11 Most Breathtaking Towns In The Great Lakes
Far removed from North America's oceans, the Great Lakes boast expansive freshwater sightlines, fine sands, and sunsets plucked straight out of an oil painting that are equally as arresting. These five gargantuan glacial remnants cover eight states and the most populous of Canada's provinces. So, along with attracting some of the continent's largest cities, plenty of smaller towns have been happy to fill the gaps between metropolis and wilderness. These are 11 such spots that, quite simply, take one's breath away.
Tobermory, Ontario
Built on the back of the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), surrounded by the deep blue waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, and the home base for two national parks, it's hard to top Tobermory when it comes to breathtaking Great Lake towns. Get acquainted with the area by taking a stroll around Little Tub Harbour, scouting the fish n' chip joints, tour operators, and cozy accommodations in its vicinity. From there, continue east, and you will see the Bruce Trail Northern Terminus Cairn, which marks the end, or beginning, of this 900-kilometer trek. Intrigued day-hikers can follow the white tree markings into the first part of Bruce Peninsula National Park, where the limestone cliffs and forested coves will have you constantly reaching for your camera. Over on the west side of the harbor, you can procure tickets for a glass-bottom boat over to Big Tub Harbour and the two sunken ships it eagerly reveals, before continuing further out into the crystal-clear waters and archipelago of Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Niagara Falls, New York
This next one isn't directly on a Great Lake, but its namesake attraction is one of the highlights of the entire Great Lakes Region. Niagara Falls, New York, sits on the east side of the Niagara River, which connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie (but is also ultimately fed by Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron), and directly across from the Canadian city by the same name. Niagara Falls, the titular cascades, is an international phenomenon, with the American and Bridal Veil Falls leaning stateside, and Horseshoe Falls falling under Canada's purview. Taken collectively, this incredible sight stands 180 feet tall at its maximum, flows at a whopping 32 feet per second, and lands with upwards of 2,509 tons of force, which translates to over 4 million kilowatts of electricity. Niagara Falls, NY, is also home to Niagara Falls State Park, where you'll find the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, the Maid of the Mist cruise company, and gorge-side hiking trails. Founded in 1885, this is actually the oldest of America's state parks.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
We could just as easily pay homage to the Canadian city of Niagara Falls, but for the sake of variety, let's scoot half an hour north to the Victorian viticultural enclave that is Niagara-on-the-Lake. Perched on the southwestern shore of Lake Ontario, right where it meets the Niagara River, "NOTL," as it is known for short, is a beloved getaway. Visitors can explore its well-preserved 19th-century Old Town, War of 1812 military sites, niche museums, and world-famous seasonal Shaw Festival, featuring 12 theatrical plays performed across four beautiful venues.
As alluded to earlier, this is also the heart of Niagara Wine County. Connoisseurs can visit any of the area's 100 active wineries - be they large estates, boutique operations, and everything in between - including several esteemed vineyards and wine bars within town limits.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Over on the west wing of Lake Superior, Wisconsin's smallest city is a gem for nature lovers. Bayfield acts as the gateway to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which includes 21 of the 22 namesake islands, known collectively as the "Jewels of Lake Superior." Moreover, it boasts 12 miles of sandstone shoreline, dramatic sea caves, and the largest collection of historic lighthouses in the National Park Service. Get an up-close look at the most iconic sights with Apostle Island Cruises (either their Grand Tour, hop-on-hop-off Lighthouse Tour, or, for the hikers and campers in the group, the shuttle to Stockton Island), or paddle amongst the sea caves with one of several local operators. Though not included in the national lakeshore, don't forget about Madeline Island - the largest of the Apostle archipelago. The Madeline Island Ferry Line leaves right from Bayfield's Washington Avenue Beach and opens the door to even more incredible hiking and beachcombing opportunities.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Hovering at the transition between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, as well as Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, all roads (or rather, ferries) point to Mackinac Island. Car-free since the turn of the 20th century, the remaining means of transportation match Mackinac's Victorian inns and pilgrim period actors. Plop along Lake Shore Drive in a horse-drawn carriage, hoof it up the hill to Fort Mackinac (with its regular reenactments and panoramic views), or rent a bicycle and cruise around the entire perimeter of this 4-square-mile island. The fudge shops and museums surrounding the ferry docks can be quite popular, so if you'd prefer to escape the crowds, then take solace in the fact that roughly 80% of Mackinac Island belongs to the minimally developed wilderness of Mackinac Island State Park. The iconic photo-op is at Arch Rock, but there are plenty of lesser-known hiking and biking paths that weave through tranquil forests.
South Haven, Michigan
South Haven is the first of a string of breathtaking beach towns along Lake Michigan's southwestern shoreline. Here, wide beaches flank the Black River, with a walkable pier tipped with a red lighthouse dividing them. South Beach has ample parking and a playground for the kiddos, whereas North Beach hosts a 1950s-style concession stand for all your summer vacation indulgences. Following the course of the river a few blocks inland, one will reach Old Harbor Village - a collection of boutique shops and watering holes designed to look like a timeless New England community (it even has a lighthouse of its own).
Leapfrogging over the marina, we then arrive at the Michigan Maritime Museum, complete with a working replica of an 1810s top sail sloop known as the Friends Good Will. One can even book an immersive daytime excursion or a relaxing sunset cruise, Wednesday through Sunday, from late May through late September. And to cap it all off, South Haven boasts one of Michigan's standout main streets, Phoenix Street, creating a cozy environment for coffee shop hopping on an overcast day.
Holland, Michigan
Holland continues the Michigan beach town splendor, but with a little European flavor to boot. The core of this Dutch heritage city is lined with clean-cut brick buildings and flower beds, as well as proprietors of all the best treats from the old country, namely: wooden shoes, traditional sweets, and craft pilsners. There's also a semi-weekly farmers market that pops up along the west end of 8th Street, for all your local produce and amiable community needs. Skipping across the Macatawa River, you'll find Windmill Island Gardens, which is exactly the slice of the Netherlands that it purports to be, especially come spring's Tulip Time Festival. Jetting over to the lakeside, beachgoers are welcomed by Holland State Park (there are cabins and RV sites for those wanting to set up shop) and "Big Red," Holland's own pier-based lighthouse.
Kelleys Island, Ohio
While on the hunt for breathtaking Great Lake towns, it is certainly worth saying "hi" to Ohio, particularly when it comes to its Lake Erie Islands. This cluster of fair-weather getaways is shared with Ontario, Canada. Pelee Island drifts into the northern neighbor's side of the border, while the Bass Islands and our topic of interest today, Kelleys Island, land in the Ohio half of Lake Erie. Reached via a short ferry ride from the village of Marblehead, Kelleys Island is similar in size to Mackinac Island (i.e., 4.3 square miles) and also encourages lower-stress forms of transportation. Though cars are permitted (you can drive onto the ferry), golf carts and bicycles allow the island's beauty to sink in all the more. After getting a feel for the dockside cluster of restaurants and general stores, roll across to the north shore to pay Kelleys Island State Park and its 18,000-year-old Glacial Grooves a visit. En route, you may also wish to stop at Monarch Winery for a sampling of their fruity wines (they even have wine slushies!) and a walk through their 1,800-square-foot "Butterfly Box" greenhouse.
Port Stanley, Ontario
On the north-central shore of Lake Erie, one of Canada's preferred beach towns awaits. The village of Port Stanley developed on either side of Kettle Creek, a geographical asset that several small marinas have capitalized on. The community's east side harbors a small but personable downtown, complete with adjacent indie coffee shops, family restaurants tailored to different meal times, a string of one-off boutiques, and the Port Stanley Festival Theatre, which rolls out a fresh slate of performances every summer. Along its shoreline, visitors have their choice of four closely-connected beaches. Main Beach is one of only 22 in Canada that has been awarded the Blue Flag designation for its safe and environmentally-friendly ways. Lastly, Port Stanley is unique in that it operates a volunteer-based historic passenger train. For over 40 years, the Port Stanley Terminal Train has taken tourists on a short, scenic ride up Kettle Creek's wooded valley, even offering themed rides (such as Easter egg hunts, Santa Express Trains, and murder mystery nights) to further cement the experience.
Beverly Shores, Indiana
Indiana snags the southern tip of Lake Michigan, offering a transition between the highly developed Chicago shoreline and Michigan's string of established beach towns. In between, the Hoosier State decided to preserve its lumbering sand dunes, delicate forests, and scattered wetlands through the combination of Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park (the latter sits within the former). Just beyond the northeast limits of the parks, you'll find Beverly Shores - a largely residential community with a bit of highwayside infrastructure and a few unexpected tricks up its sleeve. For starters, its immaculate Lake View Beach flows seamlessly into the rest of this 15-mile sandy stretch of dune-lined shoreline.
Shortly into said beach stroll, you will invariably notice some anachronistic structures. These are the Century of Progress Homes (i.e., imaginings of futuristic dwellings from now deep in the past) that were transported after the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. The titular Historic District offers limited interior tours, but the enigmatic exteriors can be enjoyed at any time. And finally, despite its proximity to one of the biggest cities in America, Beverly Shores is a designated Dark Sky Community, ensuring a breathtaking experience by day and by night.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Tucked way up on Lake Superior's northwestern shore, backdropped by the densely forested Sawtooth Mountains, and home to Minnesota's longest-running art colony, Grand Marais is all about nature-based inspiration. Start by walking out to aptly-named Artist's Point at the tip of the whale-tail-shaped geological anomaly between East Bay and Grand Marais Harbor - gazing out at, and perhaps painting, the vast Superior scene. If the muse is strong but technical skills are lacking, consider signing up for one of the regular workshops at Grand Marais Art Colony - a church-turned studio in the heart of town. Afterward, if you're craving a deeper dive into the boreal forests (rich green in the summer, a mosaic of orange, yellow, and red come fall, and blanketed in white during winter), then wade into the 15-mile hiking/skiing trail system at Pincushion Mountain just a little ways up the road.
Scenery Amidst The Great Lakes Of North America
These 11 small towns mindfully leverage their lakeside scenery by adding just the right amount of cozy accommodations, artistic flair, and means of exploring the great outdoors. So whether watching the pastel skies morph into stars, wild grasses blow in dune-building breezes, or gentle waves lap against vacation-worthy beaches, the Great Lakes can't help but demonstrate why they are some of North America's most breathtaking natural formations.
