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
Meet Amy on the Road
One of my favorite parts of writing Small Town Michigan has been meeting readers in the very towns that inspired these stories. Whether it’s a bookstore, library, brewery, or local festival, I’d love to meet you, sign your book, and hear about your own favorite Michigan discoveries. Here’s where I’ll be next.
| VENUE | DATE AND TIME | ADDRESS | CITY |
| Barnes and Noble (Frandor) | Saturday, July 11, Noon to 2:00 pm | Frandor Barnes and Noble | Lansing |
| Wexford County Historical Society | Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | 127 Beech Street | Cadillac |
| Vicksburg Historical Society Town Hall | Thursday, July 16, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Historic Village in Vicksburg | Vicksburg |
| Niles District Library | Friday, July 17, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm | Niles District Library | Niles |
| Sit & Stay Winery | Friday, July 17, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm | Sit and Stay Winery | Kalamazoo |
| Detroit Book Fest | Sunday, July 19, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Eastern Market | Detroit |
| Hook & Ladder Theatre | Saturday, July 25, Noon to 4:00 pm | 35355 Goddard Road | Romulus |
| Crooked Nook Book Event | Tuesday, August 4, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm | 902 W. 13th Street | Cadillac |
| Books and Beats | Saturday, August 8, Noon to 3:00 pm | 210 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 2 | Big Rapids |
| Blue Vase Books | Sunday, August 9, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm | 2048 M-137 | Interlochen |
| Wild Blueberry Arts & Crafts Festival | Friday, August 14, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Community Center Grounds | Paradise |
| Wild Blueberry Arts & Crafts Festival | Saturday, August 15, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Community Center Grounds | Paradise |
| Wild Blueberry Arts & Crafts Festival | Saturday, August 16, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm | Community Center Grounds | Paradise |
| Larium Manor Inn | Wednesday, August 19, Noon to 3:00 pm | Larium Manor Inn | Larium |
| Spies Public Library | Saturday, August 22, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm | Spies Public Library | Menominee |
| Pentwater District Library | Monday, August 24, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | Pentwater District Library | Pentwater |
| Mason Public Library | Tuesday, September 15, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | Mason Public Library | Mason |
| Kalamazoo Book Fest (Crooked Nook) | Saturday, September 26, Noon to 5:00 pm | The Backyard of Kalamazoo | Kalamazoo |
| Michigan History Author Symposium | Saturday, October 10, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | History Museum – 307 W. Jackson Street | Battle Creek |
| Novi Historical Society | Wednesday, October 13, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm | Historical Society | Novi |
| Boozy Book Fair | Sunday, October 25, Noon to 5:00 pm | Castle Farms | Charlevoix |
Find More Small Towns in Michigan
Want to discover more small towns around Michigan? Even at some of the state’s most 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!