With so many charming towns and cities scattered throughout the Great Lakes State, it would be nearly impossible to visit each and every one. Michigan is home to scores of gorgeous communities, each with its own unique attractions. But there’s one small town here in Michigan that might not immediately come to mind when you consider getaway destinations – and you’ll have to see it to believe it. This quiet small town in Michigan is definitely some kind of paradise.
The Village of Elberta is a delightful community tucked away in Benzie County.
Google Maps
With approximately 400 residents, Elberta certainly lives up to its “small town” title, and it has the charm and friendly atmosphere to prove it.
anttler/Flickr
Since its founding in 1855, Elberta has served as a hub for nature-lovers and Michiganders seeking a quaint community in which to raise a family.
Jim/Flickr
When you’re looking for a truly marvelous Mitten State getaway, Elberta is the place to be. Follow M-22 until you reach this one-of-a-kind community and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Aunt_Pam/TripAdvisor
Tucked between Lake Betsie and Lake Michigan, Elberta is noted for its stunning natural surroundings. This is northern Michigan at its best — sand dunes, beachfront sunsets, and hiking trails make Elberta a must-see spot.
Jim/Flickr
Stop in to the Elberta Farmers’ Market to pick up some fresh produce for your day at the beach, or venture to nearby Frankfort for an hour or two of shopping.
Elberta Farmers’ Market/Facebook
Elberta is also home to a unique venue: the Elberta Life Saving Station, which features a rich history and plenty of stunning lakefront views. Can you imagine a more beautiful place to get married?
Life Saving Station Elberta, MI/Facebook
Check out Waterfront Park, which boasts approximately 10 acres for exploration, beachfront relaxation, and family togetherness. Stop in for a picnic lunch or toss your fishing line into the water: there’s something here for everyone.
The Elberta Alert/Facebook
Of course, no trip to the Elberta area is complete without a visit to the gorgeous Point Betsie Lighthouse in nearby Frankfort, which marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage. Talk about breathtaking!
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
After a day of exploring and adventuring on the waterfront, grab a meal at the Cabbage Shed, a pub-style eatery that boasts live music, a menu full of delicious eats, and plenty of craft beer to wash it all down.
Management/TripAdvisor
When you’re finally ready to head home, give a wave and a “See you later!” to Elberta — because you’ll certainly be back for another wonderful visit, probably sometime soon. This quiet, small town in Michigan always seems to beckon people back.
The Elberta Alert/Facebook
Looking for more breathtakingly beautiful places to visit in Michigan? Check this article out for ideas for your next vacation!
Google Maps
anttler/Flickr
Jim/Flickr
Aunt_Pam/TripAdvisor
Elberta Farmers’ Market/Facebook
Life Saving Station Elberta, MI/Facebook
The Elberta Alert/Facebook
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
Management/TripAdvisor
For more information about the Village of Elberta, click here to visit its official website. Tell us: what are you best memories in Elberta and the surrounding region? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Address: Elberta, MI, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Quiet Small Town in Michigan March 09, 2021 Tori Jane What is the best small town to visit in Michigan? Michigan is a unique state with lots of small, homey little towns just waiting to be explored. Which one is “the best” is certainly subjective, based on one’s personal preferences, but we do have some favorites. Clare is a gorgeous little Amish town with a population of about 500 people. They hold wildly popular auctions during the warmer months that must be experienced at least once. Port Austin offers up amazing views and incredible, photogenic landscapes, and you won’t forget its beauty once you’ve been here once. Colon is otherwise known as “the magic capital” of the world… you’ll have to visit to find out why. What are some waterfront towns in Michigan? With a front-row seat to Lake Michigan comes adorable waterfront towns, and Michigan is home to plenty. Among our favorites are St. Joseph, which is a cute waterfront town that definitely lays the “beach party” atmosphere on thick. It’s so nice that you’ll probably forget you’re in Michigan; instead, you’ll get the impression that you’re on a tropical vacation. Suttons Bay is a small, totally walkable waterfront village, where the population is under 700 - so you know it’s definitely small. But honestly, aren’t small towns just the best ever anyway? Bonus points if they have their own beaches! Where are popular charming towns in Michigan? There are a few towns that tend to be more popular than others when it comes to tourism. Saugatuck, Michigan, is full of art galleries and excellent shopping. It’s particularly popular during the summer months when there are several music festivals held around town. Frankenmunth is an adorable pseudo-European town featuring distinctly unique local architecture. You’ll forget you’re still in Michigan; the vibe here is definitely one that might make you think you’re in Europe somewhere.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Quiet Small Town in Michigan
March 09, 2021
Tori Jane
What is the best small town to visit in Michigan? Michigan is a unique state with lots of small, homey little towns just waiting to be explored. Which one is “the best” is certainly subjective, based on one’s personal preferences, but we do have some favorites. Clare is a gorgeous little Amish town with a population of about 500 people. They hold wildly popular auctions during the warmer months that must be experienced at least once. Port Austin offers up amazing views and incredible, photogenic landscapes, and you won’t forget its beauty once you’ve been here once. Colon is otherwise known as “the magic capital” of the world… you’ll have to visit to find out why. What are some waterfront towns in Michigan? With a front-row seat to Lake Michigan comes adorable waterfront towns, and Michigan is home to plenty. Among our favorites are St. Joseph, which is a cute waterfront town that definitely lays the “beach party” atmosphere on thick. It’s so nice that you’ll probably forget you’re in Michigan; instead, you’ll get the impression that you’re on a tropical vacation. Suttons Bay is a small, totally walkable waterfront village, where the population is under 700 - so you know it’s definitely small. But honestly, aren’t small towns just the best ever anyway? Bonus points if they have their own beaches! Where are popular charming towns in Michigan? There are a few towns that tend to be more popular than others when it comes to tourism. Saugatuck, Michigan, is full of art galleries and excellent shopping. It’s particularly popular during the summer months when there are several music festivals held around town. Frankenmunth is an adorable pseudo-European town featuring distinctly unique local architecture. You’ll forget you’re still in Michigan; the vibe here is definitely one that might make you think you’re in Europe somewhere.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Michigan is a unique state with lots of small, homey little towns just waiting to be explored. Which one is “the best” is certainly subjective, based on one’s personal preferences, but we do have some favorites. Clare is a gorgeous little Amish town with a population of about 500 people. They hold wildly popular auctions during the warmer months that must be experienced at least once. Port Austin offers up amazing views and incredible, photogenic landscapes, and you won’t forget its beauty once you’ve been here once. Colon is otherwise known as “the magic capital” of the world… you’ll have to visit to find out why.
What are some waterfront towns in Michigan?
With a front-row seat to Lake Michigan comes adorable waterfront towns, and Michigan is home to plenty. Among our favorites are St. Joseph, which is a cute waterfront town that definitely lays the “beach party” atmosphere on thick. It’s so nice that you’ll probably forget you’re in Michigan; instead, you’ll get the impression that you’re on a tropical vacation. Suttons Bay is a small, totally walkable waterfront village, where the population is under 700 - so you know it’s definitely small. But honestly, aren’t small towns just the best ever anyway? Bonus points if they have their own beaches!
Where are popular charming towns in Michigan?
There are a few towns that tend to be more popular than others when it comes to tourism. Saugatuck, Michigan, is full of art galleries and excellent shopping. It’s particularly popular during the summer months when there are several music festivals held around town. Frankenmunth is an adorable pseudo-European town featuring distinctly unique local architecture. You’ll forget you’re still in Michigan; the vibe here is definitely one that might make you think you’re in Europe somewhere.
