The Most Picturesque Small Towns In Michigan

Granted, downtown Detroit is definitely an architectural marvel with some grand lobbies. However, sometimes, one wants to explore smaller towns since they tend to be way more quaint and charming. Fortunately, the Mitten State is filled with just such gems. There is St. Joseph, for instance, a Southwest Michigan jewel filled with hidden treasures—and East Grand Rapids, which features heart-warming waterfront views of Reeds Lake. But that is not all. Discover ten Michigan towns that are stunningly picturesque.

St. Joseph

St. Joseph reclines along the shores of Lake Michigan, about 85 miles Southwest of Grand Rapids. Brick streets usher first-time visitors downtown, a tasty space dotted with casual restaurants, chic boutiques, and other locally owned shops. Pop inside Caffè Tosi for a granola cookie, tuna salad, or margarita pizza — amid a fantastic atmosphere and classy music. St. Joseph is a beach lover’s get-away, and while one will be spoilt for choice, Silver Beach is known for its soft and clean sand and is a favorite of many beachgoers. This beach has a safe and spacious playground and water so clear as to be nearly transparent. Spend some time at Kiwanis Park, hit up John & Dede Howard Trail, which features beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and have some fun at Eagle Point Harbor, arguably the best marina on the river.

East Grand Rapids

Expect tons of old, classic homes at East Grand Rapids, heart-warming waterfront views of Reeds Lake — and top-notch access to disc golf courses. East Grand Rapids is a heartbeat from Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city. Explore the Gaslight Village business district, whose shops stock unique items that are hard to find in malls and other big box stores. Just around the corner, Rose’s is a historic eatery with a lakeside view. It offers Mediterranean, Italian, and casual American eats. A beautiful setting on Reed Lake and a large patio and outdoor deck - all make eating here an enjoyable experience.

To sniff some fresh, playful air, the paved 4.2-mile Reeds Lake Trail meanders through natural wooded areas and should pique the interest of an outdoor lover. Do not miss Jersey Junction, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that offers 28 flavors of locally made Hudsonville ice cream.

Ishpeming

Although a bit under the radar and not as appreciated as it should be, Ishpeming will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. Factoring architecture and natural scenery alone, few Michigan towns can hold a candle to Ishpeming, an Upper Peninsula town, once a center for iron-mining activities. Today, Ishpeming — Chippewa for “high grounds” — is a top-notch ski resort. It hosts an international ski-jumping tournament every year, an event that typically takes place at the UP Nordic Ski Complex, also home to the renowned Suicide Bowl.

A first-time visitor will enjoy soaking in Ishpeming’s long history of ski jumping at the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame & Museum. However, if infatuated with delicious waterfront views, there is Lake Bacon to spend some time on — as well as Lake Bancroft, Lake Angeline, and Lake Sally. A short drive from downtown Ishpeming, Lawry's Pasty Shop offers traditional pasty with a flaky crust.

Harbor Springs

Do you want to explore a town that makes you feel like you are on a set of a TV show? Head out to Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, where Harbor Springs reclines like a luxurious first-class airline seat, seemingly oblivious of its quaint charm and small-town feel. Nub's Nob Ski Resort is in the area, a big-time favorite among Upper Peninsula skiers and snowboarders. Harbor Springs plays host to a nice marina that offers the deepest anchorage in the northern Great Lakes.

Sit down to a plate of some delicious whitefish at Stafford's Pier Restaurant, which has excellent outdoor seating overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. Alternatively, Paper Station Bistro, though small, is well-known for its finger-licking burgers, onion rings, and fries. While a history lover will want to make a detour to the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society — an art lover will lose all sense of time at the Tvedten Fine Art Gallery, which displays works by local and regional artists.

Frankfort

Frankfort is a story-book town that sits on the glittering waters of Lake Michigan. The Frankfort lighthouse, one of the town’s defining attractions, has stood on the harbor since 1912. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, the largest freshwater dune system on the planet, is within smelling distance of Frankfort. If you are into the brewing scene, Storm Cloud Brewing Company is a casual spot known for Belgian-style craft beer and flatbread pizza.

Enjoy the best in the art world at the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts, a modern art center housed in a converted Coast Guard building. One can float down Betsie Lake, walk out on the pier, especially at night — or just lounge on the beach the whole day with a good read.

Grand Marais

A picturesque jewel along the Lake Superior shoreline, Grand Marais is hands-down among the most beautiful towns in Michigan. Aside from being the gateway to the eastern entrance of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the site of hulking cliffs, sandy beaches, and hundreds of miles of peaceful trails, Grand Marais provides access to the Sable Falls (and its scenic trails), Grand Sable Lake (and its scenic overlook), and the small but beautiful Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner Lighthouse.

The lighthouse is a great place just to sit and contemplate, enjoy the smell of water, and hear the birds call out. Many also take the drive between Grand Marais and Munising, which is no doubt one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest. Spend the night at Voyageurs Motel, especially in a room facing West Bay and Lake Superior. Alternatively, Woodland Park is a quiet and lovely campground. It also overlooks Lake Superior.

Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth is known as Michigan's Little Bavaria and draws hordes of visitors every year who love its old-world atmosphere and family-style chicken dinners. It would be a mistake not to do the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, a thrilling escapade that comes with lovely views of Frankenmuth's scenic Cass River, especially from the canopied open-air upper deck. Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, which claims to be the world's largest holiday shop, is a great place to buy reasonably priced custom ornaments.

Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, smack in the middle of town, provides many cheese spread options, various candies, and kitchen gadgets. Do not miss Frankenmuth Brewery either, which overlooks Cass River and serves melt-in-the-mouth pretzels. This is America's oldest microbrewery.

Saugatuck

A small but picturesque town of fewer than 1,000 residents, Saugatuck is known for its thriving art scene and award-winning beaches. Midwest Living Magazine, for instance, in 2020 named Saugatuck as Michigan’s Best Beach Town. One will want to cruise the Kalamazoo River, shop on Butler Street, climb more than 300 stairs to reach the sandy summit of Mount Baldhead, or bike along the paved Blue Star Trail, a shared-use recreational trail that connects people and communities from Saugatuck to South Haven, Michigan.

Art pores from nearly every open space here, including from the many sculptures that dot the downtown area, the summer lineup of film and music festivals, and the eye-catching exhibits that fill more than 30 galleries.

Ludington

Any artist will want to paint Ludington, a Michigan eye candy nestled on the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. Walk the pier to North Breakwater Lighthouse, the town’s focal point and a much sought-after attraction. One can linger here for a magical sunset — or wave at the S.S. Badger car ferry as it glides out onto Lake Michigan. Alternatively, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, which juts up more than 100 feet, is among Michigan’s most photographed lighthouses.

Although the bass-filled Ludington State Park is an angler’s paradise, it also features three campgrounds, pretty beaches, and cascading sand dunes. To grab a bite in an awesome atmosphere, dash to The Mitten Bar in downtown Ludington. If tagging children along, include Sandcastles Children's Museum in your itinerary.

Petoskey

Rounding off this list is Petoskey, a swoon-worthy town known to cast a spell on first-time visitors. USA Today — in a recent list — confirmed what many have always known: Petoskey is among the best small towns in the Midwest. It was fourth on the list and one of only two Michigan entrees. One can stroll along the aptly named Sunset Park, inhale mouth-watering views of Lake Michigan, or explore Bear River Valley Recreation Area, a spellbinding expanse that features hulking bluffs, unpaved trails, lovely boardwalks, and whitewater rapids. With eateries such as Roast & Toast in town, there is no excuse for enduring the faintest whisper of hunger pangs.

There is much to love about Michigan. The most beautiful state east of the Mississippi is home to pretty beaches, a lovely coastline that spans more than 3,000 miles, unspoiled forests, especially in the Upper Peninsula — and more. Forget about Detroit and its grand lobbies. Michigan is also dotted with a delightful array of small towns, some of which are among the most picturesque in the nation. Stand-outs include St. Joe, Grand Marais, and Ludington.