Are you in the mood for a road trip, but simply don’t have the time to make a long trek out west? Well, you’re in luck: Michigan just happens to be the perfect place for a mini road trip. And it’s only appropriate that a mini road trip needs to visit some mini Michigan towns! Load up the car, grab a few friends, and embark on this memorable small-town road trip in Michigan.

Google Maps
Our small town road trip in Michigan takes a little over 14 hours, and you can use the Google Map to plan your Mitten State adventure!
1. Chelsea
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr
Located in Washtenaw County, Chelsea is a small town with a lot to offer. Stop in to see a play at the local theatre, peruse the quaint shops downtown, or enjoy one of many family events this summer.
2. Frankenmuth
Wigwam Jones/Flickr
Frankenmuth is surely one of Michigan’s most unique small towns, boasting Bavarian architecture and a charming downtown that makes it ideal for an afternoon stroll. Grab a drink at the historic Frankenmuth Brewery or treat yourself to a delicious chicken dinner at Zehnder’s.
3. East Tawas
Mike Fritcher/Flickr
This sweet waterfront town sits on Tawas Bay near Tawas Point State Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities. The small downtown area in East Tawas is home to plenty of shops, restaurants, and even a historic movie theatre.
4. St. Ignace
Angelskiss31/Flickr
If you’ve got time to cross the bridge into the Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace is a must-visit spot. Its port location on the Straits of Mackinac makes it a truly scenic small town, and you’ll find no shortage of lovely lodging in the area.
5. Charlevoix
Francois Proulx/Flickr
The next leg of your trip will take you to beautiful Charlevoix , where you’ll find everything from fishing to golfing to waterfront dining. Check into one of the town’s charming inns for an authentic small town experience.
6. Frankfort
Ken Bosma/Flickr
Tucked between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, Frankfort is a quintessential Michigan beach town. Visitors will enjoy strolls along the channel and rows of Victorian houses after spending the afternoon exploring nearby dunes.
7. Grand Haven
Flickr/Michigan Municipal League
Grand Haven holds its own as one of West Michigan’s most welcoming little towns. With unparalleled beachfront access on Lake Michigan and a plethora of festivals and other events, Grand Haven truly has something for everyone, and it's no wonder the town has been called "the happiest" in the state.
8. Saugatuck
Erin English/Flickr
No tour of Michigan’s small towns would be complete without a stop in Saugatuck, a tiny waterfront community near the larger (but still entirely charming) city of Holland. Check out some of Saugatuck’s famous art galleries and be sure to indulge in a slice of homemade fudge at Kilwin’s. While Saugatuck is beautiful year-round, it's especially wondrous in the winter.
9. South Haven
User yuan2003/Flickr
If you’re looking for a welcoming beachside atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and a true small-town vibe, look no further than South Haven. With its breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and a scenic marina on the outskirts of downtown, South Haven is a quaint destination that you won’t soon forget.

Did you enjoy our small town road trip in Michigan? All it takes is a weekend and a sense of adventure to enjoy some of Michigan’s most wonderful places! Adventure awaits in The Great Lakes State.

And for more bucket-list-worthy road trips in Michigan, be sure to check out these 10 epic expeditions.

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More to Explore

Small Town Road Trip In Michigan

Sarah | March 12, 2021

What are some of the smallest towns in Michigan?

If you enjoyed the diminutive destinations on our small town road trip in Michigan, you'll adore these 11 teeny, tiny towns in The Great Lakes State! Just outside of Ann Arbor, the village of Barton Hill has a population of just 294 people. If you're looking for small-town lake life, only 290 people are in Lake Angelus, and this lovely area is one of the best small towns in Michigan. Manistee is another picturesque little place; this unusually named city is a derivative of the Ojibwe phrase for "spirit of the woods." As one of the best tiny towns in Michigan, it's downright lovely.

Does Michigan have any scenic drives?

In a word: yes. There are plenty of wonderful ways to explore Michigan by foot, but the scenic drive situation in The Great Lakes State is next level. Tunnel of Trees is one of the most spectacular; this magical journey between Cross Village and Harbor Springs will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a real-life fairy tale. Drive under lush foliage that’s especially resplendent during the fall... you’ll be blown away by its beauty. Along the way, you’ll also catch gorgeous views of the Lake Michigan shoreline from atop stunning bluffs. And if you love Lake Michigan, the M-22 Circle Tour is the drive for you. Perhaps Michigan’s most famous scenic route, M-22 stretches for over 115 miles along the shores of our beloved Big Lake. Start your journey in Manistee and travel through Benzie and Leelanau Counties before winding up in Traverse City. Just be prepared to take your time, as there are many can't-miss locales along the way!

What are some of the best road trips to take in Michigan?

If you're into lighthouses, our Lighthouse Road Trip will take you to some of the most picturesque lighthouses in the state, including Big Red at Holland State Park and the lighthouse at Sturgeon Point. Perhaps our extraordinary expedition is our Waterfalls Road Trip; when you follow this route, you’ll have a chance to explore the absolute best of the best. From Bond Falls to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, you’ll be blown away by the elegant yet fierce beauty of these natural wonders. Of course, there are countless other incredible road trips you can take in Michigan, and we recommend you try them all!

 

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Featured Addresses
Chelsea, MI 48118, USA
Frankenmuth, MI, USA
East Tawas, MI 48730, USA
St. Ignace, St Ignace, MI 49781, USA
Charlevoix, MI 49720, USA
Frankfort, MI 49635, USA
Grand Haven, MI, USA
Saugatuck, MI 49453, USA
South Haven, MI 49090, USA