Take This Road Trip Through Michigan's Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience

Are you in the mood for a road trip, but simply don’t have the time to make a long trek out west? Well, you’re in luck: Michigan just happens to be the perfect place for a mini road trip. And it’s only appropriate that a mini road trip needs to visit some mini Michigan towns! Load up the car, grab a few friends, and embark on this memorable small-town road trip in Michigan.

Google Maps

Our small town road trip in Michigan takes a little over 14 hours, and you can use the Google Map to plan your Mitten State adventure!

Michigan Municipal League/Flickr

Located in Washtenaw County, Chelsea is a small town with a lot to offer. Stop in to see a play at the local theatre, peruse the quaint shops downtown, or enjoy one of many family events this summer.

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Frankenmuth is surely one of Michigan’s most unique small towns, boasting Bavarian architecture and a charming downtown that makes it ideal for an afternoon stroll. Grab a drink at the historic Frankenmuth Brewery or treat yourself to a delicious chicken dinner at Zehnder’s.

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This sweet waterfront town sits on Tawas Bay near Tawas Point State Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities. The small downtown area in East Tawas is home to plenty of shops, restaurants, and even a historic movie theatre.

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If you’ve got time to cross the bridge into the Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace is a must-visit spot. Its port location on the Straits of Mackinac makes it a truly scenic small town, and you’ll find no shortage of lovely lodging in the area.

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The next leg of your trip will take you to beautiful Charlevoix , where you’ll find everything from fishing to golfing to waterfront dining. Check into one of the town’s charming inns for an authentic small town experience.

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Tucked between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, Frankfort is a quintessential Michigan beach town. Visitors will enjoy strolls along the channel and rows of Victorian houses after spending the afternoon exploring nearby dunes.

Flickr/Michigan Municipal League

Grand Haven holds its own as one of West Michigan’s most welcoming little towns. With unparalleled beachfront access on Lake Michigan and a plethora of festivals and other events, Grand Haven truly has something for everyone, and it's no wonder the town has been called "the happiest" in the state.

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No tour of Michigan’s small towns would be complete without a stop in Saugatuck, a tiny waterfront community near the larger (but still entirely charming) city of Holland. Check out some of Saugatuck’s famous art galleries and be sure to indulge in a slice of homemade fudge at Kilwin’s. While Saugatuck is beautiful year-round, it's especially wondrous in the winter.

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If you’re looking for a welcoming beachside atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and a true small-town vibe, look no further than South Haven. With its breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and a scenic marina on the outskirts of downtown, South Haven is a quaint destination that you won’t soon forget.

Did you enjoy our small town road trip in Michigan? All it takes is a weekend and a sense of adventure to enjoy some of Michigan’s most wonderful places! Adventure awaits in The Great Lakes State.

And for more bucket-list-worthy road trips in Michigan, be sure to check out these 10 epic expeditions.