5 Must-See Towns to Visit, "Up North" Michigan in 2024

Looking to take a trip "Up North" to Northern Michigan?

​Check out my list of the best places to visit Up North, written by someone who's been exploring Northern Michigan for years!

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Post updated November, 2023

Looking for the best places to visit Up North in Michigan?

When I was in college out East, I had a poster, not unlike the picture below, of The Sleeping Bear Dunes adorning the cinderblock walls of my freshman dormitory. No one seemed to believe me that this idyllic scene was tucked into a cozy corner of the Midwest. I've had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time exploring Northern Michigan, including trips nearly every summer of my life, and happily continuing to this day!

For those of us "from the middle," and especially "the mitten," we know Northern Michigan to be one of the most geographically remarkable regions of the U.S.. Nestled along the stunning grandeur of Lake Michigan are some of the quaintest small towns in the Midwest, boasting a lovely mix of family fun and high-end relaxation. Low humidity, meandering miles of trails, stunning sand dunes, the best sandy beaches I've ever seen, and, if you're lucky, some of the farthest southern sites for seeing the northern lights, or the aurora borealis. Oh did I mention cross-country skiing in the winter?

Northern Michigan is an excellent, family-friendly destination that has something to keep everyone interested, from the obvious beach activities for the kids, to historical sites for Grandad, and wineries and breweries for Mom & Dad.

So let's walk through my list of the best places to visit Up North in Michigan!

Love road trips? Check out my 8 Best Midwest Road Trips!

FAQ: What exactly is "Northern Michigan?"

"Northern Michigan" or "Up North" refers to the Northern portion of Michigan's lower peninsula. If you're looking at the state of Michigan as a hand, it's roughly 'above the knuckles,' north of Grand Rapids. If they are referring to Michigan's "Upper Peninsula," they would say "the U.P." I recognize that this is confusing for non-Michiganders.

Up North, Michigan:
​Traverse City

Let's kick things off in the town that, to many, exemplifies "Northern Michigan," Traverse City. The largest city in the region, Traverse City is home to about 15,000 residents. Situated on the charming Grand Traverse Bay, in Traverse City you'll find more putt-putt than you knew one city could hold. If you're flying Up North, Cherry Capital Airport will welcome you to the region. Discover charming shops along Front Street, sip your way along the Leelanau or Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, and grab a brew at one of Traverse City's several local breweries. 

It's where you'll find the largest concentrations of hotels of all price points and restaurants in the region, so it's a great place to make your home base while you're Up North.

And of course I'd be remiss not to mention that Traverse City is the "cherry capital of the world." Every year, the city hosts the National Cherry Festival which features all things cherry, from ice cream to hot dogs, and everything in between.

Up North, Michigan:
​Glen Arbor

Speaking of cherries, let's continue our journey through Northern Michigan and take a short drive toward the coast of Lake Michigan to Glen Arbor, my *favorite* place in Northern Michigan. With a beautiful resort and an adorably quaint downtown, not to mention proximity to those Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor has everything you need for a couples retreat or the perfect trip with the whole family. Spend a day boating on Glen Lake, sampling all things cherry at the original location of The Cherry Republic, and wrap the evening up looking at the stars from the pool at The Homestead. 

The Homestead, Glen Arbor, Michigan

Sound like your kind of Up North destination? For more on The Homestead and everything you need to see in Glen Arbor, Michigan, check out the full posts!

Did you know? The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was once voted the most beautiful place in the United States.

Extra Credit:
​Glen Haven Village

Interested in learning more about the history of this region? Stop by historic Glen Haven Village, a well-preserved former company town that served as a supply station for steamers chugging through the Great Lakes. The village has been restored to a 1920s appearance.

Extra Credit:
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Discover the Pierce Stocking Drive Lake Michigan overlook, a 7 1/2 mile drive providing some of the best views of Glen Lake, the Sleeping bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan.

Up North, Michigan:
​Leland

About a half hour's drive, at the other end of quaint M-22 from Glen Arbor, is Leland, Michigan, accessible only by that road and the lake. 

Home to just over a thousand residents, historic Fishtown, and the best Bloody Mary's Up North (at The Cove), Leland is *tiny* and well worth a visit to explore its cute shops and family-friendly charm. Don't forget to stop by Good Harbor Vineyards to sample some lovely Michigan wine during your trip!

Fishtown, Leland, Michigan

For more on Leland, Michigan, learn everything you need to know in my full post!

Up North, Michigan:
​Sutton's Bay

The last charming town on my list of M-22 destinations is Sutton's Bay. Home to yet more cute gift shops, one of the quaintest movie theaters I've ever seen, and, of course the scenic views from Sutton's Bay Ciders, just outside of town.

For more on Sutton's Bay, check out the full post.
And if you love the last three towns I've listed, perhaps an M-22 road trip is in order! I've rounded up Quaint Town's on Michigan's M-22.

Up North, Michigan: Petoskey

Lake Michigan

Heading northeast, the city that gave its name to every Up North visitor's ultimate souvenir goals, those gorgeous Petoskey stones, Petoskey is one of the larger towns in the region (boasting a population still under 10,000), but no less quaint for its size.

​While Petoskey has always been a prime destination for travelers, with cute B&B's and, of course, lake homes, the addition of The Inn at Bay Harbor, and the surrounding developments, have added a taste of luxury to the area. If high-end if the name of the game, Petoskey is your Up North destination. While you're here, stop by Petoskey State Park, offering public access to a gorgeous mile of Lake Michigan shorefront.

Up North, Michigan: Charlevoix

Not too far from Petoskey is Charlevoix, is the absolute winner of "best shopping Up North" award, given by...yours truly. And, beyond the excellent shopping, historic architecture is on display throughout tiny Charlevoix. Consider a visit to the Earl Young Mushroom Houses!

Packing for a Trip to Northern Michigan, Everything You'll Wish You'd Thought to Bring

Up North, Michigan:
​Harbor Springs

Just north of Petoskey is charming Harbor Springs, home to the deepest freshwater harbor in the Great Lakes, and two of the Midwest's best ski resorts, Boyne Highlands and Nub's Nob. Come for the day, and take in local beer, yet more cute shops, and, it should go without saying, incredible views.

Up North, Michigan:
Mackinac Island

Last, and certainly not least, is the tourism gem of Northern Michigan, Mackinac Island, only accessible by ferry from the mainland Mitten. Stroll the stunningly historic island, free from cars, eat that classic Mackinac fudge, take a ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages, and time travel at impossibly posh Grand Hotel. 

Photo: The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

With good reason, Mackinac Island is more "touristy" than the other options on the list. Particularly in peak summer months, you will certainly not be taking in the unspoiled views of the island, without crowds of your fellow tourists. That said, Mackinac is a must-see and quite an experience. It's worth staying a while to truly unwind from modern life.

Photo: Fort Mackinac State Historic Park

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Fort Mackinac, a Michigan state historic park featuring costumed interpreters, a blacksmith's shop, and information about the military and fur-trading history of the island.

FAQ: What's the difference between Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City?

Mackinac Island is the actual, historic island - it's what people are generally referencing when they say "Mackinac." Mackinaw City can be accessed without riding the Mackinac Island Ferry and is located on Michigan's lower peninsula. If you've come all this way, it's worth taking the ferry to the actual island.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you enjoy your trip Up North to see some of my favorite places in the world. I know you'll fall in love with Northern Michigan, just as I have!

Love it? Pin it!