These 10 Towns in Michigan Have Bustling Main Streets
While they may not have the glitz and glamor of their big-city counterparts, the small towns in Michigan have unique flair and character that many travelers can relate to. Quiet and laid-back, these lovely localities may look sleepy until you reach the downtown core. The aura is different along the main street, inviting you to uncover hidden histories, partake in long-held local traditions, sample delicious farm-to-table cuisine, and interact with friendly residents. At the heart of these bustling towns, commerce and culture thrive.
The towns of the Great Lakes State have stand-out commercial districts, beaming with locally owned stores, mouthwatering dishes, and festivals throughout the year. From admiring Bavarian-style architecture on the walkable streets of Frankenmuth to immersing in the arts in Petoskey's Gaslight District, they all showcase a revitalized small-town appeal along their main drags.
Marquette
This Upper Peninsula gem on the picturesque shores of Lake Superior promises first-timers the ideal small-town experience with exciting urban luxuries. Home to Northern Michigan University, a youthful demeanor around the city encourages tourists to discover the vibrant main drag, lined with diverse local businesses. Craft brews are part of Marquette's culture, and visiting Blackrocks Brewery on 3rd Street for a pint will give you a good idea. Tourists have ample opportunities to leave with a piece of the Upper Peninsula, from shopping at Beth Millner Jewelry on nearby Washington Street to browsing creative pieces at Zero Degrees Artist Gallery.
The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market injects cheer into the lively district as local farmers and crafters lay out their assorted merchandise and produce on 3rd Street. Finally, the shopping district is a lazy stroll away from the Marquette Maritime Museum and the beautiful Lake Superior shoreline.
Traverse City
Traverse City has a nice downtown district with 19th-century brick storefronts, where dozens of shops, galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores culminate in a lively neighborhood. Shopping and dining opportunities abound at the Eleventh Street’s Village at Grand Traverse Commons, a restored 19th-century hospital complex currently hosting boutiques and eateries. Wining is a crucial part of the Traverse City community, and visitors are invited to sample this relatable culture at Chateau Grand Traverse. While at it, don't forget to explore the local art scene by touring the Dennos Museum Center on College Drive.
When you need a break from the Main Street bustle, Lake Michigan beaches are not too far away. With the right shoes, you can walk to Clinch Park and enjoy a secluded and serene setting overlooking the lake's clear waters.
Petoskey
Petoskey is famous for its Historic Gaslight District, which has existed for over a century and ranks among Michigan's best shopping hubs. Boutiques, independent shops, galleries, and restaurants dominate the corridor, making it a tourist hotspot. Retail therapy enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, from shopping for produce at the Old Town Emmet Farm Market on Anderson Road and crafts at Somebody's Gallery to wines and gift items at Thunder Bay Winery & Regalo Luxury Gifts at walking distance. Visitors can catch a moving show on stage inside Mitchell Street’s Crooked Tree Arts Center, where the atmosphere is always welcoming.
Inspecting downtown Petoskey offers an opportunity to discover the community's storied heritage, which has impressively been preserved, as presented by the Little Traverse History Museum. Finally, be sure to wander into the tranquil setting of Bayfront Park for unmatched Lake Michigan views.
Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City is at the tip of the Lower Peninsula, not far from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This tiny village of less than 1,000 residents oozes rustic charm, evident from the wealth of historical markers around the downtown region. Colonial Michilimackinac is an excellent example, an 18th-century fort and trading village with various artifacts and archives about local history on Huron Avenue. However, tourists can get a deeper perspective of the region's past by visiting the Mackinaw Area Historical Society Heritage Village on Central Avenue.
The district has a couple of delightful shopping opportunities, with Mackinaw Crossings hosting over 50 specialty shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The complex is always teeming with tourists savoring the many opportunities on offer. From downtown, you can also soak up stunning vistas of the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
Saugatuck
Small-town appeal and laid-back personality draw vacationers to this little gem of Allegan County. Saugatuck has less than 1,000 permanent residents, who make up a tight-knit community that takes pride in its local culture. This is clear when you walk around the pleasant downtown area dotted with homegrown businesses. Townsfolk demonstrate their appreciation for the arts at several venues, highlighted by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and Amazwi Contemporary Art, both on Culver Street.
A fair share of restaurants ensures no empty stomachs in the city; you can find sumptuous Southern-style dishes at The Southerner. If you are looking for a casual shopping experience, move towards Butler Street, where the Butler Pantry sells assorted homeware, including cooking, serving, and baking items. Finally, Mount Baldhead Park provides a quiet escape where you can commune with nature.
Holland
Travel magazines rank Holland among the prettiest towns in Michigan, and visitors will understand why upon setting foot in the city. This friendly community, steeped in Dutch heritage, welcomes newcomers with open arms. It boasts a walkable downtown region where its rich character and culture shine brightly. Shopping at Holland Farmers Market on 8th Street is a prime opportunity to mingle with the locals and sample their farm-fresh produce. The same street is home to the Holland Area Arts Council, where you can get cultured by browsing various art forms by the area's creative community.
Stopping by Our Brewing Company reveals a bustling craft brewery scene in a friendly establishment where residents gather for tasty homemade crafts. You can't miss the historic windmill rising above the downtown skyline at Veldheer Tulip Gardens. The small oasis on Quincy Street is perfect for lazy walks and meditation.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven's delightful downtown is a short walk from the shores of Lake Michigan, providing easy access to sandy beaches. Visitors enjoy relaxed walks along a historic boardwalk leading to two picturesque red lighthouses that are a photographer's dream. Several downtown museums let you in on the community's colorful heritage. Along Washington Avenue, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum harbors curious exhibits chronicling regional history dating back to the Native American and pioneer periods. The street has dozens of independent shops, boutiques, and eateries, inviting newcomers to sample tasty craft brews at Odd Side Ales.
The Grand Haven Farmers Market brings cheer and activity to the downtown district as locals and foreigners unite during a bustling day to trade. Don't finish the experience without enjoying the magical spectacle at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain.
Birmingham
Birmingham is about 20 miles from Detroit. Although it is a far cry from the flashy and over-the-top Motor City, its vibrant downtown area offers a distinct taste of its urban personality. Visitors enjoy everything from dining and shopping to gaming opportunities. Woodward Avenue hosts top local attractions, including Birmingham Village Players, where enthusiasts catch riveting stage performances. It is also home to the Birmingham Farmers Market and Birmingham 8, exciting stops for those looking to shop for local produce and watch the latest movies.
When you work up an appetite, restock with scrumptious seafood at adorable Hazel's on Peabody Street.
Brighton
Downtown Brighton has a rustic, yesteryear appeal that delicately blends with its contemporary side, expressed through a bustling mix of restaurants, galleries, pubs, gaming centers, and boutiques. The district is a beehive of activities and presents numerous casual dining opportunities along Main Street establishments like Captain’s on Main and El Arbol Taqueria. The Artisan's Bench links guests to the local arts community by inviting them to browse a collection of jewelry, pottery, and other handcrafted items by regional creatives.
Tourists can enjoy fun gaming opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends. Find these at the Arcade or Brighton Bowl on Grand River Avenue. Lastly, craft brewery lovers should consider heading back to Main Street to Brewery Becker for a pint or two.
Frankenmuth
Between its Bavarian-style architecture and traditional German cuisine, first-timers quickly pick out Frankenmuth's European flair. This is enhanced by the ease of walking around the beautiful downtown area, allowing visitors to explore the lively Main Street comfortably. It houses noteworthy points of interest, led by the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. This is an excellent site to learn about the community's origins. Meanwhile, the Frankenmuth Farmers Market delivers a rich cultural experience where visitors can interact and talk with local farmers as they shop for produce and crafts.
Shoppers will enjoy browsing the different retail brands and boutiques at the Frankenmuth River Place Shops, which promises a wholesome retail therapy experience. Finally, you can't leave the town without tasting the authentic German flavors served at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.
While visitors may initially be drawn to small towns in Michigan by natural attractions or a sense of quiet serenity, it is along the Main Streets where lasting impressions genuinely emerge. The heart and soul of these communities beats vibrantly through locally owned shops, restaurants, and cultural activities that bring residents together. Whether discovering Michigan's European connection in the bustling streets of Holland or sampling scrumptious seafood in Birmingham's trendy eateries, spending time in the downtown cores reveals the true character and community pride that makes each town different.
