40 Michigan Small Towns for a Weekend Getaway

Summer is on the way, and that means it’s about to be road trip season. I always enjoy driving around during the spring and summer months, discovering new towns around Michigan. Fall is a great time to road trip, too, because of the gorgeous colors. This state has so many beautiful small towns, which make for perfect stops during a long road trip.

So, how small are Michigan’s tiniest dwellings? I actually looked up some data from the state of Michigan and discovered that many towns in Michigan have just a few hundred people. That’s almost hard to imagine. Some examples are Addison at 597, Akron at 394 and Alba at 295. Now, that’s really, really small.

When it comes to Michigan’s quaint cities, I always enjoy South Haven. My uncle lives around that area, and I used to go there at lot as a kid. The beach town is right on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the southwest part of the state. Its population is just over 4,000 residents, but it seems way bigger during the summer months, as it’s a very popular tourist destination. Just thinking about South Haven’s warm, sandy beaches is making me smile. If you head there, don’t forget to check out South Haven’s trademark red lighthouse.

Of course, South Haven is just the beginning when it comes to great places to visit. Read on for 40 small towns in Michigan that you need to visit this summer for a weekend getaway. You’ll also find information on each town below with a link to that town’s official website, so you can find more details about the best time to visit and how to get there.

• Munising

  Home

  Welcome to Munising, Michigan Your gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore The Pictured Rocks is comprised of over 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Superior. Over 100 miles of scenic trails are located within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area. These colorful sandstone cliffs tower

• Marquette

  Marquette, Michigan | Hotels, Restaurants & Things To Do

  For those who harbor the soul of an explorer, Marquette County represents a quest more than a vacation. We hope you will enjoy an immersive experience in a community where respect of nature rewards you with magnificent outdoor adventures, today, and for years to come.

• Traverse City - Not super small, but a great spot to visit!

  Traverse City Hotels, Events, Restaurants & Things to Do

  Leelanau County is as picturesque as you'd imagine. Famous for the scenic M-22 highway, dozens of wineries, quaint port towns, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, it's definitely a must-visit region in the Traverse City area.

• Holland

  Holland

  Holland is best known for its Dutch heritage, evident in many of its attractions and events. Visitors can walk back through time in the Dutch Galleries of the Holland Museum, the renovated splendor of the Cappon House and a recreation of 1890s Netherlands at Nelis' Dutch Village.

• Sault Ste. Marie

  Home

  Back to the Bricks Cruising into Sault Ste. Marie June 6 & 7, 2022 Soo Locks Engineers Day Friday, June 24, 2022 7 Bridges 7 Brews Saturday, July 23, 2022 2022 Michigan Paranormal Convention August 25-27, 2022 VIEW ALL EVENTS Where

• Alpena

  Welcome to Alpena, Michigan

  Incorporated in 1871, the City of Alpena overlooks Lake Huron's picturesque Thunder Bay. The wood, cement, and heavy machinery industries of Alpena stemmed from a long industrial heritage that started with logging of the 1800s. Besides these industries, Alpena offers to the public an abundance of businesses along with a community college and a regional medical center.

• Tawas City

  Home | Tawas City

  The Tawas City Empowering Youth with Engagement Strategies (EYES) program is a fantastic way for [...]

• St. Joseph

  The Riviera of the Midwest - City of St. Joseph, Michigan

  St. Joseph is carefully nestled on the southern tip of what has been termed "The Riviera of the Midwest." This deepwater port town is a growing resort community - part of a "small town" chain stretching from the state line in a spectacular arc along Lake Michigan.

• Harbor Springs

  City of Harbor Springs Michigan

  Harbor Springs is a charming waterfront community that lies in a sheltered bay on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. M-119 connects with US 31 seven miles east and south at Bay View, and Petoskey, which is 4 miles away on the south side of the harbor.

• Escanaba

  Escanaba Michigan

  No Description

• Frankenmuth

  Frankenmuth Michigan | Frankenmuth

  2022 Visitor Guides Are Here Our 2022 Visitor Guide is tailored to help you thoroughly enjoy Frankenmuth from good eats, and shopping downtown streets to events, festivities, and Bavarian scenes!

• Mackinac Island

  Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau - Unique Mackinac Island, MI Vacation

  Mackinac Island, MI is a unique vacation spot boasting fine dining, historic sites, and exciting attractions. Learn more from Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau!

• Northville

  Home

  No Description

• Ontonagon

  Village of Ontonagon

  Our aim is to inform residents, businesses, and visitors; to promote economic vitality and opportunity; and to deliver efficient and effective municipal services to enhance your quality of life. Check back often for updates on recreational activities, community events, Village Council actions, Village news and other areas of interest.

• Charlevoix

  Visit Charlevoix, Michigan | Charlevoix the Beautiful! | Great Lakes Tourism | Discover Northern Michigan

  Discover the beauty of Charlevoix, MI, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Round Lake, and Lake Charlevoix in Northern Michigan. Experience all that Charlevoix has to offer: Earl Young mushroom houses, Castle Farms, family fun activities, boating and sailing, outdoor recreation, snow sports, winter recreation, fall color tours, world-class lodging and dining and everything in-between!

• Paradise

  Paradise

  Paradise is located in the Upper Peninsula about 70 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge.

• Copper Harbor

  Copper Harbor, Michigan - Copper Harbor

  No Description

• Saugatuck

  Visit Saugatuck Michigan - Saugatuck

  FEATURED EVENT May 14 | Downtown Douglas Art on Center is made up of six fine art galleries all located on Center Street in downtown Douglas. The galleries collectively host events and gallery strolls throughout the year, which can include special exhibits, demonstrations and refreshments.

• South Haven

  South Haven Michigan Visitors Bureau | West Michigan Tourism | South Haven Visitors Bureau

  From the beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan to the eclectic eateries, award-winning wineries, quaint boutiques and the natural scenic surroundings - there's just something special about this place. South Haven and the surrounding West Michigan area offer much more than typical tourism, but a vacation getaway experience you'll never forget.

• Petoskey

  Home

  This spring, escape routine According to the calendar, spring is officially here. Time to escape the day-in, day-out routine and visit the Petoskey Area. Stretch and refresh as you hike or bike along the lakeshore or through majestic forests. Hunt for Petoskey Stones on scenic beaches. Explore boutique shops in charming communities.

• Ludington

  Visit Ludington Michigan

  Welcome to your happy place Let us show you around Discover Ludington in West Michigan! Welcome to Ludington - the land of beautiful beaches on the coast of Lake Michigan, with plenty of outdoor adventures and lots of fun! People of all ages enjoy Stearns Park Beach on a sunny, summer day.

• Pentwater

  Pentwater, MI

  Discover Pentwater. Come for a day. A week. A life. Pentwater, Michigan - the village, township and surrounding area - is a quintessential, old-fashioned, laid back community with a rich history on the shores of Lake Michigan's clear waters and sugar-fine sandy beaches. It surrounds a 500-acre inland lake that's fed by a vibrant river.

• Techumseh

  City of Tecumseh, MI

  City of Tecumseh, MI

• Colon

  Colon Michigan Magic Capital Of The World - Home

  Lakeside Cemetery is the final resting place for over 30 magicians - more than any other cemetery in the world. Blackstone, Don Alan, Monk Watson,The Amazing Conklins, Jack Gwynne, Karrell Fox, Bob Lund and dozens more magicians are buried in Colon along with veterans of the Revolutionary, Civil, World Wars I &II and Gulf War.

• Boyne City

  Boyne City Michigan | City of Boyne City - City of Boyne City

  Follow Us on Facebook and Twitter City of Boyne City Mission Statement: The people of Boyne City are the reason we are here; We are therefore committed to working with the community to provide ethical and responsible local government so everyone can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Boyne City.

• Caseville

  Caseville

  Join us for Shanty Days in the winter and Cheeseburger Days in the summer, we are fun year round in Caseville.

• Port Austin

  Port Austin Chamber of Commerce

  Visit Port Austin, the tip of Michigan's Thumb, and be immersed in the best that Lake Huron has to offer: beautiful sunrise AND sunset over the water, sandy beaches and dunes, unique rock formations, fishing and water sport rentals to mention just a few.

• East Tawas

  East Tawas, MI

  No Description

• St. Ignace

  Home

  Historic St. Ignace The history of St. Ignace dates back over 300 years. Come and experience the rich cultural mosaic that makes our community unique. Your Home Port Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of St. Ignace. Take a day trip and discover all the Upper Peninsula has to offer.

• Suttons Bay

  Suttons Bay

  The village of Suttons Bay lies midway up the eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has a quality all of its own, with Michigan wine country tours, nature ride trails and a historic shopping district. Also home to the Leelanau Sands Casino, there's plenty of activities year-round in Suttons Bay.

• Newberry

  The Official Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce Website

  Newberry, Michigan "Things to See" The Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience Tahquamenon. Located within the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, we have large array of spectacular Things to See.

• Marshall

  City of Marshall :: City Government Information for Marshall, Michigan

  Assessing Boards and Commissions Brooks Field Airport Building and Trade Permits City Clerk City Manager Compost Center Dial-a-Ride and The Albion-Marshall Connector Downtown Development Authority (DDA) & Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) Economic Development Electric Department Engineering Environmental Department FiberNet Finance Fire Future of Marshall House Apartments Human Resources Marshall Area Farmer's Market Marshall House Marshall Hydro Dam Project Master Plan & Ordinance Updates Neighborhood Improvement Authority Oakridge Cemetery Parks Planning & Zoning Police Department Public Works Purchasing Quick Links Recreation Trash/Recycling Treasurer Utility Billing Wastewater Water

• Harrisville

  Harrisville, Michigan

  Welcome to the gem of the Sunrise Side, Harrisville Michigan!

• Frankfort

  Frankfort, MI

  Frankfort, MI

• Elberta

  Village of Elberta Michigan

  No Description

• Elk Rapids

  HOME PAGE - Village of Elk Rapids

  The Village of Elk Rapids is committed to transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process. On this site you'll find links to agendas, minutes, and audio recordings for Village Council meeting as well as agendas and minutes for all Commission meetings.

• Au Gres

  Au Gres

  No Description

• Rose City

  Home | Rosecity

  WELCOME Whether you are just browsing the web, looking for specific information, live here, or are planning a visit, we want you to feel welcomed and have all your questions answered. Council Meetings Rose City Council meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 6 pm in Council Chambers at 310 N.

• Gaylord

  Gaylord Michigan Area Convention and Tourism Bureau | Travel, Lodging, Hotels, Gaylord

  Eager for a fresh air fix? The spacious forestlands and waterways of Gaylord, Michigan offer enough room to roam and unspoiled wilderness to go around! Located in the heart of northern Michigan, Gaylord welcomes you to relax or seek adventure along our bountiful forest trails, winding rivers and over 90 sparkling inland lakes.

• Menominee

  Menominee.us | City of Menominee - Since 1861

  The last year brought a variety of changes to the City and I predict that 2022 will not be significantly different because that is the nature of government. In July Manager Tony Graff left the City of Menominee via a negotiated resignation and Chief Brett Botbyl has been serving as both the Chief of Police and the interim manager since Mr. Graff's departure.