Michigan is beautiful all year long, but there’s something undeniably magical about the Great Lakes State during summertime. With seemingly endless activities and attractions to enjoy, it can be tough to narrow down your warm-weather destinations and the best towns in summer in Michigan. Never fear! We’ve compiled a list of amazing small towns in Michigan that will absolutely charm you this summer. Let's explore these lovely Michigan small towns:
The tiny town of Saugatuck is nestled along the shores of the Kalamazoo River and it is just a stone’s throw from beautiful Lake Michigan. It will delight you in every way imaginable. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, check out a few art galleries, or grab dinner and drinks at the Butler. There’s no shortage of summer fun to be had in this one-of-a-kind waterfront town.
If you’re searching for family fun, a small-town atmosphere, and amazing beachfront adventures, Caseville might just be the perfect spot for you. Whether you rent a cottage or set up camp at Caseville County Park, you’re guaranteed to love your time here. Caseville even hosts an annual "Cheeseburger In Caseville" festival, which celebrates all things Jimmy Buffett! Talk about fun.
This tiny town houses approximately 500 residents, but don’t let its small size fool you! There’s plenty to see and do in and around Harrisville. Catch a stunning sunrise over Lake Huron, embark on a day boating on the water, or bring your camping gear and spend the night at Harrisville State Park. For outdoor enthusiasts, this little town is an absolute dream.
This small town is home to beautiful Hillsdale College, so perhaps you’ve heard of it. But the community itself boasts a plethora of attractions that visitors of all ages will appreciate. Check out the farmer market throughout the summer, enjoy one of several outdoor celebrations, or do some shopping at a locally owned and operated shop. It’s tough to imagine a more picturesque spot.
Venture to this gorgeous lakeside town when you’re seeking the perfect combination of natural and manmade excitement. Spend a few hours perusing the area’s downtown shopping district or grabbing a bite to eat at Dinghy’s Restaurant and Bar. Of course, the real star of Frankfort is its Lake Michigan beachfront and towering dune lands — once you arrive here, you might never want to leave.
A trip to Suttons Bay truly feels like stepping back in time. The town is nestled away in the heart of Michigan’s wine country, so it’s the perfect spot for a summertime getaway. Hit the beach with a trip to Marina Park, take a stroll through the town’s quaint shopping district, or marvel at boats as they dock at the marina. For visitors young and old, Suttons Bay is completely charming.
With a population of just under 400 residents, you might not think that Empire has much to offer — but you’re wrong! This small community is the central point for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which frequently tops lists of Michigan’s most beautiful places. Enjoy sunny days on the Lake Michigan shoreline and catch breathtaking views from atop the dunes, then head back to town for pizza and live music at Empire Village Inn.
Mackinaw City is sometimes overshadowed by Mackinac Island itself, but trust us when we say that this little town has an awesome atmosphere all its own. Check out stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge, learn about history at the Old Mackinac Point Light, or take a journey back in time at Fort Michilimackinac. There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful waterfront community.
This Oceana County town is small but mighty, featuring some of the most gorgeous waterfront views imaginable. Peruse the Lake Michigan beachfront, check out one of the area’s golf courses, or relax with a few hours of boutique shopping in downtown Pentwater. When you’re ready to call it a day, head back to a local bed and breakfast to round out your perfect Michigan getaway. What’s not to love?
If you love Lake Huron, you’ll be completely enamored with Port Sanilac. Rent a cabin or campsite along the beach or grab a bite to eat at The Stone Lodge restaurant. This quaint community is filled with friendly faces and plenty of fresh air to help you rejuvenate and relax — why not add it to the top of your summertime must-visit list?
Celebrate all things Bavarian when you head to Frankenmuth, which undoubtedly stands out as one of Michigan’s most unique and famous small towns — and with good reason! Whether you’re indulging in a chicken dinner at Zehnder’s, appreciating the uniquely Bavarian architecture downtown, or getting into the Christmas spirit year-round at Bronner’s, there’s nothing not to love about Frankenmuth.
Copper Harbor is the perfect spot for visitors seeking to appreciate the beauty of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Stop here before heading on to gorgeous Isle Royale or stay a while and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re biking down one of the area’s many trails or learning about the history of copper industry with a visit to Delaware Mine, you're guaranteed to have a blast. We could go on and on, but we think you should see for yourself — Copper Harbor is truly magical!
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Did we leave any of your favorite summertime small towns in Michigan off the list? We’re always eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Share your comments and happy summer! Don't forget your sun hats! For a slight change of pace, check out these cities in Michigan that feel like small towns:
Christmas is one of the most enchanting times of year here in the Great Lakes State. But don’t let the busy schedule of holiday parties and family gatherings keep you from getting out and enjoying the many delightful towns Michigan has to offer! There’s nothing more magical than exploring a festive community with loved ones in tow, whether you’re finishing up your Christmas shopping or simply admiring a wonderfully decorated downtown area. If you’re craving a dose of holiday cheer before we roll into the new year, be sure to make your way to one of the most charming Christmas towns in Michigan: Tecumseh.
The town of Tecumseh is located in Lenawee County, approximately 60 miles southwest of Detroit. With a year-round population of just under 9,000 residents, Tecumseh is a small town through and through. But don’t let its small size fool you, though. There’s so much to love in this community.
In addition to plenty of friendly faces, Tecumseh offers one of Michigan’s most marvelous doses of holiday cheer each December. When you stop by, you’re sure to be enchanted. Leading up to Christmas, the town hosts plenty of family-friendly events. This includes a vibrant holiday parade and all sorts of deals and specials throughout its downtown sector.
One year, they even had a “Whoville Open House,” in which Tecumseh turned into a Dr. Seuss dreamland. When you visit, you’ll find a marvelous downtown coated with snow and illuminated by thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. It’s hard not to embrace the holiday spirit here. They make it easy.
City of Tecumseh/Courtesy of City of Tecumseh
Finish up your seasonal shopping with a stroll through some of the area’s most charming shops. From clothing to trinkets, there’s something here for everyone to appreciate. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or a newcomer passing through on the search for Michigan’s most enchanting Christmas town, you’ll quickly fall in love with Tecumseh, one of the best Christmas towns in Michigan! To learn more about this wonderful spot in the Great Lakes State, visit the City of Tecumseh website or the Downtown Tecumseh Facebook page.
City of Tecumseh/Courtesy of City of Tecumseh
Have you explored Tecumseh during previous visits to the area? Would you agree that it is among the best Michigan Christmas towns? For another fun winter outing, read about this chilly-weather tubing trip in Michigan. If you need a place to stay in Michigan while you're exploring Tecumseh, check out all the amazing options from our friends at VRBO.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
