6 Cool Michigan Towns With Great Shopping Districts

Shopping doesn’t have to be stressful—especially in Michigan, where there are many locally made treasures waiting to be found across several cities with great local shopping districts.

MICHIGAN—Here are a few of our favorites:

Ann Arbor

The home of the University of Michigan has more than one great shopping district. Ann Arbor’s Main Street area is home to many unique retailers and it’s especially known for its wide range of independent bookstores—such as Literati and the West Side Book Shop. Other local favorites include the Himalayan Bazaar, where you can find imported goods and gear from Nepal, and Shinola, where you can find hand-crafted watches, leather journals, and other luxury gifts made in Detroit. Kerrytown is another great shopping district in Ann Arbor. At Kerrytown Market & Shops, you’ll find shops like Ann Arbor Spice Merchants, Kitchen Loft, Mudpuddles Toys, and Found Gallery.

Grand Haven

Grand Haven’s location along the Lake Michigan shoreline gives it a great backdrop for shopping—and the city has loads of local stores with exciting and unique gifts. Perhaps the best part of shopping in Grand Haven is exploring stores along the boardwalk that lines the Harbor. Find hats for every occasion at That Hat, pick up a kite to fly at the beach or a kiteboard at MACkite, and grab your furry friend some homemade treats at Must Love Dogs Boutique. 

Saugatuck

You don’t need a large city to run across a great shopping district. Saugatuck is a great example. There, shoppers will find a wide range of local stores and unique boutiques. Articles is the perfect gift shop to find clothing, greeting cards, candles, and more. Head over to Lucia’s World Emporium to explore more clothing, fair trade jewelry, and other gifts from artisans throughout the world. Puddingstone is also a truly unique retailer that carries traditional English-style terra-cotta, hand-worked glass, vases, Kokedama moss ball gardens, and much, much more. 

Mackinaw City

You’ll find fun shops and boutiques all across Northern Michigan, but Mackinaw Crossings is a special treat. Only a short walk from the Mackinac Island Ferry and close to the famous Mackinac Bridge, the Victorian-inspired shopping center features more than 50 specialty shops and eateries. Aside from Starbucks, you won’t find any large chain stores at Mackinaw Crossings. Find home decor, jewelry, handbags, and local photography at Teysen’s Gift Shop. Stock up on premium skincare products or find some great spa gifts for others at Lavelier. And don’t leave Mackinaw Crossings without stopping at Devon’s to get some of the tastiest homemade fudge in the region!

Petoskey

Located on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, downtown Petoskey is home to the historic Gaslight District—one of Michigan’s most treasured shopping destinations with more than 170 different shops and restaurants. Reusch Jewelers is Michigan’s oldest family-operated jewelry store—and features plenty of Petoskey stones, among other jewelry. Other popular women’s boutiques include Apres by Threads, Emma, and Haystacks. Petoskey also has several shops that carry toys and children’s clothing, like Fox and Hound Boutique and the Rocking Horse Toy Co. 

Marquette

As the largest city in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette offers a large shopping district, and it’s only a short walk from Lake Superior. Hitting the art galleries is a great way to snatch up some local photos, paintings, and sculptures— many of which depict the pioneering spirit and gorgeous landscapes of the area. Zero Degrees Gallery is home to about 40 local and emerging artists. Lake Superior Photo features plenty of scenic photos of the area. Check out Donckers for handcrafted gourmet chocolate, and browse for other gifts at Epps Apothecary or The Gathered Earth.