11 Standout Main Streets In The Northern United States

The Northern United States encompasses a diverse range of regions, from New England in the East to the Great Plains to the Pacific Northwest. This large swath of land is drenched in history, from maritime heritage to feats of mass transportation on the Great Lakes. The complex cultures and histories of the different regions are preserved in the small towns that make up their landscapes, making them a hotspot for visitors.

These 11 standout Main Streets in the Northern US capture the essence of their surrounding landscape, which contributes to the overall picture of the North. For instance, Seneca Falls is remembered as the gateway for American women in the 19th century, while the Bavarian village of Leavenworth celebrates its German heritage. Towns with this much character stand apart and are among the best to visit.

Burlington, Vermont

Downtown Burlington, Vermont, is a classic New England district, with brick storefronts and walkable roads centered around Church Street Marketplace. The market runs through the center of town and is surrounded by places like Vermont Stage, which captures the community's artsy side. The district exudes the rugged Vermont appeal at Waterfront Park next to Lake Champlain.

Downtown Burlington is also home to quirky sites like the World's Largest Filing Cabinet. The sculpture is made from numerous actual filing drawers, welded together to form a skinny, towering pile of 38 drawers. Winter is a beautiful time to visit, especially during the annual Winter Lights in the Park, when a cascade of lights illuminates the district, bringing the community together. Burlington is a traditional New England town with no shortage of things to do and see, and it is one of the best downtown areas to visit in the region.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock maintains a rich artistic atmosphere, underscored by distinct galleries like Focus, A Vermont Gallery on Central Street, the heart of Woodstock. Creativity thrives here, and residents come out in droves to celebrate this aspect of town at festivals like Bookstock Festival of Words. The outdoor book market is the ideal backdrop to meet congenial locals while perusing your favorite titles.

Booking a room at Woodstock Inn and Resort is a way to indulge in all things Vermont while being only steps away from the main drag. The rooms and the lobby are touched by the legacy of Laurence Rockefeller, with a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. It is also home to the newly reopened Richardson's Tavern, with a casual ambience and ingredient-driven menus.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Steeped in maritime and colonial history, Portsmouth has one of the best Main Street areas in the North, merging at Market Square. The Square and its surrounding streets become especially pedestrian-friendly during festivals and seasonal events, such as Summer in the Street, when portions of downtown may be closed to traffic. The classic New England district is lined with shops, including the always-fun G. Willikers! Books and Toys shop, which brings out the kid in everyone.

Downtown has an almost magical quality, like a Norman Rockefeller painting, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the atmosphere at live venues like 35 Artspace. The concert hall holds up to 500 guests and includes an art gallery with rotating exhibits. Continue the evening at Clipper Tavern with a nightcap and karaoke for a memorable night.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

P Town, as Provincetown is known, has one of the most vibrant, artsy, and entertaining districts in New England. Commercial Street is a hive of activity year-round, where locals and tourists stroll the compact streets and hang out at local favorites like The Lobster Pot. The corner restaurant, open from April to December, highlights the area's culinary expertise with fresh seafood and Portuguese specialities.

Historic finds in the district include the Pilgrim Monument, which commemorates the Pilgrims' first landing in 1620. The attached Provincetown Museum is also eye-opening, with both structures open seasonally to provide context for the area's history. The structures introduce visitors to the town's heritage and how it evolved into the party spot that it is today. MacMillan Pier is another fun and fascinating look at another side of the city, with a flurry of whale-watchers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Seneca Falls, New York

Seneca Falls is famously the home of the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848 and the inspiration for the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life." Fall Street and the surrounding streets downtown uphold this historic and wholesome reputation, as seen at the Women's Rights National Historical Park and the It's a Wonderful Life Museum. Both stops are integral to the community fabric and an essential part of downtown.

The culinary scene contributes to the town's abundance of historical sites and helps it remain progressive, with places like Parker's on Fall. Known informally as a "local pub with class," it offers outdoor seating with views of the historic district and a casual atmosphere. The Flint & Stave is in the same vein, offering American fare in a rustic setting that matches the surrounding district.

Lake Placid, New York

Scenic Lake Placid's Main Street is a four-season wonderland, filled with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, such as the Lake Placid Public Library, built in 1884. The Finger Lakes frame the district, adding to its beauty and charm, coming together in harmony at events such as the Lake Placid Film Festival. The festival features award-winning international and independent films, special guests, and provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community.

Stay like a local at Winterberry Bed and Breakfast, only a short walk from downtown or other charming inns. The area also has an intense culinary scene, from casual to fine dining. Black Bear Restaurant is one such locale, adding its own flavor to a standout Main Street district in New England. It offers a cozy ambiance and casual fare that fits the downtown area.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a classic New England fishing village with a resounding Main Street lined with cedar-shake buildings painted in an array of colors. Unique finds include 10 original Tiffany windows at St. Saviour's Church and the La Rochelle Mansion and Museum, as well as Island Artisans for those seeking a local keepsake. Booking a room at Primrose Inn keeps guests steps from Main Street and complements the storied maritime atmosphere.

Of course, no visit is complete without sampling lobster rolls, a regional staple and one of the reasons so many visit Bar Harbor. Main Street is home to numerous options, including McKay's Public House, each offering a casual atmosphere and a favorite menu item. The latter eatery offers a warm ambiance, with outdoor dining in gardens and a serene setting for a cultivated night in town.

Mystic, Connecticut

Historic Mystic's downtown is a waterfront community, with sea captains' homes and church steeples framed by the signature Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Mystic is a foodie's dream destination, featuring Main Street favorites like Off The Hook, which serves classic seafood dishes with a modern twist. Night time turns up the volume on Water Street with karaoke at the Dive watering hole beneath the Port of Call.

To see the soul of the community, hop aboard the Mystic Seaport Express downtown for a short ride to Mystic Seaport Museum. The gallery interprets the rich maritime history of this port town through exhibits and explores its evolution over the centuries. Afterward, take a lantern-lit spooky tour through the district with Seaside Shadows: Haunted History Tours.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Downtown Grand Haven is a well-preserved district with classic brick storefronts, manicured landscaping, and compact roads, ensuring its place in the Main Street America program. Start the day off right at local favorites Morning Star Café on Washington Avenue for classic fare or Anna's House for gluten-free and vegan options. Afterward, trek through the historic area for a day of shopping at Lee & Birch, Marushka, and other boutiques.

Evenings are a great time to explore this quaint town. Experience the Grand Haven Musical Fountain, a 20-minute synchronized light, music, and water show. The Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse, located just a short drive from the district, offers a pleasant respite and a unique view of this historic town. The commute is easy, which adds to Grand Haven's charm, making it one of the standout Main Streets in the northern US.

Red Wing, Minnesota

Main Street, Red Wing, features scenic landscapes along the Mississippi River and historic commercial structures dating back to the 19th century, and is home to the Red Wing Shoes company. The original store, dating back to 1905, is still open on Main Street. Uncovering the stories behind the district through Landmarks, Legends, and Lore, using QR codes placed in some shop windows, is the best way to discover Redwing.

One discovery is the St. James Hotel, a Victorian masterpiece built in 1875 and still taking reservations. The historic brick structure is also home to the modern Scarlet Kitchen and Bar, emphasizing local ingredients and sophisticated flavors. After an elegant dinner, take in a show at Sheldon Theatre, one of the oldest operating theatres in Minnesota.

Leavenworth, Washington

The Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains is one of the most distinctive downtown districts in the Northern US. Front Street is the main artery through town and features open-air spaces at Front Street Park and year-round Christmas fun at places like Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. The museum has the largest collection of nutcrackers in the world, from the Archaic period to modern-day acrylics.

Staying at Mrs. Anderson's Lodging House in the historic town center is the highlight of any trip. The 1865 Bavarian-style wood frame quilt store and guest house is only a mile from the Amtrak station, featuring rustic rooms for an authentic glamping experience. It is also steps away from delicious food offerings at München Haus and other German specialties.

From New England to Washington, these are 11 standout Main Streets in the northern US. Some of the small communities are worlds apart, but all share a love for their heritage, which is evident in their festivals and local establishments. Through art, architecture, and festivals, each town demonstrates its appreciation for the past while maintaining a modern appeal.

History buffs love visiting places like Seneca Falls, while those looking for lively entertainment cannot resist the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. There are varied towns between the two coasts, each with its own character in the story that made America. Small towns in the North are fascinating studies in the arts, perhaps inspired by the lush natural scenery that serves as a backdrop to these remarkable downtown districts.