As summer 2025 approaches, Michigan stands ready to welcome visitors with its diverse vacation towns and unforgettable lakeside getaways. With over 3,000 miles of freshwater coastline—thanks to its position among four of the five Great Lakes—Michigan is a dream destination for anyone seeking nature, history, adventure, or a quiet coastal escape.
The state’s scenic beauty and unique character are reflected in each town—from car-free island paradises and Bavarian villages to wine country retreats and historic fishing ports. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, or solo explorer, Michigan’s summer towns deliver a perfect blend of charm, recreation, and culture.
Frankenmuth: Michigan’s “Little Bavaria”
Frankenmuth brings European charm to the Midwest with its German-inspired architecture, authentic cuisine, and year-round festive spirit. In summer 2025, expect enhanced experiences along the Cass River with updated walkways and extended nighttime events in the Riverplace district.
-
Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store.
-
Enjoy legendary chicken dinners at Zehnder’s or Bavarian Inn.
-
Catch summer polka music and riverside festivals, perfect for the whole family.
Traverse City: Wine, Beaches & Cherry Festivals
Traverse City, the jewel of northern Michigan, offers a balance of urban flair and natural wonders. It’s also the gateway to Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, home to over 40 wineries.
Highlights for Summer 2025:
-
Expanded beach access along Grand Traverse Bay
-
New boutique hotels and farm-to-table restaurants
-
The National Cherry Festival in July, one of the Midwest’s biggest events
-
Over 100 miles of new and updated trails through the TART Trail system
Nearby, explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes, towering 450 feet above Lake Michigan—a must for hiking, photography, and jaw-dropping sunsets.
Mackinac Island: A Step Back in Time
No cars, just charm. Mackinac Island remains Michigan’s premier summer escape, where visitors bike, walk, or ride in horse-drawn carriages.
2025 brings:
-
Newly restored Victorian cottages for overnight stays
-
Enhanced bicycle rental options to explore the island
-
Elegant stays at the historic Grand Hotel, home to the world’s longest front porch (660 feet!)
South Haven: Sunsets, Sailing, and Small-Town Bliss
Located on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, South Haven combines beach town atmosphere with maritime history.
-
Visit the iconic North Pier lighthouse—one of the state’s most photographed spots
-
New harbor expansions welcome more boaters in 2025
-
Shop and dine in historic 19th-century buildings downtown
-
Swim and relax on the sandy North and South Beaches
Saugatuck: Art, Adventure, and Award-Winning Beaches
Saugatuck continues to attract artists, adventurers, and beach lovers alike.
Summer 2025 features:
-
Guided eco-tours of hidden dune habitats
-
Oval Beach, consistently ranked among the top beaches in the U.S.
-
Sailing charters, fishing excursions, and paddleboarding on the Kalamazoo River
Upper Peninsula Adventures: Copper Harbor & Houghton
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers rugged beauty and untamed nature.
In 2025:
-
Copper Harbor expands its internationally recognized mountain biking trails
-
Explore Lake Superior by kayak, discovering sea caves and rock formations
-
In Houghton, paddle the calm Keweenaw Waterway or hike to waterfalls and mining ruins
-
Enjoy dark-sky stargazing and immersive nature trails through old-growth forests
Forest Escapes: Empire, Leland & Scenic Drives
For forest lovers and photographers, Empire and Leland are hidden gems on the Leelanau Peninsula.
2025 brings:
-
New accessible trails on the Empire Bluff Trail
-
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, offering panoramic Lake Michigan views
-
Birdwatching platforms for observing migratory species in wetlands
-
Rustic charm in Leland’s Fishtown, with shanties converted into shops and restaurants
Travel Tips & Planning for 2025
Book Early
Summer weekends in towns like Traverse City and Mackinac Island sell out fast. Plan ahead and consider:
-
Midweek stays for smaller crowds and lower rates
-
Shoulder seasons in early June or late August for good weather without the rush
Getting There
-
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) offers expanded 2025 flights from New York, Chicago, Denver, and more
-
Most towns are easily accessible by car, though remote areas in the Upper Peninsula may require more planning
Where to Stay
-
Historic inns and boutique hotels, like the Island House Hotel and Hotel Walloon
-
Vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) are ideal for families or long stays
-
“Glamping” options near dunes and forests for a luxury-meets-nature vibe
-
Campgrounds for an affordable and immersive outdoor experience
Don’t Miss These Signature Events
Plan your trip around Michigan’s best summer festivals:
-
🍒 National Cherry Festival – Traverse City, July
-
🍻 Bavarian Festival – Frankenmuth, June
-
🎶 South Haven’s Summer Concert Series
-
🐟 Fishing Tournaments – throughout Lake Michigan towns
Many towns now offer mobile-friendly itineraries and visitor apps to help personalize your trip with hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
