麻豆AV

Steeped in history, Michigan is one of the most diverse states with a deep connection to the Great Lakes. The sea-like water bodies comprise the 麻豆AV's largest freshwater system鈥攁n evoking experience highly sought-after around the nation. For water lovers, wine aficionados, and those after beautiful scenery, these small towns deliver on all fronts, offering an enviable escape.

The state is home to four of the five Great Lakes and many cute towns with surprises around every corner, worth the effort to get to. Whether you're soaking up the views around Empire or searching for the elusive Petoskey gems, these nine little-known towns rival even the most popular destinations.

Calumet

It's pure wonder how Calumet, a Main Street town in between three lakes, gets lost at the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula, close to Isle Royale. From Calumet Lake to the inland Torch Lake and Hungarian Falls, Swedetown Nordic Ski Trails are also just south. History runs deep at the former epicenter of 1900鈥檚 Keweenaw copper boom turned art mecca, just a hop from Lake Superior. Inspired by the region's beauty, Calumet boasts easy access to trails and historical sites, like the Calumet Waterworks Park, Quincy Mine, and McLain State Park campground, all within 15 minutes. Pick up a guide at the Keweenaw National Historical Park Calumet Visitor Center.

The antiquated downtown area is full of 19th-century architecture made of locally sourced Jacobsville Sandstone. Strolling along its low-rise buildings and churches as if back in time, the 1900 Calumet Theater exudes vintage elegance with murals, plays, and concerts. Find quaint cafes and saloons in between niche shops and gift stores like Copper 麻豆AV and Kitschy Spirts Record Store. The galleries along the 5th and 6th Streets, Calumet Art District, burst with artwork, photography, and crafts like pottery, woodwork, and glass to pick out a painting or home decor, plus new installations at the monthly Open House.

Colon

There is something wondrous about this quaint Midwestern community in southeastern Michigan, wedged in between Palmer Lake and Sturgeon Lake in the north. Bathing in rural beauty, Colon's natural advantage may have inspired its moniker. Steeped in entertainment and the history of magic, Colon is the Magic Capital of the 麻豆AV with plentiful "see it to believe it" experiences. From quirky shops and lakefront dining in a close gathering at a local family-owned restaurant, the town's quirk makes its way into every "act" of will. A typical lakeside town in every other perspective, check out its old train depot and the water tower south.

Discover the magic of Michigan around each corner along the many nature trails and river views without crowds or strain. Just offside, Lakeside Cemetery-28 Magicians guards the forever sleep of many famous magicians. Nearby, Curly serves American comfort fare next to Abbott Magic Co., with a huge variety of props, including "only here" built by the Abbott company and other great quality magic trick equipment. From waterfront recreation to a local market and gift shops, relax at the central community park or the next-door Dawns Cafe for any meal of the day. The annual Magic Camp in July offers educational amusements for all ages.

East Tawas

The town along the immense Tawas Bay on Lake Huron has a deep connection to this Great Lake. A day trip to East Tawas is not enough to discover its historical ties and everything Lake Huron offers. On the other hand, a day-long hike would be quite lovely waking up early with the sun on Michigan's Sunrise Coast as it lights up the horizon. Between the smaller Lake Solitude and Tawas Lake, there are hundreds of ways for the entire family to unwind. You can slice the calm waters in a canoe or kayak, paddle the so-called portal, the Tawas River, through the bay into the lake, or hop off for some retail therapy at the scenic Harbor Point.

In other seasons, watch the waves roll in at Gateway Park, enjoy holiday shopping, and grab a souvenir. Home to under 3,000, East Tawas has some of the best views of Lake Huron. The idyllic feel wrapped in nature draws visitors year-round to the award-winning Tawas Point State Park, noted as the Best of the Midwest by Midwest Living for 2023. Whether you're craving seafood, 麻豆AV cuisine, or BBQ, the hard part is choosing between Barnacle Bill's or Mexican Cuisine and Tequila Bar. From the local pet-friendly Dewey Durant Park to the next town green with a playground, make it a weekend escape and hit up Route 23 BBQ on your way out.

Empire

Fusing rural charm into natural splendor, this small town with a loud name offers a refuge from urban discontent along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Attracting hikers, photographers, and paddlers, you can stay and dine on a budget at the popular Empire Village Inn at the heart. Philip A. Hart Visitor Center has information and guides around the lakeshore. From Sleeping Bear Heritage Trailhead to North Bear Lake, you will feel one with nature chasing the scenery between the Michigan Lake shoreline and the nearby high dunes. Aspire to an early-rise adventure along the magnificent Dune Climb Trail, or take a picnic to explore the Chippewa Run Natural Area.

Many enjoy the inland Glen Lake with its Inspiration Point and a scenic bridge crossing to On the Narrows Marina. The gorgeous downtown is a real apr猫s-outdoor scene with its collection of stores and eateries. Don't miss Sleeping Bear Gallery for one-of-a-kind art to view and buy. Take a sunset stroll along Lake Michigan Drive between the Great Lake and South Bar Lake with views behind the historic Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse. Just inland, Egeler Scenic View overlooks the park and the pet-friendly beach with fire pits to the undulating Lake Michigan horizon.

Harbor Springs

Overlooking Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs is a cozy hideaway along a scenic slice of Lake Michigan shoreline. With a small-town charm for every visitor, its bustling downtown is perfect for people watching in a picturesque frame. Take an art stroll between Tvedten Fine Art and Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center. Nearby, Patrick Kelly Wise Fine Art features paintings by a wedding painter鈥攖hat's right, not a photographer. The creative locals stay active year-round, with many parks, town greens, and open spaces. After a stroll down the peninsula, you'll feel transformed along the nature trail by the views at the tip of Harbor Point.

Find wildlife at Harbor Springs Deer Park and scenic serenity along Zoll Street Beach or Josephine Ford Park for a waterfront picnic with an impulse buy from Tom's Mom's Cookies. You'll be back to stock for the ride and friends back home in a perfect addition to gifts at Bluff Gardens. Offering waterfront shopping and dining, Pier Restaurant is part of a historical complex with an outdoor deck to enjoy seafood overviews. Tunnel Trees is a hazy drive that envelopes you in falltime magic along a narrow road overtaken by yellow maples and other deciduous trees. Imbibe local culture and live talent at the most popular Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre.

Petoskey

This hidden gem is akin to a fairytale, with a Victorian heart in unspoiled natural dress on the southern shore of Little Traverse Bay. From adjacent state parks to the spectacular lake scenery at the doorstep, don't miss Kilwins Ice Cream along the lakefront. Equal parts elegant and creative, its former industrial site-turned Bayfront Park features sports fields and a playground. The Gaslight District boasts ancient buildings and quaint businesses. Just a stroll north, the eponymous state park offers camping near a mile-long bayside beach and all-level hiking trails through the woods. Many know of its elusive Petoskey stones, the highly prized coral fossils along the shores.

You can escape into nature right downtown at the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, a 1.5-mile scenic stretch along river banks with trails, boardwalks, and whitewater rafting. Heading south, East Park attracts families along the waterfront with a playground, a picnic pavilion, a multi-use trail, and scenic benches. The historic college feels idyllic, with great accommodations and dining options, like the Terrace Inn and the 1911. Restaurant and City Park Grill, infamous for being a one-time Hemingway haunt pub, serves a global menu with live music in Victorian-era digs. Stop by the renowned Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery in Petoskey and Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery.

St. James

St. James, the northern "hook" on Michigan's beautiful Beaver Island, is not forgotten鈥攋ust off the beaten path. Bursting with scenery and outdoor pursuits, the largest island in Lake Michigan offers ferry, private plane, and personal water vessel access to reach its idyllic shores. The effort is worthwhile; greeting you with lodges, B&Bs, and inns, "Whiskey Point Light" at the harbor entrance is a significant part of Beaver Island's maritime history. Stop at Wild Strawberry Cafe to plan a weekend full of discoveries because a day trip is not enough.

From easy hikes like Bella Roost Trail to Mt. Pisgah and Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve, you can hike the hook from French Bay to Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse at sunset. The island is strewn with historic sites like Feodar Protar Cabin and Angeline's Bluff Lookout. Past the Big Rock for a selfie, Beaver Head Lighthouse is the island's southern totem. Having been guiding ships through the Great Lake, it offers unique architecture with a staircase to the top views of the surrounding waters. Next door, the Beaver Island State Ground is a great stay on budget, overlooking the lighthouse.

St. Joseph

This small city is often overlooked between the beautiful St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan shore in southwest Michigan. A vision of tranquil beauty, St. Joseph is perfect for disconnecting and unwinding in picturesque dress year-round, with verdant lush parks and waterside recreation, turning into the heart of fall foliage, a joyous harvest season. The rural coastal feel inspires scenic country road drives, waterside strolls, and intimate adventures in the woods. Take the pet-friendly John & Dede Howard Trail from central Lions Beach or explore south to Lookout Park. Kiwanis Park at the heart is an off-leash dog park with skateboarding, a playground, and sports fields.

The city鈥檚 well-loved beach scene encompasses the quiet Silver Beach to the north and the Silver Beach Carousel, a working historic artifact for every age. Krasl Art Center features exhibits, permanent sculptures, and classes for young and old. Next to the popular Box Factory for the Arts, Clementines Too dishes out seafood and American fare in nautical vibes and a dockside patio. Tiscornia Park is unmissable between the West Basin Marina and North Pier, with a picnic pavilion, a sandy beach, and views of the famous lighthouse. The historic North Pier Inner Lighthouse and South Pier Lighthouse on a breakwater offer an elevated catwalk and dramatic sunset vistas.

Suttons Bay

Evoking romantic vibes, this diverse town is perfect for a couple's escape, a family's first camping trip, or whenever you need a 360-degree change in pace from the city. Its few welcoming inns and beachy rentals will make you feel at home far away. Waking up at the Art House or Korner Kottage, follow the freshly baked scent to Chimoski Bakery for treats to enjoy from a scenic chair at Suttons Park. The next-door Hop Lot Brewing Co. & Beer Garden may steal the men away from your group, but win them over dinner at Boone's Prime Time Pub, a cozy cabin-like setup serving hand-cut steaks, casual American fare, and cocktails. The town's scenic beach is a pet- and kid-friendly playscape for lounging and watersports, with amenities and snacks until the beautiful sunset and magnificent moonrise.

Offering proximity to the Huron-Manistee National Forest, enjoy a day on the trails or find campsites with easy access to the family-friendly waters. You can hike or drive north along the shore to the 45th Parallel Park, a rocky beach with shade and shells to stretch your legs, or take a dip with few souls around. Although the summer is most popular, the village bursts in fall foliage during wine harvest season, with local vineyard tours and bottles to bring back. Bayside Gallery features captivating and entertaining works by imaginative artists involving physics and natural beauty鈥攊nspired by the scenic, comfortable environment. Find more inspiration at the "Sunflower Fields," a garden, and the top-rated Blustone Vineyards in a modest building.

There's so much lush nature to revel in around the "Mitten" when you take the time to discover the little-known towns. While many stay hidden by the natural beauty of the Great Lakes, the ingenuity of the locals shines through. You will feel an instant connection to culture and the past on a stroll along Calumet鈥檚 streets.

Home to a scenic, pet- and kid-friendly beach, Suttons Bay transforms during the wine harvest season. From Keweenaw Peninsula to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, St. James is an island escape with two lighthouses, St. Joseph boasts Tiscornia Park, while Colon is a real 麻豆AV-class magic act: with something for everyone.