There’s something special about a small town that you just can’t find in a big city. Maybe it’s the way everyone seems to know you (that can be a good AND bad thing, but that’s another story). Maybe it’s the sense of pride that comes from making a difference in a tight-knit community. Or perhaps, it’s the friendly, independent shops. Lucky for us, we’ve got plenty of charming small towns in Michigan. And though the competition is fierce, the following 12 towns are among the best small towns in Michigan.

1. Battle Creek
Battle Creek, MI, USA
"Battle Creek, Michigan (2008)" by battlecreekcvb - http://www.flickr.com/photos/30940619@N05/3029228967/. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This may be a smaller city, but it's got a major influence in the cereal game. Battle Creek is a gorgeous little place you're not soon to forget.
2. Crystal Falls
Crystal Falls, MI 49920, USA
Wikipedia
With a population of just about 1,800 people, you're bound to know everyone in Crystal Falls. That's alright - at least most folks here are friendly and kind!
3. Bay City
Bay City, MI, USA
"Libertybridge" by Asher196 at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
She may not talk about it much, but Madonna herself came from Bay City, proving that amazing people are born out of these communities. Sometimes. You know.

Explore beautiful Bay City in this awesome, short video tour:
4. Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor, MI, USA
"Main Street Downtown Benton Harbor" by Humbles Art - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
What started as a farming community, this town of about 10,000 known as Benton Harbor sits on the edge of Lake Michigan. Sounds idyllic to us.
5. Marshall
Marshall, MI 49068, USA
"MarshallMIHouses" by Andrew Jameson - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Marshall is known for its historic, Victorian-style homes and absolutely gorgeous, classically beautiful downtown area. You'll want to move here ASAP.

And if you're already thinking about it, maybe this will convince you:
6. Monroe
Monroe, MI, USA
"MonroeDowtown" by Notorious4life at en.wikipedia - Own workTransferred from en.wikipedia. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Monroe is within perfect proximity to the big cities of Detroit and Toledo in Ohio, without the big-city fuss. We love that.

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7. Muskegon
Muskegon, MI, USA
Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
In the fur and lumber boom of the 19th century, more millionaires lived in Muskegon than in any other city in the United States. Neat! Nowadays, things are a little different, but the town sure is stunning.
8. Clawson
Clawson, MI, USA
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This town in Metro Detroit known as Clawson might seem like any other suburban community, but its downtown is full of quaint, locally-owned boutiques and restaurants and is very walkable.
9. Colon
Colon, MI 49040, USA
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Okay, so the name of this place - Colon - has a kind of interesting connotation. Its origins are rooted in grammar, in the colon (;) which indicates a pause not quite as long as a period.
10. Grand Haven
Grand Haven, MI, USA
"Grand haven lighthouse" by Bosman111 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Haven is a gorgeous little beach town with a population of about 10,000 and is very family-friendly - plus, living here gives you great access to the lake.
11. Ishpeming
Ishpeming, MI 49849, USA
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Another fascinating name: Ishpeming. This place in the Upper Peninsula became a boom town in the 1840s with the discovery of iron ore.
12. Paw Paw
Paw Paw, MI 49079, USA
Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Paw Paw, which is named after the Pawpaw fruit, has prospered as a farming area and lumber mill settlement.

Maybe you're thinking about a move to Paw Paw? We think that's a great idea:

So, what do you think? Are these the most charming small towns in Michigan? Did we miss your favorite small town? Tell us!

These towns are just the beginning when it comes to options for day trips in Michigan. There are plenty more. Check out more fun things to do in Michigan if you can’t seem to get enough of the big ol’ mitten.

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns In Michigan

Daniella DiRienzo | August 19, 2021

What are the best small towns in Michigan?

When it comes to the best small towns in Michigan, Frankenmuth definitely fits the bill. It was founded by German Lutheran immigrants in the 1800s, so it’s oozing with an old-fashioned European ambiance. The architecture alone is enough to transport you straight to Europe. However, if that doesn’t do it, a stroll down the Bavarian-style streets, which are dotted with ethnic eateries should do the trick. Sticking to its German roots, the town hosts an annual Oktoberfest as well as a Bavarian Fest and the World Expo of Beer.

What are some other things to do in Michigan?

Many of the charming small towns in Michigan boast great attractions. That’s definitely the case with Paradise, MI, which is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. A true treasure, it’s billed as one of the top 10 maritime museums in the world. Open seasonally (from mid-June through October), it houses an incredible collection of artifacts from historic shipwrecks of Lake Superior. The museum’s perks don’t end there, though. Visitors can also tour the Lightkeeper’s Quarters. Built in 1861, the living quarters have been fully restored, offering a unique peek into the past.

What are the best day trips in Michigan?

As far as day trips in Michigan go, Oswald’s Bear Ranch is a can’t-miss. Not only is it rated one of the top 10 best family-friendly Upper Peninsula attractions, but it’s the largest (bear-only) bear ranch in the country. The ranch opened in 1997 and has only gotten bigger and better since. Today, it’s home to dozens of bears, which visitors can admire from photo platforms. The elevated platforms provide a bird’s-eye view of the bears and their surroundings. For a real treat, plan to visit at feeding time, which takes place around 4 p.m. daily.

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