10 Stress-Free Towns In The Great Lakes Region For A Weekend Retreat
The Great Lakes are a series of freshwater lakes located in the northern United States, comprising Lake Superior, Erie, Ontario, Michigan, and Huron. These lakes are surrounded by the states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Considering the incredible diversity of the region, the Great Lakes are a popular destination for those seeking a weekend retreat. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a stress-free weekend, think about visiting any of these towns.
Bayfield (Wisconsin)
Those seeking a stress-free experience can enjoy their days in Bayfield at the Bayfield Inn, which offers stunning coastal views and convenient access to Lake Superior. It is just a short walk to Washington Avenue Beach, where vacationers can enjoy the sandy shores while taking in sights of nearby Madeline Island and the Madeline Island Ferry Line. If you want to take the ferry, you can reach the island and head to Big Bay State Park. The park is situated perfectly on the edge of Big Bay, offering thousands of acres for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying the beaches. Those who want to enjoy the city's history will want to visit the Bayfield Heritage Association. Full-room exhibits portray what life was like a century ago. At the same time, photos and artifacts showcase the complex history of the region, including its role in the timber, agriculture, and commercial fishing industries.
Youngstown (New York)
Youngstown is a small village, but it offers numerous opportunities to relax and unwind. This Must Be the Place Guesthouse is one of the few guesthouses and cottages in the area available for rent, placing you close to many of the popular surrounding sights. You will be able to enjoy the banks of the Niagara River as you drive through town and make your way to nearby Fort Niagara State Park. There, you can stroll the many lanes and trails until you find Old Fort Niagara and the nearby Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse. The fort is an 18th-century building that helped control access to the Great Lakes during the War of 1812, and the lighthouse has existed in various forms almost as long. It is not far from there to the Fort Niagara State Park Beach, where visitors can enjoy hiking and biking, or even set out onto the water for a day of fishing.
Conneaut (Ohio)
Relaxing times can be found along the shores of Lake Erie in the town of Conneaut, where the ideal weekend begins at Buccia Vineyard Winery and B&B. Visitors get to enjoy not only a taste of local wines but also a unique overnight experience in well-appointed suites. Not far away, you can take it easy along the water at Conneaut Township Park. This 60-acre park has plenty to do, from playing volleyball to a game of soccer. Alternatively, you can enjoy a walk along the beach. Nearby, the Port Conneaut Marina houses hundreds of boats, and charters are available on the water at Something Catchy Charters. Guests can relax on the water while casting a line out to sea. The marina also offers a great view of the nearby Conneaut West Breakwater Lighthouse. Art lovers will want to indulge at the Conneaut Arts Center, which offers unique events such as Painting at Dusk, a chance to follow along and paint under guided instruction.
Glen Arbor (Michigan)
Visitors come to Glen Arbor for a chance to be by the water, and the Sleeping Bear Inn offers seaside views while guests enjoy cozy rooms and a full-plated breakfast. Easy times can be enjoyed along the Dunes Trail that runs through Sleeping Bear Dunes. The large "Sleeping Bear" dune is the highlight of the area, as well as the shores of Lake Michigan nearby. On the opposite side of town, visitors can head to the On The Narrows Marina, which sits against Glen Lake. A rental fleet with mooring is available for those who want to set out on the lake, including pontoon boats and seadoos. And nearby in Leland, visitors can take the ferry to the Manitou Islands. This island chain covers thousands of acres of natural beauty, dunes, and camping grounds for those who want to enjoy a night beneath the stars.
Michigan City (Indiana)
Few cities are easier to relax in than Michigan City, and the Bridge Inn is perfectly positioned to help you enjoy your weekend. Located along Trail Creek and steps away from Outer Basin, visitors have quick access to nearby Washington Park Beach, which sits adjacent to Michigan City Harbor. Visitors can walk the waters as they make their way to Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse. The lighthouse has stood since 1940 and is the symbol of the city. The pier itself is popular among those who want to relax while casting a line in the water and watching the sunset. Nearby, the Washington Park Zoo sits on 15 acres of land and hosts an observation tower that grants unparalleled views of nearby Lake Michigan. Those who prefer to enjoy relaxing days among art exhibits will want to visit the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. Rotating exhibits include light installations, community-based art installations, and even vintage comic book memorabilia.
Lake City (Pennsylvania)
The small town of Lake City is a comfortable place for anyone hoping to enjoy a stress-free weekend. Visitors will find Fourcreeks Bed and Breakfast, a conveniently located establishment offering four guestrooms and a daily Full English breakfast. Your first destination should be Erie Bluffs State Park, which includes one mile of shoreline and immaculate bluffs overlooking nearby Lake Erie. Another hotspot is Avonia Beach, which offers nearly four acres of shoreline along the lake, making it an ideal fishing spot along Trout Run. This nearby stream empties into the lake. In town, All Aboard Diner sits just across the street from Legends Sports Bar and Grill, making for relaxing evenings once the sun has gone down.
Oswego (New York)
Stress-free days away in Oswego. Tucked against Lake Ontario, visitors to the area will want to enjoy relaxing days and nights along the Oswego River at the Clarion Hotel. That will put you steps away from Breitbeck Park, where you can walk the shores or get a morning workout in at the fitness court. Nearby, the Port Oswego West Pier leads out onto the water and offers lovely views of Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse. You can visit the lighthouse by boat after a stop at the nearby H. Lee White Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the maritime history of Oswego County. In the evening, a fun night awaits at nearby Gibby's Irish Pub, a neighborhood pub within walking distance from the marina, where you can enjoy a pint to end the day.
Two Harbors (Minnesota)
Lovely days along the shores of Lake Superior are available in Two Harbors, at the Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast. Guests are invited to be "a keeper for an evening," enjoying views of Agate and Burlington Bays from the lighthouse. Within walking distance, visitors can enjoy a casual day at Agate Bay Beach, a rocky beach featuring a pier and boat ramp. This spot is a favorite among those who want to launch their boat from the boat ramp or walk the lakeside trails. As part of the day, you can head to Two Harbors Pierhead Light for views of the bay, while anglers might want to relax in the afternoon by casting a line out from the breakwater. Those who want a relaxing day in Burlington Bay can head to the Burlington Bay Campground and nearby Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard Rental. These rentals allow visitors an easy way to explore the bay and enjoy views of the surrounding forests and coastline.
Northport (Michigan)
Few places are more relaxing than the village of Nortport, and you can enjoy the perfect stay at Bayshore Cabins. These are wooded properties tucked along the waters of Northport Bay, with easy access to the sandy shores and relaxing evenings spent on the pier. In the center of town, you will find Haserot Park, an ideal spot for walking along the shores, and also a popular destination where wine festivals and fish boils are held. Those looking for a long walk outdoors will want to visit nearby Braman Hill Recreation Area, a 65-acre park that is perfect for hiking, as well as games of pickleball or tennis. And for those hoping to relax over an evening show, the Northport Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of events, including comedy shows, concerts, and theatrical performances.
Grand Marais (Minnesota)
Stress-free days can be found along Grand Marais Harbor, with peaceful days spent at the East Bay Suite. This shoreline hotel puts you right along the shores of East Bay and within walking distance of magnificent sights. You can walk to Artist's Point and The Dock of the America, landmarks that highlight a time when the bay was a ferry hub. Your relaxing walk continues to Grand Marais Lighthouse, which helped guide those ferries across Lake Superior. Back in town, you can stroll the galleries of Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, where local and regional artists are showcased in rotating exhibits. And in the evening, you can enjoy a drink while enjoying beautiful views of the harbor at Voyageur Brewing Company, or you can come by the next day for yoga on the rooftop before striking out on the water.
Stress Free Days on the Great Lakes
There are plenty of ways to stay relaxed and stress-free when visiting the Great Lakes. Visitors can anticipate incredible natural destinations, such as Big Bay and Nortport Bay. Cultural attractions such as the Lubeznik Center for the Arts and the Erie Maritime Museum also make for worry-free afternoons close to the water. If you are planning a stress-free weekend, consider any of these 10 towns as your next vacation destination.
