Michigan Small Towns + Wheelchair Travel

Michigan is home to some of the most inviting small towns and lakefront communities in the Midwest. This guide highlights wheelchair-accessible towns that combine charm with accessibility, making it easy to enjoy everything from boutique shopping and lakeside strolls to historic landmarks and cultural festivals.

1. Traverse City

Known for its cherry orchards, wineries, and vibrant waterfront.

• Downtown: Wide, well-maintained sidewalks, curb ramps, and accessible shops and restaurants.
• Wheeling Around: The TART Trail is a 10+ mile paved multi-use path through the city and along the bay.
• Attractions: Adaptive kayak rentals, wineries with accessible tasting rooms, and beaches with mobi-mats like Clinch Park.
• Restrooms: Clinch Park and the Visitor Center have accessible public restrooms.
• Lodging: Multiple hotels with roll-in showers and ADA parking.

2. Holland

Dutch architecture, colorful tulip gardens, and Lake Michigan access.

• Downtown: Smooth brick sidewalks with good curb cuts and access to bakeries, gift shops, and boutiques.
• Wheeling Around: Holland’s downtown and waterfront are flat and connected by sidewalks and paved park paths.
• Attractions: Windmill Island Gardens and Holland State Park both offer wheelchair-friendly features.
• Events: Tulip Time Festival includes ADA shuttle service and accessible viewing areas.
• Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and Windmill Island Gardens.

3. Petoskey

Overlooks Little Traverse Bay with a quaint Gaslight District and historic charm.

• Downtown: Roll around the Gaslight District’s wide sidewalks and waterfront parks.
• Wheeling Around: The Little Traverse Wheelway is a scenic 26-mile paved trail along the bay.
• Attractions: Bayfront Park, marina paths, and nearby wineries.
• Restrooms: Accessible restrooms available at Bayfront Park and the marina.
• Lodging: Accessible inns and waterfront hotels.

4. Saugatuck

Artistic and LGBTQ+ friendly, with riverfront charm and quirky shops.

• Downtown: Flat boardwalks and sidewalks line the Kalamazoo River.
• Wheeling Around: Stroll between art galleries and cafés or along the river.
• Attractions: Saugatuck Center for the Arts, and Oval Beach has accessible parking, restrooms, and seasonal mobi-mats.
• Restrooms: Accessible public restrooms at the beach and near the ferry dock.

5. Frankenmuth

Known as “Little Bavaria” with year-round festivals and Bavarian-style architecture.

• Downtown: Wide sidewalks, curb ramps, and accessible indoor shopping at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.
• Wheeling Around: Easy-to-navigate main street and covered bridges with viewing spots.
• Attractions: Bavarian Inn, riverboat cruises (wheelchair accessible), and holiday light shows.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms with accessible stalls near the main plaza and Bronner’s.

6. Charlevoix

A picturesque lakeside village with storybook Mushroom Houses and two harbors.

• Downtown: Shops and restaurants are mostly step-free with level sidewalks and lake views.
• Wheeling Around: Paved paths connect the marina, East Park, and Depot Beach.
• Attractions: Accessible beach access, public art, and sightseeing routes.
• Restrooms: East Park and Depot Beach both have modern accessible restrooms.