Chelsea. Germfask. Indian River. Vicksburg. Grand Haven. These aren’t just dots on a map; they’re small towns brought to life through their stories, legends, and lore. We’ve seen those picture-perfect small towns where time seems to slow down, shopkeepers remember your name, and neighbors still gather for parades and ice cream socials. But you don’t have to watch a Hallmark movie to find that charm. Small Town Michigan invites you to explore the authentic warmth, character, and heart of Michigan’s often-overlooked communities.
From their founding stories to what it’s like today, each of the 50 towns featured on these pages shares a unique story. Wander through historic downtown Chelsea and see a show at actor Jeff Daniels’s Purple Rose Theatre. Take your picture with Benny the Beard Fisher in Germfask or get your adrenaline going in Indian River’s color corridor with an off-roading side-by-side adventure through Michigan’s hardwood and pine forests with Big Bear Adventures. Explore the tip of the Mitten by boat on Michigan’s inland waterway. Learn about Michigan’s maritime history at the Michigan Maritime Museum with an on-water experience aboard a replica 1810 tall sail sloop.
Let the relaxed pace remind you of what “small town” means. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a weeklong adventure, or a fresh way to explore your hometown, Small Town Michigan offers an invitation to reconnect with the heart of the Great Lakes State.
The 50 Small Towns
Where to Buy Small Town Michigan
You can pre-order Small Town Michigan at Reedy Press.
Find More Small Towns in Michigan
Want to discover more small towns around Michigan? Even at some of the state’sost well known destinations, you’ll discover hidden histories and founding stories, legends, and lore that aren’t often shared. Order your copy of the book, Small Town Michigan, Today!
While Piper is a lifelong Michigander, she’s had adventures worldwide. Bomb-sniffing dogs chased her in the middle of the night in Bogota (working late), gate agents refused her boarding to Paraguay (wrong visa), and US Marshals announced her seat number on a plane while looking for a murder suspect (she’d traded seats). It’s always an adventure! She even finds exciting activities in her home state of Michigan, where she lives in Lansing with her husband, Ross Dingman, her daughter, Alexis, and two granddaughters.