While Detroit gets most of the attention from the rest of the country, Michiganders know the Great Lake State has many incredible small towns in Michigan that are worth visiting. If you’re looking for a charming and historic place to take a day trip, consider the small town of Niles, Michigan. With a winning combination of nature and an idyllic downtown, you’ll love exploring this quaint city.
Niles is a small town with 11,000 residents and is located in Southwest Michigan close to the Indiana border.
The city is rich in history and is known as the “City of Four Flags” due to four nations occupying Fort St. Joseph, which was built in 1691. At different times in its history, the fort was held by the British, French, Spanish, and the United States.
The fort was abandoned and overtaken by forest until its ruins were discovered in 1998.
As for Main Street, much of its original charm and historic architecture has been preserved and appreciated thanks to a revitalization effort by the city.
Niles also has gorgeous natural beauty as it lies on the banks of the St. Joseph River. On the east side of the river, you’ll find Riverfront Park which has playground equipment and scenic nature trails.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip spot to enjoy a riverfront stroll, a great place to go antiquing, or to experience a bit of history, you’ll find it in Niles.
To learn more, visit the Downtown Niles website. Have you been to the charming and historic city of Niles, MI before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
If you’re looking for a riverfront place to spend the night or even more things to do in Niles, Michigan, check out our article on the Riverfront Park Campground.
The Up-and-Coming City in Michigan That’s Perfectly Sized
Ferndale, Michigan, known as the LGBTQ+ hub of Detroit, has incredible restaurants, shopping, events and entertainment, only ten miles out of the big city.
That's the long and the short of it. It's a fantastic place to visit but also an even better place to live. When planning my move to Michigan, it was one of the cities we considered. I did a ton of research on this Mitten State community and was pleasantly surprised by what I found out.
Funnily enough, I wouldn't shut up about all the facts I learned about the up-and-coming city of Ferndale, and a friend from Florida decided to move there a month after I made Michigan my home state. So, even though I don't live in Ferndale myself, I have an excuse to explore this fine city whenever I want to!
Ferndale is located in Oakland County, in what's called the Woodward Corridor of Detroit. That makes perfect sense, as the city is home to the starting point of the Woodward Dream Cruise. In fact, Ferndale hosts the Lights and Sirens parade that kicks off the entire Dream Cruise weekend, making it the perfect place to sit and watch the world (and all those classic cars) go by during one of the busiest times in this cute city.
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Now, during the Woodward Dream Cruise, Ferndale swells to over a million people. During the downtimes, however, it's a much more manageable city, with just under 20,000 residents. One of the reasons my friend chose Ferndale over another city was their excellent school system.
The other big selling point is how inclusive the community is.
The top of my list of "Things to love about Ferndale" is how much this Michigan city truly loves everyone. This Detroit suburb is affectionately known as the hub of the LGBTQ+ community in Detroit, and that energy is evident everywhere you look. I mean, even the crosswalks have rainbows!
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Taking a stroll along the main drag, you'll see signs of inclusivity in the window of most businesses. Truly, everyone is welcome in Ferndale.
The businesses you'll find in Ferndale are incredible. I've had some of the best chocolate of my life (Quix), the best bread (Pops for Italian), and the best crab rangoon, which just happened to be hidden in the most adorable lil speakeasy I've ever seen.
The shopping is pretty spectacular as well. From vintage clothes to fresh new fashions that'll have you looking like you stepped right out of the pages of a magazine and everything in between.
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That variety in stores extends throughout the entire town. Whether you're looking for food, clothing, gifts, or whatever, Ferndale has the perfect mix between budget and high-end shopping.
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Like, I said, there's truly something for everyone in Ferndale.
And among all these incredible shops, there's no better place to shop than at The Rust Belt Market. This artisan market focuses on human makers, featuring 30+ independently owned small businesses. Here's a hot tip from me to you: do not leave the Rust Belt without getting at least one Bon Bon Bon. My first choice is always their Mustachio, but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. These intricate, tiny treats are perfectly portioned and priced.
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If all of that is not enough to make you fall in love with Ferndale, Michigan, as hard as I did, let me tell you about the events they host! The city itself hosts parades, festivals, concert series, and, of course, an absolutely incredible Pride celebration.
Explore the businesses in downtown Ferndale, and you'll discover even more fun events. The Magic Bag hosts indie groups like Thumpasaurus and recently welcomed Cowboy Mouth, which just so happens to be the reason my other Mitten State transplant and I became friends in the first place!
My favorite form of entertainment in Ferndale (aside from all the incredible eats) is the weekly open mic comedy night at New Way Bar. I'm a regular audience member for open mics, and this was definitely the longest one I've ever been to. We showed up at 7 p.m. and left close to midnight, and there was still a full page of comedians to get through.
There's something for everyone in Ferndale. I'm not exaggerating when I say there is not enough to see in one day. That's okay, though. Ferndale is also home to some fabulous rental properties. Here's one we like that has everything you could possibly need... including a hot tub.
What's your favorite lesser-known city in Michigan? Tell us about it in the comments!
Are you ready for a day trip in Michigan that strays a bit from the norm? While there are so many wonderful cities and towns to explore throughout the Great Lakes State, there’s something special about uncovering a locale where the pace of life is a bit slower and more peaceful - and it just so happens that there are a number of quiet Amish communities in Michigan where you can do just that. When you’re ready to unwind, do a bit of shopping, and appreciate the little things, hop in the car and head to one of the most charming Amish towns in Michigan. It is Clare, and there are so many wonderful things to do here. Come along as we share some of them with you:
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The community of Clare is located mainly in Clare County, though portions of the town stretch into Isabella County. In total, Clare comprises only 3.83 square miles - talk about a quaint and compact spot.
With a population of approximately 3,300 full-time residents, Clare is decidedly small. Despite its size, though, it’s overflowing with friendly faces, unique things to do, and a welcoming atmosphere. In fact, it's known as Michigan's "City of Festivals"!
At the heart of Clare is a sizable Amish community that contributes heavily to the local culture and economy. When you choose to spend a day here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a simpler way of life.
Throughout town, you’ll find an assortment of Amish-operated businesses and shops to peruse. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for: there are items and unique handicrafts here to keep you smiling.
Kick off your visit with a few mouthwatering goodies from Country Cookstove Bakery and Bake Shop on South Eberhart Street. This Amish bakery serves the freshest bread and sweets imaginable.
If you’re looking for new home decor, venture to Benchley’s Amish Furniture and Gifts. As its name suggests, this business provides Clare locals and out-of-towners alike with top-quality handcrafted items.
Colonville Country Store is another must-visit during your time in Clare. This highly-rated spot truly offers a little bit of everything, whether you’re hunting for hardware, grabbing groceries, or simply perusing.
By the time you’re ready to head home, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. Amish country in Michigan is sure to offer a calm and quiet escape.
In our travels through the Michigan Amish country, we have found many wonderful small towns to enjoy. Have you spent time visiting the city of Clare and its many Amish-operated businesses? Do you have any favorite things to do in Clare, Michigan? Share your experiences or recommend another awesome small town in Michigan by filling out our nomination form.
Of course, Clare isn't the only Amish town in Michigan - or the only place to find wonderful handcrafted Amish goodies and beautiful creations! Try out some of our favorite Amish restaurants in Michigan for some seriously good cooking. Then, kick back and enjoy the views at this sweet waterfront cottage just a few miles from downtown Clare.
And before we go, what are some of your best day trips in Michigan? What about your favorite small towns in Michigan? We'd love to explore those as well!
If you’d like to explore some really great hikes in and around the area, you can find information and photos about trails to embark upon by going to the AllTrails website.
Thinking about taking a fun and adventurous Great Lakes State vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
