Trips & Routes

Small Towns

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Michigan’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Michigan, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Jacki Mick
on May 19
High-angle overlook of lush green forests and rolling hills under big clouds in Cedar, MI.
Trips & Routes

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Michigan

by Jacki Mick
on Mar 20
A magician in a tuxedo performs on a dark stage, holding a colorful umbrella with long, flowing ribbons attached.
Trips & Routes

3 Small Towns in Michigan So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

by Cait Kontalis
on Jan 19
A large yellow shoe sculpture in front of a windmill.
Trips & Routes

Discover the Michigan Small Town That Looks Like a Hallmark Movie Setting

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 18
Colorful holiday lights cover the facades of businesses on a dowtwon street at night.
Trips & Routes

It’s Christmas All Year Round in This Festive Michigan Town

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Nov 1
A horse drawn carriage drives on a street at night with Christmas lights next to a car.

Latest Small Towns

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Escape to These 5 Charming Mountain Towns in Michigan Before Fall Ends

Charming mountain towns in Michigan await with vibrant leaves and small-town magic. Don’t miss your last chance for fall vibes.

by Jacki Mick
on Sep 26
A wooden signpost peeks through vibrant oak leaves toward a colorful mountain view.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small Town in Michigan That Feels Straight Out of ‘Freaks and Geeks’

This Michigan small town is straight out of Freaks and Geeks. It's a Midwest spot where teen drama, diner nights, and vintage vibes still feel alive.

by Jacki Mick
on Apr 7
A low-angle view of two train tracks under a dramatic, dark sky with sun rays breaking through golden-hued clouds.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Tiny Town in Michigan Feels Like a Living Time Capsule

Indulge in lakeside ice cream, take walks on the beach, and enjoy delicious local food in New Buffalo, Michigan.

by Cait Kontalis
on Apr 7
A grainy sunset over Lake Michigan in New Buffalo, Michigan, with a dark tree silhouette framing pink and blue skies.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Waterfront Michigan Town Feels Like It Belongs on a European Coast

With its sparkling waters, vibrant restaurants, and delightful lavender farm, Charlevoix could easily be mistaken for a town in the south of France.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Apr 8
Boats on the harbor in Charlevoix, MI on a beautiful sunny day in the summer.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Empire, Michigan, the Gateway of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

Empire, Michigan is so much more than a gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s a charming town with hiking, history, and stunning waterfront views.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jul 13
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Escape to a Unique Treehouse Rental in This Michigan Waterfront Town

Ready for a fairytale adventure in Charlevoix, Michigan? Experience the magic when you stay at this dreamy treehouse Airbnb in town.

by Melanie Johnson
on Jan 19
A treehouse Airbnb in Michigan with a small furnished deck and stone pathways, nestled inside a heavily wooded area
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

How I’d Redo My Trip to Frankenmuth in Michigan

Next time our writer visits Frankenmuth, Michigan, he's going to need a little more planning and a lot more time

by Trent Jonas
on Mar 1
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Explore Grand Haven, a Walkable City in Michigan Famous for Its Beauty

The little town of Grand Haven might just be one of the most beautiful, walkable towns in all of Michigan. And my goodness - is it beautiful.

by Tori Jane
on Mar 13
Gemini said Two red lighthouses on a pier at sunset, with large waves crashing against them under a cloudy orange sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Winter Is This Upper Peninsula Town’s Secret Season

McMillan, Michigan, is a winter wonderland offering unforgettable adventures, from dog sledding to stunning snowy landscapes—your perfect cold-weather escape.

by Jacki Mick
on Dec 19
* A musher rides a dog sled through a snowy forest trail, led by a team of huskies under the bright winter sun.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Michigan’s Rising Star: This Underrated City Is Ideal for Any Traveler

St. Joseph, Michigan is a coastal community that's perfect for a weekend or day trip.

by Nikki Rhoades
on Dec 2
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Tiniest Town in Michigan We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

Did you know that the smallest town in Michigan has less than 25 residents? This remote wonderland is still worthy of visiting, though...

by Tori Jane
on Oct 29
A wooden dock extends into a calm lake, surrounded by lush green trees and reflecting clouds in the water.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Don’t Miss These Things on a 1-Day To Visit to This Small Town in Michigan

If you only have one day in this Michigan town, here's what you must do. From a quirky hardware store to the best frosting you’ll ever eat, this guide has everything you need for a perfect small-town adventure.

by Jacki Mick
on Dec 2
A giant Uniroyal stands in Allen Park, Michigan, alongside a freeway with cars driving by.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Up-and-Coming City in Michigan That’s Perfectly Sized

Ferndale, Michigan, is known as the LGBTQ+ hub of metro Detroit. It's home to incredible restaurants, shopping, events, and entertainment—all only 10 miles out of the big city.

by Jacki Mick
on Oct 15
Businesses line a street under a gray sky in Ferndale, Michigan.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small-Town Restaurant That Is Worth A Visit From Anywhere In Michigan

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Feb 13
A European restaurant with a fenced outdoor seating area, featuring tall, pointed sculptures and a welcoming entrance sign.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Cozy Small Town in Michigan That Comes Alive Under a Blanket of Snow

There is nothing like a winter in Michigan. But you'll truly fall in love with this time of year when you visit the town of Petoskey.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Dec 4
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Enjoy A Classical Christmas When You Visit This Charming Suburb In Michigan

by Jack Springgate
on Dec 18
A festive crowd gathers under colorful holiday lights, with Santa waving from a stage.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Little-Known Small Town In Michigan That Goes All Out For Christmas

by Jack Springgate
on Nov 29
A decorated Christmas tree and festive archway in a snowy park at night, with a bridge and water in the background.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Charming Community Might Just Be The Most Peaceful Place To Live In Michigan

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Nov 27
Aerial view of a river winding through a colorful autumn landscape with homes and docks along the shore.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Most People Don’t Know That This Charming Small Town Has An Ojibwe Name

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Oct 26
Aerial view of a colorful autumn landscape with a lake and a red-roofed house surrounded by trees.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Remote Small Town in Michigan Locals Don’t Want You to Find

Head as far southwest as you can in Michigan and you'll reach the town of New Buffalo. Here, you can escape your everyday routine.

by Jack Springgate
on Oct 21
A close up of dune grass overlooking Lake Michigan a light house juts out above the dune
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small Town In Michigan That Comes Alive In The Fall Season

by Rachel Pfutzenreuter
on Sep 20
A scenic view of a colorful autumn landscape with vibrant yellow and red foliage, lakes, and distant hills.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Charming Small Town in Michigan That’s Perfect for a Fall Day Trip

Enjoy the gifts of autumn in this cozy small southwest Michigan community. Apple picking, haunted houses, and changing leaves await.

by Jack Springgate
on Oct 7
Vibrant orange leaves have fallen from a tree near still pond and a wooden bench beneath a blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

There’s An Apple Festival In Michigan And It’s Just As Wacky And Wonderful As It Sounds

by Jack Springgate
on Sep 11
Bags of fresh apples labeled "Honey Crisp" displayed on grass at a market or festival.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Enjoy The Simple Life When You Visit This Tiny Rural Community In Michigan

Chelsea, Michigan, offers a blend of history, nature, and community spirit, making it an ideal example of small-town living.

by Megan Todaro
on Aug 10
A clock tower stands tall over a small town, with streets lined by buildings and a cloudy sky above.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Best Small Town Getaway In Michigan: Best Things To Do In Birmingham

Birmingham, Michigan, offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it a perfect weekend getaway with its walkable downtown, vibrant community, and diverse dining options.

by Megan Todaro
on Aug 8
A vibrant sunset over a city street, featuring a historic theater marquee and light trails from passing cars.