Michigan Hidden Gem Named Best Lake Town in U.S.

Obviously, the Great Lakes State has awesome lake towns - one location though is being praised as the best small lake town in the entire country.

READ MORE: This Retro Resort Has Been Crowned the Best Motel in Michigan

Travel + Leisure Magazine has released it's list of America's Best Small Towns for 2024.

The author says, "I brake for small towns," sharing they visit and explore hundreds of small towns each year. A panel of experts helped decide Travel + Leisure's best small towns of the year.

The publication's pick for best small lake town in the country is Harbor Springs, Mich.

Have you ever been? It's honestly so pretty and charming, it almost seems like you're on the set of a movie!

READ MORE: Michigan's Most Charming Small Town

As it's just 1.3 square miles on the far reaches of Lake Michigan, Travel + Leisure points out that Harbor Springs is often overlooked.

But in this tiny slice of heaven on Little Traverse Bay you'll find turquoise waters, sandy beaches, impressive dunes, ski hills, and incredible fall foliage, like the 20-mile Tunnel of Trees along the M-119 highway.

Of course the area is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating - but it was also recently named among the top bike cities in the U.S.

There's a quaint downtown that lights up for the holidays. You'll also find period architecture that has been restored in many locations, not to mention a rich history in the fur lumber trading industries.

According to Northern Michigan Guides, Harbor Springs became known as a summer destination as far back as the 1870s: "By the 1920’s, Harbor Springs was known as the 'Naples of the North' and 11 hotels greeted summer guests."

Looking for more great places to visit?

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