I think Northern Michigan is America’s hidden gem

As a kid, I remember telling people about my summer vacations in Northern Michigan. Adults would almost always give me a slightly confused look like it was a strange choice compared to the more traditional “beachy” destinations of my peers. 

But I didn’t mind much, because it felt like I knew a secret: that Northern Michigan is actually one of the most special, underrated places in America. Years later, and as an adult, I can still say this is true. 

Now, let me tell you why.

The Midwest flies under the radar, making the region largely “undiscovered” by mainstream tourism.

It probably won’t come as a surprise to most Midwesterners that I think so highly of Northern Michigan. Anyone from the Midwest is likely familiar with its beauty and vacation potential. But for the rest of the country, the idea of vacationing in the Midwest seems completely random and almost silly. 

Most people think of the Midwest as the “middle of nowhere.” This isn’t totally off-base, but it is a little misleading. There’s a lot more to the region than cornfields, especially if you head up north near the Great Lakes.

Specifically, Northern Michigan is filled with sparkling lakeshores and cozy, woodland scenery. Think small, charming towns and quiet, rural landscapes that allow you to breathe a little deeper and take things a little slower. It isn’t overly commercialized (yet) and largely maintains its humble atmosphere. 

This quaintness is its appeal, and it’s the reason why people like me keep coming back. 

Northern Michigan is dotted with picturesque little lake towns. My favorites are Harbor Springs and Petoskey.

The northern part of Michigan (or, “the top of the mitten” as many people may know it) is home to countless small towns all oozing with quintessential American charm. Think cottage-like shops, restaurants serving pie, and farms for picking cherries. 

Popular places like Mackinac Island (pronounced “Mackinaw”) and Traverse City usually draw the most attention (and for good reason, they’re both lively destinations), but there are so many places worth exploring just a little off the beaten path. Two of my favorite towns, and the ones I’ll highlight here, are Harbor Springs and Petoskey. 

These towns sit opposite each other on Little Traverse Bay. Harbor Springs is a tad smaller, with one main street that’s made up of adorable, pastel-painted buildings and quaint shops for things like books, jam, cookies, and more. My favorite spots are Yummies Ice Cream, Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, Between the Covers Bookstore, and Hanni Gallery. 

As a child, I looked forward to every summer vacation in Harbor Springs, where I could indulge in Blue Moon ice cream from Yummies (a Midwestern flavor) and devour too many cookies from Tom’s Mom’s. To this day, I nostalgically pine for vacations spent in this charming little lake town.

If you visit Harbor Springs, you might as well visit Petoskey, which is just across the bay. Along the way, on US-31, you’ll pass intricate old homes in Classical Revival, Queen Anne, and Italianate styles. Many of them are painted in pastel colors, which give the streets a whimsical, almost gingerbread house look. 

Petoskey is named after the local stone of the same name. You’ll only find Petoskey Stones in Michigan, and unsurprisingly, the town of Petoskey is a great place to pick some up (more on these stones later, though). 

Stones aside, Petoskey is classically American and as picturesque as a postcard. You’ll find a mix of perfectly curated boutiques and old-school shops selling books, quirky wares, and locally made goods like jam. My go-to spots are Roast & Toast Cafe and McLean and Eakin Bookstore. 

It’s also worth mentioning that Petoskey has a touch of literary history. Ernest Hemingway would often visit this town during his summers as a child. As an adult, he even frequented local spots like Perry Hotel, Potter’s Rooming House, and Jesperson’s Restaurant. [Source] 

The nature is understated but completely idyllic, with its endless lakeshores and woodland scenery.

Nature doesn’t have to appear dramatic to be beautiful, and Northern Michigan is proof of this. The landscape is characterized by alluring blue waters and sandy shorelines that seem to go on forever. 

Along the lake, two-lane roads are tunneled by trees, as proven by route M-119, which is even nicknamed “The Tunnel of Trees.” Seemingly secret walking paths can be found all around, and are the perfect place for soaking up the quiet and spotting things like mushrooms and critters. 

Simply driving through Northern Michigan, you’ll pass soft, grassy fields and watch as the bright blue lake peeks out behind the trees. The nature is serene and simple, yet irresistible all the same. Northern Michigan is a scene I never get tired of. 

Aside from its towns and scenic lakefront, Northern Michigan is known for its Petoskey Stones, fudge, and cherries.

Between the picturesque towns, peaceful nature, and presence of Lake Michigan, it’s hard to be mad in Northern Michigan. I’ve even dubbed it “my happy place.” 

Throw on some soft, alternative music like Michigander or Sufjan Stevens (who even has an album called “Michigan”) for added ambiance, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. 

But, if I were collecting reasons to love Northern Michigan, I can tell you that the region has a few more fun things up its sleeve. 

Petoskey stones

I briefly touched on the Petoskey Stone earlier. But it’s important that you know a little more. 

The Petoskey Stone is the state’s most famous stone, and it can only be found in Michigan. It’s made of fossilized coral that existed millions of years ago during prehistoric times. It’s characterized by its unique, hexagonal pattern. 

You’ll likely want to hunt for rocks on Lake Michigan beaches anyway, but be sure to keep an eye out for Petoskey Stones while you’re at it. They’ll need a little tumbling and polishing to appear like mine do in the photo above, but their pattern is unmistakable. And finding one for yourself is a treasure. 

(If you don’t end up finding one, no worries. You can always buy one at a local store!)

Fudge, fudge, and more fudge

For whatever reason, fudge is just a Northern Michigan thing. Mackinac Island is even known as “The Fudge Capital of the World”. So be sure to get yourself a few slices of this sugary, chocolatey treat during your visit. 

It comes in all flavors from white chocolate to milk and dark chocolate, along with plenty of flavor combinations like peanut butter or cherry fudge. I always go to Howse’s Fudge in Harbor Springs but I promise you, good fudge isn’t hard to find. 

Cherries galore

Another Northern Michigan thing? Cherries. The climate and condition of the region seem to be just right for these sweet little fruits. 

Many cherry orchards can be found in Traverse City, but you don’t have to be in Traverse City to reap the reward. All across Northern Michigan, you’ll find cherry everything. 

Pick up fresh cherries at local farmers markets or get cherry preserves at local jam shops. My favorite? Cherry pie. And summer is the best time to enjoy it all. 

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As someone who works in the travel industry, I’ll tell you — Northern Michigan is truly one of America’s hidden gems, but no one seems to be talking about it. Truth be told, I was hesitant to even write this article. My advice? Check it out if you can, but shh! Keep it under wraps. 😉

Thanks for reading! Next up, read my article on why I think Chicago is the best city in America.