Michigan truly has it all, from exciting cities to gorgeous natural wonders to abundant water fun along the Great Lakes coastline. Among its many attractions, this Midwestern state boasts a number of charming towns on two peninsulas. These small destinations (each with a population of less than 10,000) are filled with beautiful scenery, charming hotels, and family-friendly outdoor adventures.
If you’re planning a trip to the Wolverine State, here are the 13 best small towns in Michigan.
leland
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With a population of less than 500 people, Leland has a significant tourism impact for such a small town. Located in Michigan’s little finger and straddling her two beautiful bodies of water, Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan, this coastal gem shines year-round. Visit Fishtown, home to historic fishing shacks and now home to cool small businesses. (Tip: Don’t miss the life-changing sandwiches at the area’s Village Cheese Shanty or the scenic ferry trip to the Manitou Islands.) Nearby visitors can find great souvenirs at Leland Gall, Sample local wines from the Leelanau Peninsula. Verterra winery.
Calumet
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Copper Country is a must-see region of Michigan, and Calumet is the perfect base from which to explore the region. This small Michigan town is located about 30 miles southwest of Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, known for its rugged beauty and the shores of Lake Superior. The wild Upper Peninsula is known for its outdoor adventures, and this destination certainly has plenty of hiking trails and rocky coastline. Don’t miss Keweenaw National Historical Park, which pays homage to Calumet’s storied copper mining days.
new buffalo
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Approximately 110 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo is part of Harbor Country, an upscale southwestern coastal city often referred to as the “Hamptons of the Midwest.” If you enjoy wine, check out the wineries near the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. New Buffalo is its southern terminus. This small beach town offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. Get out on the water with New Buffalo Sailing Excursions or Third Coast Paddling. Or check out the huge public beach. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking the wetlands and trails of Galian River County Park.
Mackinac Island
Provided by Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
One of Travel and Leisure readers’ favorite islands in the continental United States, this “Gem of the Great Lakes” is located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Mackinac Island is a highly desirable, car-free destination that has been a popular tourist destination for decades. While you’re here, experience Gilded Age elegance at the Grand Hotel, a National Historic Landmark. Guests can enjoy an architectural walk through West Bluff cottages and a themed lecture by one of our staff historians. While you’re in town, consider trying the famous Mackinac Island fudge (on its own or in ice cream form). Travelers can also experience a sunrise paddle with the Great Turtle Kayak Tour. It is a welcome alternative to the island’s busy cycle paths.
Tawas City
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Located on the shores of scenic Lake Huron on Michigan’s eastern side, Tawas City is home to approximately 1,800 residents. This escape is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility, combining small-town charm with the charm of the outdoors. Visitors to Tawas City can enjoy a stroll along the pier, take a wine and hops trail tour, or soak in the natural beauty of Michigan’s Sunrise Coast at nearby Tawas Point State Park . location of the peninsula.
Grand Marais
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Although not as famous as its Minnesota cousin of the same name, Grand Marais is also a Lake Superior waterfront town. A true gem of the Upper Peninsula, this historic village encompasses more than 50 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Highlights range from waterfalls and lighthouses to hiking and biking trails. Snap great photos at the Picture Rocks National Lakeshore Log Slide Observatory, one of Lake Superior’s premier scenic spots, and learn about the history of lighthouses at the Lightkeeper’s House Museum.
saugatuck
Craig Watson/Courtesy of Saugatuck-Douglas Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
Another popular West Michigan destination, Saugatuck has something for everyone, including six beaches, a thriving arts scene, and breweries. This small town is part of Michigan’s “Art Coast.” Area highlights include the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, the Waterfront Invitational Art Fair, and the Oxbow School of Art. Stop by Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions for thoughtful farm-to-table cuisine, or stay true to its name with Southern hospitality and cuisine at the James Beard Award-nominated Southerner.
petoskey
Courtesy of Pure Michigan
Hemingway’s old hangout, Petoskey is one of the finest small towns in Michigan and the entire Midwest. Typical activities include hunting for Petoskey stones (actually fossilized coral) at Petoskey State Park, exploring Michigan’s His AVA region, and exploring local preserves in the popular American His Spoon. There will be tastings etc. Consider a stay at Hotel Wallon. Its name comes from a nearby lake, and he was named the Midwest’s Best Resort of 2023 by T+L readers.
Man-Thing
Provided by Municipal Tourism Bureau
Munising is the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Hiawatha National Forest, two of the Upper Peninsula’s most popular tourist destinations. Adventure seekers will appreciate endless opportunities for kayaking, hiking, camping, ice climbing, waterfall chasing, and more. This town of less than 2,000 people is also famous for Michigan’s signature pasty. Lake Superior whitefish tacos at The Duck Pond Eatery & Beer Garden. Local beverages from ByGeorge Brewing Co. are also available.
saint james
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Located on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan’s largest island, this small town is only accessible by boat or plane, and getting there can be a bit tricky. Still, the iconic Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse and Beaver Island Maritime Museum make it well worth the visit. Stay overnight at Beaver Island Retreat, one of the best glamping spots around, and pick up a delicious bagel breakfast sandwich the next day at Dalwhinnie Bakery & Deli.
empire
Courtesy of Pure Michigan
Visitors to Empire will find panoramic views of the coastline, immersive trails, and dark skies for stargazing. It’s in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, known for having the highest cliffs in all of Lake Michigan, reaching 450 feet above the sparkling blue water. Hike the short Empire Bluff Trail through beech and maple forests for spectacular views, or rent paddleboards and kayaks from Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak. If you want to explore from the comfort of your car, the well-marked Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive provides a good overview of the area.
frankenmuth
Courtesy of Pure Michigan
If you want to experience Bavarian hospitality, the small town of Frankenmuth is the place to be. Although this destination is a popular destination in the winter thanks to its charming Hallmark holiday movie vibe, Frankenmuth also offers year-round tourism, including eclectic shopping, historical sites, and outdoor adventures. There are also spots. Come summer, consider Frankenmuth Aerial Park’s expansive ziplines and aerial ropes course. Oktoberfest, a traditional German beer festival, is held in autumn. In winter, enjoy shopping at his ChristKindlMarkt, inspired by Europe’s famous Christmas markets. Meanwhile, spring is the perfect time to take a look back at the past at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum.
St. Ignace
Provided by St. Ignace Tourism Board
St. Ignace is best known for its ferry access to Mackinac Island, which connects the Upper Peninsula with popular tourist hubs. However, this small destination is full of historical sights, beautiful beaches, and outdoor fun. Unique experiences abound, including scuba diving for shipwrecks in the Strait of Mackinac and sightseeing from the stunning Castle Rock lookout. Hikers can also access the North Country Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails.
