3 MI Lake Towns Among Best In The Midwest: List

A popular travel magazine named three Michigan towns among the best lake towns in the Midwest.

Midwest Living looked at towns from the Lake Superior shoreline to the glassy glacial lakes of Iowa for its "Best Midwest Lake Escapes for 2026."

Two northern Michigan towns and one along the Lake Michigan shoreline made the list. They are:

Charlevoix

Located along Lake Charlevoix, the town is known for its eccentric charm.

It is also here where you'll find the famous "mushroom houses" and Castle Farms, a 1918 French Normandy-style castle that evolved from a model dairy farm to event venue.

Charlevoix also features a picturesque harbor, where large boats and sailboats venture out into Lake Michigan.

"You can stroll on the beach and enjoy the views, certainly, but getting out on the water via kayak, sailboat, motorboat, or stand-up paddleboard is the way to go," the magazine said.

Petoskey

The small town located along the Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan has captivated campers, boaters and bikers for years.

Petoskey is also known for its historic Gaslight Shopping District, where Victorian-era storefronts house scores of galleries and boutiques.

"Hunt for Michigan's state rock—the fossilized Petoskey stone—along the Lake Michigan shoreline, then discover why this northwest Lower Peninsula gem of a town has captivated visitors for decades," the magazine said.

Saugatuck

The refreshing town that sits where the Kalamazoo River flows into Lake Michigan is well-known for its art.

"This compact lakeside town along Michigan's Art Coast overdelivers on many fronts: You'll find dozens of galleries showcasing working artists, the hand-cranked chain ferry Diane shuttling passengers across the river (it’s the last of its kind in America), and vintage electric boats gliding past downtown," the magazine said.

You can see other towns that made the list here.