Michigan Weekend Getaways Perfect for Art, Nature & Small-Town Vibes

Sometimes I just need a weekend to unplug—nothing too far, nothing too fancy.

Michigan has a bunch of great little towns that hit all the right notes: art, nature, and that slower small-town pace that feels like a reset.

I’ve done a few weekend trips over the past couple of years, and some places are still on my list.

Here’s what I’ve loved so far.

Saugatuck / Douglas – Art Lover’s Paradise

I’ve been to Saugatuck twice now, and honestly, I’d go again in a heartbeat. It’s got this chill, artsy vibe without feeling too crowded (unless you’re there on a peak summer weekend).

One of my favorite stops was the Saugatuck Center for the Arts—they’ve got rotating exhibits and small performances, and it’s donation-based, so you can just wander in and see what’s showing.

Across the river in Douglas, I spent a good chunk of an afternoon at J. Peter Galleries. It’s a mix of fine art and wine—literally. They serve wine and small bites while you browse, and it’s just a relaxing way to experience art without any pressure to buy.

One night I caught the sunset at Oval Beach, which lives up to the hype. It costs $10 for parking, but the boardwalk walk to the top of the dune and that view over Lake Michigan is worth every penny.

I stayed at The Hotel Saugatuck, which is a cozy, adults-only spot right near the water. They bring breakfast to your room every morning, it’s included, and the vibe is super peaceful. I paid around $310/night in July, which is a splurge, but for a special weekend, I think it was worth it.

For food, The Southerner served up the best-fried chicken I’ve had in years. Casual but high quality. Entrees ran about $20. And in the morning, Uncommon Coffee Roasters was my go-to for coffee and a breakfast sandwich—expect to spend $10–$15.

Empire / Sleeping Bear Dunes – For Nature and Views

Hear ye, hear ye! Peak color has arrived!

This is also a reminder that with the fading of the leaves comes the seasonal closure of the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The drive closes to vehicles in late October or early November, weather depending.

NPS Photos#FallFoliage pic.twitter.com/Nynedq7pYK

— Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (@SleepingBearNPS) October 18, 2024

Empire is all about the outdoors. I went up in the fall, right when the leaves were turning, and the views were next-level. One of the highlights was driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s a loop with lookout points and dunes you can climb, and your $25 pass covers seven days of access to all park areas.

Hiking the Empire Bluff Trail was short and sweet—just 1.5 miles round trip—but the view from the top is unreal. You look out over Lake Michigan from high above, and in the fall, with all the trees changing, it’s kind of hard to believe it’s real.

I stayed just outside of town at Indigo Bluffs, which is mainly an RV park, but they also have cabins. I rented one for about $130 a night. It was basic but clean, with heat and a little porch area, which is all I needed.

For dinner, Joe’s Friendly Tavern was exactly what I wanted after a day of hiking—burgers, fries, and a local beer. Super casual, nothing fancy. Meals were about $15–$20.

I also made a side trip to Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Glen Arbor, which was a fun little spot with handmade truffles and hot cocoa.

If you go, early October is prime time for fall color. Bring warm clothes—nights are chilly, and weather can change quick up there.

Ann Arbor – Chill College Town with Arts & Coffee

I’ve done a few day trips to Ann Arbor and stayed overnight once for the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which happens in July and completely takes over the downtown area. There’s a mix of student artists, professional galleries, and live music everywhere. But if you go that weekend, book your hotel way in advance—everything fills up.

Even on regular weekends, Ann Arbor is full of artsy stuff. The University of Michigan Museum of Art is free and really well-curated. I spent an hour or two there, and it was the perfect way to escape the heat in the summer.

I also wandered through the Kerrytown Market & Shops, which is a small cluster of indie shops, local food vendors, and vintage finds. It’s a good stop for coffee and a little browsing.

I stayed at Graduate Ann Arbor, which has this quirky, academic theme with old library vibes and a comfy lobby bar. My room was about $190/night, and it’s close enough to walk everywhere.

For food, Zingerman’s Deli is the big name—sandwiches are huge and amazing, usually around $15–$20. And if you’re looking for something different, Frita Batidos serves Cuban-inspired burgers and street food. Their garlic fries alone are worth a stop.

Holland – Tulips, Trails & a Little Bit of Everything

Holland surprised me in the best way. I went in the spring during the Tulip Time Festival, and the whole town felt like a postcard. Tulips everywhere—along sidewalks, in parks, even in front yards. If you’re into flowers and photography, this is the time to go.

Besides the tulips, I spent a few hours exploring Windmill Island Gardens, which has an authentic Dutch windmill you can go inside. Admission was around $12. There are walking paths, little canals, and performers in Dutch outfits—it’s touristy, but not in a bad way.

I also did a hike at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, about 25 minutes away. The trails wind through woods and dunes before opening up to Lake Michigan. It was about a 3-mile round trip and pretty quiet even on a weekend.

I stayed at CityFlatsHotel Holland, right downtown, for about $160/night. It’s eco-friendly, modern, and walkable to restaurants and shops.

Food-wise, I had a great dinner at Seventy-Six, which does American food with a twist. I spent around $30 for a cocktail and an entrée. Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market is also great for casual snacks or a quick breakfast—fresh fruit, baked goods, smoothies.

South Haven – Relaxed Beach Town with Sunset Vibes

South Haven is low-key one of my favorite quick escapes. It’s not flashy, but it has a perfect mix of walkable town, lake views, and just enough going on. I went for a long weekend last summer and didn’t want to leave.

One night I watched the sunset from South Beach, and it felt like half the town was there—families, couples, people with beach chairs and takeout. It’s free, parking is easy if you go early, and the lighthouse is a nice photo op.

@2fiddle2strangs Marquette Maritime Museum #michigan #puremichigan #marquette #greatlakes #lakesuperior #shipwreck #edmundfitzgerald #history #sailing ♬ The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald – Gordon Lightfoot

I also visited the Michigan Maritime Museum, which was more interesting than I expected. Tickets were $12, and you can pay extra to go on a boat tour (I skipped that but heard good things). The museum is small but full of Great Lakes history.

For a bit of art, I stopped into Blue Coast Artists studios on the outskirts of town—a few artists open their workshops to the public, and you can buy handmade pottery, paintings, and blown glass.

I stayed at the Old Harbor Inn, which has rooms right on the Black River. I paid about $140/night and could watch boats drift by from my window.

My favorite meal was at Taste, a tapas spot with great cocktails and outdoor seating. Small plates were about $8–$14, and I tried three or four things. Super worth it.

Places I Haven’t Been Yet (But Definitely Will)

I’ve got a few towns saved for future weekends. High on my list is Petoskey and Charlevoix—I’ve seen so many photos of the lakeshore views and all the cute galleries. The Tunnel of Trees drive is supposed to be stunning in the fall, and I’m thinking of staying at Hotel Earl in Charlevoix (rooms start around $150).

Another one is Marquette in the Upper Peninsula. It’s a bit more of a drive, but it looks like a dream for hiking, cliffs, and rugged nature. I want to check out Presque Isle Park and the weird and wonderful Lakenenland Sculpture Park, which is free and open 24/7.

I’m also kinda curious about Frankenmuth. It’s touristy, yeah, but it seems fun in a “just go with it” kind of way—German-style architecture, big chicken dinners, and that massive Christmas store. Could be a cute winter getaway.

Final Advice

Every place on this list has its feel, so I’d say plan based on your mood. Want nature and peace? Go to Empire or Marquette.

Want charm and art? Saugatuck wins. If you’re just looking for an easy, walkable town with great food and a little culture, Ann Arbor or Charlevoix might be more your vibe.

A few tips