Michigan Tops the List with Most Adorable Small Towns in the Great Lakes

Michigan, renowned for its captivating small cities and towns, has recently been highlighted by a national travel publication, World Atlas. The publication lists Michigan as having six out of the top nine Most Adorable Small Towns in the Great Lakes.

Rising above Big Cities

World Atlas states, “The contest regarding the most adorable big city in the Great Lakes is not even close. Chicago owns the title with its stunning skyline. When it comes to small towns, however, it is a tight race.” This simply underscores the beauty and charm that small towns have to offer in the Great Lakes region, with Michigan evidently leading the pack.

The Crowned Adorable Towns

At the top of the list is Sister Bay, Wisconsin, known for its wonderful public waterfront, a number of unique galleries and specialty outdoor stores, and a plethora of outdoor activities. Michigan propels itself to the forefront with the next three of its towns breaking into the list.
Traverse City, dubbed by World Atlas as blending “the sweet spot between small town feel and big city glamour and glitz,” makes a grand entrance into the third position. Mackinac City, featuring Headlands International Dark Sky Park and nearby Mackinac Island, follows right after Traverse City.
Munising secures the fifth spot, owing to its home to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The dainty town itself, which has less than 2,000 residents, boasts a strong aesthetic appeal that tourists find adorable.

Adding More to the Plate

Making its way next on the list is Petoskey, a luminous jewel that is famous for its million-dollar sunsets. The town, which sits on the southern shore of Little Traverse Bay, also features numerous attractions like Bayfront and Sunset parks and Crooked Tree Golf Club.
Marquette, another attractive stop in Michigan, also makes the cut with attractions like Hogback Mountain, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, and Sugarloaf Mountain mentioned by World Atlas.

The Final Adorable March

Two Harbors, Minnesota breaks the Michigan monopoly momentarily before the state closes the list with Ludington. World Atlas particularly notes Ludington State Park as a “stand-out attraction,” making Ludington an indispensable inclusion. Additionally, the S.S. Badger, a car ferry that connects the town with Manitowoc, WI, the beautiful beaches alongside Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, and the two lighthouses further bolster its candidacy.

Conclusion

The World Atlas may have chosen to highlight these nine charming small towns, but the Great Lakes region, and particularly Michigan, are filled with countless more. Whether it’s the picturesque vistas, unique attractions, or the appealing small-town atmosphere, these towns are more than worth the acknowledgment, and are waiting to be explored.