Lake Michigan Travel Destinations - Northern Michigan & Wisconsin Regional Map

It's such a treat to discover all the wonderful small towns along Lake Michigan, each with its own unique character and history. Each of the towns and villages in our part of Michigan offer a host of special attractions like festivals and events, terrific shopping, outdoor activities and more. Spend some time touring these small towns to see all that we have to offer.
circletour region map


West Michigan's Lakeshore Destinations


When choosing a vacation spot, there's no finer destination than the communities of West Michigan. They all have something unique to offer...but the one thing they have in common is Lake Michigan and its glorious beaches. Set away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities, this is a place you can truly relax and feel at home. Starting at the northern-most city of Manistee, you'll find historical architecture, the magnificent Ramsdell Theatre and the Manistee National Forest. Mention the name Ludington, and you'll hear "Oh, I just love that city!" That's because there's so much to love...from its beloved S.S. Badger carferry to the North Breakwater Lighthouse to the various family-friendly festivals throughout the summer. The Ludington State Park is the #1 state park in the midwest and has everything you could ever want--campgrounds, dam, lighthouse, two beaches, forests, and marshlands. People come year after year to vacation at Hamlin Lake...12 miles long and 5,000 acres large. Just four miles north of Ludington, this is the perfect lake for fishermen and those who enjoy boating. Heading south to Pentwater, you'll enjoy the quaint, artsy shops and Charles Mears State Park. If wild adventure is more your style, ride the dunes at Silver Lake. These 2,000 acres of sand dunes are perfect for ORVs, or explore them in a guided jeep tour.



Northwest Michigan's Lakeshore Destinations


Benzie County is just north of Manistee County, and is well known for its beautiful Crystal Lake. Whether you travel up scenic M-22 or US-31, stop into one of the small towns in Benzie County, like Frankfort, Elberta, Benzonia, and Beulah. Much of the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is within Benzie County. Leelanau County and the Leelanau Peninsula is also home of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and 35 miles of coastline. The communities that comprise Leelanau Peninsula each offer something unique and interesting to the visitor. Everyone knows about Traverse City, the Cherry Capital in Grand Traverse County! One of Michigan's most beautiful destinations, this is home to wineries, breweries, museums, lighthouses, beaches, golf courses, and lots of great choices for lodging.



Northern Michigan's Lakeshore Destinations


Northern Michigan has been attracting visitors to its shores for more than a century. And it is no surprise that this part of Michigan continues to draw visitors and summer residents year after year. What could be more alluring than the brilliant blue waters of Lake Michigan, glorious beaches, and a myriad of activities that could fill every day from dawn until dusk. Heading north out of Traverse City, travelers come down the hill into downtown Charlevoix is a sight to behold, nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake. It has been the summer place for generations for people from the Midwest and U.S. Ernest Hemingway is not the only person to find beauty and relaxation in Petoskey. With the backdrop of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay to enjoy, its Gaslight District is the place to visit for terrific shopping and dining. Situated on a beautiful natural, deep harbor, Harbor Springs is a tiny community with big things to offer...like a wonderful downtown business district with fabulous shopping overlooking the water. A trip to Michigan would not be complete without first visiting Mackinaw City, right at the "top of the mitt." This small, quaint town has great shopping and dining...and is the take-off point to Mackinac Island. Catch one of the many ferries that shuttle you from Mackinaw City to this turn-of-the-century island, where no vehicles are allowed. Make sure you sample some of their famous fudge!



Northern Wisconsin's Lakeshore Destinations


Wisconsin also shares the Lake Michigan coastline, and has destinations in the northern part of the state that the entire family will enjoy. Fruit orchards, football and fun...that describes this area of Wisconsin! Manitowoc is the Wisconsin destination for the S.S. Badger carferry that sails every summer from Ludington, MI across Lake Michigan. Fishing, water sports, golfing, hiking, and biking are some of the great outdoor activities Manitowoc is known for. Door County, called "the Cape Cod of the Midwest," is surrounded by water on three sides and juts out into Lake Michigan. Lighthouses, fruit orchards and Sturgeon Bay are the highlights of your visit to Door County. Football fans know that Green Bay is home to the Packers, one of the oldest teams in the NFL. It's the third largest city in Wisconsin, and also has wineries, parks, botanical gardens, and great fishing. If you've never experienced the fun...the excitement...and the sheer pleasure of the Wisconsin Dells,...you're missing the vacation of a lifetime. No other place boasts more waterparks than the Dells, large and small, indoor and outdoor. Combined with terrific recreation, festivals, theaters, and museums, there's something for everyone at Wisconsin Dells.







Last Updated: 01-29-2022 04:04 PM ID: 558