These Small Towns in Michigan Have the Best Historic Districts

The 26th state to be admitted into the Union, Michigan’s rich history is fun and fascinating to explore. While its bigger cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor are obvious places to begin your research, don’t overlook Michigan’s smaller towns. In fact, some of the best small communities in the “Great Lake State” offer the kind of insight you won’t normally find in larger cities.

Explore the charming historic districts of towns like Bellaire and Rochester and you’ll uncover no end of fun experiences relating to people and events of the past. Join us as we explore these small towns in Michigan which have the best historic districts in the state.  

Saugatuck

Set on the banks of the winding Kalamazoo River and the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is often referred to as the "Art Coast of Michigan" for its cultural vibes. Saugatuck's origins as a lumber town and port are preserved in its historic downtown core. Part of the Saugatuck Historic District, here the streets are lined with many 19th-century buildings which today house boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

For decades, artists have been drawn to Saugatuck's pretty setting as well as the renowned Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency. Nature enthusiasts also won’t be disappointed. Oval Beach with its soft sands and clear waters is ranked among the top beaches in the nation, while the nearby Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers miles of hiking trails through coastal dunes, some towering up to 200 feet.

Ypsilanti

Located mid-way between Ann Arbor and Detroit, the town of Ypsilanti is built up along the banks of the Huron River and has one of the most interesting historic districts in the state. Affectionately known as "Ypsi" to locals, the entirety of its downtown area is protected on the National Register of Historic Places and is a picturesque collection of 19th-century buildings and homes. A stand-out feature, the Ypsilanti Water Tower was built in 1890 and at 147 ft is the town's tallest and most photographed structure.

Home to Eastern Michigan University, the town boasts a vibrant arts scene with bustling cafés and an event-filled cultural calendar. Other must-visit Ypsilanti attractions include the Michigan Firehouse Museum and the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum.  

Marshall

Recognized for one of the nation’s most significant collections of 19th-century architecture, Marshall’s cobblestoned streets offer no end of fun. Stately homes, adorned with intricate Victorian detailing, can be visited during the annual Historic Home Tour. Started in the 1960s, the event gives visitors a chance to take a look at some of the town’s oldest homes, some dating back to before the first settlers and the Civil War period.

The town’s best photo opportunity is undoubtedly its charming central square (or circle). Here you’ll find a number of pf pleasant benches to relax on, as well as the picturesque Brooks Memorial Fountain. Other highlights include the fascinating American Museum of Magic, home to a large collection of magic memorabilia.

Bellaire

Located in the northern part of the state and only a short drive from the shores of Lake Michigan, don’t be deceived by Bellaire’s small size. Despite having a population hovering at just above the 1,000 mark, this quaint town dates back to the late 19th century when it served as a hub for lumbering and milling industries. The architectural remnants of this bygone era linger, and a walk through the streets of Bellaire will reveal many beautifully preserved 19th and early 20th-century buildings. You can learn more about the town at the Bellaire Area Historical Museum.

Enjoy the great outdoors? The town is also the gateway to the scenic Chain of Lakes, a serpentine waterway that stitches together a series of lakes and rivers that ultimately connect to Lake Michigan.

Frankenmuth

Affectionately dubbed "Michigan’s Little Bavaria" for its large number of descendants from Germany, Frankenmuth’s forward-looking town planners have done an excellent job of preserving the town’s heritage. Frankenmuth’s Historic Preservation District encapsulates much of the downtown core and its surrounding neighborhoods, with many references to its first German settlers.

The town hosts numerous events to celebrate this unique heritage, with its Oktoberfest celebrations being a notable highlight. Feeling festive? Among Frankenmuth’s most iconic establishments is the world-famous Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, reputedly the world's largest Christmas store.

Holland

From Germany to The Netherlands… welcome to Holland (the town, not the country!). Holland, MI, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa and is justifiably proud of its Dutch heritage. Founded in 1847, the influences of these first Dutch settlers are everywhere evident, from its annual Tulip Time Festival to its architecture. Drawing visitors from across the globe, the tulip festival features millions of tulips, a spectacle matched by traditional dance performances and parades.

The downtown district, with its cobblestone streets and Dutch architecture, is brimming with boutique shops, and eateries, and the Holland Museum is a must-visit. The De Zwaan windmill is perhaps Holland’s most distinguished historic landmark. This authentic 250-year-old Dutch windmill was built in The Netherlands and transported here where it was faithfully reconstructed in the 1960s. It’s still operating and serves as a working mill that produces stone-ground flour which you can buy and take home with you.

Petoskey

Petoskey is another Lake Michigan town that deserves to be explored. Start your adventure in Petoskey's Gaslight District. Named after its vintage gas-powered lampposts, this delightful historic district boasts tree-lined streets and well-preserved Victorian buildings housing local craft shops and galleries. The town is also renowned for the Petoskey stone, Michigan's state stone. These fossilized coral stones, when polished, reveal a pattern of sunburst-like figures that make them popular souvenirs.

If you’re here for the day, try to hang around until nightfall. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular sunsets over Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. Petoskey State Park is another great sunset spot and features sandy beaches and spectacular dune formations.

The Final Word

Despite being one of the newer US states, Michigan isn’t without its interesting landmarks. Many of the best of these can in fact be seen in the well-preserved historic districts of towns like Marshall and Saugatuck and make for fun day trips or weekend getaways. Spend a little time reading through this list of the best small towns in Michigan which have attractive historic districts for ideas and inspiration.