Michigan is home to countless charming communities, but some of the most interesting places to explore are also the least populated. These small towns and townships represent the quiet side of Michigan — where natural beauty, local history, and tight-knit communities thrive. Based on data from the 2020 U.S. Census, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 smallest towns in Michigan by population.
How We Chose the Smallest Towns
We used the official 2020 Census data to identify townships and towns with populations under 100. These places may be small in numbers, but they’re big in character. From remote Upper Peninsula outposts to quiet corners of the Lower Peninsula, each entry offers a unique slice of Michigan life.
Top 10 Smallest Towns in Michigan by Population
1. Pointe Aux Barques Township (Pop. 15) – Huron County
Located in Huron County, Pointe Aux Barques Township is one of Michigan’s most sparsely populated townships, with a population of just 15 people as of the 2020 Census. Spanning 4.68 square miles, this area has a population density of only 3.2 people per square mile. Perfect for those who crave absolute peace and solitude, it represents the essence of small-town life in Michigan.
Location: At the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, jutting into Lake Huron.
Notable Feature: Home to the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse, one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the Great Lakes region, established in 1848.
Interesting History: The township name means “Point of Little Boats” in French, reflecting its early French exploration roots.
Unique Trait: Despite its tiny population, the lighthouse museum draws summer visitors, making it more active than it seems.
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2. Grand Island Township (Pop. 33) – Alger County
Located in Alger County, Grand Island Township is a remote township surrounded by Lake Superior. With only 33 residents and a land area of 33.87 square miles, it offers total immersion in Upper Peninsula nature. Its rugged beauty makes it popular for hiking and kayaking — but not crowded.
Location: Encompasses Grand Island in Lake Superior, just offshore from Munising.
Notable Feature: Part of the Hiawatha National Forest, the island is a designated National Recreation Area managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Unique Trait: The island is only accessible by boat or ferry and has no permanent roads — ideal for hikers and kayakers.
Historical Note: The island was once privately owned and even featured a grand lodge, which burned down in the early 1900s.
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3. Zilwaukee Township (Pop. 50) – Saginaw County
Located in Saginaw County, Zilwaukee Township is home to just 50 people. While small in size (2.43 square miles), it’s surrounded by water and nearby wildlife areas. The low population density of 20.6 people per square mile gives it a quiet, hidden-gem feel.
Location: North of the City of Saginaw, near the Saginaw River and Bay.
Historical Quirk: Named by Bavarian immigrants who wanted to attract settlers by mimicking the name of Milwaukee.
Unique Trait: Not to be confused with nearby Zilwaukee City; the township retains a more rural, water-surrounded identity.
Famous Feature: Nearby Zilwaukee Bridge, a major feat of engineering spanning the Saginaw River.
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4. Sherman Township (Pop. 53) – Keweenaw County
Located in Keweenaw County at the northern tip of Michigan, Sherman Township is an isolated outpost with 53 residents across nearly 70 square miles. Its remote geography and mining history make it a place full of character and scenic Upper Peninsula views.
Location: Near Lake Superior and the Keweenaw National Historical Park.
Historical Significance: Once a part of the Copper Country mining boom; several ghost towns like Gay and Mandan lie within its boundaries.
Unique Trait: Contains the Gay Bar, a historic and quirky Upper Peninsula dive bar in the town of Gay.
Fun Fact: Keweenaw County is Michigan’s least populated county, and Sherman Township typifies its remote, rustic vibe.
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5. Hiawatha Township (Pop. 53) – Schoolcraft County
This UP township spans over 287 square miles yet is home to only 53 people, making Hiawatha Township one of the most remote and wild places in Michigan. Its incredibly low density (just 0.2 people per square mile) offers unmatched seclusion.
Location: Inland from Lake Michigan in the central Upper Peninsula.
Unique Trait: Encompasses parts of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, a massive wetland habitat for migratory birds and wildlife.
Historic Influence: The name references the famous poem The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Notable Feature: Minimal development and hundreds of square miles of wilderness, making it a conservationist’s dream.
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By August Schwerdfeger – Own work, CC BY 4.0, Link
6. Copper Harbor (Pop. 56) – Keweenaw County
Copper Harbor, located at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, boasts a population of just 56 residents. Known for its outdoor activities and Lake Superior access, it’s a seasonal haven that retains small-town charm year-round.
Location: At the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, where US-41 ends.
Historical Importance: Once a booming copper mining port in the mid-1800s.
Modern Fame: Known for world-class mountain biking, fall foliage, and ferry access to Isle Royale National Park.
Notable Residents: Author Jim Harrison (Legends of the Fall) had a seasonal residence nearby.
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7. Inwood Township (Pop. 57) – Schoolcraft County
Located in Schoolcraft County, Inwood Township features 57 residents across 121.9 square miles. With miles of forestland and trails, it’s a nature lover’s paradise tucked deep into Michigan’s UP.
Location: Inland from Manistique, surrounded by state and national forests.
Unique Trait: Features numerous small lakes and trails, perfect for off-the-grid living.
Historical Sites: Home to Cook Cemetery, which has burials dating back to the late 1800s.
Community Feel: Has one of the lowest population densities in the state—just 0.5 people per square mile.
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8. Rousseau (Pop. 60) – Ontonagon County
Rousseau is a former mining settlement with a modern population of just 60. Surrounded by rugged land and historic buildings, it represents a link between Michigan’s industrial past and quiet present. Pictured above is a copper and silver extraction from the Ontonagon County mines.
Location: Near the Ottawa National Forest in the western Upper Peninsula.
Historical Note: Once part of Michigan’s booming copper and silver mining region in the late 19th century.
Unique Trait: Considered a “ghost town with residents” due to abandoned structures and mine remnants still visible today.
Famous Feature: The area has a mix of rugged wilderness and ruins, popular with history buffs and photographers.
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9. Trout Lake Township (Pop. 61) – Chippewa County
Trout Lake Township offers outdoor recreation and a small community of 61 residents. Located in Chippewa County, it spans over 150 square miles, with lake access and forestland all around.
Location: North of St. Ignace, near the intersection of several forest highways.
Transportation History: Once a railway hub for logging, with remnants of a once-bustling depot.
Notable Feature: Home to Trout Lake, a favorite spot for fishing, boating, and snowmobiling.
Seasonal Appeal: Known for its fall colors and quiet, small-town character.
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10. Whitefish Township (Pop. 65) – Chippewa County
Not far from Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Township has just 65 residents. Known for scenic views and a historic lighthouse, it’s a quiet township with a rich maritime past.
Location: Eastern Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior, home to the village of Paradise, MI.
Famous Landmark: Whitefish Point Light Station, home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Historical Significance: Nearby waters have seen more shipwrecks than any other area of the Great Lakes.
Famous Connection: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank just offshore in 1975 — the tragedy memorialized in Gordon Lightfoot’s song.
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What Makes These Towns Unique?
Each of these tiny towns offers something special — whether it’s a peaceful shoreline, a deep connection to Michigan’s lumber and mining history, or simply the rare experience of total quiet. While most don’t have traditional downtowns or major tourist attractions, they make up for it with rustic charm and access to nature. These communities are also some of the best places in Michigan for stargazing, solitude, and scenic exploration.
Tips for Visiting Michigan’s Smallest Towns
- Plan ahead: Many of these towns don’t have gas stations or grocery stores nearby.
- Travel respectfully: These are real communities, often with deep family roots.
- Pack for the outdoors: Hiking, photography, birdwatching, and boating are common draws in these quiet areas.
Whether you’re a photographer looking for untouched landscapes or a traveler seeking Michigan’s hidden gems, these towns are worth the trip.
Conclusion
Exploring the smallest towns in Michigan is like stepping back in time. They offer a peaceful retreat from busy urban life and a reminder that beauty often lies in the quiet corners. If you’re looking for a new kind of Michigan adventure, put these hidden places on your map.