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1. Discover Clare Michigan: One of Our Favorite Michigan Small Towns to Visit!
Let me just say, we have been visiting Clare Michigan on repeat this year. It's becoming one of our favorite cute towns in Michigan to visit because the downtown area is so friendly and vibrant. You can tour the inside of a bright red historic caboose, see a cool dam, wonderful lakeside park, and shop at many of the local Amish owned business.
Oh and you can eat at several wonderful downtown restaurants including the Herrick House, Whitehouse diner, or 505 Café which are my favorites. It's definitely one of the best small towns in Michigan.
Clare Michigan is perfect for Michigan getaways as it is close to:
If you are looking to visit small cities in Michigan with lots of outdoor things to do, check out Grayling Michigan! Grayling has a bustling downtown area with fun restaurants and shops. It's definitely on our list of the best small towns in Michigan to visit as you can kayak, tube, hike, and explore.
Whenever I visit this northern Michigan city I LOVE to visit the Grayling Fish Hatchery, especially if they have Grayling fish!
FYI!!!!! I also found one of the BEST WALKING TRAILS in Michigan (it's listed in my guide above).
Oh, and you will want to visit Wellington Farm Park too. Freakin' awesome.
Gladwin Michigan, located in Northern Michigan, is great city to visit. I think it's growing and will definitely be a vacation hotspot in the future. We LOVE eating at the Riverwalk Place (Dining, Shopping, Hotel & Spa) as it's right on the river and you can eat outside! Definitely a plus in my book for this cute small town in Michigan.
My friend and I also brought bikes so we left our vehicle at the Riverwalk Place parking lot and biked to the nearby campgrounds-super scenic area with shade trees where we watched people swing across the river and jump in! Grab our guide of fun things to do in Gladwin!
Gladwin Michigan is perfect for Michigan getaways as it is close to:
Midland Michigan(See the famous tridge and the even more famous "nation's longest canopy walk" at Dow Gardens!)
I have to say, I absolutely love Alpena Michigan located in Northern Michigan! If you love quaint Michigan towns, this is it!
Rockport State Park is a state gem as you can find fossils and bike or hike to the quarry! It's like another world!
Explore a nearby Dark Sky Park for unparalleled views of constellations and the breathtaking Milky Way!
We LOVE taking glass bottom boat shipwreck tours, kayaking under the cute covered bridge at Island Park, dining in several of the great restaurants in Alpena's downtown area, wine tasting, or listening to live music at the band shell.
If you love boardwalks along the river, historic home tours, wandering a downtown filled with shops and museums, fountains, walking tours, night life, great restaurants (and ice cream), you will find that Marshall Michigan is one of the best small towns in Michigan to visit.
In fact, Chris and I believe it's one of the best small towns to live in Michigan! You are super close to Kalamazoo and Battle Creek for work too.
Cheboygan Michigan is a great Northern Michigan Vacation Spot! See scenic lighthouses, wander across sandy beaches, check out historic bridges and listen to live music on warm summer weekends.
Ocqueoc Falls is also nearby and DEFINITELY worth a trip!
9. Glen Arbor: One of Our Favorite Cute Towns in Michigan!
You can't help but smile while touring Glen Arbor. It's one of our favorite Northern Michigan small towns. Not only is it along the famous M22 roadway, it's also home to the famous Cherry Republic store where you can go wine tasting, enjoy lunch AND shop! What's not to love about that!
I love wandering downtown Glen Arbor as it's small enough to visit all the shops (including the M22 shop!), wander along the marina and grab lunch without moving your car.
Other Nearby Cool Towns in Michigan (with travel guides of fun things to do):
If you love Northern Michigan small towns, Harbor Springs is a great place to visit in Michigan! We love visiting in the fall as the shops are all decorated for Halloween. Tourists also love the exquisite golf,
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve: This preserve offers hiking trails through lush forests and has a scenic overlook of Lake Michigan. Check out our guide!
Be sure to visit Harbor Springs Vineyards and Winery to enjoy wine tasting and tours at this picturesque winery.
Winter Sports in Harbor Springs: During the winter months, Harbor Springs becomes a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at nearby ski resorts like Nub's Nob and Boyne Highlands.
Remember that the availability of activities might vary depending on the season, so it's a good idea to check local event listings and websites for up-to-date information. Enjoy your time in Harbor Springs!
11. Let's Explore Midland Michigan: Home of the Longest Canopy Walk in the United States!!
Located along the shores of Lake Huron in Michigan, Tawas or East Tawas is one of our favorite Michigan small towns. I ADORE the downtown region and can spend hours wandering the beautiful marina across the street while eating a Pronto Pup hot dog.
Other things to do and see nearby:
Visit Largo Springs: Take a short drive to nearby Oscoda and hike the scenic staircase at Largo Springs, which leads to a viewing platform overlooking the AuSable River.
See Lumberman's Monument: Explore the Huron-Manistee National Forest and visit the Lumberman's Monument to learn about the area's logging heritage.
Explore, Camp and Hike at Tawas Point State Park: This beautiful Michigan state park is known for its sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouse, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
See the Gorgeous Lighthouse: Be sure to tour the lighthouse (check for the lighthouse schedule and hours) and stop in the gift shop!
Grab our Michigan Map chuck full of fantastic Michigan cities, small towns, beach towns and fun places to visit! Each destination has its own itinerary, interactive map and TONS of THINGS TO DO during your Michigan vacation.
Scariest 2023 Michigan Haunted Houses: MAP of 44 Best Haunted Attractions and Hayrides in MI This Halloween - Pontiac, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Grand Rapids
UPDATED Oct 1 Michigan In Fall and Autumn: See Breathtaking Fall Colors in Upper and Lower Peninsula - Best Fall Road Trips in Michigan | Fall Colors Map
Favorite Michigan Small Towns: Clare Michigan
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