Beyond the Big Names
Traverse City and Gaylord tend to get top billing, but some of our favorite Northern Michigan memories have come from the small towns in between. If you have a rental car and an afternoon to spare, these three are worth the detour.
Elk Rapids
Tucked between Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake, Elk Rapids has the kind of walkable, low-key downtown that makes for a perfect slow afternoon. Browse the shops along the main strip, grab an ice cream, and head down to the public beach for a swim before dinner. It’s close enough to Traverse City for a half-day trip but feels like a different pace entirely.
Bellaire
Bellaire sits at the heart of the Chain of Lakes, a connected system of lakes and rivers that draws boaters from across the state. The town itself is small and unhurried, with a handful of local shops and restaurants clustered around the water. It’s an easy add-on if you’re staying near Elk Rapids or Traverse City and want to see more of the inland lakes.
Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs is one of the most scenic small towns in the region, with a marina-front downtown, tree-lined streets, and views out over Little Traverse Bay that stop people mid-sentence. It’s a bit farther north, closer to our Boyne-area guests, but well worth the drive for an afternoon of window shopping and lakeside dinner.
Worth Slowing Down For
Northern Michigan rewards travelers who wander off the main route, and these towns are proof. Each one is within reach of a MiNorthStays property, so you can build a day trip around whichever fits your stay. Browse our properties across the region and find a home base close to the towns you want to explore.
