Charming Michigan Downtown Among Best In U.S. According to HGTV

When it comes to charming small towns, Michigan is bursting with them. In recent years Mitten State favorites like Houghton, Howell, Frankenmuth, Petoskey and Traverse City have all gotten national recognition for their small-town charm.

Get our free mobile app

And now, another Michigan destination is joining the list of the nation’s best.

HGTV’s List of Charming Small Town Downtowns

HGTV recently highlighted 40 of the most charming small town downtowns in America—places that welcome visitors with historic architecture, boutique shops, local culture, and tree-lined streets.

👇BELOW: 25+ GORGEOUS MICHIGAN SUNSETS👇

Some of these towns are tucked into beautiful settings with stunning views, while others win people over with lively festivals, nostalgic atmospheres, and incredible food. HGTV cautions: “You may want to add all of them to your travel bucket list.”

So which Michigan town made the cut this time? Head north to Marquette, on the shores of Lake Superior. 

Marquette: A Rich History in the Upper Peninsula

Home to Northern Michigan University, the vibrant college town has a rich history: French missionaries traversed the land on Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the 1600s, and trappers roamed it in the early 1800s. Development began in 1844, when William Burt and Jacob Houghton discovered iron near Teal Lake. The village officially started in 1849 as New Worcester, but a year later it was renamed to honor French Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette. The town grew under the iron industry, becoming a village in 1859 and a city in 1871.

READ MORE: Stunning Michigan Location Once Again Crowned Best Place for Fall Colors in U.S.

Outdoor Adventures Year-Round

Today, Marquette is bustling year round and HGTV praises it as both an outdoor lover’s paradise and a downtown worth exploring. In the warmer months, hiking and backpacking trails surround the area; in winter, fat-tire biking and snowmobiling take over. No matter the season, you’ll find brewpubs, food trucks, coffee shops, and stunning natural beauty.

Iconic Lower Harbor Ore Dock and Lake Views

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Lower Harbor Ore Dock. Just steps from downtown, this massive concrete-and-steel structure rises from the edge of Lake Superior, a striking reminder of Marquette’s maritime and mining history.

READ MORE: Michigan Location Hosts Daily Lumberjack Shows May Through September

Beyond the dock, the vast, sparkling waters of Lake Superior stretch out in every direction, framing the city with natural beauty that keeps both locals and visitors coming back year after year.

Culinary Hotspots to Explore

HGTV praises Marquette's culinary scene too, in particular, Lagniappe, a Cajun Creole eatery known as one of the best restaurants in town. They spotlight Donckers as well, a counter-style café and candy shop that’s been serving treats on Washington Street since 1896.

We also have to give a shout-out to Togo's, another Marquette eatery that's been crowned the top sub shop in the state.

With its mix of great food, outdoor adventure, rich history, and welcoming downtown, Marquette is proving once again that Michigan knows how to do small-town charm better than just about anywhere.