Two small towns in Michigan have been named among the ‘coolest towns in America.’
Mackinac Island and Saugatuck were named among the country’s top 35 coolest small towns by Travel Curator.
The towns were selected for their stunning natural scenery, small town charm, architecture and local character, among other factors.
Saugatuck, nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a true small town with a population of less than 1,000 people.
Its local crafts scene hails from its history as an art colony during the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th century.
The town has preserved much of its charming historic architecture, including the Saugatuck Engine House.
It also boasts picturesque marinas, harbors and areas of natural beauty, such as Saugatuck Dunes State Park.
Saugatuck is a popular tourism destination, and its population triples in the summer months as vacationers pile in from Chicago and Detroit.
Saugatuck is known for its beautiful harbor views and peaceful atmosphere
The colorful shops and galleries along Butler Street in Saugatuck
Visitors enjoy taking tours of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan on a large paddle-wheel boat or visiting the town’s many art galleries and independent shops.
Three hundred miles north, meanwhile, is nostalgic Mackinac Island, best known for being the only car-free place in the US.
This rugged island is located in the heart of Lake Huron with views of landmarks such as Fort Mackinac.
Transport here is a little quirky, with horse-drawn carriages popular for tourists and locals getting around.
‘The island is a true gem of Michigan, with a unique charm and a slower pace of life,’ Travel Curator wrote.
At just 4.35 square miles, the local population is just over 500 people.
Visitors can stay at the impressive Victorian Grand Hotel where the suites are styled and named after historic First Ladies of the United States.
The famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is seen on the shores of Lake Huron
A waterfront town on Mackinac Island is covered with snow
Downtown Mackinac Island where locals and tourists cycle because cars are banned
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Tourists enjoy escaping to the island’s natural scenery, with more than 80 percent of the land preserved as Mackinac Island State Park.
Getting to the island is usually done by ferry or small aircraft, but in the winter it can be done by snowmobile via an icebridge.
Cars and other motorized vehicles have been banned on the island since 1898, with limited exceptions, such as for ambulances, police cars and fire trucks.
The entire island has been listed as a National Historic Landmark since 1960, in order to prevent over-development.
The cities’ ranking as the ‘coolest’ towns in America, comes as National Geographic has selected Boise, Idaho, as one of the planet’s 25 must-see bucket list locations for 2025.
While the city has increasingly been viewed as a booming trendy hotspot in the US, this is the first time it has ranked among the top travel destinations in the world.
Boise is home to one of the largest populations of members of the Basque ethnic group outside Spain, with as many as 15,000 living there.
A Basque block in downtown Boise features ethnic taverns, restaurants, bars, and a heritage museum.
It’s set to come alive during the Jaialdi festival in July 2025, with street parties, dancing, wood chopping and wagon lifting.