11 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In The Great Lakes
Towns on waterfronts are popular vacation destinations for their natural beauty and the relaxing ambiance the water creates. A waterfront vacation does not necessarily mean heading to the ocean; some of North America's Lakes are surrounded by stunning scenery. This is particularly true for the famous Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, and the towns near these lakes are nothing short of stunning. Here we explore eleven of the most captivating towns near the Great Lakes.
Munising, Michigan
Located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, Munising is a town known for its natural beauty. Munising offers an abundance of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy views of the breathtaking sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park. One of the best times to visit this area is at sunset or sunrise, when the sunlight reflects the vibrant colors of the cliffs.
The park features numerous trails, some of which lead to waterfalls, including Chapel Falls and Sable Falls. One of Munising's most popular attractions is the Munising Waterfall. Towering 50 feet above ground, the waterfall is surrounded by lush forest.
Goderich, Ontario
A beautiful town situated on Lake Huron, Goderich is renowned for its stunning beaches. In the summertime, visitors can enjoy taking a stroll on the boardwalk that traces the shore of Lake Huron. Pack a picnic and stop at one of the picnic areas to enjoy a snack and admire the stunning waters. Near the beaches is the Goderich Lighthouse.
The scenic view of the lighthouse offers a unique perspective of the harbor and a glimpse into the town's past. Afterward, head to the Huron County Museum to view artifacts from the town's past and discover more about its history. The museum features knowledgeable guides who can provide in-depth explanations of the area's history.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Grand Marais is renowned for its unique blend of small-town charm and the lake's stunning beauty. One of the best things to do in Grand Marais is to enjoy the outdoors. Explore the Gunflint Trail for spectacular hiking and canoeing opportunities. The 57-mile-long scenic byway goes through lush forest, and sometimes a hiker is lucky enough to see the northern lights from the trail.
A well-known spot to admire natural beauty in Grand Marais is Artist's Point. The rocky peninsula is just a short walk from downtown and is a spot renowned for inspiring artists. To try your hand at some traditional art in Grand Marais, head to the North House Folk School. The non-profit school teaches conventional northern crafts. They host programs and workshops, teaching a range of skills from woodcarving to boatbuilding.
Grimsby, Ontario
Grimsby is a charming town nestled between two of Ontario's beautiful spots, Lake Ontario and the scenic Niagara Escarpment. From enjoying the outdoors to exploring old buildings and finding tasty local bites, Grimsby has something for everyone. One of the most popular places to stroll past in Grimsby is The Painted Ladies of Grimsby Beach. These are a series of houses that were once a 19th-century Methodist camp, now transformed into candy-colored Victorian cottages.
Wondering through the neighborhood, soaking in the vibrant colors that feel straight out of a fairytale. A must-see in Grimsby is the Niagara Escarpment. The natural wonder is what makes the region so popular amongst nature lovers. Head to Beamer Memorial Conservation Area to explore scenic hiking trails with excellent lookout points onto the escarpment. Those seeking a break from the outdoors should consider exploring the Grimsby Museum. The museum tells local stories and is packed with fascinating exhibits.
Chesterton, Indiana
Located on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Chesterton is known as the gateway to Indiana's dunes. Chesterton is close to Indian Dunes State Park, Indiana's sandy lakeside national park. Beyond the dunes, Chesterton is home to other natural wonders, including Cowles Bog, a habitat brimming with lush plants.
Enjoy a 4.7-mile hike through the bog to admire the natural beauty. Beyond its natural beauty, the heart of the town of Chesterton has an unparalleled charm. Between May and October, the downtown comes alive every Saturday morning for the European Market. The market vendors sell a wide range of items, from local restaurant fare and fresh flowers to handmade ceramics and original artwork.
Sackets Harbor, New York
Overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor is a small town with a population of under 2,000. The city is a designated New York State Heritage Area and has many historical attractions. One of the most unique local historic sites to explore is the Pickering-Beach Museum. Once a private home of a prominent local family during the mid-19th century, the historic home now showcases some artifacts from the town's past.
The Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is another interesting landmark site to explore. The historic site showcases the town's role in the War of 1812. Besides history, explore some of the local art in the city at The Gallery. This is the art gallery of local artist Studio Lawrence Barone, where his work showcases the stunning local landscapes. While in Sackets Harbor, don't forget to enjoy the town's stunning shores at Wescott Beach State Park. The 300 acres of land features a boat launch, picnic area, and, of course, beautiful beaches to enjoy a swim.
Traverse City, Michigan
Although the city is part of the town's name, Traverse City is actually a small town with a population under 20,000. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city has everything from a charming downtown to picturesque beaches and vibrant wine country. One of the most unique places in town to see the area's historic charm is at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This is a landmark 19th-century complex of asylum buildings turned into a mix of boutiques, small eateries, and galleries.
The town's Dennos Museum Center is another interesting building to explore. The artistic hub is home to a range of modern art, including an extensive collection of Inuit art, one of the largest collections outside of Canada. Young families visiting Traverse City might enjoy visiting the Great Lakes Children's Museum. The museum is an excellent place for kids to explore, featuring a lighthouse model, water tables, and replica freighters. Visiting Traverse City would not be complete without seeing the beauty of the lake. Head to Clinch Park to enjoy 1,500 feet of sandy beach and an afternoon picnic by the shore.
Tobermory, Ontario
Tobermory is one of Ontario's most magical towns. On the shores of Lake Huron, Tobermory is unique for having crystal clear waters as blue as the Caribbean. Being close to the beautiful Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory is an excellent spot for enjoying the outdoors. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking in the area. One of the most well-known hikes near Tobermory is to the Grotto. To reach the Grotto, visitors will hike on the Georgian Bay trail. The trail takes on average 10-20 minutes to complete one way. At the end, visitors are rewarded with beautiful views of a cave carved into the dolomite rock cliff faces and the stunning blue water.
Another way to enjoy the water and gorgeous views in Tobermory is by boat cruise. Bruce Anchor Cruises offers cruises that take visitors to explore the surrounding area, including the iconic shipwrecks in Big Tub Harbor. Some of the boats have glass bottoms so you can enjoy a good view of the shipwrecks beneath the waves. The sea stacks on Flowerpot Island are another unique site that the boat cruise shows visitors. Some boat cruises have drop-off options for people who want to explore Flowerpot Island on foot and hike the flowerpots.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Located on the shore of Lake Superior, Bayfield is an underrated town in Wisconsin. The city is brimming with natural beauty. The town is the perfect place to explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which includes 21 islands. The Apostle Islands are renowned for their collection of historic lighthouses, sandstone sea caves, and a few remaining old-growth forests.
Anyone looking to enjoy some time in the outdoors further should head to Brownston Trail. Beautiful wildflowers surround the trail, and it is well-maintained. History buffs and those looking to learn about the area will enjoy a tour of the Bayfield Maritime Museum. Part of the museum's mission is to collect and preserve artworks that show off the rich history of the area.
Leland, Michigan
A relaxing town near Lake Michigan, Leland is the perfect spot for a fun getaway. Discover the town's history by visiting Fishtown, a charming historic village situated along the Leland River. The fish shanties, craft shops, and galleries will transport visitors into the town's maritime past. Leland is also near Leelanau State Park, a paradise for nature lovers.
The park has several miles of trails to explore. Most of the hikes have scenic overlooks, and one even goes to the lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Take a moment to enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan while in Leland. In the summer months, head to Van's Beach for a swim. Take advantage of the picnic tables and pack a picnic to enjoy for lunch.
Port Stanley, Ontario
The final captivating town explored on this list is Port Stanley. The small Ontario town feels like a village on the shores of Lake Erie. In the summer months, the city is bustling with tourists who come to enjoy the stretches of sandy shoreline at the Port Stanley Main Beach. The beach is rare as one of Canada's few beaches awarded Blue Flag status. After a day soaking in the rays at Port Stanley, head to one of the local restaurants to enjoy a nice meal by the beach. For a regional classic, head to Mackie’s restaurant for their ‘Port Stanley famous’ Orangeade drink.
For some local entertainment, head over to Port Stanley Festival Theatre and discover the town's vibrant theater scene. Typically, the theater presents six shows from May to September, but occasionally offers an off-season special. One of the longest-running tourist attractions in Port Stanley is the Port Stanley Terminal Rail. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights of the town by train.
Overall, these eleven captivating Great Lakes towns are an excellent spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Whether you are a nature lover looking for some refuge in the outdoors or a family looking for a unique getaway, these towns have something for everyone. While the summertime is one of the most popular seasons to visit these towns because of the allure of sandy beaches and swimming in the lake, these towns have something for everyone to enjoy in any season. In the autumn season, as the air takes on a chill, the change in tree colors makes the Great Lakes area especially alluring. Next time you are considering a vacation, consider heading to one of these towns. The memories you will make from the captivating Lakes will last a lifetime.
