8 SMALL TOWN MICHIGAN OVERNIGHT GETAWAYS

1. Mesick

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It’s in the middle of nowhere, it’s near the highest point in the Lower Peninsula, and it’s the mushroom capital of the world. If you love hunting for those Morel mushrooms come spring, this is the place for you! I spent countless weekends here as a child, where we would rent a small cottage for a minimal price, and spend days walking miles in the enchanted forests.

 

2. Pentwater

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A short drive from Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Ludington, Pentwater is a town geared toward young adults. Volleyball courts line the beach, the bars are fun and lively, and there are multiple campgrounds to guarantee a good time. A chill downtown vibe attracts visitors for a stroll through surf shops, t-shirt displays, ice cream hangouts, and toy stores. It's a place that lives for summer, good times, and fun-in-da-sun.

 

3. Elk Rapids

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Located between Traverse City and Charlevoix, Elk Rapids sits at the top of Grand Traverse Bay. Although tiny in size, it is filled with beauty and peace. It is home to The Local, one of my favorite restaurants in Michigan, and offers quaint and quiet beaches compared to other tourist towns in Northern Michigan. I even once witnessed a coyote running along its beach! Summer brings a lively downtown, and winter offers knick-knack stores filled with hot cocoa. You can also take a tour of the famous Shorts Brewery Production Facility. It doesn’t get much better!

 

4. Epoufette

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If it weren’t for the sign along US-2, there wouldn’t be a way to know that this town exists. The town is comprised of a small convenience store that sells various smoked meats and fish, the charming Bayview motel, and a restaurant that is a must for those seeking a cheap and hearty breakfast. It sits high on the bluff, and although the hotel is not your Ritz Carlton (or Holiday Inn for that matter), it offers million dollar views of Lake Michigan for a mere $45/night. At the bottom of the bluff is a campground, which is not visible unless you venture down a small, winding road. Only paces from Lake Michigan it sits virtually empty, even in high-tourist season.

 

5. St. James

 

One night will not be enough, and you’ll probably find yourself extending for two, or maybe a week, or maybe a month. St. James is the harbor town located on Beaver Island in the middle of Lake Michigan. To access the island, one must take a 2 ½ hour ferry ride from Charlevoix. The Toy Museum is a ‘can't-miss’, and neither is Daddy Frank’s ice cream shop. It’s what started my ongoing addiction to flurries, malts, and hot-fudge brownie sundaes.

 

6. Leland

The entire M22 area is rad and Leland is just one of the many great towns in the area. I would rather visit Leland in the winter, but only for lack of crowds. When snow and cold arrive, the town turns barren, except for the occasional cold water surfer who comes to brave the waves. Come summer, there is a bustling crowd of beach-goers road tripping M22 and backpackers that come to take the ferry to South Manitou Island. It’s the ideal location for a bonfire on the beach, and Milky Way star gazing far from light pollution.

 

7. Caseville

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Famous for its summer Cheeseburger Festival, Caseville knows how to have a good time. It’s the east side’s most popular “Up North” beach town. Summer months bring thousands of visitors who enjoy mini-golf, go-karts, giant ice cream cones, great food, and sandy beaches for miles. And flamingos, lots of flamingos. Although located on Lake Huron, it faces west from the thumb, so if you’re worried about missing that sunset, a massive surprise is in store for you. It’s also situated in Saginaw Bay, causing the water to be generally warmer than other areas in Lake Huron.

 

8. Frankenmuth

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It transports you from Michigan to Bavarian Germany in the blink of an eye. This is arguably the most culturally unique town in Michigan. The Bavarian Lodge is perfect for families (and sometimes has Groupon deals!). The lodge is equipped with indoor mini-golf, restaurants, a waterpark, and a never-ending theme of old town Germany. Frankenmuth is also home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the biggest Christmas store in the world. If you go, be sure to stop and try the world-famous Zehnder’s Chicken Dinner. Winner Winner!

38 Comments

  1. Bruce Gezon on February 5, 2016 at 10:33 AM

    Shalee, Thanks for sharing. Great recommendations. Added a couple of the towns that I haven’t visited to my bucket list and look forward to checking out some of the local restaurants I missed before in the towns I have been to.

    • Jennifer Gauthier on February 23, 2016 at 6:52 PM

      A couple towns I didn’t know existed.

      • Mary gauthier on February 24, 2016 at 7:15 PM

        Same here,Michigan is so beautiful,I miss it

    • Kim DeMotte on February 29, 2016 at 12:56 PM

      Is this Bruce Gezon of rally fame?

  2. Marnie on February 17, 2016 at 3:39 PM

    Prost in Frankenmuth is a great place to grab an awesome adult beverage!

    • brenda on February 24, 2016 at 2:38 PM

      Tiffany s is also a great place on main street for food and spirits

    • Candy on March 1, 2016 at 4:39 PM

      Don’t forget the Riverwalk!

  3. Bill Supernaw on February 20, 2016 at 11:26 AM

    Hurray for BEAVER ISLAND 🙂 🙂

  4. Kathie Ehinger on February 20, 2016 at 3:43 PM

    Shalee, Thank you so much for enjoying Daddy Franks! Please come back and see us again. Maybe next time I can get you hooked on our homemade Pizza, and always lots of Ice Cream!

    • Shalee on February 24, 2016 at 11:03 PM

      Kathie,
      Sounds perfect. I make my way up there every summer, and it looks like pizza will be my first stop when I return this time!

  5. Deborah Yordy Coleman on February 20, 2016 at 4:10 PM

    How cool that you picked Caseville!! I grew up in Pigeon, 7 miles south of Caseville. We had a summer cottage on Sand Point. While Huron County is predominently farmland, there are cool things to do in the area. There’s kayaking around Turnip Rock at Pte. Aux Barques, there’s a winery north of Bad Axe. We even have an octagon-shaped barn!

    • S. Paradine on February 24, 2016 at 8:30 PM

      The grandfather of a friend if mine helped build that barn. I went to see it and it us amazing! So glad it’s being taken care of.

      • Candy on March 1, 2016 at 4:41 PM

        I have a picture of myself in front of the barn 5 hours before I had my motorcycle crash in April, 2008. Good memories of the Octagon Barn!

    • Shalee on February 24, 2016 at 11:05 PM

      I love the Port Austin area too! Visited the thumb for the first time not too long ago, and it has been one of my favorite places ever since.

  6. Gabrielle Rohde on February 21, 2016 at 10:46 PM

    I absolutely love The Local in Elk Rapids too!!!

  7. Leigh Plue on February 22, 2016 at 8:22 PM

    Epoufette is a favorite stop for us. We love the restaurant overlooking the water and you HAVE to try their home made potato chips. Also, the little Cut River Store across the highway has great smoked fish.

    • Candy on March 1, 2016 at 4:47 PM

      If you’re driving along US 2, don’t forget to stop at Gustafsons for smoked whitefish, cheese curds, and ostrich jerky! And since you’re so close, Little Brevort Lake has THE best bluegill fishing in the state!

  8. Chris Snyder on February 22, 2016 at 9:09 PM

    The Local is a great new stop in Elk Rapids!

  9. Martha on February 23, 2016 at 12:45 AM

    Yea for Leland, my homey town. It’s great at this time of year when only the locals are around and people who can brave the west wind blowing in their face and stinging their noses.

  10. Leslie on February 23, 2016 at 11:19 AM

    Grew p in Elk Rapids Town just gets better and better all the time

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