Marquette Park with a white-sanded public beach on Lake Michigan. Score a room at Shoreline Inn & Conference Center with panoramic views of the Great Lake. Pedaling along the views and attractions via Muskegon Lakeshore Trail, the Pidge Inn is right on the marina with access to the lake and across the waterway from Muskegon State Park. This real eyesore for nature lovers offers 1,000 acres of wildlife through dunes, woodlands, and a rare coastal plain marsh, plus the top Muskegon State Park Channel Campground.
New Buffalo
Just an hour and a change east of Chicago, this small beach town is perfect for those who yearn for an exclusive feel away from the tired city. New Buffalo is part of the upscale southwestern shore communities in Harbor Country, sometimes called "the Hamptons of the Midwest." Visitors can tee off at the golf course and sail out of its huge marina. Lakeside Inn is accessible for a weekend escape. Explore the waters under white sails with New Buffalo Sailing Excursions or take off with Third Coast Paddling. For something more serene, Turtle Creek Preserve and the Galien River Marsh feature a water trail and a boat launch.
At the southern terminus of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, relax and imbibe local vibes through the nearby wineries. It really feels like fortunes are in your favor, so why not tempt fate at the spectacular casino? Families enjoy the railroad museum in a real caboose. Brewster's New Buffalo serves handcrafted regional Italian fare, while Redamak's is an iconic cash-only burger joint. Drop by Oink's Dutch Treat for a real delight on the way to Oselka Park. Firefly Resort is a casual 1930s cottage resort just a block from the massive New Buffalo Beach and the stately Chuck Ritter Memorial Lighthouse right on the sands.
South Haven
Just a classic Michigan lakeside town with sandy beaches and a historic lighthouse, culture fans trickle in year-round to dilute the busy city life with bits of heaven. South Haven captures the essence of Michigan’s lakeshore living. Inspired by the surroundings, the town’s creative spirit spills through galleries, theaters, and festivals along the walkable downtown. And while it isn't cheap, there are charming B&Bs and lakeside cottages for a weekend. Dive deep into the area’s rich nautical history at the Michigan Maritime Museum. North Beach offers all-season lake access with fishing, swimming, and amenities next to the pier.
The trademark South Haven Lighthouse is a touchstone to the past sailing triumphs along the rugged shore, now guiding visitors along the pier and posing against unmatched sunsets. Soak in the waterfront allure along the trails on foot or bike in the lake breeze. Families enjoy Blue Stairs—Kids' Corner Beach Access. Kal-Haven Trailhead offers a fun hike for the whole gang with a covered bridge, while Van Buren Trail is paved along whimsical vegetation between the Van Buren State Park and downtown. Historic Hotel Nichols is a staple along the Black River between the Mitten Children's Museum and Michigan Theatre.
St. Joseph
Joseph embraces you with the forgotten feeling of simple childhood joy. From the rosy sunrise, fill your days exploring some of the most dramatic views on Lake Michigan's southeastern shore. From the serene Lions Park Beach to the iconic Tiscornia Park, take the wide pier to St. Joseph North Pier Inner Lighthouse. Silver Beach is a busy expanse with grills, playgrounds, and amenities, plus access to the South Pier. The historic Silver Beach carousel is a classic restored merry-go-round with painted animals and organ music. Away from the beach scene, get acculturated through stately galleries like Box Factory for the Arts and Krasl Art Center.
Lake Bluff Park is landscaped with statues, a bandshell, and top Lake Michigan views. There is also an arboretum along the St. Joseph River. The youngest enjoy the Curious Kids' Museum, while Clementines Too entices the adults. South Cliff Inn is worth the pretty penny for a weekend fairytale-style. Rodeway Inn is near the waterfront for a budget stay with modern comforts. Catch the sunset and enjoy camping under the star-spangled night along Lake Michigan at the nearby Warren Dunes State Park. When the flakes fly, the locals enjoy cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, plus inner tubing down steep hills underneath the lit trail.
Tawas City
The city along the Sunrise Side of Lake Huron on Michigan's eastern side is ideal for a peaceful waterfront retreat set against stunning sunrises. Tawas City offers easy access to Tawas Point State Park, aka, the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” This one-of-a-kind curved sandbar and historic lighthouse are part of the beautiful shoreline with miles of sandy beaches. After exploring the peninsular state park, browse local shops and take a sunset stroll along the pier. Replete with quaint lakefront cottages, chill resorts, and historic inns, many offer deals like Harbor View Inn and Paradise Beach Resort right on the sands.
From fishing piers to scenic boardwalks, fill your days with easygoing recreation in the light lake breeze. It could get very relaxing at the gateway to the Sunrise Side Wine & Hops Trail. Imbibe local vibes along the shoreline wineries and craft breweries with scenic Lake Huron views. The kid- and dog-friendly Gateway Park is a whole afternoon's worth of soaking sunny vibes and lake vistas, plus its Saturday farmer's market for a coffee break and fresh fruit. Get a taste of the area's tranquil coastal charm on a hike through Tawas Bay’s nature trails, then admire the small-town ambiance at sunset hour on a boat tour.
Explore these charming villages with downtown vibes, galleries, and century-old buildings on a refreshing escape to recharge from the city. Even a wild card lands you in a place filled with natural allure, family attractions, and year-round outdoor adventures. Muskegon offers a blufftop hike and sandy shores, plus a preserved WWII sub with tours.
From Hancock, Michigan's northernmost city, to South Haven, it is time to plan the next great escape in the warm season. New Buffalo has an elevated feel, while St. Joseph boasts a historic merry-go-round. From the rosy sunrise to sunset, there is a scenically charged itinerary with cottages and nostalgic eateries to bookend or camp under the stars.
