The Best Small Towns in Michigan to Relax in 2024

Michigan, from the Ojibwa word “meicigam,” meaning “big lake” or “big water,” borders some of America’s Great Lakes. And on the shores of these massive lakes or further inland lie some of Michigan’s best small towns for relaxing in 2024. Between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan lies the dynamic island city of Mackinac Island. On the shores of Lake Michigan, there are a number of great communities in South Haven, Traverse City, and St. Joseph. Several other cities, such as Munising, Frankenmuth, Holland, and Charlevoix, foster a unique and fascinating culture that will leave you enchanted by the Mitten State. So take a boat ride through these Great Lakes and set course for Michigan’s best small towns for relaxing in 2024.

Munising

Located in Lake Superior’s South Bay, Munising is one of Michigan’s most adventurous towns. At Valley Spur, skiers can get their adrenaline pumping as they speed along an exciting snowshoe trail called the Snowman. For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, take photos of the frozen waterfalls called Curtains, which are also a great place for leisurely ice climbing. Admire nature’s artistry at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where colorful stripes of various minerals run through Munising’s cliffs above Lake Superior. Dive to the depths at Alger Underwater Preserve, where wrecks of 19^th and 20^th19th-century ships can be seen everywhere. Grand Island and the Hiawatha National Forest are full of perfect campsites from which to admire the cool and unobstructed night sky. So if you ever feel like exploring more of Munising, consider booking a room at the Munising Motel, Roam Inn or Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites first.

St. Joseph

St. Joseph, located about 90 miles from the city of Chicago, Illinois, is called the “Riviera of the Midwest” due to its many attractions along the shores of Lake Michigan. These water attractions include Lions Park Beach, Lookout Park and Silver Beach. The latter in particular contains one of the oldest pavilions, built in 1910, which still provides cool shade in the sun. At the mouth of the St. Joseph River, the historic St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse sits on the gorgeous beaches of Tiscornia Park. Those who don’t want to get wet can admire the local artists and talented creators at the Krasl Art Center. Or, visit the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library and learn more about St. Joseph’s humble beginnings. Enjoy the sun and shores of St. Joseph or treat yourself to a few restful nights at the Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Silver Beach Hotel or South Beach Inn.

South Harbour

South Haven lives up to its name by inviting newcomers to the aquatic wonders of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Black River. Kal-Haven Trail State Park is full of beautiful and vibrant Michigan wildlife and offers several hiking and trekking routes for those looking to get in some daily exercise. The Michigan Maritime Museum not only showcases the origins of South Haven, but also the entire history of Lake Michigan. And more importantly, visitors can board replicas of historic ships, such as the Friends, good will, All offer relaxing tours of Lake Michigan. Just 53 minutes from Grand Rapids and 27 miles from St. Joseph, you can be lulled into dreamy tranquility by the cozy atmosphere of the Historic Hotel Nichols, the Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast and the Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort.

Traverse City

Traverse Michigan’s lakes and countryside and visit the bubbling abodes of Traverse City. Located at the ends of the East and West Arms of the Grand Traverse Bay, you’ll be treated to over 40 unique Traverse City cherry wineries. The city also promotes its cherry harvest during the National Cherry Festival from June 29 to July 6. You can enjoy these fine beverages at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where rolling dunes and other scenic trails will put you in a meditative and contemplative state. Although Lake Michigan is the largest body of water in the area, don’t miss the other smaller lakes near Traverse City, such as Lake Leelanau, Torch Lake, Elk Lake and Long Lake. After taking scenic boat rides through Grand Traverse Bay or touring the village’s historic buildings at Grand Traverse Commons, refresh and recharge at the Cambria Hotel Traverse City, the Bayshore Resort or the Wellington Inn.

Frankenmuth

About 80 miles from the cities of Lansing and Detroit, Frankenmuth is a slice of Germany in the middle of America. At the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, you can learn all about the German immigrants who made Michigan their new home. There’s also Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum, which displays U.S. flight equipment and medals of honor for the state’s most heroic soldiers. Take a stroll through Frankenmuth Aerial Park, where you can zipline over the woods, or through Heritage Park near the Cass River, where you can watch local performances in the gazebo.

If you’re looking forward to more performances or festivities, take part in the town’s Easter Fountain, a Bavarian Easter celebration from Franconia (northern Bavaria) that takes place each year from March 15 to April 14. Zehnder’s Ragtime Festival is held from April 24 to 26, and Michigan’s Largest Beer Tasting is held on the third weekend of May. So if you’re interested in seeing what Frankenmuth has to offer, you might want to start by storing your belongings and valuables at the Bavarian Inn, the Marv Herzog Hotel or Zehnder’s Splash Village.

Holland

Don’t confuse the small town of Holland, Michigan with its old name of Denmark. The main theme that connects these two towns across the Atlantic is a century-old Dutch windmill called De Zwaan (“The Swan”) in Windmill Island Gardens. Aside from this iconic landmark, Holland also hosts the annual Tulip Time Festival from May 4 to 12 to celebrate cultural and horticultural ties with Denmark. You may want to stand atop the Big Red Lighthouse, a historic structure that connects Lake Michigan to the smaller Lake Macatawa. You can also camp and relax at Holland State Park’s Macatawa Campground, where birds return from long migrations and deer graze. The historians in you will surely be enlightened at the Holland Museum and Cappon House Museum. And those who feel the need to sleep can feel cozy and safe in the lovely accommodations at Holland Farmhouse Inn B&B or Tulyp Hotel in Holland.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is the geographical gateway between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Located between two of the Great Lakes, this island allows visitors to travel by horse-drawn carriage to the area’s many attractions. First, you can explore Mackinac Island State Park, which National Geographic named one of the top ten parks in America. Then, you can be one of the hundreds of tourists at the beautiful Arch Rock limestone formation. Mackinac Island is such an ideal location that it was the scene of fighting in the War of 1812. Fort Mackinac, Fort Holmes, and several military installations are testament to this.

There are many other attractions to see on Mackinac Island. At Benjamin Blacksmith, you can see what a blacksmith used to live like. The Biddle House at the Mackinac Island Native American Museum highlights the Anishnaabek people – their culture, their trials throughout history, and their heritage. You can appreciate Mackinac Island’s modernity through the unconventional artwork at the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. In August and June, you’ll be amazed and fascinated by the Fudge Festival and the Lilac Festival, respectively. Whether you’re setting sail from Lake Huron or Lake Michigan, an extended stay on Mackinac Island is a must-see at the Hotel Iroquois, Grand Hotel, Chippewa Hotel Waterfront, or Lilac Tree Suites.

Charlevoix

Similar to Mackinac Island, Charlevoix is ​​located between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Although Charlevoix is ​​smaller than Mackinac Island, there are a number of sights to see here, from the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, which overlooks both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, to Beaver Island. There are also a handful of historic buildings and sites that famous American writer Ernest Hemingway once visited. You can even learn all about Hemingway at the Little Traverse Historical Museum. At the same museum, you may also find the world’s largest cherry pie, as well as a handful of Earl Young mushroom houses in Charlevoix. At Fisherman’s Island State Park, you can search for Petoskey and Charlevoix stones, the state stones of Michigan. You may like the baroque estates of Castle Farms and Event Barns better. Don’t forget to book a room at The Earl at Charlevoix, the Charlevoix House or the Charlevoix Inn and Suites, just an hour from Traverse City.

Michigan is called the “Lighthouse Capital of the World” because of the 115+ lighthouses in Lake Superior, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. It’s also called the “Great Beer State” because of its excellent alcohol, and the “Motor City” because of its sprawling streets. But Michigan is certainly known for having the best small towns to relax in 2024. Whether you’re celebrating German culture in Frankenmuth, Dutch culture in Holland, or discovering underwater wrecks in Munising, you’ll feel rejuvenated and cheerful after your trip through these beautiful small towns.