Featured Image: Beautiful Marquette, Michigan. One of the state’s best small towns. Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash.
Words by Celia Kauth
Michigan is known for its many beautiful beaches, incredible dining options, and friendly people. With an abundance of sights to see, including adorable, sleepy beach towns, nature parks, wineries, and more, it can be difficult to decide just where to explore during your time in western Michigan! Visitors flock to upscale seaside cities such as Grand Haven and Saugatuck, and St. Joseph is the perfect place for couples and families to enjoy clean beaches and family-friendly entertainment.
There are many ways to craft an ideal itinerary for a Michigan adventure, and for a unique way to create your next trip plan, we recommend visitors selecting some of Michigan’s interestingly named towns to explore! With a variety of little towns boasting clever or unusual names, using this suggestion as you form your schedule will allow you to visit unconventional places that are off the beaten path!
For those looking to indulge and imbibe, visit Paw Paw, Michigan; located conveniently off of Interstate-94, Paw Paw is a small town offering several highly-acclaimed brewing companies and wineries!
Looking for an action-packed adventure? Look no further than New Buffalo, Michigan! Located only minutes north of the Indiana border, New Buffalo Michigan is brimming with activities. From golf courses to beaches, to a casino, and more, New Buffalo offers something for everyone!
Eager for a taste of small-town life? Head north to New Era, Michigan! Located in Oceana County, New Era is a tiny village with several treasured traditions. Visit in February to enjoy the Cherry Pie Content, a beloved event that will leave you with a full heart and an even fuller belly! Other New Era traditions include the Memorial Day Parade and Picnic, and the Fall Street Festival in September.
For rugged forests and quiet beaches, venture just south of New Era, Michigan to Fruitland Township. Visitors will enjoy the 728 acres of natural beauty in Duck Lake State Park and adjoining Duck Lake; the state park is a perfect backdrop for a plethora of outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, climbing sand dunes, and more! Fruitland Township also offers several restaurants, museums, and parks for guests to explore!
One of the most popular interestingly-named places in all of Michigan is Holland, a city located only steps from Lake Macatawa. With a state park, gardens, breweries, and more, Holland is a gem of West Michigan! This city also pays tribute to its namesake, the small European country, at the Windmill Island Gardens, a park filled with tulips, windmills, costumed workers, and more!
It can be easy to plan a visit to western Michigan based on the area’s most popular reviews and recommended locations, but we encourage guests to venture off of the beaten path! Exploring small towns and backroads can provide memories and new experiences, and we hope you take the opportunity to enjoy some of Michigan’s unconventional and special destinations! Visit these five uniquely named Michigan locations to experience even more of what this stunning state has to offer!
