Posted in Michigan Attractions May 06, 2021 by

Here Are The 10 Coolest Small Towns In Michigan You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Small town life is seriously underrated, in the best possible way. Sometimes, the size of a town cannot be measured by population, but in fact, by character. Here, we showcase 10 charming small towns in Michigan that you may or may not have heard of, but that really are the heart of the Great Mitten State.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Arcadia
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
With a population of just around 600, this Lake Michigan coastal community will give you epic views of the water, minus the big crowds.
2. Bear Lake
Larry & Teddy Page/Flickr
This tiny village in Manistee County is home to just over 200 people and is another secret haven for lovers of Lake Michigan.
3. Boyne City
Scott Smithson/Flickr
In comparison, this "bigger" town of about 3,700 sits off the banks of Lake Charlevoix.
4. Cadillac
F Delventhal/Flickr
Folks outside of Michigan will be impressed that you've "discovered" this town (with a population of about 10,000), which the famous American automaker is named after...that's the story, right?
5. Cedarville
Kate Ter Haar/Flickr
Originally founded as a Lake Huron lumber settlement, this township of about 2,200 remains a UP gem.
6. Chesaning
By Ken (Sentrawoods) - http://www.flickr.com/photos/sentrawoods/2643488639/, CC BY-SA 2.0
Headed back into the lower mitten, you'll find this mid-Michigan place, which is home to about 2,300.
7. Harbor Springs
Calm Vistas/Flickr
Once you've tired of the busyness of the much larger Traverse City, head over to this north UP resort town of about 1,100.
8. Iron River
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Toward the western reaches of the UP, you'll find Iron River. It's managed to keep its population at around 3,000.
9. Marine City
cmh2315fl/Flickr
East, along the banks of the St. Clair River below Lake Huron, you'll find Marine City, which has a population of 4,100. Here, you'll enjoy close proximity to Ontario, which is just across the river.
10. Newberry
Bird Eye/Flickr
Another UP village, some 1,300 call this place home.

What we love most about these places is the sheer beauty and charm that they’ve maintained over the years – something that’s lacking in a big city. Tell us, what are some of your favorite charming small towns in Michigan that virtually no one knows about?

Address: Arcadia, MI 49613, USA
Address: Bear Lake, MI 49614, USA
Address: Boyne City, MI 49712, USA
Address: Cadillac, MI 49601, USA
Address: Cedarville, MI 49719, USA
Address: Chesaning, MI 48616, USA
Address: Harbor Springs, MI 49740, USA
Address: Iron River, MI 49935, USA
Address: Marine City, MI 48039, USA
Address: Newberry, MI 49868, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Charming Small Towns In Michigan

May 11, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo

What are some other charming small towns in Michigan?

There are lots of charming small towns in Michigan. One that definitely belongs on your bucket list is Clare. The perfect place to enjoy the simple life, Clare is a small Amish town. In addition to about 500 residents, the town is home to several Amish businesses. Clare also plays host to a number of much-anticipated events, including the Yoder’s Amish Quilt Auction and Craft Shows, which are typically held in the spring and again in late-summer. A can’t-miss shopping destination, the market attracts hundreds of vendors, selling a bevy of Amish-made wares – from quilts and furniture to tools and horse equipment.

What are the smallest towns in Michigan?

Omer and Lake Angelus are among the smallest towns in Michigan. Signage along U.S. Route 23 bills Omer as “Michigan’s Smallest City,” and as of the 2019 census, that claim holds true. However, at the time of the 2010 census, Omer was actually demoted to the second-smallest city, as its population reached 313. Lake Angelus, which is in Oakland County, had a population of 290 at the time of the 2010 census, making it the smallest town in Michigan. In 2019, Omer’s population was listed at 259, enabling it to reclaim the title of “Michigan’s Smallest City.”

Which towns have the best main streets in Michigan?

When it comes to main streets in Michigan, Mackinac Island’s Main Street can’t be beat! It’s even been named the “most beautiful main street” in Michigan. Definitely deserving of the recognition, Mackinac Island’s downtown is brimming with spectacular shopping destinations, incredible dining, and amazing waterfront views, thanks to its location on the shores of the Great Lakes. The fun doesn’t end at nightfall, though. Mackinac Island is well-known for its bustling nightlife. Remember, accessing the island requires a short ferry ride. Click here for more information.

Address: Arcadia, MI 49613, USA
Address: Bear Lake, MI 49614, USA
Address: Boyne City, MI 49712, USA
Address: Cadillac, MI 49601, USA
Address: Cedarville, MI 49719, USA
Address: Chesaning, MI 48616, USA
Address: Harbor Springs, MI 49740, USA
Address: Iron River, MI 49935, USA
Address: Marine City, MI 48039, USA
Address: Newberry, MI 49868, USA