Endless Outdoor Adventures Await in These 5 Small Towns in Michigan

With unparalleled access to the Great Lakes, seemingly endless cycling trails, and hiking paths with epic views, these outdoorsy towns in Michigan need to join your bucket list. Having grown up in Chicago, Michigan has always been “that” special place where I could run away from the concrete jungle and reconnect with nature. With more than 30 years of visiting the Mitten State under my belt, I’m here to share with you the best outdoor towns in Michigan. 

1. Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck, Michigan, is a staple outdoor destination for those of us who grew up in Chicagoland. It's synonymous with outdoor adventure. In fact, my youth group made an annual pilgrimage to Saugatuck every summer for team-building. Just over a two-hour drive from Chicago, Saugatuck is known for its beautiful Lake Michigan coastline. It's particularly famous for its Oval Beach, where one can enjoy swimming. Additionally, casual cyclists can enjoy the 11-mile Saugatuck-Holland Bike Trail. Advanced cyclists may prefer the 50-mile Hutchins Lake Loop that they can hop on from downtown Saugatuck. A little fun fact is that Saugatuck is part of Michigan’s Art Coast.

2. St. Joseph, Michigan

For me, it wasn’t summer without a trip to St. Joseph, Michigan, when I was growing up. Of course, the highlight of St. Joseph is Silver Beach County Park. This beach offers great opportunities for swimming and enjoying some beach snacks from local vendors, while taking in views of the North Pier Lighthouses. In addition to being out on the water, St. Joseph offers the 3.7-mile Howard Family Recreational Trail. This easy trail takes adventurers through wooded areas and along the charming small town's harbor and offers many great views of Lake Michigan. Plus, there are many outfitters who offer sailboat rides, sailing lessons, and boat rentals. 

3. Mackinac Island, Michigan

I’ve been in love with Mackinac Island, Michigan, since I saw the 1980 film Somewhere in Time that was filmed on the island. No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island. I love this because it forces everyone to get outside and explore on foot or by bicycle. A must-do activity at this outdoor destination in Michigan is riding a bike the 8.2 miles around the island on the M-185 shoreline loop. While the route is technically a highway, cars are banned. Additionally, one must try one of the many hikes at Mackinac Island State Park. The state park covers about 80 percent of the island, so it really is a must-do. The easy 2-mile Arch Rock trail is a popular hike to see the unique rock formation that looks like, you guessed it, an arch.

4. Boyne City, Michigan

Head on up north to Boyne City, Michigan. This nature town in Michigan sits between Lake Charlevoix and the Boyne River. As a result, it's a year-round haven for outdoor activities. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy beach days and rent watercraft at Lake Charlevoix. Further, Boyne City offers more than 300 acres of outdoor recreation at Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area. The recreation area offers both single-track and two-track mountain biking trails, as well as the paved 6.1-mile Boyne Valley Trail where cars aren’t allowed. In the winter, Boyne City is popular for sledding, cross-country skiing trails, fat tire biking, and ice fishing.

5. South Haven, Michigan

South Haven is another staple adventure town in Michigan. Like others on this list, its prime lake-front location is hard to beat. One can easily spend the day kayaking, paddleboarding, beaching, swimming, or boating on Lake Michigan. Outside of water-based activities, take a 34-mile bike ride on the Kal-Haven Trail. Or, take a stroll on the short trails scattered throughout the Pilgrim Haven Natural Area. South Haven is also home to Beeches Golf Club and HawksHead Links Golf Course if you’re looking to get your outside time out on the green. 

As you can see, these five outdoorsy towns in Michigan are well worth planning an outdoor getaway around. Whether it's beaching it on Lake Michigan, getting lost in the woods of northern Michigan, or cycling around Mackinac Island, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside in this beautiful state.