(Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Summer is on the way, and that means it’s about to be road trip season. I always enjoy driving around during the spring and summer months, discovering new towns around Michigan. Fall is a great time to road trip, too, because of the gorgeous colors. This state has so many beautiful small towns, which make for perfect stops during a long road trip.

So, how small are Michigan’s tiniest dwellings? I actually looked up some data from the state of Michigan and discovered that many towns in Michigan have just a few hundred people. That’s almost hard to imagine. Some examples are Addison at 597, Akron at 394 and Alba at 295. Now, that’s really, really small.

When it comes to Michigan’s quaint cities, I always enjoy South Haven. My uncle lives around that area, and I used to go there at lot as a kid. The beach town is right on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the southwest part of the state. Its population is just over 4,000 residents, but it seems way bigger during the summer months, as it’s a very popular tourist destination. Just thinking about South Haven’s warm, sandy beaches is making me smile. If you head there, don’t forget to check out South Haven’s trademark red lighthouse.

Of course, South Haven is just the beginning when it comes to great places to visit. Read on for 40 small towns in Michigan that you need to visit this summer for a weekend getaway. You’ll also find information on each town below with a link to that town’s official website, so you can find more details about the best time to visit and how to get there.

  • Munising

    Home Page - Munising Visitor's Bureau

    Home of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore MUNISING COME EXPLORE WELCOME! Munising is home of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hiawatha National Forest, and Grand Island National Recreational Area in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We do outdoors BIG here in Munising-all year 'round. So, if you're a veteran of our natural habitats, or if this is ...

  • Marquette

    Marquette, Michigan | Hotels, Restaurants & Things To Do

    Experience the fun and adventure in Marquette, Michigan. Find comfortable hotels, great dining options, and attractions both in town and out to explore.

  • Traverse City - Not super small, but a great spot to visit!

    Traverse City Hotels, Events, Restaurants & Things to Do

    Find information on hotels, events, restaurants and things to do in Traverse City, Michigan. Start Planning your trip to Traverse City today!

  • Holland

    Holland

    Holland is best known for its Dutch heritage, evident in many of its attractions and events. Visitors can walk back through time in the Dutch Galleries of the Holland Museum, the renovated splendor of the Cappon House and a recreation of 1890s Netherlands at Nelis' Dutch Village.

  • Sault Ste. Marie

    Sault Ste Marie Michigan Visitors Bureau, UP Michigan Lodging, Hotels, Restaurants

    The 14th Michigan Paranormal Convention August 22 - 24, 2024 Explore a Historic Downtown The Heart of the Soo Finding Freighters Learn when freighters will be passing through the Soo Locks The Cure for Spring Fever Adventure Comes to life in Sault Ste. Marie VIEW ALL

  • Alpena

    Welcome to Alpena, Michigan

    Incorporated in 1871, the City of Alpena overlooks Lake Huron's picturesque Thunder Bay. The wood, cement, and heavy machinery industries of Alpena stemmed from a long industrial heritage that started with logging of the 1800s. Besides these industries, Alpena offers to the public an abundance of businesses along with a community college and a regional medical center.

  • Tawas City

    Tawas City - Proud of Our Past & Confident of Our Future

    Proud of Our Past & Confident of Our Future. Overlooking Beautiful Lake Huron on Michigan's Sunrise Side

  • St. Joseph

    St. Joseph, Michigan Home Page

    Truck Driver The City of St. Joseph is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Public Works Department in the Streets & Sanitation Division as a full-time Truck Driver!

  • Harbor Springs

    City of Harbor Springs Michigan

    The City of Harbor Springs Michigan. Information on zoning, municipal services, meetings, the Harbor Springs Marina and the police and fire departments.

  • Escanaba

    Escanaba Michigan

    No Description

  • Frankenmuth

    Frankenmuth Michigan | Frankenmuth

    Frankenmuth is a Michigan vacation destination with plenty of fun things to do. We have great restaurants, shopping, festivals, and events. Learn more.

  • Mackinac Island

    Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau - Unique Mackinac Island, MI Vacation

    Mackinac Island, MI is a unique vacation spot boasting fine dining, historic sites, and exciting attractions. Learn more from Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau!

  • Northville

    Home

    No Description

  • Ontonagon

    Village of Ontonagon | Village of Ontonagon

    Our aim is to inform residents, businesses, and visitors; to promote economic vitality and opportunity; and to deliver efficient and effective municipal services to enhance your quality of life. Check back often for updates on recreational activities, community events, Village Council actions, Village news and other areas of interest.

  • Charlevoix

    Visit Charlevoix, Michigan | Charlevoix the Beautiful! | Discover Northern Michigan

    Discover the beauty of Charlevoix, MI, located on three beautiful lakes in Northern Michigan. Experience all that Charlevoix has to offer: Earl Young mushroom houses, Castle Farms, family fun activities, boating, outdoor recreation, winter recreation, fall color tours, world-class lodging and dining and everything in-between! Visit Charlevoix and take a vacation any time of year!

  • Paradise

    Paradise

    Spend the day at Whitefish Bay on sandy beaches with great views of Lake Superior.Uncover hidden treasures at the Shipwreck Museum, ranked one of the top ten mari-time museums in the world.

  • Copper Harbor

  • Saugatuck

    Visit Saugatuck Michigan - Saugatuck

    For a getaway that's rich in both recreation and relaxation, explore Saugatuck/Douglas and discover your ultimate escape.

  • Petoskey

    Home - Petoskey Area

    Put Yourself Out There Petoskey Area in the spring is a time of firsts - from your first bike ride to your first round of golf as the weather warms up.

  • South Haven

    Welcome to South Haven, Michigan | South Haven Visitors Bureau

    From the beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan to the eclectic eateries, award-winning wineries, quaint boutiques and the natural scenic surroundings - there's

  • Ludington

    Visit Ludington Michigan - Visit Ludington

    Visit Ludington in West Michigan! Home to two lighthouses and the S.S. Badger carferry, Ludington is a favorite place for visitors & locals!

  • Pentwater

    Pentwater, MI

    Discover Pentwater. Come for a day. A week. A life. Pentwater, Michigan - the village, township and surrounding area - is a quintessential, old-fashioned, laid back community with a rich history on the shores of Lake Michigan's clear waters and sugar-fine sandy beaches. It surrounds a 500-acre inland lake that's fed by a vibrant river.

  • Techumseh

    Welcome to Tecumseh, MI

    Tecumseh, Michigan, is a vibrant small community, situated 25 miles southwest of Ann Arbor, and 45 miles northwest of Toledo. Nestled into the rolling landscape of Lenawee County, the city's location provides easy access to major highways and transportation hubs.

  • Colon

    FAB Magic Company

    World's Largest Magic Shop & Manufacturer of Hand Made Magic Props Located in The Magic Capital Of The World - Colon Michigan

  • Boyne City

    Boyne City Michigan | City of Boyne City - City of Boyne City

    The City of Boyne City is committed to working with the community to provide ethical and responsible local government so everyone can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Boyne City in beautiful Northern Michigan.

  • Caseville

    Caseville

    Well known for its sandy beach, abundant fishing and its unique shops and festivities. Discover the beauty of a Huron County sunset on Saginaw Bay.Join us for Shanty Days in the winter and Cheeseburger Days in the [...]

  • Port Austin

    Greater Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce

    Visit Port Austin, the tip of Michigan's Thumb, and be immersed in the best that Lake Huron has to offer: beautiful sunrise AND sunset over the water, sandy beaches and dunes, unique rock formations, fishing and water sport rentals to mention just a few.

  • East Tawas

    East Tawas, MI

    No Description

  • St. Ignace

    Homepage

    Make St. Ignace Your Home Port in the Straits of Mackinac. Find out why we say "It's Better Above The Bridge In St. Ignace".

  • Suttons Bay

    Suttons Bay

    The village of Suttons Bay lies midway up the eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has a quality all of its own, with Michigan wine country tours, nature ride trails and a historic shopping district. Also home to the Leelanau Sands Casino, there's plenty of activities year-round in Suttons Bay.

  • Newberry

    SLOT88 RESMI: Emang Boleh Website Segacor Ini Hadir Di Indonesia

    Emang ada website segacor slot88 resmi ini hadir untuk memuaskan para masyarakat Indonesia dengan cara menawarkan banyak sekali permainan yang seru.

  • Marshall

    Marshall, MI | Official Website

    Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.

  • Harrisville

    City of Harrisville

    The City of Harrisville, Michigan is located on the stunning western shore of Lake Huron. This quaint city on the shores of Lake Huron features an outstanding harbor for recreational boaters,one of the state's most impressive parks and one of Michigan's biggest Art Fairs!

  • Frankfort

    Frankfort, MI

    Frankfort, MI

  • Elberta

    Village of Elberta Michigan

    Send letter of interest and résumé to clerk@villageofelberta.com. Position is open until filled. See full position description. The Elberta Beach project is underway! The road down to the beach is closed to vehicular traffic until further notice while AJs does their work. Foot traffic is allowed at your own risk.

  • Elk Rapids

    HOME PAGE - Village of Elk Rapids

    The Village of Elk Rapids is committed to transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process. On this site you'll find links to agendas, minutes, and audio recordings for Village Council meeting as well as agendas and minutes for all Commission meetings.

  • Au Gres

    Au Gres

    Au Gres' downtown has an appeal that draws customers with its small town friendliness, unique shops, quality restaurants, wineries and pubs, and natural beauty. Au Gres offers year round recreational [...]

  • Rose City

    Home | Rosecity

    No Description

  • Gaylord

    Visit Gaylord | Activities, Lodging & Events in Gaylord, MI

    Stay, dine, play, and explore in Northern Michigan with a trip to Gaylord, MI. Plan your trip to the north's all-seasons vacation destination.

  • Menominee

    Home Page

    Amended Project PlanRevolving Fund Utility Project Plan

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