Carefree Travel Guide 2022

There’s nothing like the charm of a small town to instantly make you feel right at home. West Michigan is full of these cities, villages, and towns ready to welcome you to explore their best restaurants, culture, shopping, and hidden gems.

Small Towns

City of Hastings City of Zeeland

One sure-fire way to find the best food, lodging, or

experiences anywhere you visit is to chat with the locals. They love where they live, and are excited to share their hometown with visitors. A great way to connect with locals is to stop by the area Visitors Center or Chamber of Commerce. You’ll find staff there who can’t wait to fill you in on the best things to do in the area! If you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, give them a call or check out their website to find out some of their favorite recommendations for first-time visitors to their town. These are also great resources to check for any special events, festivals, or parades that might be happening during your visit. You can browse our list of these local resources at WMTA.org/area-info.

Sparta: You’ll find festivals & events for everyone to enjoy, with concerts, Celtic festivals, seasonal celebrations, and more. White Lake Area: Check out the World’s Largest Weathervane in downtown Montague, plus local shopping and dining. Zeeland: Zeeland has a full calendar of events year round, ranging from evening group bike rides to an all-day chalk festival. Lowell: Visit the Lowell Showboat, which has been a historic icon of the Greater Lowell Community since 1931. Newaygo: Enjoy dinner out on waterfront restaurant decks, and take sunset walks on natural hiking paths.

We’ve explored lots of West Michigan’s small towns and chatted with locals to bring you just a little idea of what these areas boast, and why you should plan a visit to check them out for yourself this year. South Small Towns Coldwater: Visit Capri Drive-In theatre, catch a performance at Tibbits Opera House, or splash at the Aqua Pit. Marshall: Visit the Welcome Center for a free self-guided walking map to tour historic markers, buildings, and monuments. Three Rivers: Visit Three Rivers for their annual special events, including the Water Festival and the Fall Color Tour. Colon: Colon is “The Magic Capital of the World,” with a magic festival, magic shops, and Magic City Egg Fest. Hastings: Downtown Hastings is home to many seasonal events, including Fridays at the Fountain, Summerfest, and more. Central Small Towns Fremont: Fremont is home to the world’s largest baby food company, and celebrates each year with a festival.

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West Michigan Tourist Association | WMTA.org est Michigan Tourist As ociation