7 Northern United States Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
The Northern United States comprises over a dozen states in the northern part of the United States. From Washington along the Pacific coastline to Maine at the easternmost point of America along the Atlantic, beauty abounds. While most tourists in this region choose destinations like Washington, DC, and New York City, there are many small towns that offer a slower pace of life. Away from the urban hustle and bustle of urban centers, these communities showcase the charm of the region in an authentic manner. Visitors can experience the beauty of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, learn about a utopian community in New Harmony, and go skiing near the slopes of Whitefish. Read on to learn about seven of the best towns for a relaxing retreat in the Northern United States.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Home to around 5,000 people, Bar Harbor is a quaint town on Mount Desert Island in Maine. The star attraction here is Acadia National Park, a 50,000-acre preserve full of coastal views, towering peaks, and diverse wilderness. Those looking for a challenge can head to Cadillac Mountain, the highest mountain on America’s Atlantic Coast. It reaches a height of around 1,500 feet, and one can hike up the 4.4-mile North Ridge Trail or drive up the 3.5-mile Cadillac Summit Road for panoramic views of the region. For a more relaxing experience, Acadia National Park is also ideal for kayaking, canoeing, ice fishing, and camping, with two campgrounds on the island. What better way to slow down than a night under the stars in Maine?
After an outdoor expedition, Bar Harbor’s downtown should be next on your list, combining waterfront views with a touristy feel. Those looking for vibrance can spend a few hours in Little Village Gifts. This family-owned art gallery is full of souvenirs and paintings, perfect for a keepsake to take back home. Nearby, the Abbe Museum abounds with tales of old, showcasing the culture of native Wabanaki people. Before leaving, grab a meal at the Side Street Cafe, a local favorite with delicious lobster and drink options.
Cooperstown, New York
Unlike the New England charm of Bar Harbor, Cooperstown offers a different type of Northern United States experience. The county seat of Otsego County in New York, Cooperstown, is a hub of cultural charm, especially for fans of baseball. This is because the town is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. This historic site serves as the central collection and gathering space for American baseball history. Visitors can spend hours roaming the facility, which has over 200,000 photographs, 40,000 3D artifacts, and a Hall of Fame. Further back in time, the Fenimore Farm and Country Village is a local museum that re-tells rural life in the 19th century. It is comprised of an 1832 pharmacy, an 1829 law office, and many other rustic buildings.
After taking a step back in time with Cooperstown’s historic sites, take a look at the town’s vibrance at the Fenimore Art Museum. Founded in 1899, the museum has art from the 19th and 20th centuries, with notable works like the Portrait of Robert Fulton from 1806. Once you are done, head out of the museum and walk over to the coast of Otsego Lake. Spanning 4,000 acres with plenty of waterfront parks, one can spend the day fishing for lake trout, go swimming at Three Mile Point, or head out with a boat at Lakefront Park.
Whitefish, Montana
Hundreds of miles west of Cooperstown lies the mountain town of Whitefish, one of Montana’s finest. Named one of the “Top 25 Ski Towns in the World” by National Geographic, skiers from all over the nation come here for a snowy break. Most head straight to the Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain, which boasts 3,000 acres of skiable area. It has over 90 trails of all skill levels, with the longest run, Hell Fire, stretching over 2.5 miles. Even when not skiing, the resort has 20+ miles of mountain biking trails and a quaint cabin with lodging options.
While skiing may be the main draw here, Whitefish is also famed as the gateway to Glacier National Park. This one million-acre expanse is home to two sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains, beckoning people from all over with magnificent peaks. It has over 130 named lakes where one can go fishing, boating, and swimming, while keeping an eye out for wildlife like mountain goats and grizzly bears. While the outdoor opportunities are endless, with more spots like Whitefish Lake, those who want to warm up indoors will appreciate some time at the Whitefish Depot. Donning a scenic Tudor Revival facade, this station is a stop on the Empire Builder Amtrak and offers a blast to the past.
Winthrop, Washington
Few towns have the soothing pace of Winthrop, a quaint community of less than 600 in northern Washington. Tales of old seep through the streets, as this remote western-themed town was first inhabited over 10,000 years ago by the Native Methow people. Today, those interested in local history can visit the Shafer Historical Museum, nestled in a rustic log house called “The Castle.” The museum features a newspaper building, a settler cabin, and farm equipment dating back over 100 years. Further culture abounds at Glassworks of Winthrop, which is full of local artisan hand-blown glassware that makes for an ideal keepsake.
Another must-visit in Winthrop is the North Cascade Smokejumper Base. Nestled along the Inter-City Airport Road, visitors can tour the facility with a real smokejumper providing insights and details. From equipment to buildings and even the plane, it is a true testament to the daring work of smokejumpers. Last but not least, Pearrygin Lake State Park features 1,200 acres of lakefront greenery, with hiking trails, swimming areas, and plenty of fish for fishing. For a full outing, the 3.1-mile Rex Derr trail is a complete guide to the region’s charming landscape.
New Harmony, Indiana
Few towns can match the slow pace and calm aura of New Harmony, Indiana. This is because the town was set up by the Harmony Society in 1814 as a utopian community. The settlement went on to fail, but was taken over by a Welsh industrialist in 1825, which also failed. Following this, the town began to grow as a normal community, and is now home to nearly 700 people with numerous remnants from the past. For example, the Roofless Church exudes a peaceful air as a 9,800 square foot open-air interdenominational church. People from all faiths can come here to worship at this unique structure.
Nearby, the Atheneum is another charming landmark that tourists must visit. As the town’s visitor center, it has a unique design that guides people through the complex with countryside views and leads out into the town. There is also a 200-seat auditorium showcasing a film on local history, multiple galleries, and a gift shop. After the guided pathways through the Atheneum, the Cathedral Labyrinth is the complete opposite, with confusing options amidst shrub walls. It is located on the main street of town and was once viewed as a symbolic way of overcoming issues in life.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Tourists can take a step back from urban woes along the fresh breeze of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho. Surrounded by mountains and the lake, it is a natural wonderland, where activities are limitless. Those looking to cool off are sure to enjoy the lake, which is the largest in Idaho at over 150 square miles in surface area. With its cool blue waters, heading out for a swim or boat ride is a popular pastime. Even if you don’t want to get wet, set up along the shore and fish for some of the rainbow trout, whitefish, and bass in the lake. On a different note, those here for the mountainous side of things can opt for a ride with Mountain Horse Adventures. All you have to do is hop on a lovely steed as you loop through steep trails and lush forests.
Back on paved streets, the fun doesn’t stop, and all kinds of travelers have something to do. Movie and theatre fans have a clear winner at the Panida Theatre, which showcases musicals and movies and hosts events. The ONXHUNT Full Draw Film Tour on the 9th of July is one you shouldn’t miss if you are into hunting. After a film, grab drinks at MickDuff’s Brewing Company to end the night. From brewed beer to delicious snacks in Sandpoint’s Old Federal Building, it is a great place to relax.
Ely, Minnesota
Nestled in northeastern Minnesota is the historic town of Ely, once a mining hub with rich iron deposits. Today, Ely is very different and has a wide range of options, especially for animal lovers. These are the North American Bear Center and the International Wolf Center. The former is an educational facility focused on black bears, with live cameras, habitats, and talks where one can learn about these majestic mammals. Meanwhile, the latter is all about wolves, with a 17,000 square foot facility home to gray wolves, which are visible through large windows.
Back in town, a walk through the Ely Arts and Heritage Center is a pleasant way to explore the community’s creative side. The center is housed in the historic Pioneer Mine buildings, where local artists now showcase their work through rotating exhibits and events. For those who prefer scenic views, nearby Shagawa Lake offers the perfect backdrop for canoeing, fishing, or simply soaking in the peaceful northern air.
A Relaxing Experience In The Northern United States
From the mountains of Montana to the coastlines of Maine, the northern part of the country offers no shortage of scenic beauty and peaceful communities. These towns provide a meaningful alternative to the fast pace of city life, inviting visitors to unwind, reconnect with nature, and discover local traditions. Whether you are drawn by history, adventure, or simply the warmth of a small-town welcome, each destination holds something special. A retreat to the Northern United States offers the chance to truly slow down and feel at home.
