7 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in the Great Lakes Region
Small town communities can reset your mood just right, especially with a little lake breeze. Around the Great Lakes, weekends feel like a reunion with your neighbors, and these seven shoreline towns are built for making such memories. Start with Charlevoix, Michigan, for harbor views and the South Pier Lighthouse. In Ely, Minnesota, outfitters set you up for Boundary Waters canoe routes and pine-scented campsites, while locals trade trail tips at the coffee counter. Along the way, you will find farmers' markets and festivals that welcome you like a regular. Grab a map and chase the water with friends; these destinations are made for sharing!
Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix sits on the northern shores of Lake Michigan and is best known for its picturesque harbor, charming downtown area, and unique attractions. It's charming downtown community is lined with a number of useful amenities, many featuring views of the water. A short walk from the waterfront will bring you to the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, perhaps the best place to look out at the lake or look back at the town's quaint skyline.
A true highlight of Charlevoix is the historic Belvedere Golf Club, a charming course boasting views that match its beautifully maintained greens. The town is also famous for the unique 'mushroom houses,' designed by architect Earl Young, which have become a beloved symbol of Charlevoix. Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy just outside town, with nearby natural spots like Fisherman’s Island State Park offering wonderful opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and landscape photography.
Ely, Minnesota
Ely is a close-knit community located on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering both a welcoming atmosphere and an abundance of natural beauty. The Ely area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to the Boundary Waters, a pristine network of lakes and forests as well as a plethora of other parks and wildlands, such as the renowned Superior National Forest, one of the largest old growth forests in the United States.
Residents and visitors love to enjoy canoeing, fishing, and hiking, with several local businesses offering guided tours and rentals across the many beautiful lakes and trails throughout the area. Community events like the Ely Winter Festival and the Boundary Waters Expo help bring everyone together, celebrating the town's vibrant outdoor traditions.
Oswego, New York
Oswego, located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, is a historic town with a waterfront that is a central gathering point, with scenic views of the lake, a well-maintained harbor, and recreational activities that foster a strong connection between residents and the natural environment.
Oswego is a charming town filled with fascinating historic sites like the Oswego Harbor Lighthouse and the Fort Ontario State Historic Site, offering a warm glimpse into the town’s rich early American history. The beautiful Lake Ontario nearby provides wonderful chances for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Plus, the surrounding countryside invites visitors to enjoy scenic hiking trails and breathtaking views, making every visit full of delightful adventures.
To get a strong grasp of this town's storied past, museums like the Richardson Bates House Museum, the headquarters of the local historic society and former home of one the town's earliest residents, and Safe Haven, a museum celebrating Oswego's commitment to harbor refugees in World War 2, are well worth a visit too.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck is a lively lakeside community on the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its peaceful atmosphere, with just under 900 residents calling it home. Whether you’re strolling through the town’s charming historic sites or joining in its warm community traditions, Saugatuck warmly welcomes visitors to experience the meaningful connections that make it special. Landmarks such as the Saugatuck Center for the Arts showcase its vibrant artistic spirit, featuring rotating exhibitions, performances, and workshops that often draw people in, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Nearby Oval Beach, consistently ranked among the best in the country, provides a natural haven for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing for visitors in the summer months. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the winding trails of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, a 1,000-acre preserve that exemplifies the region’s great outdoors.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield, a charming small town nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, is cherished for its warm community spirit and rich maritime heritage. Its downtown charm features lovely historic buildings, many of which are home to family-run shops, art galleries, and cozy eateries serving delicious fresh fish from the lake. Visitors love this town as a perfect gateway to the beautiful Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where they can enjoy exciting outdoor adventures like boating, hiking, and exploring stunning sea caves. It truly ranks among the top parks in the Great Lakes region, offering unforgettable experiences.
Cultural events in the area, such as the Bayfield Apple Festival, bring together locals and tourists to celebrate the area’s strong agricultural heritage and the fall harvest towards the end of every year. Bayfield's farmers’ market, which operates in the summer, is another event that highlights local agriculture from the rich soils of northern Wisconsin.
Tobermory, Ontario
Tobermory rests at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and serves as the gateway to both Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. The town’s unique location along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventure and some of the best sightseeing in Ontario.
While here, be sure to explore the crystal-clear waters of the bay by boat or kayak, visit the famous Flowerpot Island, or hike the many trails that wind through the nearby national parks. The area is also known for its shipwrecks, which attract divers from around the world.
Tobermory’s small-town feel is enhanced by local events like the annual Tobermory Film Festival and its seasonal farmer’s markets, where residents come together to celebrate local culture and delicious, fresh produce picked from the fertile soils of the surrounding area.
Port Clinton, Ohio
Port Clinton is a short drive east of Toledo and is located on the western shores of Lake Erie. As the entry point to the Lake Erie Islands, including Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island, Port Clinton has a laid-back atmosphere that is extremely popular for tourists in the summer, when the weather allows for beachgoing and swimming.
The town’s beautiful location makes it a wonderful place for water-based fun, like boating and fishing, especially near the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. The annual Walleye Festival is a favorite event that attracts many fishermen from Port Clinton and across the Great Lakes region. Plus, Port Clinton's historic landmarks, like the Port Clinton Lighthouse, offer a charming peek into the area's deep connection to the water.
Explore the Great Lakes Today
These towns on the shores of the Great Lakes make for excellent stops for road trips year-round. Whether it is an extended trip or just a weekend escape from the city, the warm residents of these small towns (and many other communities that didn't make the list) and the cultural, natural, and historic attractions that they maintain, will make for an unforgettable getaway in this wonderful region of the country.
