10 Michigan Small Towns That are Worth the Drive

Michigan is a wonderland for water, sun, beaches, scenery, snow and the four seasons. There's a lot to explore in Michigan outside of our hometowns. Make some time to visit ten towns that are worth the drive.

What makes them worth the drive?

Some of these towns I have visited and enjoyed. The people are cool and there are activities for you and your family to enjoy. We try to visit smaller towns in Michigan that have some history or stories behind them. Each town has good food options.

There are towns on this list that I am eager to explore.

These towns will offer you good dining options and lodging possibilites if you need to stay overnight.

Are there any cool towns worth the drive along the Great Lakes?

You bet. I grew up on Lake Michigan, it's natural for me to want to migrate towards one of the Great Lakes. It doesn't matter if it's summer or not, lakeside towns are unique in their own way. Visiting one of these towns in the winter could give you a taste of what serious lake effect snow is like, you could enjoy the activities asscociated with that much snow too.

Obviously catching a sunset in one of these towns would be an added bonus.

RELATED: See The Best Sunsets At These Lovable Michigan Beaches

Gas up the wagon and gather the fam, it's time to hit the road and visit some cool small towns in Michigan.

10 Michigan Small Towns That are Worth the Drive

Cadillac

My family used to visit Cadillac in the summer. Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac were fun to fish. There's a lot to do and you can get more information about lodging and dining here.

Copper Harbor

Head to the top of the state. If the nighttime skies are amazing I'm headed up there soon. Copper Harbor has good food, trails for hiking & biking and golf. Check out more info here.

Ludington

Ludington is a blast for two or for the whole family. The sunsets are impressive and there are tons of great dining options for all. If you like pizza get Chuck Wagon Pizza if you like fresh fish make sure you visit Bortell's. Get the lowdown on lodging and more, here.

Manistique

Take a trip to the U.P. and visit Manistique. It's situated on the south end of the U.P. on Lake Michigan. I drove through Manistique last summer on my way back from Marquette. It looks nice and the pier takes you out into Lake Michigan. I did stop for about ten minutes to lose my money at the casino. It's worth the drive and you can get more info about the fun stuff here.

Marquette

The drive to Marquette has some awesome scenery. If you drive to Marquette at night via 28, you will see some of the darkest skies you've ever seen. We like to pull over at one of the pull off spots, on the shore of Lake Superior, and star gaze. I've never seen anything like it. When you are in Marquette try dining at Elizabeth's Chop House and get some sweets at 231 West Patisserie. You're thinking about it, get lodging info here.

New Buffalo

New Buffalo is in Southwest Michigan. New Buffalo has a nice downtown shopping district with tons of local dining options often sourced locally. If you want one of the best burgers you have ever eaten, check out Redamak's. Make your plans, get lodging info and fun ideas here.

Paradise

If you want a good sunrise, Paradise has got it. It's also a great place to stop on your way into the guts of the U.P. if you plan on visiting Tahquamenon Falls. If you like whitefish you can stock up in Paradise. If you're headed to the U.P., make your plans here.

Port Austin

I've never been to the top of the thumb. That's where you can find Port Austin. Anything close to the water is where it's at. I'm checking into lodging and things to do, here.

St. Joseph

Of course I am going to refer you to my hometown. It's right on Lake Michigan and you can hit Silver Beach. The downtown district is nice too. When it comes to dining, take your pick from great food. If seafood is your thing I suggest Grand Mere Inn. Planning a trip, get the scoop here.

White Fish Point

This is a fun pit stop for us when we're traveling in the U.P. Get some tasty U.P. food and visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Lodging info and other stuff to do can be found here.