Between Detroit And Lake Huron In Michigan's Thumb Is A Charming City With Fun Festivals And A Historic Downtown

Michigan's Lower Peninsula is famously shaped like a mitten and surrounded by the Great Lakes. The Thumb region of the mitt reaches up into Lake Huron and contains many charming communities like Imlay City. As a small city tucked in Lapeer County, Imlay City's top claim to fame might be that it is home to the Vlasic Pickle empire. But this historic community puts on large, visit-worthy events all year round, including Michigan's Lavender Festival, highlighting local farmers, artisans, and food vendors. And that's just one of many Imlay City events that make the city stand out.

Named after a Connecticut businessman who bought much of the territory in the 1830s, the village quickly became a bustling hub once the Port Huron and Lake Michigan Railway was completed in 1870. Today, Imlay City is a laid-back city of under 4,000 residents, featuring downtown streets that reflect its historic roots. Its sense of community shines through with events large and small, from state fairs to a weekly farmers market in the summer.

Imlay City's location in the heart of the Thumb, as well as being at the intersection of two larger highways (I-69 and M-53), means that it's an easy pivot point to more Michigan beauty and attractions. It's just an hour north of Detroit and only 40 minutes to the beach on Lake Huron. Add one of Imlay City's many community events to a Michigan itinerary, or simply stop by for a quality meal from a friendly local restaurant, wander the downtown blocks, and soak in the historic small-town vibes.

For a city of its size, Imlay City has a busy schedule of family-friendly events year-round. On casual summer Tuesdays, there's a concert series downtown to enjoy live music and sweet treats. September brings the Outdoor Weekend, with vendor booths and a chili cook-off, while Halloween boasts a Merchant Trick or Treat to support local businesses. There's action, community, and life happening throughout the year in Imlay City, but three events have a bit more hype and attendance. One is the Eastern Michigan State Fair, held for five days at the end of July. It's a classically nostalgic American event, with rides, games, a demolition derby, and all the deep-fried-Oreo guilty pleasures.

Michigan's Lavender Festival is a unique Imlay City event that has kicked off each summer since 2002. It takes place the first week of June on the same grounds at the state fair and, of course, is a showcase for local farmers and their colorful bounties, with fragrant purple lavender as the centerpiece. There's also live music, more than 200 vendors selling their artisanal wares, and over two dozen food trucks and stands, offering everything from donuts and pizza to tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches, plus a beloved lavender lemonade ice cream.

Two months after celebrating local farms and lavender, the city hosts the Imlay City Summer Fest on the second weekend of August. Put on by the city's chamber of commerce, it's the longest-running festival in town. Similar to the state fair, Summer Fest has a nostalgic feel, featuring a parade through downtown, contests for kids, food and drink stalls, live music, and fireworks. It might be small, but Imlay City packs a cultural punch, as do these picture-perfect Michigan towns that prove the Great Lakes State does small-town magic best.

To get a closer look at the storied local history, the Imlay City Museum is located in an old railroad depot in the heart of downtown. In the 1870s, the depot saw thousands of passengers every day, traveling to and from Port Huron, and the current building was restored in the 1970s, maintaining its 20th-century appearance. The hours are limited, open Saturday afternoons from April to December. But if you're lucky enough to be in Imlay City during that time, entrance is free, and the memorabilia, sample living spaces, and other nostalgic sections will have you jonesing for eras long passed. 

Overall, it's easy to spend an afternoon in Imlay City. Grab a classic diner breakfast in a vinyl booth from the Silver Grill Family Restaurant, and then bop by the shops on East Third Street, like the unique and locally sourced Thimbleberry Gift Shoppe or Imlay City Florist, which boasts beautiful arrangements. On Thursdays from May to October, you can catch the farmers market held in the pavilion near the corner of Third and Main streets to peruse handcrafted items and locally grown produce. The downtown's social district makes it convenient to explore the area while enjoying an alcoholic beverage from a licensed vendor. To continue a tour of the Great Lakes State, head north to the shores of Saginaw Bay, a Michigan oasis with beaches, trails, and miles of lakefront.

To stay in the city, there are a couple of national chain hotels, as well as some more local and smaller motels. In the area, there is a scattering of rentals, including homes, RVs, and even cabins in the nearby town of Lapeer, Michigan's artsy city that offers a walkable downtown, shops, and restaurants.