7 Main Streets Where The Great Lakes Comes Alive

Many small towns line the thousand of miles of Great Lakes shoreline, and some of their best stretches are the main streets that still lead straight toward the water. In St. Joseph, State Street rises above Silver Beach and links blufftop views with shops and the nearby Krasl Art Center. In Saugatuck, Butler Street runs past longtime stops like Saugatuck Drug Store before giving way to Oval Beach and the Kalamazoo River. And in Wisconsin's Bayfield, Rittenhouse Avenue slopes toward the harbor, where ferries, the Bayfield Maritime Museum, and routes into the Apostle Islands keep Lake Superior close at hand. These seven main streets show the best side of the Great Lakes.

St. Joseph, Michigan

Visitors to St. Joseph are drawn to Silver Beach on Lake Michigan, featuring a wide stretch of sand, a historic carousel, and a long pier reaching into the water. But start your visit up on the bluff along State Street, which developed in the late 1800s as St. Joseph’s commercial spine to serve both rail passengers and lake travelers arriving by steamer. Energize yourself with a sugar rush at Kilwins St. Joseph, where the scent of handmade fudge and fresh waffle cones draws steady foot traffic throughout the day. A few blocks away, Krasl Art Center presents rotating exhibits that offer a break from shopping the State Street storefronts. As you continue toward the lake, Lake Bluff Park opens up with expansive water views and steps or paths to reach Silver Beach below.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck's primary thoroughfare is Butler Street, with vibrant storefronts and welcoming family-owned businesses. Saugatuck Drug Store has been a Butler Street staple for more than a century, with its classic soda fountain making it a convenient stop for a quick break. While there are dozens of other downtown shops to visit, set aside some time to explore Amazwi Contemporary Art, located near Butler Street. This is where curated works from across Africa fill a compact gallery space. Dining options abound, but strongly consider The Southerner’s winning combination of comfort food and views of the river. Not far away, Oval Beach earns its reputation as one of the world’s great beaches with its wide sand and open water on Lake Michigan.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Named after Benjamin Franklin Rittenhouse, Rittenhouse Avenue is a great place to begin exploring all that Bayfield has to offer. You can ease into the day at Wonderstate Coffee, where the fresh-baked goods and friendly service set a relaxed tone. From there, take a short walk on the waterfront to the Bayfield Maritime Museum, which opens for the season in May. This museum traces the town’s history and the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior through detailed exhibits and historic artifacts. If you are planning to stay the night or just want a great meal, check out the historic and elegant Old Rittenhouse Inn in the heart of downtown. And be sure to take the short drive to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s sea caves, kayaking routes, and ferry-accessible islands.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Wisconsin Street has a long history as Grand Marais's primary downtown. The street forms a straight corridor that still guides you toward the water. A stop at World’s Best Donuts often means joining a short line, but the classic recipes and harbor views make the wait part of the experience. If you walk a few storefronts up the street, Sivertson Gallery displays regional art and handcrafted goods. Walk down the intersecting Broadway Avenue instead to reach Artist’s Point and unsurpassed views of the Grand Marais Lighthouse. Snap some great photos, or unleash your inner artist by bringing along some painting or drawing supplies!

Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio

Known simply as “The Strip,” Lake Road East was historically developed as Geneva-on-the-Lake’s summer resort corridor, with dance halls and shops, drawing visitors from nearby cities. Walk-up streetside eateries are a key part of the experience, and Eddie’s Grill, with its burgers, root beer floats, and 1950s theme, really hits the spot. If you prefer more comfortable seating and live music, try another favorite on The Strip, Sportsterz Bar & Grill. Make sure to play a round at Allison’s Mini Golf, established in 1924 and said to be the oldest operating mini golf course in the nation. After enjoying food and fun on The Strip, follow the road eastward to enjoy the Lake Erie waterfront at Geneva State Park.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

In the 1800s, goods were unloaded from boats onto horse-drawn carriages on Main Street for delivery throughout Mackinac Island. Thanks to the island’s no-automobile rule, things have changed very little since then. Main Street is famous for its tourist-drawing fudge shops, the oldest being Murdick’s Fudge, where all-natural ingredients are still used to produce the island’s signature treat. Just down the street, Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island carries a mix of gifts and specialty items in a compact storefront. After some shopping, take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the island that finishes at Fort Mackinac, which overlooks the harbor with preserved buildings and exhibits. From there, walk down the hill to Main Street to dine at The Pink Pony and enjoy perfect views of the harbor and Lake Huron beyond.

Sackets Harbor, New York

Sackets Harbor’s Main Street developed along with the harborfront during the early 19th century, when the village served as a key Lake Ontario naval base. Main Street (and your tour) begins along the water at Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, where preserved grounds and interpretive signs outline the town’s military past. A short distance away, Good Fellos is known for its Brick oven pizzas and wine & drink menu. Definitely stop at several of the local shops that line Main Street, including the serene Handmaiden’s Garden gift shop. Just south of the village, Westcott Beach State Park offers four-season outdoor activities along the lakeshore.

Towns sprouted up along the shorelines of the Great Lakes to take advantage of commercial opportunities, then largely turned to tourism as trade routes shifted away from the lakes. A fortunate few of the small towns were able to maintain their classic downtown corridors, balancing authenticity with tourist appeal. These main streets keep the lake within easy reach, letting you easily move between shops, eateries, and open shoreline. From Grand Marais in the far north to Sackets Harbor on the eastern edge of the Great Lakes, small towns preserve and promote the spirit of lakeshore living.