Michigan harbors a wealth of small towns that serve as ideal vacation spots, weekend getaways, and cozy places to call “home.” Farm Stand calls Michigan home. Our team has had ample time to explore the best the Mitten State has to offer, and we’re excited to share our favorite small towns in Michigan with you.
Our Favorite Small Towns in Michigan
Leland
This sliver of town along the coast of Northern Lake Michigan is a quiet haven with plenty of activities. Leland is well-known for Fishtown, a unique spot in Leland with a marina, old wooden docks, cute shops, and a fish market. Find a rare Leland stone while you’re visiting and embrace the lake air as you walk down Vans Beach. To make the trip even more special, stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes, located nearby in Glen Arbor.
Where to explore: Whaleback Natural Area, Houdek Dunes Natural Area, Manitou Island.
Where to eat: Visitors to Leland can enjoy breakfast at Trish’s Dishes, sandwiches at the Village Cheese Shanty, great whitefish at Bogey’s 19th Hole, and a fancy meal at The Riverside Inn Restaurant. End the night with wine tasting at Verterra Winery.
Where to stay: There are dozens of options for lodging, including Falling Waters Lodge where multiple rooms have water views, the calm Lake Leelanau Narrows Resort, and the family-owned Snowbird Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Saugatuck
The small town of Saugatuck is one of many hidden treasures within West Michigan. Saugatuck stands out as a favorite amongst many Michiganders thanks to its blossoming art scene, numerous hiking trails (visit the Saugatuck Dunes), and the community’s open and welcoming heart. Don’t forget to pay us a visit inside the Coppercraft Distillery tasting room right on Water Street near the Kalamazoo River.
Where to explore: Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, Mount Baldhead, Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, Coppercraft Distillery Tasting Room
Where to eat: You can’t go wrong with any restaurant or eatery in Saugatuck, but our favorites include Phil’s Bar & Grill, Respite Cappuccino Court, and Pennyroyal Cafe.
Where to stay: There are many beautiful and low-cost AirBnB’s, bed & breakfasts, and rental condos available in and around Saugatuck. There are a few hotels located nearby that would be a five minute drive from downtown Saugatuck.
Copper Harbor
At the very top of the Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Superior, acres of nature for hiking and mountain biking, and self-guided tours through the Delaware Mine, created in the mid-1800s. There are plenty of little shops to scope out, including The Laughing Loon. Be warned: there is no cell service (adding to the small town experience), so plan accordingly.
Where to explore: Brockway Mountain Lookout, Estivant Pines, Hunter’s Point Park, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, Ferry to Isle Royale
Where to eat: Sit down at The Mariner North for lunch or dinner and go to The Berry Patch for delicious ice cream. Local tip: on the way to Copper Harbor, stop at Jampot to pick up a few snacks for your stay.
Where to stay: There’s a comfy place to stay for every individual’s wants and needs in Copper Harbor. From simple campgrounds for RVs to decked-out cabins to live in during your stay, there are multiple options.
New Buffalo
Located just above the Indiana border, New Buffalo is home to boutiques, restaurants, and a handful of unique bars. This small town has it all: nightlife, lakefront water activities, a friendly town atmosphere, and lake access. New Buffalo is a great getaway for couples and families in need of some peace and quiet.
Where to explore: Galien River Wetlands and River Park, Lake Michigan Water Trail
Where to eat: We suggest eating lunch or dinner at Beer Church Brewing, Redamaks, The Stray Dog, and Brewster’s New Buffalo with a stop at Oink’s Dutch Treat for dessert.
Where to stay: There are a few hotels and resorts in New Buffalo, but if you’re looking for your own place to stay, we suggest checking out available rental properties on AirBnB. There are dozens of homes and apartments that are comfy and budget friendly.
St. Joseph
Attention, dog owners: if you’re looking to bring your best friend with you, this town is the place to go! Between a variety of shops and restaurants, sandy county parks, and the dog-friendly atmosphere, this town earned a place on this list. You can make your trip as affordable as it needs to with the many lodging and restaurants available in Saint Joseph. Visit this underrated lake town – you won’t regret it!
Where to explore: Silver Beach, St. Joseph Lighthouse, & Tiscornia Park
Where to eat: Schu’s Grill & Bar and Silver Harbor Brewing Co. for lunch and dinner, Caffé Tosi for baked goods.
Where to stay: There are plenty of hotels in the area, but for a unique experience, look at AirBnB or VRBO. There are dozens of cabins, condos, and cool beach homes that are comfy and budget friendly.
Benzie County
If your goal is truly to get away from the hustle bustle and avoid tourist towns, look no further than Benzie County. This area is rural–so much so that the local ice cream shop, Moomers Ice Cream Shop, allows visitors to hang out with the cows. There’s not a lot to do here, and that’s what makes it great; allow your mind to reset and your body to refresh in Benzie County.
Where to explore (if you want): Inspiration Point, Adventure Course at Crystal Mountain, Point Betsie Lighthouse, Arcadia Dunes, Betsie Valley Trail
Where to eat: Moomers Ice Cream (voted best ice cream shop in America by Good Morning America)
Where to stay: If you want to relax, find an AirBnB that feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. There are plenty of options, but after a quick search, we found this affordable and adorable home in Beulah, and a gorgeous waterfront family home.
Calumet
Located in the upper peninsula near Copper Harbor, this ex-copper-mining town has historical sites, a Main Street with adorable shops and eateries, and some small-town nightlife. Calumet is a great place for adventuring during all four seasons. Visitors can be found snowshoeing in the winter and hunting for agates and beach glass in the summer.
Where to explore: Calumet Theatre, Artis Books and Antiques, Copper World
Where to eat: Jen’s Kitchen for pasties, Cafe Rosetta and Keweenaw Coffee Works for coffee and pastries, and The Hut for lunch or dinner.
Where to stay: Calumet has a few historical inns and lodges available to rent, but based on our personal preferences, we would recommend an AirBnB or camping.
Michigan has dozens of great small towns; a few that didn’t quite make the list but are definitely worth visiting include Harbor Springs, Munising, Marquette, Cadillac, and Bellaire. In case you were wondering, we (unfortunately) aren’t sponsored by AirBnB, but it’s difficult to embrace the small-town experience by staying at a hotel chain or a place with other visitors. Of course, every town is unique, so that might not be true for all of the small towns on this list. No matter what, there are budget-friendly places to stay and homes that you can spoil yourself with in each small town.
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