These 7 Towns Are Michigan's Best-Kept Secret
In 2023, Michigan welcomed a record-breaking 128.3 million tourists, proof that more people are discovering just how beautiful this state is. But with so many visitors flocking in, where do the locals go on vacation? Some of the state's smallest towns, each with fewer than 10,000 residents, hold the answer. With volcanic shorelines, historic lighthouses, and Bavarian festivals, some of these destinations will surprise even the lifelong Michiganders.
St. Joseph
St. Joseph is one of Lake Michigan’s lake resort towns, attracting cross-country skiers in the winter and sailers and kayakers in the summer. St. Patrick’s County Park is a popular spot to cross-country ski, offering more than six miles of trails. Those wanting to get on the water can rent a kayak or standup paddleboard with Third Coast Paddling, located along the scenic Silver Beach. Strolling along Tiscornia Beach, travelers will spot two historic lighthouses along the shoreline: These lighthouses, known as the North Pier Lighthouses, are over a century old and are part of the National Register of Historic Places, Travelers can visit them from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year.
Leland
Lying on the Leelanau Peninsula, Leland is on a narrow strip of land between Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan. There are several beaches to explore, including Van’s Beach, along Lake Michigan near downtown Leland, and Nedow’s Bay Beach on Lake Leelanau, which features a boat launch, dock, and picnic area. For an unbeatable view of Lake Michigan, visitors can hike the Whaleback Natural Area, a challenging trail set within a 40-acre preserve. After the hike, reward yourself with a chocolate peanut butter waffle, a slice of chocolate pie, or a cup of hot cocoa from Great Lakes Chocolate & Cafe, conveniently located on South Main Street.
Mackinac Island
While cars are a staple of life in the United States, travelers can escape the sound of engines on Mackinac Island, where bikes and horse-drawn carriages take their place. Over 125 years ago, the island banned “horseless carriages”, a ban that remains in effect today. Travelers can immerse themselves in this car-free culture by reserving a tour with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, which will lead passengers on a guided trip through the island, stopping at highlights like Arch Rock, Surrey Hills, and Fort Mackinac.
Visitors should make sure to dedicate a part of their trip to exploring Fort Mackinac up close, a military outpost founded during the American Revolution that is now the oldest surviving building in Michigan. To make their experience on Mackinac even more historic, visitors can stay in Cloghaun Bed and Breakfast, which is housed in one of the oldest Victorian homes on the island. Each room is elegantly furnished with antique items, and the inn serves a full breakfast each morning.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck sits along Michigan’s “Art Coast,” a region known for its lively and active arts community. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a hub for the town’s creative scene, hosting live plays, concerts, musicals, and art exhibitions all under one roof. After enjoying a live event at the arts center, travelers can stroll through downtown Saugatuck, popping into its many art galleries, such as the Jeff Blandford Gallery, known for its innovative ceramics, and the J. Petter Galleries, which showcases fine art from a wide variety of artists. On a sunny day, consider having a picnic in one of Saugatuck’s green spaces, such as Coghlin Park, a waterfront park that has a large picnic shelter and a grassy lawn that overlooks Lake Kalamazoo.
Copper Harbor
Copper Harbor, located along Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, truly flies under the radar with a population of just 100 residents. However, travelers will find true treasures surrounding this town, including volcanic shorelines and mixed boreal forests. Throughout the many hiking paths near Copper Harbor, travelers will be able to appreciate these volcanic outcroppings. Hunter’s Point Park is a popular hiking option, with generally flat terrain, making it perfect for a laid-back hike or snowshoeing excursion. Copper Harbor is also a hotspot for numerous bird species, such as bald eagles, herring gulls, Great horned owls, and the Pileated woodpecker, with Fort Wilkins Historic State Park being just one spot to birdwatch. For some fresh Lake Superior Fish, visitors can dine at the Harbor Haus Restaurant, a fine dining establishment that lies along the harbor and is open during the warmer months.
Marshall
Marshall, founded in 1830, has one of the most impressive historic districts in Michigan. As they meander through town, travelers will encounter numerous historic landmarks, including the Gothic-style First Baptist Church, built in 1851 and the oldest church in Marshall, and the Greek Revival-style Old Stone Barn, which dates back to 1857. Travelers can further immerse themselves in this history by staying at the National House Inn Bed and Breakfast, which was built in 1835 and is the oldest brick building still standing in the county. Those looking for a quirky museum can visit the American Museum of Magic, which showcases the lives of renowned magicians from around the world and houses the country’s largest collection of magic artifacts.
Frankenmuth
Where do Michigan residents go when they want an international experience? Many head to Frankenmuth, fondly known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”. For some authentic German cuisine, visitors should head to the Bavarian Inn, which serves dishes like wiener schnitzel and Frankenmuth’s famed chicken dinners. The Bavarian Belle Riverboat, starting up services in May, offers an excellent way to explore the Cass River, which takes passengers aboard a charming paddlewheel riverboat. Each summer, the Bavarian Festival attracts countless visitors to Frankenmuth, celebrating its German culture with polka bands, German entertainers, and a Friday Night Street Party.
As Michigan gains recognition as a top U.S. travel destination, visitors have plenty of beautiful towns to explore. But for those seeking a more laid-back experience, whether surrounded by nature, art, or great food, these seven towns offer a perfect alternative. American Revolution-era forts, cozy 19th-century inns, and paddlewheel riverboat tours differentiate these towns from some of their neighbors, offering you a travel experience in Michigan like no other.
