20 small towns in Michigan that you need to visit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Apr 14, 2017 at 8:33 pm

You know those towns you drive through but not stop? Well here are 20 of the best small towns you need to make your destination.

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Petoskey
Driving distance from Detroit: 4 hours and 4 minutes
A coastal city right on Little Traverse bay. A very laid back, and go-with-the-flow city it’s a gorgeous destination filled with upbeat people. There are tons of places right on the water to eat, sleep and play. There are beaches, vineyards and many more things to do, this needs to be on your list of places to go this summer.
Photo via @puremichigan

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Tecumseh
Driving distance from Detroit: 1 hour and 11 minutes
For all the history buffs out there, this was of the first settlements in Michigan. A quiet town to visit for the afternoon, it is only a short drive to all of the major cities around it making it the perfect stop along any road trip.
Photo via @okckidd

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Port Austin
Driving distance from Detroit: 2 hours and 31 minutes
This village is located in Huron County, here you will find a lone island in the middle of the lake high above anyone’s reach, that seems to be everyone’s destination. Next to the water of Lake Huron is a historic and quaint village of shops, restaurants and the largest Farmers Market in the state.
Photo via @puremittenpride

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St. Joseph
Driving distance from Detroit: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Located in Southeastern Michigan right on Lake Michigan, this port town is home to some of the finest orchards and vineyards in the nation. You need to visit this town, it is home to some beautiful and historic buildings that will keep you coming back for more.
Photo via @puremichigan

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Sault Ste. Marie
Driving distance from Detroit: 5 hours and 3 minutes
Located right on the edge of Michigan at the Canadian-US border. Best known for the world-famous Soo Locks, you’ll often hear of this location as “The Soo”, there are a ton of things to do here. Full of history the locals call it “The Place Where Michigan was Born”, see historic buildings, along with the shops and restaurants right alongside the Soo.
Photo via @terry_humphrey_photo

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Frankenmuth
Driving distance from Detroit: 1 hour and 29 minutes
With roots in German culture, the city is best known for their “Bavarian hospitality”. Come with an appetite because the restaurants will be serving large portions of chicken, mashed potatoes and other comfort foods. Besides food there is a ton going on here, festivals all the time, indoor waterparks, shops and a great culture different than the rest of the state.
Photo via @calecica1

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Tahquamenon Falls
Driving distance from Detroit: 5 hours and 12 minutes
Now, this isn’t necessarily a town itself but it’s near one. These falls are in Michigan’s Upper peninsula, and they are breathtaking, just look at that picture. It’s a state park and one of the largest in Michigan. You can camp here and the closet town to do some real tourist stuff is Newberry.
Photo via @ManistiqueMI

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Grand Haven
Driving distance from Detroit: 2 hours and 55 minutes
The colors here, any time of the year, will take your breath away. Now that it’s spring you can expect the pop of color from flowers and green trees. This “seaside” town will not disappoint, whether you’re here in the summer or winter, the water will be beautiful, the people will be happy and the stores and restaurants will satisfy even the pickiest person in your party.
Photo via @visitgrandhaven

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Saugatuck
Driving distance from Detroit: 2 hours and 52 minutes
White sandy beaches and blue water, you will probably forget you are still in Michigan. Priding themselves in the arts, the shops and restaurants here are very creative and the town is colorful. Take the Saugatuck ferry, spend the day at the beach or in town, whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed.
Photo via @paulinamphoto

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Escanaba
Driving distance from Detroit: 6 hours and 44 minutes
Sitting comfortably next to the Little Bay de Noc in the Upper Peninsula, it’s a quiet town but sometimes that’s just what you need. With ma and pop owned diners and restaurants, this town will give you a very welcoming and homelike feel.
Photo via @baysdenoccvb

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South Haven
Driving distance form Detroit: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Lakeside, the beach town of South Haven will be able to provide for every part of your family. Full of events, nightlife, and leisure there is no reason you won’t come back. There is a also lighthouse perfect for that candid photo you need, so that’s a plus.
Photo via @puremichigan

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East Tawas
Driving distance from Detroit: 2 hours and 49 minutes
Boating, charming small towns, and a bay shoreline with sandy beaches and turquoise blue water. East Tawas is a place that time seems to slow down for you to really stop and take in just how beautiful Michigan is. There are also some fun festivals here such as the Tawas Bay kite festival.
Photo via @DianeOkonowski-Martin

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Copper Harbor
Driving distance from Detroit: 9 hours and 56 minutes
A town to go to when you need a moment away from everyday life. It is very much an adventure town, with destinations one can’t get to on a road for cars, you will be doing a lot of recreational activities, and either camping or staying at one of the locally owned Inns. There are, of course, roads for cars near the town where you will find historical tours and many shops. It is the perfect getaway for some peace, quiet, and fresh air.
Photo via @mmiklos

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Suttons Bay
Driving distance from Detroit: 4 hours and 22 minutes
A unique town filled with unique people and architecture. You’ll notice the brightly colored houses as soon as you drive into the town, the landscape is full of beautiful trees and flowers (depending on the time of year of course). You can arrive in the town by boat or car to enjoy the museums, bike tours, theater, farmers market and more.
Photo via @jcalouise

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Harbor Springs
Driving distance from Detroit: 4 hours and 14 minutes
Located in Emmet County, this small town is surrounded by the Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. Shops line up and down the streets right next to the beautiful blue water. Grab lunch or dinner right on the lake and watch as boats pass by, this town encapsulates what it is us Michiganders love about our states.
Photo via @visitharborsprings

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Charlevoix
Driving distance from Detroit: 4 hours and 15 minutes
A beautiful city located on the northwestern side of the state. The city spans on both sides of the Pine River Channel and Round Lake, wherever you go to shop, eat, or just spend the day you will be on these gorgeous shores. You need to visit here, stay in a cabin, get a boat and just enjoy this awesome city.
Photo via @VisitCharlevoix

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St. Ignace
Driving distance from Detroit: 4 hours and 19 minutes
“Bridging History” is on the welcome sign into St. Ignace, and rightfully so as it is the home of the Mackinac Bridge. Located in what seems like the perfect place for someone that wants to see it all, only an hour drive from the upper Great Lakes, there’s Mackinac Island, Les Cheneaux Islands, Newberry (home of Tahquamenon Falls), and Sault Ste. Marie which are not too far away. There’s also enough to do in the town to spend the day here, along the shoreline, fishing, boating and more.
Photo via @StIgnaceVB

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Milford
Driving distance from Detroit: 49 minutes
Best known for the annual “Milford Memories Festival & Art Fair”, there’s more to this town than meets the eye. The businesses are locally owned which comes with a very unique shopping and eating experience. The Huron River runs through the town just in case you’re at the park and feel like getting a couple of friends together and spending the day canoeing. If you can only spend short amount of time here though, come for the festival.
Photo via @MilfordMichigan

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Marshall
Driving distance from Detroit: 1 hour and 40 minutes
This city has been given National Historic Landmark District status, so you know when you come here you’re going to feel as though you’re in a different time. The architecture is how it would have been in the 19th century. There are a lot of historic places to visit in Michigan but, fun fact, this city was going to be the capitol of Michigan, if there is one place you want to learn more about go here rather than just reading about it.
Photo via @MarshallMI

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Cadillac
Driving distance from Detroit: 3 hours and 9 minutes
On the west side of the state this city sits comfortably in Wexford County. Lake Cadillac is completely within its county boarders which is unique to only 4 cities in the nation. It is a town to visit for recreation such as fishing, hiking, hunting or boating.
Photo via @CadillacMichigan

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