20 Small Towns In Michigan You Must Visit

Are you wondering which small towns in Michigan you should visit?s.

These small towns in Michigan are full of amazing architecture, beautiful beaches, and incredible scenery.

They offer something for everyone.

In autumn, the colors in Michigan are incredible.

Summers are memorable.

Winter shows this state in a whole new light, and spring is just delightful.

Here are the best towns in Michigan you will want to visit.

You might also be interested in 16 Best Beaches in Michigan.

20 Small Towns In Michigan You Must Visit

St. Joseph For Its Great Beaches

This port town in southwest Michigan is on a stretch known as “The Riviera of the Midwest.” 

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan at the mouth of St. Joseph River, it has two incredible beaches, Silver Beach and Lions Beach..

You will find hiking and biking trails, incredible views, and the fishing around here is said to be great.

The beach also has a restored 1910 carousel and a pavilion.

The incredible sand dunes are really worth exploring.

There are also some great lighthouses to visit, and you will find some of the nation’s finest orchards and vineyards in this area.

Frankenmuth Is The “Little Bavaria”

Known for its Bavarian-style architecture, Frankenmuth is not surprisingly known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria”.

It’s considered by most to be one of the top travel destinations in Michigan.

This town relies on its Germanic heritage with German beers, festivals, and going all out at Christmas.

The town is beautiful with fresh flowers on every corner and a picture-perfect view wherever you look.

The town has it all, history, beauty, and culture with a side of shopping, eating and drinking.

One of the unique and interesting towns in Michigan.

Harbor Springs, A Charming Waterfront Town

This charming waterfront town is on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay and is a beautiful town.

It offers a deep fresh-water harbor in the Great Lakes, and an abundance of incredible restaurants,

You will also find lots to do, such as swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and golf if that’s your thing.  

Mackinac Island To Get Away From It All

Mackinac Island allows no cars and no chain hotels, so it really is a unique place.

Ranked as a Top 10 U.S. Island by TripAdvisor and USA Today, one trip here and you will see why.

You can only reach the island by ferry or plane.

Walking or riding a horse-drawn carriage are the two main ways to get around.

Nature here really delivers with forests, interesting rock formations with names like Devil’s Kitchen and Eagle Point.

Oh, and it has caves.

Mackinac Island is known as America’s Fudge Capital and the air here is always full of this sweet smell.

The downtown area is also full of unique shopping experiences.

This Michigan town really is an unforgettable experience.

Petoskey Is A Victorian Gem

Petoskey is known for its clean air and open spaces; it’s a place that demands you relax.

It’s also home to Michigan’s most famous ski slopes

Nestled along the shores of  Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, it is steeped in history.

A visit here is like stepping back in time, and you might like that slower pace. 

There is lots to do depending on the season you visit.

Saugatuck, An All-American Experience

Saugatuck was named one of the  “10 All-Star American Beach Towns” by Coastal Living Magazine.

It offers that quintessential all-American small-town experience and has a lot to offer.

The beach here is beautiful, and the town has an extensive art and culinary scene.

For those who have a bit more energy, there are lots of hiking and state park trails around here.

Often referred to as the art coast of Michigan, this destination is a top destination for artists and art lovers.

Towns In Michigan: Birmingham, North Of Detroit

Birmingham is in Oakland County and is a northern suburb of Detroit located along the Woodward Corridor. 

It’s the perfect mix of ambiance, arts, entertainment, and outdoor space with over 20 parks to enjoy.

The city center is pedestrian-friendly, and it calls itself a place to “live, shop, and play”. If you want your town with a little more life, head to Birmingham.

The town also has a wooded trail system that you can enjoy on bike or foot.

Towns In Michigan: Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.

Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.

Bay City Is Magical And Majestic

This waterfront Michigan town is on the state’s eastern shoreline near the base of the Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron.  

People often describe this town as majestic and magical, and it really is. The tall, majestic old sailing ships add to the ambiance.

There are lots of things to do here, from exploring the shoreline, swimming in the bay, or enjoying the Great Lakes.

And for the romantic kind, a dinner or stargazer cruise might just do the job.

Munising Is The Gateway To Adventure

Munising is a small town in Michigan located in Alger County, referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’.

It is one of the most scenic areas of Michigan.  This Michigan town offers something different depending on the season you visit.

Considered one of the best towns for fall travel, it makes a great base for exploring the local area.

Pictured Rocks, Horseshoe Falls, and Hiawatha National Forest are all within easy driving distance.

Things to do in this area include snowmobiling, boating, fishing, kayaking, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and golfing.

Towns In Michigan: Ontonagon For The Outdoor Enthusiast

Located at the mouth of the Ontonagon River on Lake Superior, this is one of the towns in Michigan that has everything to offer the outdoor enthusiast. 

The terrain is rugged, the views grand, the forests old, and the waterfalls spectacular.  

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has 60,000 acres of virgin forest and is home to one of the most scenic spots in all of Michigan. Lake of Clouds. 

The clear, crisp waters of Lake Superior and miles of accessible beaches and shoreline are options!.

The fly fishing on the rivers is said to be perfect.

There is also the historic Ontonagon Lighthouse to visit. and self-guided trails to old mining sites on the Union Mine Scenic Trail.

Also, the restored hand-hewn log cabins at the Victoria Copper Mine are waiting for those who like a bit of history.

Copper Harbor Is Remote But Not Boring

Copper Harbor all-season resort town in Michigan in northeastern Keweenaw County.

If you enjoy history you can learn a lot about the copper boom here.

This town is located the furthest distance from any U.S. Interstate Highway.

The Gateway to Isle Royale National Park starts here.

Park with a daily passenger ferry service on the Isle Royale Queen during the season. 

 Fort Wilkins State Park, a once-active military outpost, is also well worth a trip.

Please be advised there is no cell phone here; you really are in the middle of nowhere.

Take a scenic sunset cruise on Lake Superior, scuba dive the Keweenaw Underwater Preserve.

As well as sightseeing and lighthouse tours.

Ludington: A Town With Two Lighthouses

Removed from the hustle and bustle, you will find Ludington, a harbor town on Lake Michigan.

You can visit miles of clear sandy beaches and have lots of opportunities to swim, fish, go boating, and ski in the winter.

And you don’t just get one lighthouse to explore, you get two! 

This is a great town in Michigan to come and get away from it all while still having everything you need.

You might also be interested in 11 Coolest Lighthouses In Michigan

South Haven, A Town In Michigan With Charm

South Haven is a port town at the mouth of the Black River. 

It’s a mix of beautiful beaches, award-winning wineries, incredible places to eat, and beautiful surroundings.

The downtown area offers unique shops and restaurants, and is easy to walk around.

You will find lots of maritime history here, and the arts and culture scene is just the cherry on top.

There are also some great golf courses, biking trails, and stunningly beautiful nature trails.

South Haven is one of the blueberry capitals of the US and has a national blueberry festival.

This little quaint town in Michigan never fails to surprise.

Traverse City, Where Mother Nature Really Shines

Traverse City is the largest city in the 21-county Northern Michigan region.

It’s a playground for winter sports and beckons visitors year-round to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of sophistication.

And the downtown complements it, offering up its tree-shaded Victorian walkways full of diverse cuisine, unique shopping, and great culture.

This area is also known for producing tart cherries and the city’s ever-growing beer and wine scene!

This Michigan small town offers a lot.

Jackson Is A Place For Art Lovers

Jackson has a lot to offer and seems to strike the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. 

You will find culture, beauty, outdoor fun, and an eclectic art scene.

With art, museums, trails, and shopping, there is always something to do here.

And those of you who love fishing and golfing are also in luck.

It is also home to the Bright Walls Mural Public Art and Mural Festival,

showcasing murals in downtown Jackson created by artists from around the world.

This is the Michigan town to go to if you want nature, nourishment, and culture.

Covington For Its Finnish Music Festival

Covington is best known for its annual Finnish music festival, where musicians play Finnish songs on Finnish instruments.

If you haven’t guessed yet, this town was settled by mostly Finnish & French immigrants.

They play on the history in this town, and the museum documents early life here.

The scenery around here is also truly stunning and if you come in fall the colors are outstanding.

The Finnish flair makes this one of the interesting towns in Michigan, not to skip!

Towns In Michigan: Plymouth With Lots Of Parks

About 25 miles east of Detroit, Plymouth gives you the small-town feeling while still being in the thick of it.

You will find spacious parks, a vibrant downtown, and some picture-perfect neighborhoods.

It also holds the Plymouth Ice Festival in January, well worth a visit.

There is a lot to do here, from the historical museum to the farmers’ market.

Art, history, entertainment, golf, and outdoor activities all mix to make this Michigan town well worth visiting.

Northville Has Old Town, Michigan Charm

Timeless charm mixed with modern life in Northville. It is located 17 miles from Ann Arbor.

Northville mixes small-town living with the pretty countryside, and it makes a relaxing, beautiful escape.

You will find tree-lined neighborhoods featuring historic homes, a historic downtown, unique shops,

and as much to keep you entertained as you will need.

Towns In Michigan: Elk Rapids Has A Great Harbor

Elk Rivers is a unique town offering charm, ambiance, and scenery in abundance.

The sandy shores, quaint small-town feel, and unique restaurants attract visitors both locally and further afield.

Grace Memorial Harbor is one of the best in the area, and the town is charming with unique shops and restaurants.

You will also find some great places to swim, fish, and play golf.

This really is a bit of a hidden gem and of the best small towns in Michigan for you to discover!.

Towns In Michigan: Houghton With Its Old Architecture

Located on the Keweenaw Peninsula, in winter, this town becomes a winter wonderland and is popular with winter sports enthusiasts.

It’s a great place to visit whatever the season, with beautiful scenery and numerous inland lakes and streams.

This town in Michigan is known for its turn-of-the-century Jacobsville sandstone buildings.

The Mineral Range Railroad Depot has been beautifully restored. 

There are also several beautiful parks to stroll around, and you have to try thimbleberry jam, made from local berries!