Michigan’s smaller villages are home to a multitude of undiscovered gems, despite the state’s reputation for having busy metropolis and picturesque lakeshores.
These quaint villages provide a special fusion of warm hospitality, rich history, and scenic beauty. Come us as we explore five hidden treasures that offer a genuinely genuine Michigan experience.
Copper Harbor
Copper Harbor is the entry point to Isle Royale National Park, which is reachable by the Isle Royale Queen, a daily ferry service, and is located at the extreme tip of Michigan’s immaculate Upper Peninsula.
With so many chances to get outside and experience the outdoors all year long, Copper Harbor is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Whether you want to ride Brockway Mountain or go kayaking on the lake, The Keweenaw Adventure Company is your one-stop shop for anything outdoor related.
Wilkins considers Historic State Park, with its two lighthouses from the 1860s, rocky Lake Superior shoreline, and living history program, to be a must-see local attraction.
Petoskey
Nestled on picturesque Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, charming Petoskey is well-known for being a perfect four-season retreat because there are so many things to do there all year round.
The village is a hidden treasure, with lovely beaches that include silky sand and stunning sunsets. During the warm summer months, Fisherman’s Island State Park is a must-see. It offers six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline along with an abundance of the highly sought-after dazzling Petrosey Stones.
Explore local history by visiting the Ephraim Shay House, built in 1892 by the man who invented the Shay Geared Automobile.
Escanaba
Nestled on Little Bay de Noc, picturesque Escanaba is nestled in Michigan’s breathtaking Upper Peninsula. Escanaba has miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline that are perfect for boating, swimming, and trophy-sized bass and walleye fishing.
Fayette Historic State Park has over twenty historic buildings for you to explore, as well as interactive museum displays, limestone cliffs, and hiking, bicycling, and snowshoeing paths.
Lexington
With a population of little under 2,000, beautiful Lexington is a tranquil destination all year round. Situated on vast Lake Huron, this community is sometimes overlooked. It has amenities such as boat slip rentals, boat access and a marina, as well as public beach access at Patrick Tierney Park.
The Lexington Village Theatre, which presents top-notch live entertainment acts in the region, will appeal to art and culture enthusiasts. The location is housed in a large Victorian-era building that features a spacious stage and vintage oak furniture.
Dexter
Situated on the picturesque Huron River, only ten miles south of the bustling city of Ann Arbor, is the hospitable tiny town of Dexter. You’ll be in luck in Dexter if you enjoy kayaking and canoeing.
If you don’t have your own watercraft, Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery offers boat and tube rentals. In the summer, you may even join up for a guided river excursion.
See the oldest continually running cider mill in Michigan, the Dexter Cider Mill, in the fall. The mill, which was recently highlighted on the Foot Network, sells fresh apple pies, apple butter and jelly, wood press blended apple cider, and other tasty treats.
To Conclude
Michigan’s underappreciated villages provide a distinctive and genuine experience, from the untamed beauty of Copper Harbor to the old world charm of Lexington.
A slower pace of life, beautiful scenery, and kind hospitality are the promises of these hidden treasures.
These five cities provide something for everyone, whether your goal is cultural exploration, outdoor excitement, or just a peaceful retreat. So explore Michigan’s real heart by going off the beaten track.
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