10 Best Towns in the Great Lakes for a Winter Getaway
Winter reshapes the Great Lakes into a network of trail towns and ice-lined shorelines. From the Lake Superior snowbelt to Lake Michigan’s working waterfronts, small towns maintain groomed Nordic networks, fat-tire routes, and shoreline access framed by frozen waterfalls and ice-covered lighthouses. State parks such as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Geneva State Park anchor many of these communities, linking main streets to forest trails and lakefront views. These 10 towns stand out for how well they function in winter, not just for scenery, but for accessible trails, manageable crowds, and direct access to winter amenities.
Marquette, Michigan
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette’s position on the sprawling Lake Superior makes it a prime winter destination. With an average of 150” of snow per year and close proximity to Marquette Mountain, the Hiawatha National Forest, and the Noquemanon Trail Network, visitors flock here for snowmobiling, skiing, and fat tire biking. Marquette County’s expansive trail system is also a great choice for quiet snowshoe hikes that lead to frozen waterfalls and snow-covered pines.
If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights shining across Lake Superior, the Hampton Inn Marquette/Waterfront is perfectly situated for a late-night viewing session from the warmth of your room. Or check into the historic Landmark Inn, which is within walking distance of the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum and the Lake Superior Photo Art Gallery.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
For easy access to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, head to Bayfield, Wisconsin. Located near the western tip of Lake Superior, this tiny town is geared toward slower winter experiences. When the conditions are right, the 21 Apostle Islands transform into a fascinating network of ice caves, reachable only by crossing Lake Superior on foot. Downhill skiing and tubing are readily available at Mt. Ashwabay. Or you can try your hand at skijoring (a unique combination of dog-sledding and cross-country skiing, minus the sled).
The Wild Rice Retreat is a popular choice for wellness enthusiasts, with its forested, Scandinavian-style lodgings near Lake Superior and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities. Pups are also welcome for a fee. The Pinehurst Inn Bed & Breakfast is also a popular choice for a quiet escape, complete with three-course breakfasts and eco-friendly accommodations.
Traverse City, Michigan
While most people flock to Traverse City for its status as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” those in the know come back during the winter months to see it turn into a winter wonderland. With over 100 inches of snow per year, Traverse City’s local ski slopes and Crystal Mountain Resort are prime locations for downhill and Nordic Skiing and snowboarding. The massive dunes at the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also transform into a prime sledding location. And with plenty of boutique shops and art galleries to choose from, Downtown Traverse City and The Village at Grand Traverse Commons are great spots to warm up with some shopping.
Check into the boutique Hotel Indigo Traverse City, conveniently located Downtown, for cozy rooms, two on-site restaurants, and easy access to all of Traverse City’s best winter activities.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Tucked right along the St. Marys River, between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the tiny town of Sault Ste. Marie has one of the most diverse winter lineups in the Great Lakes! The town really shines in the colder months, offering unique activities like igloo dining at The Bird’s Eye Outfitters, snowshoe trails leading to sweeping views of frozen Lake Superior and Tahquamenon Falls, and snowmobiling across hundreds of miles of trails. As such, it’s the natural choice to host the Soo International-500, a 500-mile snowmobile race held every February.
If you’re interested in the local casino scene, the Kewadin Casino Hotel has you covered. Beyond the modern rooms, the property offers plenty of on-site entertainment for cold evenings, including the casino, a nightclub, and an indoor pool.
Munising, Michigan
With fewer than 2,000 people in residence, Munising leaves plenty of room for nature to shine in the winter and beyond. The nearby Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a must-visit for winter photographers and anyone wanting to try their hand at ice climbing. Munising is also a hotspot for frozen water formations, like frozen waterfalls, the Eben Ice Caves, and Great Lakes “Icebergs” on Lake Superior. Of course, winter sports are readily accessible, from snowmobiling to skiing.
For a warm, convenient stay, the Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites offers a little bit of everything: an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna for warming up, plus access to snowmobile trails and easy walking distance to local shopping and restaurants.
Petoskey, Michigan
While small, Petoskey’s winter lineup is impressively varied, with options to stay in, hit the slopes, or even take to the water. For indoor fun, try one of the 15 wineries within the Petoskey Wine Region. Or, take to the water at the nearby Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark (just a short drive away in Boyne Falls), which has waterslides, hot tubs, a lazy river, and a multi-level arcade. Winter sports enthusiasts will find no shortage of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, fat tire biking, and ice skating nearby. Take your pick from the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, the Petoskey Winter Sports Park, or the Allen and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve.
The only hotel in downtown Petoskey, the Perry Hotel, has been a local landmark since 1899. It offers an exceptional mix of modern amenities and historic details with unparalleled waterfront views and easy access to downtown shops and restaurants.
Ely, Minnesota
Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and chasing the Northern Lights: Ely, Minnesota’s wilderness scene has plenty to explore. About 70 miles from Lake Superior, in the heart of the Superior National Forest, this area has almost 20 entry points to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), which covers over one million acres and offers opportunities for hiking and skiing. Plus, the BWCAW is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and viewing the Northern Lights. The Superior National Forest also has over 700 miles of snowmobile trails, countless lakes for ice fishing and “wild ice” skating, and many cross-country ski trails. And for those seeking a bit of culture, be sure to check out the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center.
Check into the Grand Ely Lodge for lodge-style rooms with Shagawa Lake views, a sauna, and convenient equipment rentals. The Adventure Inn is also a great, pet-friendly choice, with a wide range of eco-friendly rooms and suites.
Houghton, Michigan
With a whopping 207” inches of snow per year on average, Houghton, Michigan, is a reliable spot to perfect all your winter sports skills. Hop on a snowmobile and explore more than 2,000 miles of trails, or visit Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park for beginner to advanced skiing. The town’s location on the Keweenaw Peninsula, right on Lake Superior, also makes it a great spot to try your hand at ice fishing, skating, or simply enjoying the frozen shoreline on three sides. Mont-Ripley, the oldest ski area in Michigan, is also a great place to spend a day, with 25 trails, a terrain park, a tubing park, and a scenic overlook of the Keweenaw Waterway.
Book a stay at The Vault Hotel, a boutique hotel set in a historic bank, complete with the original vault, now an on-site bar. Each room features large windows with downtown views and thick walls that guarantee a quiet stay.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
One of the northernmost towns in the United States, Grand Marais combines a thriving art scene with views of the Sawtooth Mountains, access to Lake Superior’s North Shore, and countless winter activities. This harbor village is an idyllic spot to take in winter views of the lake or browse traditional crafts made at the North House Folk School. Visit Judge C.R. Magney State Park to see the frozen Devil’s Kettle waterfall, try your hand at winter photography, or enjoy the extensive trail systems for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The Superior Hiking Trail, a 300-mile footpath in Minnesota, also runs directly through Grand Marais and is a popular choice for snowshoeing.
Enjoy a cozy cabin stay at Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters, where all-inclusive meets nature’s best. The area around the lodge is dense with White Pines, inviting moose, wolves, black bears, and other wildlife to roam freely. Its location in an International Dark Sky Sanctuary is also a pull for stargazers and Northern Lights seekers.
Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Often overlooked in the winter, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a solid home base for chill winter fun at Geneva State Park and Lake Erie. Head to Geneva State Park for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing along flat, quiet trails that are great for beginners. Or, swing by frozen Lake Erie for beautiful landscapes that you can explore via shoreline trails.
Take your pick of lakefront cottages or inviting hotel rooms at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. The resort offers a year-round wine shuttle that escorts guests to local wineries and vineyards, plus multiple on-site restaurants with rotating local food and wine menus.
Choose Your Ideal Small Town in the Great Lakes
From the lake shores to the mountaintops, the Great Lakes region is an incredible place to explore, especially in winter. And whether your ideal winter vacation involves shredding the slopes, finding dramatic, photo-worthy scenes, or cozying up in a mountain lodge, these 10 towns deliver. While small, they offer all the best perks, with room to spread out, pristine nature experiences, and prime winter fun for months on end. So go ahead and pick one (or several) for your next Great Lakes winter getaway!
