Six small towns in Michigan were recently named by USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards as some of the best places in the Midwest.
“Friendly faces and down-to-earth folks are just some of the reasons people love the Midwest,” USA TODAY wrote. “The area also happens to be home to some of the most charming, scenic, and historic small towns in the United States.
Since voting opened March 3, participants nationwide considered small towns in nine categories: best coastal small town, best historic small town, best small college town, best small town cultural scene, best small town food scene, best small town in the Midwest, best small town in the Northeast, best small town in the South, and best small town in the West.
USA TODAY experts and readers recognized Grand Haven and Saugatuck as some of the very best.
More: Saugatuck honored for arts scene in national awards
Grand Haven, Saugatuck place among Midwest’s Best Small Towns
Here’s the Top 10 Best Small Towns of the Midwest:
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Why is Saugatuck one of the best small towns in the Midwest?
“Known as the ‘Art Coast’ of Michigan, Saugatuck offers a charming mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences,” USA TODAY 10BEST writes.
Saugatuck is home to Oval Beach Park, Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Mount Baldhead Park near the Kalamazoo River, with shops and activities to mix with leisure on Lake Michigan’s shore near the sandy dunes.
Saugatuck is known for its passion for art, which makes looking at exhibits, buying pieces or partaking in the artistry a popular activity. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a popular destination, currently hosting an exhibit called “We Hope You Fail Better,” by New York Times bestselling duo, Brad and Kristi Montague.
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Why is Grand Haven one of the best small towns in the Midwest?
Grand Haven is another hot spot for soaking up Lake Michigan’s shoreline. To tour the city, guests can ride the Lakeshore Trolley beginning on May 29 through Sept. 1.
“The Grand Haven Lighthouse, with its striking red exterior, has been a Great Lakes treasure since 1839 and makes for a great photo-op,” USA TODAY 10BEST writes.
In addition to the lighthouse, Grand Haven is known for its musical fountain, which operates May to September, the boardwalk, biking trails, fishing charters, and a historic downtown filled with shops and restaurants.
How are the winners chosen?
To select the winners, nominees are first submitted by a panel of experts, then 10BEST editors narrow the field for readers to vote in each category.
Voting opened March 3 and ended March 31.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Saugatuck, Grand Haven among Best Small Towns in the Midwest