9 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Michigan

Michigan may seem like an industrial state bereft of whimsy, but once you escape manufacturing hubs like Detroit and Grand Rapids, you can manufacture magic from this charming state. The Rust Belt is just a belt; it sits across a Rustic Body: a wild and largely waterfront paradise peppered with small towns, one of which doesn't even allow cars. This article delves into that carless community and eight other enchanting spots to visit in Michigan. Along with whimsical fun, these towns also offer an insight into Michigan’s nature, culture, and businesses.

St. Joseph

Like most of Michigan’s most whimsical communities, St. Joseph sits lakeside. Michigan is the only state that borders four of the five Great Lakes, and St. Joe, as locals call it, straddles Lake Michigan. Stunning beaches are thus bountiful in this 8,000ish-person "city," the grand jewel of which is Silver Beach County Park. Of its 2,450 feet of lake frontage, roughly 1,600 feet are for public swimming. After going for a dip, residents and tourists can walk along the South Pier, admire multiple lighthouses, and then take a ride on the Silver Beach Carousel, a glamorous remnant of the Silver Beach Amusement Park. That said, make sure you don't eat a slice of the famous Silver Beach pizza until after.

Marquette

Perched on Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, Marquette is a gateway to nature’s unrestrained beauty, offering vistas and experiences that transport visitors to a world of boundless adventure. Here, you can explore Presque Isle Park, a peninsula that juts out into Lake Superior with rocky cliffs, forested trails, and secluded beaches that offer breathtaking views of the water. Just nearby, Sugarloaf Mountain rises as a local gem, rewarding hikers with panoramic scenes from its summit. At the heart of Marquette is the mighty Lake Superior, whose vast, mirror-like surface stretches endlessly, offering a serene but powerful backdrop. For a touch of history, the Lower Harbor Ore Dock stands as a testament to Marquette’s industrial past while framing a picturesque contrast against the town's surrounding natural grandeur.

Frankenmuth

Don't let its name scare you. Frankenmuth is not a monster—unless you're afraid of Bavarian imagery. For those who are charmed by regional Germany, "Little Bavaria" offers many attractions, including the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Bavarian Belle Riverboat, and the Holz Brücke Covered Bridge at the Bavarian Inn. Frankenmuth is even more scenic during Christmas. This 5,000ish-person community boasts Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, which claims to be the "World's Largest Christmas Store." Outside on the store's 27-acre property is the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, which is a replica of the Austrian church where the titular carol was first performed in 1818.

Houghton

Houghton houses about 8,000 people on Upper Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. As you can probably guess, it is a genuine metropolis by Upper Michigan standards. But by wider Michigan or American standards, Houghton is a scenic retreat from day-to-day hubbub. Among the sites to pique your whimsy is the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, which connects Houghton to the even smaller city of Hancock over the Keweenaw Waterway, which itself connects both sides of the peninsula over Lake Superior. Other Houghton gems include the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Nara Nature Park, and Keweenaw Brewing Company.

Frankfort

Another frankly fantastic Michigan community, Frankfort, lies on the beautiful banks of Lake Michigan. Beyond the sparkling waters of not just Lake Michigan but Betsie Lake and Crystal Lake, this 1,200ish-person community boasts a continuously running natural fountain at Frankfort Mineral Springs Park and a 260-foot dune in the Elberta Dunes South Natural Area. Not lacking commercial wonders, either, Frankfort is home to the Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm and Boutique, Stormcloud Brewing Company, and The Garden Theater. For an extra touch of history and charm, Point Betsie Lighthouse nearby offers lakefront views and guided tours, creating a perfect spot for sunset photography and a serene end to a Frankfort escape.

Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs is almost identical to Frankfort but located farther north. Roughly 1,200 residents? Check. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan? Check. Surrounded by smaller lakes like Round Lake and Crooked Lake? Check. A majestic movie theater? Check—the Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre. It even has a preserve of cute, fuzzy animals, though here, they’re deer instead of alpacas at the Harbor Springs Deer Park. As for spring-fed fountains, Harbor Springs is flowing with them, including a memorial fountain at Zorn Park. Venture into the woods lining Little Traverse Bay, and you may even find hidden, undeveloped springs that few have ever set eyes on—just don’t actually drink from them.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais is an Upper Michigan settlement that is small by any metric, with 234 residents as of the 2020 Census. Of course, people don't live there or visit so much for excitement as they do for serenity. Views of Lake Superior can scratch that itch from virtually anywhere in town. Still, a short trip outside the main drag takes you to Sable Falls, a 75-foot waterfall, and another short trip takes you to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is a 42-mile scenic extravaganza. But if you are a rare Michigan tourist looking for a party, you can find it at Lake Superior Brewing Company. After downing a barrel of beer, check out the Pickle Barrel House, a two-story, two-barrel-shaped cabin that might make you question reality.

Saugatuck

Saugatuck's history as an art colony informs its present whimsy. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Amazwi Contemporary Art, and Saugatuck Gallery are just a few of the venues for admiring and/or creating art. Non-arts-oriented but still historic, aesthetic attractions include the Saugatuck Pump House and Saugatuck Chain Ferry, which date from 1904 and 1857, respectively. Lastly, Saugatuck straddles Lake Michigan and is swept with sand dunes. One of those covers Singapore, a town buried by erosion in the 1870s. Yes, you can sandsurf on modern Michigan ruins. For a change of pace, take a hike in the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, where peaceful trails offer scenic views over Lake Michigan’s shore, adding a serene touch to this artistic and nature-filled town.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a city that spans an island of the same name on Lake Huron. Already whimsical for being an island community in Michigan of all places, Mackinac goes many steps further by hosting Mackinac Island State Park (especially Arch Rock), Original Murdick's Fudge, the Original Butterfly House & Insect World, and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Speaking of steps, you'll have to visit said attractions on foot—or bike or horse-drawn carriage. With a few exceptions, motor vehicles are banned on Mackinac Island. In fact, its M-185 is the "only state highway in the country where motor vehicles are not allowed." Additionally, the historic Grand Hotel provides an iconic 660-foot-long porch with sweeping views of the island, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the island's timeless appeal.

Wrapping Up

Michigan’s whimsical towns offer a refreshing counterpoint to the state’s industrial reputation, each community blending unique landscapes, cultural experiences, and quaint charm that beckons visitors to explore beyond the big cities. From the Bavarian vibes of Frankenmuth to the car-free haven of Mackinac Island, these small towns reveal the character and beauty hidden within Michigan’s landscapes and history. Whether you’re searching for scenic lakeside views, historic sites, or vibrant local arts, each destination invites a new experience that showcases Michigan’s multifaceted appeal.