Michigan's 9 Most Underrated Towns to visit in 2024
From the bustling city of Detroit and the scenic city of Grand Rapids to tiny, underrated towns, Michigan's charms are all-encompassing. And no wonder, being in the Great Lakes State, where it is always just a short drive to one of the beautiful lakes. Find sandy shores in Lexington, Caseville, and Arcadia with uncrowded beaches, no matter the time of year.
In Copper Harbor, it feels like time slows down and rewinds to savor postcard-perfect sights in this tiny Upper Peninsula town of under 100 residents! Caseville is an idyllic town on Saginaw Bay, while the first town on the list, Arcadia, is a beautiful sight along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan.
Arcadia
The lakeside town on the west shore of Lake Michigan along M-22 is sadly underrated, being a convenient gateway to experience the very best of Northern Michigan. Beautiful outdoors abound through every season, so come savor the fresh springtime breezes under the first warm sunrises; the forest floor is a blanket of wildflowers in the spring. In the summer, enjoy breathtaking sunsets on uncrowded beaches, while the autumnal hues in the fall color outdoor activities for leaf-peepers of every level in the crisp air and into the holiday season. Simply unmissable, Inspiration Point, the highest elevation platform on this side of Lake Michigan, offers a park and a deck to overlook the area with telescopes!
Home to just under 650 residents, the town's small size only magnifies its alluring beauty, from the breathtaking, uncrowded views to the sweeping shoreline for a one-on-one authentic Michigan wilderness experience. The adventure begins along what National Geographic Traveler Magazine calls Michigan's most scenic drive. Lake Michigan is every water lover's and lounger's dream, with sandy shores and access to excellent fishing, boating, and kayaking. Named one of the top 50 courses in America by Golf Digest, Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course overlooks the lake. Don't miss the First Lady of Aviation, Harriet Quimby's house, and the Historic Arcadia Museum for a rich glimpse into the past.
Caseville
Caseville is a small town in the grand embrace of nature at the tip of Michigan's “Thumb” area. It is greatly underrated, noted for its annual, two-week-long “Cheeseburger in Caseville” festival in August, which attracts thousands of attendees for beach-side fun and activities inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s song "Cheeseburger in Paradise." Nestled in the idyllic Saginaw Bay on the warm, sparkling waters of Lake Huron, Caseville is a real idyll for summertime, with attractions ranging from wide, soft-sanded beaches to waterfront strolls and a bustling downtown area.
Having long been a favorite vacation destination for beachgoers, thanks to the sweeping views and plenty of access to Saginaw Bay, Caseville is a bucket list destination for 2024, offering plenty of sweet spots for lounging on the beach, boating, and fishing. The town's tiny size amplifies its allure, from Caseville Pier to the unmissable Caseville County Park, as well as rentable cottages along the waterfront and charming shops, restaurants, and bars like Lefty's Diner.
Chelsea
Chelsea, a simply picturesque and sophisticated community, is vastly underrated in southeastern Michigan, blending rich heritage with modern culture. Established before 1930, this historic town, just west of Ann Arbor, brims with brilliant charms to be discovered at a leisurely pace. There's no better place to start than along Main Street with its outdoor public art sculptures and historical plaques. Don't miss the Purple Rose Theatre for award-winning American theatrical productions year-round, while Bumble’s Dry Goods showcases unique items from independent producers and Midwest artisans. Alongside local boutiques, galleries, and renowned restaurants, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and features remarkably intact architecture through its quaint Victorian neighborhoods.
Offering guided historic walking tours or self-guided tours with a map from the Chelsea Historical Museum, the Glazier Stove Company Building is an unmissable landmark from 1891, adjoined to a three-story Victorian industrial building with 60,000 square feet of floor space. Designed by architect Claire Allen and integrated into the Clock Tower complex in 1907, its photogenic four clock faces, each seven feet wide, are illuminated for an unforgettable nighttime viewing. The Chelsea Train Depot, in service until the early 1980s, now serves as a community events center, featuring views from its triple-gabled bay windows. Sit down for an inspired meal, a nightcap, or just dessert at Common Grill, curated by the creative owner and executive chef, Craig Common, a James Beard "Best Chefs in America" semi-finalist.
Copper Harbor
It is easy to overlook the village of Copper Harbor, Michigan’s northernmost community, where adventures begin and never end, with fantastic views of Lake Superior! Offering all the serenity at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Copper Harbor is a favorite outdoor escape for those aware of its scenic beauty, nestled between water, Fort Wilkins State Park to the east, and Hunter’s Point Township Park. This quintessential small town is partly composed of some of the oldest exposed rock in the world, second only to the Grand Canyon, hence the presence of copper throughout the area. There's no better place to start exploring than on a casual stroll along Brockway Avenue, with access points to the harbor, like from the green Third Street Memorial Park or the scenic Sixth Street Boardwalk.
Copper Harbor, rich in history, lively events, and music performances throughout the year, is also a popular “destination” for weddings and celebrations. Gratiot Street is the main thoroughfare, featuring various shops and restaurants, with trailheads that often start and end at the local microbrewery. The tranquil “Bernard” Street is a designated pedestrian and bicycle route along the greater Hunter’s Point Pathway, inviting you for a full day of exploration. It feels like time slows in Copper Harbor, home to under 100 year-round residents, allowing you to savor every moment among the friendly locals, genuine Upper Peninsula hospitality, and the postcard-like setting for adventures—three hundred and sixty-five days a year! Don't miss Haven Falls or Eagle River Falls, as well as the Astor House Museum, Brockway Mountain Drive, and the Historic Fort.
Dexter
Dexter, an award-winning hub of recreation, is nestled among so many rivers and trails, such as the Border-to-Border Trail, that it is no wonder this town is overlooked! Offering a wide variety of activities for every level, visitors can engage in biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with numerous local parks throughout. Situated along the banks of the Huron River and Mill Creek, Dexter's expansive sidewalks and extensive trails provide scenic views while connecting you to cultural hotspots like the Cider Mill, Farmers Market, and Library. Don't miss its historical sites to discover Dexter, dating back to its founding in 1824.
Located only 10 miles northwest of Ann Arbor, this environmentally conscious town welcomes city dwellers to experience life on the green side with access to modern comforts such as shopping and dining. As it turns two centuries old this year, there is no better time to visit Dexter than in 2024 to celebrate the long, rich history of the “Mill Creek Settlement,” its original name. Just an hour by car from Detroit, this charming small town feels a world away at any time of the year, ideal for a family escape, a fun weekend with friends, or for couples looking to unwind over picnics at Dexter-Huron Metropark or in the quaint shopping district before enjoying the sunset by the waterfront.
Escanaba
The quintessential town of Escanaba, unique in Michigan, boasts a strategic location along the Bays de Noc in the Upper Peninsula. It is a wintertime destination from December through March, offering comfortable temperatures for snow play and ice skating, celebrating a truly white Christmas, and ringing in the New Year! The friendly town, home to passionate locals and an exuberant atmosphere, is spectacular for exploration on snowshoes along quiet wooded trails, snowmobiling, and visiting warm local breweries for craft beverages afterward. Escanaba's wineries are a year-round destination, featuring Michigan-made wines, like the popular Northern Sun Winery or a summertime visit to Leigh's Garden Winery.
With numerous unique shops, retail therapy is a local pastime, while the town's museums make for great date ideas. Local hotspots and stories on the streets captivate and highlight memorable scenery for a fun escape. Escanaba, a town in Delta County, boasts some of the best shorelines in the country, from the Bays de Noc to the freshwater rivers of Ford River and Rapid River, all hosting 20,000 species of fish such as walleye, salmon, and bass. Golf is another popular activity, with Sage Run Golf Club and Sweetgrass Golf Club available, while Gladstone Golf Club and Escanaba Country Club are welcoming to newcomers.
Lexington
The charming town of Lexington, known as Michigan's "First Resort North," is the perfect destination for the summer of 2024. Tiny and underrated yet beloved, it offers a beach escape from your dreams, with some of the state's best waterfront scenery for both adventures and relaxation along the soft sands, all without the crowds. Just an hour and a half drive from Detroit and only 30 minutes from Port Huron, there's something for the whole family to enjoy here on the east side of Michigan’s Thumb. Begin your day with out-of-this-world sunrises before heading to lounge at the beach, starting at Lexington Coffee Co., a short walk from your lodging and popular shops, for a cold brew or an iced latte.
The popular beach at Tierney Park offers a full day of summer activities, from a swimming area to playgrounds, restrooms, beach volleyball, and shaded picnic areas. Some rocky spots along the beach provide fun opportunities for climbing and photo shoots, as well as beachcombing for lasting souvenirs from the sea's treasure trove. After washing off the sand at the rinse-off station near the parking lot, take a stroll through the park. Just south, the Lexington State Harbor is ideal for enjoying seafaring vistas, watching the sunset, or marveling at stunning views of the Lake Huron sunrise the following morning. With easy access to friendly downtown district shops, you’ll quickly fall in love with Lexington!
Manchester
Underrated but not forgotten, Manchester stands as one of the most historic and beautiful towns in the Midwest, captivating visitors with its rich heritage and enchanting architecture from the mid-1800s. Founded in 1826, during the presidency of John Quincy Adams, the town flourished with charming streets and a community-minded spirit. Today, it celebrates even simple neighborhood picnics with the grandeur of the Fourth of July. Whether attracted by the timeless vibes or a special event, families enjoy lovely parks, exciting outdoor activities, and various events like the annual canoe races, making one wonder why this town remains underrated.
Its most famous event, the Manchester Chicken Broil, first held in 1953—the year Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne and the first color television went on sale—continues to draw crowds. The town proudly showcases its architectural heritage, welcoming visitors with five historic homes beautifully adorned in stunning holiday decor during the annual Christmas Home Tour in December, offering open tours to all. Further enriching its cultural offerings, the Riverfolk Music and Arts’ Music Series, hosted by the Manchester Blacksmith Shop, provides exquisite live music performances for visitors from across the Midwest, accompanied by local food and beverages.
Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti, a town of under 21,000 located between Ann Arbor and Detroit, is progressive, offbeat, and unjustly underrated despite its unique name. Home to an eclectic arts scene and vibrant nightlife, it offers something enticing for every taste, with locals affectionately referring to it as Ypsi. Eastern Michigan University injects a lively, youthful energy into the town, with a cultural calendar brimming with events. The town remains tranquil through the summer, offering waterfront serenity and attractions like delicious dining options and craft breweries without the crowds. Not to be missed are the Michigan Firehouse Museum and the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum.
Perfect for a weekend getaway along the Huron River, Ypsilanti's entire picturesque downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town's ambiance is amplified by its beautifully preserved districts, Depot Town and West Cross, which house some of the state's most intriguing historic sites, gorgeous architecture, modern retail, and local restaurants. From the artisan shops to upbeat cafés, the town's 19th-century architecture revolves around the towering Ypsilanti Water Tower, standing at 147 feet as the tallest and most-photographed structure in town.
Flying under the radar compared to more popular destinations, these waterfront communities dot the coast like hidden gems, offering picturesque landscapes for authentic Michigan adventures in tranquility, both on land and water.
Abounding in local hospitality, Caseville and Lexington are Lake Huron treasures, while Copper Harbor graces the shores of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area. Dexter, an award-winning hub of recreation, weaves through rivers and trails, while Escanaba, affectionately known as Esky by locals, stands out as the singular town along the Bays de Noc on this list.
