Top 12 Michigan Towns To Visit In 2025
More than 100 million tourists travel to Michigan yearly, a trend that promises to continue in 2025. This is a credit to its diverse natural landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant cultural heritage, which accord visitors a broad range of interests for their time in the Great Lakes State. Whether looking to enjoy nature, explore living history museums, or attend engrossing cultural festivals, opportunities abound throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Beyond the legendary city of Detroit, several little-known towns offer an authentic taste of Michigan. Their slow pace of life, energetic personalities, and natural surroundings culminate in a sweet spot for those trying to escape the urban hustle for a relaxing and gratifying experience. From the infectious German flavors in Frankenmuth to the artistic charm of Saugatuck, these are the top Michigan towns to visit in 2025.
Mackinac Island
This tiny island on Lake Huron invites tourists to discover unmatched historical heritage amidst pristine natural scenery. Mackinac Island was established over two centuries ago and preserves a long list of historical markers, starting with Fort Holmes. This reconstructed fortress was initially built by the British during the War of 1812. Visitors can browse history displays and interact with costumed interpreters on the island's highest elevation. The Michigan Governor's Summer Residence is one of the most impressive buildings on Mackinac Island. Built in 1902, the opulent three-story mansion hosts guided tours of its 11 bedrooms and 9.5 baths, exposing guests to the life of a governor.
Meanwhile, outdoor lovers can visit Mackinac Island State Park to witness its magical scenery. America's second national park is characterized by stunning water views, dramatic limestone bluffs, dense forests, and peculiar geological formations, resulting in countless photo opportunities.
Marshall
This adorable municipality in Calhoun County excites newcomers with stunning architecture, a quaint museum collection, and vibrant festivals. A stroll through downtown is a trip down memory lane, with the Honolulu House Museum showcasing a breathtaking mix of Italianate and Gothic Revival styles. The mansion, constructed in 1860, boasts High Victorian decor with elaborate wall and ceiling murals. You can also check out the impressive Governor's Mansion Museum, which takes you back to the 1830s with its fine display of Greek Revival architecture.
The Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues festival is one of the most anticipated events in Marshall. It was scheduled for the last day of January 2025 at the Franke Center for the Arts and features everything from wine tastings, beer drinking, live music, and art exhibitions to ice sculpting and more. Or, for those visiting in July, don't miss the Marshall Bluegrass Festival.
South Haven
South Haven delivers an all-around tourist experience thanks to its beautiful beaches, maritime heritage, award-winning wineries, and spectacular nature. The postcard-worthy South Haven Light underscores the town's nautical history, emphasized by elaborate displays at the Michigan Maritime Museum. This quality facility has a collection of hands-on exhibits that tell an interesting story of expeditions along the Great Lakes. South Beach provides one of the many escapes for those seeking access to Lake Michigan. Its tranquil atmosphere, scenic pier, skateboard park, and water views are a draw for visiting families.
South Haven's wine scene thrives through establishments like Cogdal Vineyards. The venue crafts tasty wines and offers a unique setting close to Lake Michigan's shore. It gets even better for wine lovers during the Ice Breaker Festival in January 2025, which features more wines, ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and ice sculpting, among other activities. For summer tourists, check out the Blueberry Festival in August.
Saint Joseph
One of the most romantic Michigan towns to visit in 2025, Saint Joseph has dreamy lakefront scenery, pleasant beach space, and a fair share of family-friendly attractions. Silver Beach County Park serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, providing a clean, wide beach, a pavilion, and a picturesque pier. Meanwhile, the Curious Kids' Museum provides the ultimate family experience, where kids can explore interactive exhibits and participate in hands-on activities to stimulate their interest in culture, history, and science.
Saint Joseph houses multiple art galleries that introduce holidayers to local arts. The Box Factory for the Arts is the ideal location for culture vultures, offering four galleries with compelling art exhibits and a performance stage hosting local and regional live acts.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck is a top destination in Michigan, home to award-winning beaches, a world-class art scene, and eclectic dining experiences. Oval Beach draws most beach lovers in town and is celebrated for its fine sands, rolling dunes, and sweeping shoreline. It provides activities like sunbathing, sweeping, and adrenaline-filled dune rides. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is the local arts and culture hub, welcoming enthusiasts for an all-encompassing experience. It stages live concerts, films, plays, classes, workshops, and children's classes in a top-class venue surrounded by well-manicured gardens.
Saugatuck's trendy restaurants promise foreigners a remarkable dining experience. When hungry, you can stop by Wicks Park Bar & Grille for sumptuous American grub on a dynamic menu with dishes like shrimp tacos, chicken sandwiches, and New Orleans-style gumbo.
Frankenmuth
This German village on the banks of the Cass River welcomes travelers to experience its absorbing culture while sampling diverse points of interest. It has a charming story well-preserved at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, where first-timers can get a detailed look into the formative years through artifacts, documents, and archives about the first German settlers. While Frankenmuth is fun to visit any season, winter is particularly special because of Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. The "World's Largest Xmas Store" treats guests to an unforgettable shopping experience across its 7-acre shopping space with over 50,000 gifts and merchandise.
Additionally, Zehnder's Snowfest, in late January and early February, will bring the downtown to life with ice carvings, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and more. Those visiting in June won't want to miss the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. Finally, don't leave without trying authentic German dishes at Bavarian Inn Restaurant, featuring delicacies like sauerbraten.
Marquette
This beautiful city on the Upper Peninsula, hugging the shores of Lake Superior, is recognized for its natural beauty and vibrant downtown region. Its 83-mile shoreline harbors plenty of beach space, and South Beach Park ranks among the most favored lakeside locations. The space has a serene atmosphere, and the gentle blue waters of Lake Superior provide the right mix to unplug and decompress. Meanwhile, Presque Isle Park is a must-visit if you are up for outdoor adventure. The 323-acre sanctuary houses lush wooded trails and dramatic lakeside cliffs that you can scale for the best lake panoramas.
Downtown Marquette has an eclectic mix of businesses visitors can check to mingle with the locals. If you enjoy craft brews, the Drifa Brewing Company serves refreshing homegrown beer in a welcoming space where you can catch up with other patrons.
Traverse City
Traverse City is a hidden gem in the heart of northern Michigan, famous for being a nature lover's haven. Several beaches, including the popular West End Beach, are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or picnicking. Its sandy shoreline provides a spot to unplug from reality and revel in the gentle waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Traverse City's multiple vineyards are a testament to the region's rich wine-making culture. At Bowers Harbor Vineyards, guests enjoy remarkable tastings of 30 wines and ciders in its Old Mission Peninsula location while taking in the panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan.
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, which will run through the end of March 2025, marks the highlight of wine sampling in Traverse City. Furthermore, you can appreciate the local arts at the City Opera House by catching an entertaining concert at the 700-seater Victorian theater.
Holland
This adorable lakeside village charms travelers with its Dutch identity, hospitable locals, and outdoor opportunities. It promises an enticing cultural trip at the Veldheer Tulip Gardens, where six million sweet-scented and colorful tulips create a fantasy-like space against the backdrop of an authentic Dutch windmill. The Tulip Time Festival, scheduled for May 2025, presents the perfect opportunity to join in the local culture. It brings out friends and families to celebrate Holland's European origins through traditional dance, song, food, and other forms of entertainment.
The Holland Farmers Market allows tourists to mingle with regional farmers in a laid-back setting during a casual shopping experience. Finally, don't forget to hit the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and admire the rolling dunes at Saugatuck Dunes State Park for quality time outdoors.
Alpena
Alpena has an exciting historical heritage and artistic personality that shines through its diverse attractions. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center captures the rich nautical history attached to the town in a 9,000-square-foot center, where a shipwreck gallery, archeology lab, and theater deliver an absorbing encounter. Art enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in downtown Alpena, with the Alpena Civic Theatre staging fun-filled live shows, such as plays and concerts, to the delight of audiences. Elsewhere, those who prefer visual arts can browse an intimate gallery exhibiting national and local artists at Art in the Loft.
The Rockport State Recreation Area perfectly embodies Alpena's natural beauty. It features a deep-water harbor on the shores of Lake Huron and an old limestone quarry with several sinkholes, providing activities like swimming, hiking, and nature viewing.
Brighton
This four-season destination in Livingston County provides tourists with outdoor activities throughout the year and a delectable culinary trip. Winter travelers can access high-quality slopes at Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, home to 25 snowy trails across a 130-acre recreational terrain. It is a popular hub for skiers and snowboarders. Conversely, warm-weather visitors take refuge at the 4,000-acre Island Lake Recreation Area. This lovely nature area borers the calm waters of Kent Lake and Huron River and is dotted with mature woodlands and meadows. It offers adventurers countless opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, paddling, and more.
Lastly, don't miss the chance to sample delicious local flavors at Bourbons, which specializes in authentic Southern-style dishes, cocktails, and craft beer.
Petoskey
This close-knit village of Emmet County utilizes its beautiful natural landscapes and lively arts community to grant vacationers an unforgettable retreat. Its multiple park areas, such as Bayfront Park, present a tranquil space to relax and reconnect with nature. This 25-acre boasts a 7,800-foot shoreline you can walk along to soak up stunning views of the Little Traverse Bay. Adventurers have more reasons to step outside at the Petoskey State Park, which harbors a sandy, mile-long beach along Lake Michigan, waterside trails, and modern campgrounds.
Theater lovers converge at the Crooked Tree Arts Center for live musical shows, dance performances, and art exhibitions by local and touring artists. One of the best times for art enthusiasts in Petoskey is the July 2025 Petoskey Midsummer Art & Craft Show, which brings together award-winning crafters and artists.
Michigan's diverse attractions allow tourists to find a reason to visit the United States whenever they want to. Although many love to experience the big cities, there is much more to see and do in the little-known destinations, as shown by these Michigan towns to visit in 2025. From exciting outdoor adventures in Mackinac Island to engrossing art experiences in Saugatuck, travelers can look forward to a jam-packed itinerary revealing hidden charm in the Great Lakes State.
