Three Michigan Communities Named Best Lake Towns In The Midwest

These spots are the perfect escapes, offering picturesque lake views and plenty of fun on and off the water.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:40pm

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Three Michigan communities - Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Saugatuck - have been named the best lake towns in the Midwest by Midwest Living. These lakeside destinations offer natural beauty, charming downtowns, and a variety of activities for visitors.

Why it matters

Michigan is renowned for its abundance of lakes and coastal communities, making it a popular summer destination. These three towns exemplify the state's appeal as a premier Midwest travel spot, showcasing the natural splendor and unique character that draw visitors from across the region.

The details

Charlevoix is situated between two lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, offering a blend of natural beauty and quirky attractions. Petoskey is known for its historic Gaslight Shopping District and the opportunity to hunt for the state's official stone, the Petoskey stone, along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Saugatuck, located where the Kalamazoo River meets Lake Michigan, features a vibrant arts scene, a hand-cranked chain ferry, and vintage electric boats.

  • Midwest Living ranked the most charming lakeside communities and picked the Midwest's best in 2026.

The players

Charlevoix

A Michigan town that perches on two lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, offering a blend of natural beauty and unexpected quirks.

Petoskey

A northwest Lower Peninsula gem of a town on Little Traverse Bay, known for its historic Gaslight Shopping District and the opportunity to hunt for the state's official stone, the Petoskey stone, along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Saugatuck

A compact lakeside town along Michigan's Art Coast, situated where the Kalamazoo River flows into Lake Michigan, featuring a vibrant arts scene, a hand-cranked chain ferry, and vintage electric boats.

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The takeaway

These three Michigan lake towns showcase the state's natural beauty, unique character, and appeal as a premier Midwest travel destination, offering visitors a variety of outdoor activities, charming downtowns, and cultural experiences.