12 Prettiest Downtown Strips In The Northern United States
Although the United States has towns that look like random pop-ups, a decent number are Norman Rockwell-level. You will find world-class cities and beautiful skylines, stunning architecture and unique layouts, as well as charm-soaked streets with moss-draped oaks and flowers. The Northern United States, for instance, boasts several elegant downtown strips, some of which can go toe-to-toe with Florence, Prague, or even Paris. Beauty is highly subjective, but the following will always feature among the 12 prettiest downtown strips in the Northern United States. Keep in mind that they are not in any particular order.
Burlington, Vermont
Situated right on Lake Champlain, Burlington’s picturesque setting is the envy of most American towns. Keep in mind that Lake Champlain is not just a little pond but also one of the biggest lakes in New England. Not just that, the town is beautifully backdropped by the Adirondack Mountains, making the location look like a painting on canvas, not a real place. The main street in downtown Burlington is Church Street, which is unlike most hubs because it is pedestrian-only. You will find escape rooms, a barcade, speakeasies, gorgeous walking paths, and all shades of tasty restaurants, including Santiago's Cuban Cuisine, where you will instantly feel transported into a vibrant Havana evening. Burlington Bike Park is a cool place to go for a ride, while North Beach Park, a few steps away on Lake Champlain, boasts lots of sandy delights. Just don't miss Waterfront Park, which has excellent water views with a relaxed vibe, and some nice biking paths.
Grand Haven, Michigan
There is fierce competition in Michigan, especially in places like Grand Rapids, Petoskey, and Traverse City. Still, Grand Haven’s downtown is an incredibly special place to explore, and it is not just because of the town's catchy name, although that plays a part. The town is on the Lake Michigan shore, meaning you are always steps away from a gorgeous, sugar-white beach, and if you stay long enough, unforgettable sunset views. At the Grand Haven State Park, you can swim or people-watch, while Pronto Pups, a tiny, blink-and-miss-it beach stand that has been around since the 1940s, serves delicious corn dogs with a thin, crispy batter. Alternatively, hop aboard the Lakeshore Trolley for a narrated city tour, or turn back the wheels of time at Tri-Cities Historical Museum, a free-to-enter facility with a mix of exhibits that cater to adults and kids.
Galena, Illinois
It may not be as huge as downtown Manhattan, but Galena’s Main Street, a postcard-perfect 19th-century thoroughfare, is often ranked among the most beautiful main streets in America. And for good reasons. The stretch features well-preserved architecture, the scenic Depot Park, which overlooks the beautiful Galena River, and over 125 shops and eateries, a huge feat, especially considering Galena's size. Reviewers rave about Durty Gurt's, a Main Street establishment that whips up flavorful burgers along with other decadent treats. Spend some time at Grant Park, a fabulous place with scenic river views, before jumping on a ride on the Galena Trolley Tours, which winds through major historic sites for gorgeous photo opportunities.
Leavenworth, Washington
Once a dull and drab location that was hurtling towards obscurity, especially with the withdrawal of the Great Northern Railway and the closure of the local mill, Leavenworth staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of the nation. Confronted by the depressing prospects, residents were stung into action, and in the 1960s, decided to make the most of what Mother Nature gifted them: the beautiful backdrop of the surrounding Alpine landscape. They resolved to create the illusion of Bavaria in the middle of Washington State.
Did they succeed? You only need to stroll the town's fairytale-like streets filled with themed shops, breweries, and mountain-backed views to know the answer. The Nutcracker Museum is unmissable. It is home to one of the world’s largest nutcracker collections with over 9,000 nutcrackers from over 50 countries. It is steps away from the heart-melting Front Street Park, a cool space in the middle of town with lots of shade trees and a lovely gazebo. Not to be outdone, Waterfront Park rings the Wenatchee River and features picturesque walking and biking trails.
Skagway, Alaska
With its Gold Rush-era architecture, its picture-perfect setting against dramatic Alaskan peaks, and its original storefronts that can make visitors feel they are walking straight into the 1890s, Skagway’s downtown deserves its flowers. Skagway had an unflattering reputation, especially during its heyday as a Gold Rush town, when it had several brothels and more than 80 saloons. The Red Onion Saloon, which opened in the 1890s as a brothel, is open today as a working bar and a brothel museum. You can jump on a guided garden tour (Skagway is known for flowers and has been called the “Garden City of Alaska”), experience the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, especially if you don't mind views that look plucked straight out from a movie scene, or enjoy delicious Salmon Poke bowl at Woadie's South East Seafood, a warm, casual establishment on the outskirts of the main downtown area.
Red Wing, Minnesota
Red Wing is a peaceful but stunning river town nestled along the Mississippi River with a gorgeous and robust downtown. The town's well-preserved downtown and rustic Mississippi River views make it one of Minnesota’s most romantic locations. Red Wing Depot, where Amtrak stops, is, coincidentally, a fantastic starting point. It doubles up as the city visitor center and has a decent arts gallery to check out. From here, you will want to head over to Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum, one of whose floors covers the evolution of work boots in America, and will turn out to be a history lover's honey hole. As for breakfast, Mandy's Coffee & Cafe is typically the talk of the town and will undoubtedly make other restaurants look disappointingly average. Other than its decadent iced lattes, brace yourself for an atmosphere that is incredibly cozy and inviting. Remember to carry a good camera to Sorin's Bluff in Memorial Park because you will enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding areas.
Mystic, Connecticut
When Architectural Digest calls a town “beautiful,” we all should pay attention. Mystic grabbed a spot in Architectural Digest’s 55 Best Small Towns in America, a feature that shone the spotlight on the nation’s most visually stunning locales. Mystic was once a prominent seaport in the 1700s, although today it is a quaint town with lots of vacation-worthy offerings. For example, Mystic Aquarium is the only place to see beluga whales in New England and is often ranked among the best of its kind in the nation.
There is the wildly famous Mystic Pizza, which inspired the 1988 American romantic comedy-drama that starred Julia Roberts. Meanwhile, the Mystic Museum of Art displays works of renowned artists such as Robert Brackman, Yngve Edward Soderberg, and J. Alden Weir, and should be on the bucket list of every art lover. Also, Mystic River Park is an excellent place to hang out, stroll along the boardwalk, or enjoy lovely views of the Mystic Bascule Bridge.
Wickford, Rhode Island
With its pastel-colored Colonial-era homes, Wickford is one of New England’s grossly underrated gems. The charming downtown boasts picturesque waterfront streets, heart-ravishing nautical views, especially across Wickford Harbor, and several historical landmarks, some of which make the town appear like an improbable time capsule. Different Drummer is the best gift store in Wickford and one of the best in the Northeast. It keeps a great selection of high-quality treasures, some of which are adorably unique. With that out of the way, the real heart of historic Wickford is its harbor, a nostalgic stretch, whose air carries centuries-old stories. Mill Cove Bridge is a cool place to explore, as is the clean and quiet North Kingstown Free Library, a perfect spot to get snug with a gripping read. As for food, you will hardly go wrong with the aptly named Wickford on the Water.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the gateway to the painfully photogenic Acadia National Park, which has been ranked the Most Beautiful Place in America by Condé Nast Traveler. Because it provides access to the dreamiest spot in the United States, Bar Harbor shows flashes of “dreaminess” everywhere you turn. No wonder 19th-century tycoons like Joseph Pulitzer and George Vanderbilt built cottages on the island. Start your adventure at Jordan’s Restaurant, which is loved for its outrageously delicious blueberry muffins, or Havana, a charming spot with a warm feel conveniently situated on Main Street. An hour at either place should pave the way for the Abbe Museum, which displays interesting exhibits on the state’s Indigenous tribes but with a good balance of history, cultures, and crafts, including basketry. Alternatively, hop on a cruise with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, where you will brush shoulders with several humpback whales and other notable marine creatures.
Lewes, Delaware
Loved for its nautical charm, Lewes is a storybook town at the meeting point of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The two shimmering beauties come together at one of the most pristine state parks in the Mid-Atlantic: Cape Henlopen State Park. Lewes is fun to explore on foot, especially Second Street, which boasts cute boutiques, art galleries, brick sidewalks, and flowering planters. Before running to the highly acclaimed Cape Henlopen State Park, nab a chair at Lewes Oyster House, and water your tongue with some kick-ass scallops or tender lobster rolls with an overflow of claw meat. Alternatively, rent a two-wheeler at Seagreen Bicycle, and explore several notable attractions, including Zwaanendael Museum, a nostalgic space commemorating Delaware's first European colony.
Marquette, Michigan
The Upper Peninsula, with its wild and woodsy scenery, is known for its rugged independence and nonchalant attitude. It is far-flung and has a culture of its own. Marquette, a small, charming town on the shores of Lake Superior, boasts a winsome historic downtown with ornate red-sandstone buildings that should strictly be described as "magnificent." There is the 131-year-old City Hall, with its tiled roof and cupola, and the domed 1902 Beaux Arts courthouse, the setting for the 1959 film Anatomy of a Murder. Marquette is home to Northern Michigan University; therefore, expect a vibrant cultural scene with a mesmerizing dining and entertainment landscape. Stand-outs include Applebee's Grill + Bar, loved for its lively casual dining experience, and Lagniappe, especially if fried grits and shrimp creole are up your alley. Browse the well-curated DeVos Art Museum, then catch a wondrous sunset at Picnic Rocks Park.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Lake Placid, Corning, and Ithaca will want to disagree, but if confined to the Empire State, Saratoga Springs’s downtown strip is difficult to rival. Located almost midway between New York City and Boston, and named for about 20 natural springs that bubble to the surface in the lush and lusty environment, Saratoga Springs is a formidable contender for the state’s prettiest place to visit. You just need to amble down Broadway, explore a few of the unique galleries and cute sidewalk cafes, the meticulously restored 19th-century buildings and opulent mansions, the charming Victorian porches and vibrant flowers, to know that Saratoga Springs takes the cake.
Start your adventure at Sara's Kitchen, a charming little spot in the heart of Saratoga Springs’ Broadway that specializes in delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. After this, walk down the street to Congress Park, a heart-ravishing space with beautiful fountains, peaceful ponds, and natural springs. It also has some cool sculptures and several other interesting monuments. The Saratoga Springs History Museum, an old-casino-turned museum, features three stories of fascinating local history. Crown everything with a visit to the Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark that established Saratoga Springs as a world-renowned wellness mecca.
The Takeaway
From waterfront gems to mountain-backed villages to heritage-rich strips, the Northern United States is blessed with downtowns that mix beauty, culture, and history in unforgettable ways. Each one is different, some quirky, others elegant, but all invite you to slow down, wander their streets, and soak up the atmosphere. Whether lined with historic storefronts, boutique shops, or lively cafés, these twelve towns prove that downtown charm is alive and thriving.
