6 Great Lakes Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness
The Great Lakes region is the largest freshwater system in the world. It contains Lake Superior, the world's largest lake by area, and Lake Michigan, the largest lake in one country. You can't go wrong on a small-town scale in the region. It is a happy place to live with freeing, ocean-like lake views and innumerable ways to blow off steam on a hike or adventurous water sports.
Some towns are a tad friendlier to tourists, being used to the spotlight, like South Haven, while others are overlooked and crave your affection. Others are simpler, more unique, and traversed, like Mackinaw City, offering two Great Lakes at once. Dive into the unique lifestyles of each to discover how friendly a naturally endowed place can be.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Southeast of Cleveland, Chagrin Falls offers the tranquility and hospitality of the Great Lakes region, just inland. It is most apparent during the vibrant Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival, with parades, hot air balloons, and a carnival that brings visiting families and locals together annually in May. Grab a coffee for a leisurely riverside stroll or a picnic by the Chagrin River. Framed by natural landscapes and 30 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the well-preserved 19th-century architecture downtown provides a scenic backdrop for photo ops.
The eponymous Chagrin Falls Waterfall is beautiful year-round to listen to the peaceful running water sound. It is surrounded by charming shops and modern eateries throughout the Chagrin Falls Triangle Park Commercial Historic District, like the popular M Italian, dishing out delicious pies in a minimalist setting. Drop by Chagrin History Center to learn more about this friendly town.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Home to Minnesota's first art colony, Grand Marais is a friendly, picturesque, and walkable town—a top-of-the-bucket-list Lake Superior destination for families with pets. Framed by postcard views of the bay and harbor, Grand Marais Marina Photogenic Point is easily accessible from downtown. Adventurers enjoy the surrounding trail systems, including the Superior Hiking Trail for backpacking, hiking, and camping. The year-round Pincushion Mountain Trail System offers mountain biking and cross-country skiing. After, unwind at My Sister's Place or Voyageur Brewing Company.
Defined by the jutting peninsula, the whale-tail-like Artist's Point is perfect to capture, reflect, or catch the mind-blowing sunrise. As the name suggests, it is popular to sketch, paint, and write in the sound of seagulls and the crashing waves. It is home to the historic Grand Marais Lighthouse on the western flank, accessible by foot and spectacular at common pink sunsets. Angry Trout Cafe on the harbor serves local seafood, wine, and a kids' menu, while East Bay Suites is top-rated for winding down.
Leland, Michigan
Leland boasts two lakefronts and access to the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, which features scenic vineyards along rolling hills with lakeside views. Between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, water lovers enjoy boating, fishing, and beachcombing, like at the secluded Van's Beach. Squint to see North Manitou Shoal Light Station just off the precariously thin Leelanau Peninsula. The good vibes extend into nature, like Clay Cliffs Natural Area for a quick hike with tremendous views. After all the adventuring, the Cove is an ever-popular restaurant.
A friendly and historic fishing village within Leland is aptly named Fishtown. There is an authentic, easygoing vibe for strolls along the docks and a perfect photo backdrop. Mingle with locals and sample the staple, smoked-on-the-spot fish. The rustic feel and shanties provide a living-museum atmosphere. Set a picnic in view of the fishing tugs, or dangle your feet off the docks and watch for fish in the Leland River. For something more modern yet classically Leland, the Verterra Winery tasting room is right in town.
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Mackinaw City welcomes visitors to the tip of the "Mitten" and says farewell to adventurers headed for the Upper Peninsula. Charming every traveler with its sparkling lake and bridge views, the town offers something for every age and interest, including famous fudge and the Mackinaw Area Historical Society Heritage Village. The picturesque town is located where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet, and it takes something from both. Its unique personality encompasses colonial architecture, modern attractions, and the stunning Mackinac Bridge.
In addition to the plentiful nature on-site, like the dog-friendly North Country Trail and public beach overlooking the Trails End Bay to the east, Mackinaw is proudly home to Headlands International Dark Sky Park. This 550-acre woodland is a habitat for bears, deer, and eagles; offers over two miles of undeveloped beach; and has an observatory to catch the Milky Way in one of only spots in the nation with such clarity. McGulpin Point Lighthouse is a restored 1869 brick lighthouse, open to public visits with a gift shop.
South Haven, Michigan
Home to some of Michigan's sunniest days and friendliest locals, it is the sunsets you'll remember most in South Haven. Located south of center on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, the dropping fireball lights up the western horizon. South Haven's North Beach is more expansive, with room to spread out and a fun summer vibe. South Beach is great for families and loners, with up-close views of the traditional 19th-century South Haven Lighthouse. This red beacon is still operational and accessible by foot at the end of the South Pier. The intercoastal Black River flows through.
Riverfront Park hosts summer concerts, while the Kal-Haven Trail follows its flow inland to the historic Kal-Haven Trail Black River Bridge. Drop by the riverfront Michigan Maritime Museum, with exhibits on Great Lakes boating heritage. There are many galleries downtown, plus a whole shopping experience down Phoenix Street. Catch the sunset next to the pier, which casts the lighthouse into a silhouette, a silky balm for the soul.
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
This small, borderline town along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan is home to North Point Marina. With a docking system of some 1,500 slips and an excess of six miles of coast, it is the largest marina on all of the Great Lakes. Yet, Winthrop Harbor doesn't let it get to its head, welcoming boaters from all over to play in the sparkling blue waters. In addition to water sports, fishing, and rentals throughout, it is adjacent to the 4,160-acre Illinois Beach State Park for family camping trips, day hikes, or picnicking along the fringe. The easterly orientation gives way to magnificent sunrises. The park is Nirvana for nature lovers with over 650 plant species, including the trailing juniper, Henslow's sparrow, and dune ridges topped by black oak forests.
Take a sailing excursion or fishing trip, a surefire way to fry trout or salmon by the beach. After exploring the soft-sanded beaches like North Point Beach, Deck Of Flavors—Bubble Tea & Frozen Treats is unmissable on a hot summer day with outdoor seating.
Feel At Home By The Water’s Edge
Each of the Great Lakes offers diverse culture and nature along its shoreline, through states like Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Illinois. The region spans the northern U.S. and parts of eastern Canada and is home to tens of millions, with major cities along the shores like Rochester on Lake Ontario and Buffalo on Erie.
Some would say there's nothing friendlier than a Great Lakes small town, with its personality directly correlating to the mammoth bodies of water. Embark on a coastal road trip along the closest lake, or choose a lake or a vibe to get acquainted. You will be sure to find an instant feeling of home, a place to vacation, or a new friend.
