5 Charming Michigan Towns to Visit on Your Next Road Trip
If you’re looking for a Midwest road trip destination offering cute towns along the most gorgeous bodies of water – I mean, they are so BLUE and CLEAR – Michigan is calling your name. Whether you’re driving up through Ann Arbor, around the Upper Peninsula, or down the M22 – or if you’re like us and cover all three in the span of five days – these charming Michigan towns offer the perfect places to shop, beach, or get outside along the way.
I read an article about the most beautiful states in the U.S., and Michigan ranked in the top ten. Color me stunned, as, if I’m being honest, most of the Midwest had never caught my “must-go” radar.
Ever since, I’d been dying to make a trip and see the hype for myself. While simultaneously keeping an eye out for towns/states that could be in the running for my next spot to land, after years spent living in NYC.
These charming Michigan towns could certainly make the cut…
Why You Should Visit These Charming Michigan Towns on Your Next U.S.A. Road Trip
When I was mapping out road trip plans to explore the United States, Michigan was not even close to my list. I had east and west coast stops mapped out with cities earmarked as stopping points in between, solely for a safe spot to land after a long day of driving.
I grew up in North Carolina, where you have your mountains to the left and beaches along the coast. AKA I grew up in a state where beach vacations were the summer spot.
Never have I lived somewhere where lakes are the destination. At least, not like the Great Lakes. Now, having visited Michigan, surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, I do get it.
Mackinac Island: A Charming Michigan Town Full of History
Have you ever visited an island where there was no motorized transportation?
Welcome to Mackinac Island. Where bikes, buggies, or your own two feet get you from point A to point B. Yes, this even includes trash pick-up (which we saw collected via a horse-drawn cart).
This town is charm central and might take the top spot when it comes to charming Michigan towns.
Where to Stay When Visiting Mackinac Island
Spend the night on the mainland (Mackinaw City or St. Ignace) and ferry in the next day. This is what we did, and we parked our car near the ferry pick-up in the morning. It was simple enough, plus, this option is a little more budget-friendly (though beware of some low-budget stays…).
You can also stay on the island in one of the many adorable bed & breakfasts or perhaps the famous Grand Hotel. When I go back to visit again, a cozy B&B is definitely in my future.
How to Get to Mackinac Island
You will most likely take the ferry to the island (there is an airport, but no idea what flights are like for tourism). We were able to board the ferry quickly (in mid/late August), and had a beautiful day for scenic views on the ride over.
The island is also very accessible, which I love!
FERRY TIP!
if you’re traveling during peak season, plan to add an hour buffer to your travel time as lines to get on a ferry can be long.
What to do on Mackinac Island…
Peruse the many shops around the island, the most are situated along Lakeshore Drive
Enjoy a delicious (and greasy) breakfast ffrom The Chuckwagon. The perfect hole-in-the-wall joint with limited seating (it’s tiny!)
A sweet treat is a must! Grab some fudge from Murdick’s or ice cream from Good Day Café
Go for a stroll along Lake Shore Drive (past the shops) and appreciate the views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. Plus all the gorgeous homes!
Get active! Rent bikes, kayaks, hit some of the many hiking spots around the island
Northport: Discover a Quaint Lakeside Michigan Town
A small but very cute, sleepy Northern Michigan town, situated right along Northport Bay. You’ll find a few boutique shops, local art, and some decent eats.
Where to Stay in Northport, Michigan
We ended up booking a last-minute night at the Northport Inn (a budget-friendly stay I’m happy to recommend) ahead of exploring Northern Michigan over the next couple of days. We got in late after exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula.
After getting into this little town late, we had every intention of quickly dipping out the next morning. Thankfully, we had a slower start to our day and took the time to explore!
My Favorite Places to Eat & Explore in Northport, Michigan
Before walking around, we grabbed breakfast at The New Bohemian Cafe. I would venture to say I had the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever eaten in my life here.
There are only a few streets to the town, but they are filled with a lot of cute shops to peruse, like Studio 106 or my personal favorite, Porcupine.
Leland: Explore Fishtown, One of Michigan’s Most Charming Towns
If you love a throwback town to times gone by, Leland has you covered. This adorbs little fishing village has so many cute shops, from books to clothing to art.
There was even an art in the park showcase happening while we were in town! With different artwork hanging from trees alongside artists painting from their easels on the lawn.
When you walk around Fishtown, it’s like a direct look into the inner workings of an old fishing village, with shops like the Village Cheese Shanty and The Dam Candy Store, running their fronts out of old fishing shanties.
It’s a unique vibe and one of my favorite charming Michigan towns. I highly recommend you check it out!
WHERE DOES FISHTOWN GET ITS NAME?
Down from the dam, along the Leland River, you’ll find Fishtown. Appropriately named for it’s array of fishing shanties, smokehouses, docks, and more that play a key role in Lake Michigan’s fishing heritage.
Glen Arbor: Relax in a Scenic Michigan Town by the Water
This town gave me cozy Sullivan Island, SC vibes. Outfitted with many outdoor shops, retail stores, and a variety of simple eats.
It feels more local than the slightly more touristy vibes of Leland and Mackinac. While it wasn’t a town I’d spend a long time in, unless you’re doing any outdoorsy activity, it was a cute spot to wander.
A few of my favorite spots in Glen Arbor, MI…
The art lover in me massively appreciates an artsy town. There are a range of galleries here run by friendly locals, like the Forest Gallery and even the Glen Arbor Arts Center
For a simple lunch or afternoon snack, visit The Mill Glen Arbor. It’s quietly situated along a stream/river with great outdoor seating and plenty inside
Saugatuck: The Perfect Michigan Town for Shopping and Art
The last stop on our Michigan tour de force was this cutie. A bustling small town featuring tree-lined streets, boutiques (honestly, I could have broken the bank in a few of these), homestores, and classic t-shirt shops.
Oh, and rainbow crosswalks connecting you to the Kalamazoo Lake, bakeries, and more. Compared to Glen Arbor, you could easily spend a day (if not a weekend) exploring all that Saugatuck has to see and do.
Two of my favorite stops included Erica June Baking Co. (that chocolate peanut butter, butterfinger cake, oh-em-gee) and Brick + Ivy Market, with so many outfits and odds-and-ends I was dying to buy.
Ready to road trip the United States?
All these travel plans have you craving something sweet?
Pies, cakes, cookies, or make them single-serve. Find your next favorite bake here!
Thank you. We are wanting to take a 5 day trip to that area in MI. What airport would we fly into?
We drove into Michigan, so I honestly don’t have an airport recommendation, sorry! But Google Flights usually shows the best options. I would definitely recommend renting a car though, once you get to the airport, if you plan on driving to multiple spots around the area.