In Michigan, small towns tucked among cherry orchards offer the perfect relaxing getaway. The sweet scent of cherries fills the air, and the vibrant trees create a picture-perfect backdrop.
Wandering through these towns feels peaceful and refreshing, far from the usual hustle and bustle. It’s an ideal spot to slow down, enjoy nature, and savor the simple joys of small-town charm.
1. Traverse City
Known as the Cherry Capital of the World, this waterfront gem hosts the National Cherry Festival each July. Visitors can stroll along the West Grand Traverse Bay before sampling local cherry wines.
The surrounding Leelanau Peninsula boasts dozens of family-owned orchards where you can pick your own cherries in summer. Michigan’s most famous cherry destination balances small-town feel with excellent restaurants and boutiques.
2. Suttons Bay
Colorful storefronts welcome visitors to this bayside village where cherry trees dot the surrounding hillsides. Local shops sell everything from cherry preserves to handcrafted pottery inspired by the region’s agricultural heritage.
Just a short drive from vineyards and tasting rooms, Suttons Bay offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. Michigan’s picturesque Leelanau Peninsula shines here with pristine beaches and orchard tours available throughout summer.
3. Elk Rapids
Situated between two bays, this hidden gem offers spectacular water views alongside cherry-themed attractions. Morning walks reveal misty orchards stretching toward the horizon, creating postcard-worthy scenes in every direction.
Friendly locals make newcomers feel instantly at home in this tight-knit community. Michigan’s cherry heritage comes alive in Elk Rapids’ family restaurants serving everything from cherry pie to cherry barbecue sauce made with fruit harvested just miles away.
4. Charlevoix
Famous for its unique mushroom houses, Charlevoix blends whimsical architecture with orchard-covered landscapes. The downtown district buzzes with energy as visitors sample cherry delicacies from local bakeries and ice cream shops.
Lake Michigan provides a stunning backdrop for sunset views after days spent exploring nearby cherry farms. Michigan’s charm is undeniable here, where the annual cherry harvest brings a festive atmosphere to this already delightful community.
5. Old Mission Peninsula
A narrow strip of land dividing Grand Traverse Bay, this picturesque peninsula features rolling hills covered with cherry trees and vineyards. The historic lighthouse at its tip provides panoramic views worth the drive along the scenic 18-mile road.
Family-owned farm stands sell freshly picked cherries throughout the growing season. Michigan’s agricultural beauty is on full display here, where cherry orchards stretch right to the water’s edge, creating breathtaking contrasts of red, green, and blue.
6. Leland
Historic Fishtown draws visitors to this charming village, but the surrounding cherry orchards keep them coming back. Wooden shanties converted to shops sell local cherry products while fishing boats bob in the harbor nearby.
Hiking trails wind through nearby forests and orchards, offering peaceful escapes into nature. Michigan’s blend of maritime heritage and agricultural abundance creates a unique atmosphere in Leland, especially beautiful when cherry blossoms bloom in spring.
7. Empire
Gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire combines natural wonders with agricultural charm. Cherry orchards frame views of massive sand dunes and turquoise waters, creating scenes that seem almost tropical.
Small enough to explore on foot, the village center offers cherry-themed treats at the local ice cream parlor. Michigan’s most dramatic landscapes surround this unassuming town, where cherry farmers have worked the land for generations between the dunes and inland lakes.
8. Northport
Perched at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, this serene village feels wonderfully removed from everyday stress. Cherry orchards line the roads leading into town, where the marina fills with sailboats during summer months.
Art galleries showcase works inspired by the surrounding landscapes and agricultural heritage. Michigan’s northernmost cherry-growing region offers spectacular stargazing opportunities after sunset, with minimal light pollution above the orchards and bay.
9. Beulah
Overlooking Crystal Lake’s remarkably clear waters, Beulah combines lakeside relaxation with orchard adventures. The small downtown features cherry-themed shops where visitors can purchase everything from gourmet preserves to cherry wood crafts.
Nearby hiking trails lead through orchards to panoramic viewpoints perfect for photography. Michigan’s inland lakes region shows its charm in Beulah, where cherry trees grow on slopes that once held ancient glaciers, creating a landscape of extraordinary beauty.