11 Small Towns in the Northern United States Were Ranked Among US Favorites
The northern United States is a popular part of the nation to hang out year-round. Home to mountains and not-too-hot summers for hikes, climbing, and mountain biking, it also boasts the glamour of New York and the favorite New England maritime charms. Some of America's most favorite small towns are here, offering a glimpse at a whole other side of the beautiful country. Each town with a different personality and the same friendly locals offers rich cultures and heritage, translating into some incredible downtown areas and Main Street towns.
Bar Harbor, Maine
There is no Northern US without Maine, and Bar Harbor steals the spotlight. With a small town population of just over 2,000 souls, Bar Harbor is what story books are written about, with perfect maritime sights and vibes inducing romantic gestures. Visit this picturesque seaside town on Mount Desert Island, as pristine as it gets in the shadows of the spectacular Acadia National Park. You will feel part of the coming-of-age novel yourself along the strollworthy thoroughfare with ice cream parlors, mom-and-pop shops, twee inns, and delectable restaurants for seafood dinners over wine, water, and sunsets. Visit anytime, like in the winter, for a piping-hot chowder bowl and wild views of pine-covered islands on the horizon.
The sailboats dotting Bar Harbor with both the ocean and the mountains make it a picture-perfect escape not just for the adventurous but for artists seeking the dramatic cliffs beat down by the waves for inspiration. Come for the summer blueberry picking and other family pursuits along the cozy shores of Jordan Pond, with water activities abounding at Sand Beach. The Cadillac Mountains astound with sunrises as much as the tranquilly sparkling ocean reflects the sunset. Start with a coffee and triple-stacked pancakes at 2 Cats Bar Harbor and explore on a bike, hiking, bird-watching, or horseback during the leaf peeping season and in the summertime of boating, fishing, climbing, sunbathing, and swimming.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
To locals, the best that Mother Nature could summon right on their home soil, Cannon Beach, presents endless sightseeing and adventures for tourists. Enjoy beach crawls with views of the iconic Haystack Rock and town perusal with just 1,600 residents among the many international visitors to Cannon Beach, a one-of-a-kind coastal slice. This scenic part of the Oregon Coast, named among the world's 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic, thrives with tourism thanks to the remarkable landscape that has taken many breaths away.
The enchanting seaside village with magical ocean vistas, some 80 miles northwest of Portland, is renowned in the PNW as the place to savor the sea's culinary bounty. Choose a cute or luxurious oceanfront stay and explore the artsy scene throughout town—one of America's top—amid an atmosphere that feels light years away from the ordinary. Leave the beautiful beaches behind only for the cute chocolate shops, art galleries, and microbreweries, or hike in nearby Ecola State Park and return to the 235-foot monolith at sunset.
Cape May, New Jersey
"America's original seaside resort" is a spirited town that distinguishes itself in many other ways. From pristine beaches to a waterfront promenade and impeccable amenities, a visit to the seashore in Cape May has something for everyone. Explore the town's rich history through architectural diversity laid out like an open book with sights for 360 that will quickly multiply the likes on your account. Cherish all the memorable sights and adventures with your loved ones among only 2,856 locals and no crowds, even during the summer.
A morning walk through the historic Victorian district will captivate you with its charming, colorful mansions lining the shore—a blend of history and elegance. After exploring, head to the waterfront for sunset, birdwatching, and scenic views, especially between March and December. For a memorable stay, choose the Virginia Hotel on the small peninsula, where you can enjoy excellent whale watching during this period.
Corning, New York
"America's most fun small town" justly welcomes families with many discoveries that will engage the young and the old. From the lake to all things glass and the renowned drinking scene, Corning is also a favorite for destination weddings. Visit Corning to learn about its unique story as America's Crystal City, home to innovative technology and science with light bulbs, fiber optics, and Gorilla Glass. The Corning Museum of Glass offers remarkable creations of glass art and artifacts at this, the world's largest museum. Not surprisingly, this beautiful southern Finger Lakes community full of creatives boasts an art scene like no other with Gaffer District's over 100 boutique shops, art galleries, and studios among craft breweries, fabulous restaurants, and two world-class museums.
Corning, a top-tier student in all areas, boasts excellent dining options, the celebrated Historic Market Street—recognized as "one of the Top 10 Great Streets of the Year" by the American Planning Association—and Centerway Square, named among "America’s Most Beautiful Town Squares" by Travel & Leisure. Visit in May for the renowned GlassFest or during The Days of Incandescence, when the town transforms into a lively 1880s celebration honoring Thomas Edison's invention of the light bulb. During winter, enjoy plenty of activities along the brick-lined sidewalks decorated with illuminated trees, such as shopping for unique holiday gifts, and participating in the Parade of Lights and Sparkle.
Galena, Illinois
No other town in the north matches the quirky vibes of this small, spunky town with some 3,240 souls living just 10 minutes away from the western shore of the tumultuous Mississippi. Tap into all it's got along the cobblestone streets with historic mansions in the footsteps of Ulysses S. Grant himself. Immerse yourself in local history and culture on a stroll to places like an old-school blacksmith shop and the P.T. Murphy Magic Theater, or take a free trolley downtown to Main Street.
This six-block thoroughfare showcases the historic charm of its mining town's heyday, featuring antiquing alongside modern restaurants, galleries, and boutiques, some with kitschy touches. Visitors can enjoy summer rafting on the river or winter skiing at a nearby resort, catering to active pursuits in Galena. Highlights include the Old Market House, the Historical Society and Museum, and paddling around Horseshoe Mound, a 40-acre area with scenic winding bike trails and views of Iowa and Wisconsin.
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Never has there been a more quaint town than the largest town in the Southern Berkshires, with just over 2,000 locals and an uncrowded feel to unveil the endless charms of this secret hideaway. Make a pitstop on your way along the Appalachian Trail or visit for scenic discoveries in a small town atmosphere with rich history and modern attractions for all. Its Main Street, the country's first to have electric lights, offers gallery hopping and cafe visits.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the aptly named "Fuel" cafe, then explore the intriguing Bernay Fine Art or visit an antique fair. Discover the US's oldest monument commemorating the first armed resistance against the British, located on Railroad Street at the site of the first freed slave. In the evening, unwind at The Barn, a perfect spot to relax with drinks and live music by a fireplace, near the historic inn. It's the ideal place to conclude your day and enjoy what might be the best night's sleep of your life.
Leavenworth, Washington
This German gem in Washington is a cool place to get away from the ordinary in the northern United States. Visit Washington’s Bavarian Village anytime for an alpine atmosphere and authentic vibes. With unique ways to experience it all, you will feel a whole ocean apart on a quick, unforgettable getaway with your loved ones. Seek culture and heritage sights at every corner with modern attractions in shopping and dining amid Bavarian architecture that takes your breath away. Enjoy downtown strolls and cafes steeped in Washington’s Cascade Mountain views, and visit the Nutcracker Museum to learn more insights about Leavenworth.
Start planning your visit now to hit up the Bavarian Village during Oktoberfest and dine your way through the German-style food halls. In other seasons, enjoy brats and beer for a taste of this world-renowned annual celebration. Come for the holidays, when the stunningly beautiful scenery throughout the year transforms into a festive alpine wonder, unlike anywhere else in the US. Home to only 2,383 lucky locals, the Bavarian Village is where you will likely meet people from all walks of life, including artists and world travelers looking to find the charm exclusive to Europe here in their own backyard in the Northern United States.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Come to Nantucket, the county seat on the namesake island just off the state's coast, for some of New England's finest sightings. From sea captains’ houses to colonial architecture and lighthouses, Nantucket attracts visitors from around the world for a taste of this heavenly northeast coast slice. Explore the charming seaside town along beautiful biking trails with water views, gallery visits, museums, and yachting facilities. Surrounded by other lovely resort villages on Nantucket Island, like Siasconset, Madaket, Wauwinet, and Polpis, you can discover them all while adventuring around the crescent-shaped island.
Feel free to stop at any point to explore various natural areas, which feature diverse landscapes such as sand dunes, salt marshes, and rugged bluffs perfect for scenic overlooks. Visit during the spring to experience the Daffodil Festival and Cranberry Harvest Weekend, when you can enjoy treats like pastries and cider. Wander through the narrow streets and take advantage of easy access to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard via ferry, offering another perspective of the charming island with its town of 11,327 residents. Surrounded by wood-paneled houses and lighthouses, the breathtaking scenery is truly unforgettable.
Saugatuck, Michigan
This tiny town of 853 along Michigan’s over 3,000 miles of coastline is not just another of the state's dozen lake towns. Saugatuck has uniquely reinvented itself without losing its old-timey flair, where you can visit James Beard-credited places like The Southerner and Pennyroyal for dinner and enjoy mom-and-pop breakfast joints just as much. Likewise, find resorts and weatherbeaten, cozy motels and cabin rentals you can choose for authenticity, steps away from the dazzling beaches of wind-swept white sand, dunes, and lighthouses.
Enjoy the easiest access to this slice of the "Art Coast" via a gorgeous drive from Chicago, Indianapolis, or Detroit for a fill of cultural beauty and local sights. Overflowing with galleries and a dining paradise of farm-to-table cuisine, the all-encompassing atmosphere feels welcoming, with a famous LGBTQIA+ scene. Saugatuck, with vistas that go on forever and the unreplicable feel of being surrounded by water, is a truly dreamy destination that stays in your heart forever after you first experience its first amber sunset with your loved ones.
Stowe, Vermont
This gem in the northern United States calls for an imminent fall-time visit, shining brighter than any other during the fall with autumn foliage. Visit this gorgeous Vermont town to fall in love with every detail around you on countless adventures with only 823 locals. The postcard town of the state, with steepled churches peeking above the canopies and plenty of charming shops and old-fashioned general stores, is the ultimate New England destination to get charmed away from the coast.
Take the ski lift for the all-color foliage coming on fire as if overnight and enjoy plain strolls downtown with spectacular views of Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield. Stowe, a truly year-round destination, offers the best skiing access for experienced East Coasters, with a mix of high-quality intermediate and black diamond runs. Take the same lift ride between the two mountains to shred some snow downslope, both on the same day. From cozy farmers markets to cultural sights and fresh produce before the orange Halloween veggie takes the spotlight before the snowy blanket, there's no wrong season to visit Stowe.
Telluride, Colorado
Call it "pain" or "adventure" to a dead-end valley, the town here comes with the biggest reward in the state's remote atmosphere and great peaks for uncrowded skiing. Blossoming from a silver mining town to one of the nation's best festival sites, you can enjoy the getaway like it was meant to be with only 2,494 locals to join in regular celebrations with your own close group. Come for Telluride's Bluegrass Festival and Telluride Film Festival, and scavenge around every corner for scenic vistas of Telluride's silver mining roots every other day in between modern attractions.
From the best mountain spotting to one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the world, Bridal Veil, Telluride is a dream come true for hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers to immerse themselves in their favorite pastimes with views as sweeping as they get. With a great drinking scene and apres-ski amenities, the fine-dining spot helmed by Top Chef alum Eliza Gavin is a must. Grab a drink at the must-see historic New Sheridan Hotel and hit the 221 South Oak, or crawl, to the no-frills Last Dollar Saloon.
The Northern United States is home to some of the world's best views and landscapes for your favorite outdoor pursuits and relaxations. Steps away from over-the-top American charm downtown, these idyllic towns are the perfect ratio of old, modern, and light speed ahead, including an inventor of the lightbulb and a forward LGBTQ+ scene.
Visit Germany in your backyard or the seaside town of Saugatuck with a choice of James Beard-credited restaurants and weatherbeaten cottages for an authentic stay with modern amenities. Enjoy nature from your doorstep and join the locals in plentiful fun at regular festivals, who know how to welcome and celebrate like no other.
