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20 small towns in Michigan that you need to visit

By Metro Times Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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