Illustrated map of the state of Michigan in United States with cities and landmarks. Editable vector illustration

Summer travel season is ahead in Michigan. That’s a good thing, but what if you’re tired of the same tourist destinations? Sure, major attractions and landmarks can be fun to visit. But, sometimes it can be extra special to venture to a hidden gem that is off the radar.

Enter Reader’s Digest. The longstanding publication recently posted a list of the 15 most underrated American cities worth a visit. In the article, they state, “Skip the throngs of tourists this summer and head to a lesser-known destination to experience incredible food, one-of-a-kind hotels, eclectic festivals and more.”

This list has a nice range of cities from across America, from Virginia to Connecticut to Montana. Just reading through these picks makes me want to pack up my overnight bag and travel to some of these special spots across the U.S.

So, which city in Michigan is considered one of the 15 most underrated American cities worth a visit? According to Reader’s Digest, instead of going to Chicago, try Traverse City, Michigan, they state. “Often likened to hip destinations like Asheville, North Carolina, or Portland, Maine, Traverse City, Michigan, is home to incredible dining, wineries, breweries, and beaches—and as such, has been nicknamed ‘the Hamptons of Michigan,'” Reader’s Digest says. They add that people love going to Traverse City for the National Cherry Festival in July. They also love the Traverse City Film Festival in August, “one of the best attended in the country.” As for suggests on where to say, try “Hotel Indigo or Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and go hungry to check out modern restaurants like Mama Lu’s taco shop. The sweetly named Cherry Capital Airport launched new direct flights this summer from cities including New York, Atlanta, and Chicago, making getting to this Northern Michigan city of 15,000 easier than ever.” If you’re wondering, the No. 1 most underrated is Charlottesville, Virginia. Find the full list of the 15 most underrated American cities worth a visit via this link.

Michigan Cities with the Highest Median Household Income

  • 50. New Boston, Michigan

    $65,308.00

  • 49. Chelsea, Michigan

    $65,667.00

  • 48. Dewitt, Michigan

    $65,688.00

  • 47. Leonard, Michigan

    $66,224.00

  • 46. Hamburg, Michigan

    $66,500.00

  • 45. Gaines, Michigan

    $66,667.00

  • 44. Okemos, Michigan

    $66,802.00

  • 43. New Hudson, Michigan

    $66,875.00

  • 42. Davisburg, Michigan

    $66,940.00

  • 41. Utica, Michigan

    $66,979.33

  • 40. Plymouth, Michigan

    $67,360.00

  • 39. South Lyon, Michigan

    $67,463.00

  • 38. Pinckney, Michigan

    $67,593.00

  • 37. White Lake, Michigan

    $67,670.50

  • 36. Moline, Michigan

    $67,875.00

  • 35. Farmington, Michigan

    $68,465.50

  • 34. Armada, Michigan

    $68,783.00

  • 33. Willis, Michigan

    $69,180.00

  • 32. Dryden, Michigan

    $70,133.00

  • 31. Ray, Michigan

    $70,282.00

  • 30. Lake Orion, Michigan

    $70,527.33

  • 29. Hartland, Michigan

    $71,964.00

  • 28. Canton, Michigan

    $72,828.50

  • 27. Goodrich, Michigan

    $72,983.00

  • 26. Dexter, Michigan

    $73,051.00

  • 25. Oxford, Michigan

    $73,230.50

  • 24. Brighton, Michigan

    $74,069.50

  • 23. Macomb, Michigan

    $74,280.50

  • 22. Milford, Michigan

    $74,377.00

  • 21. Ortonville, Michigan

    $74,932.00

  • 20. Clarkston, Michigan

    $75,452.00

  • 19. Washington, Michigan

    $75,671.50

  • 18. Troy, Michigan

    $75,680.33

  • 17. Oakland, Michigan

    $76,491.00

  • 16. Saline, Michigan

    $77,274.00

  • 15. Commerce Township, Michigan

    $78,982.00

  • 14. Novi, Michigan

    $79,262.00

  • 13. Northville, Michigan

    $79,579.00

  • 12. Birmingham, Michigan

    $80,555.00

  • 11. Pleasant Ridge, Michigan

    $81,108.00

  • 10. Grosse Pointe, Michigan

    $81,864.00

  • 9. Mullett Lake, Michigan

    $82,886.00

  • 8. Rochester, Michigan

    $83,585.33

  • 7. Ada, Michigan

    $83,902.00

  • 6. Grosse Ile, Michigan

    $87,062.00

  • 5. Huntington Woods, Michigan

    $87,507.00

  • 4. Whittaker, Michigan

    $89,508.00

  • 3. West Bloomfield, Michigan

    $93,950.67

  • 2. Franklin, Michigan

    $97,437.00

  • 1. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

    $108,432.33

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.

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