7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In The Great Lakes

From liquid mirrors that seem to stretch to the end of the world, to the soft and soothing atmosphere that any doctor would pronounce therapeutic, the Great Lakes Region is a delightful expanse of heart-gripping natural beauty. Although nature steals the show, this magical corner of America is bejeweled by a stunning cornucopia of beautiful small towns, some of whose downtown areas look plucked straight out of a fairytale. But which are the prettiest? Starting with Frankenmuth, Michigan, discover the 7 prettiest downtown strips in the Great Lakes.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

You may already know that Frankenmuth, "Michigan's Little Bavaria," hosts the world's largest Christmas store. Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the size of 1 1/2 football fields, has graced Frankenmuth’s beautiful streetscape since 1945. But Frankenmuth is not just a shopper's wonderland. Its walkable downtown, with its fountain splashes and flower-lined streets, is among the prettiest in the Great Lakes. The Holz Brücke, a 239-foot covered bridge that spans the Cass River, makes the downtown look like something plucked from a fairytale. You have to pass by Zehnder's, a legendary culinary icon that won the James Beard America's Classics Award in 2020. The same holds for Heritage Park, which features paved walkways with a river view.

Petoskey, Michigan

The sweeping, panoramic shoreline of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay is something for the books. Petoskey, a compact beauty known for the polished corals all over its white-sand beaches, is tastefully perched along the shores of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay. It is about 70 miles northeast of Traverse City. Beautiful Victorians speckle the downtown area and will make you feel like you are walking straight into the 1800s. You will find a hint of nautical charm as well, and breathtaking waterfront views. The downtown area, anchored by the Gaslight District, is a stylish mix of art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and specialty shops. You can turn back the wheels of time at Little Traverse History Museum, sip views (and peace) at the Bayfront Park and Marina, or marvel at the mind-rousing exhibits on display at the 54-year-old Crooked Tree Arts Center.

Holland, Michigan

Holland poses gracefully in a Norman Rockwell setting on Lake Macatawa, some 30 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. You will find charming brick-lined streets, a well-preserved historic district, and stunning lakeside attractions. The annual Tulip Time Festival, typically held in mid-May, has been drawing tourists to the town since 1929. The Holland Museum has a history line of the city and a beautiful collection of Dutch art to admire. Just across the street is Park Theatre, an iconic venue for fun and laughter whose history dates back to 1886. It started as a woodworking mill. Spend some time at Centennial Park, especially when the tulips are in bloom, and you will believe that beauty will save the world.

Galena, Illinois

The rolling hills of northwest Illinois may not be as dramatic as the landscape that defines California's Sierra Nevada, but it hides one of the most beautiful small towns in the world: Galena. Abraham Lincoln visited Galena in 1856 and gave a speech on the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel, a beautiful piece of history right on Main Street. The treatment here mirrors that of Royalty, and the historic building easily takes you back in time. Main Street has a 1800s vibe complemented by sweeping hillside views. The Ulysses S Grant Home, an Italianate mansion built before the Civil War, offers an interesting glimpse into the life and work of the Commanding General of the Union Army during the bloodiest period in the nation's history. If you are a yarn addict or fascinated by the paranormal, you will have to squeeze some time for A Darkness Lovely, an interesting and unusual shop on Main Street.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Although the psychedelic sunsets that Saugatuck’s Oval Beach provides is enough reason to fill a car tank, one of America’s most beautiful towns keeps several things up its sleeves. You will be serenaded by what resembles a coastal New England feel, charmed by a lovely boardwalk and tasty waterfront views, and roused by the hint of art that permeates the downtown area. Speaking of art, downtown Saugatuck is often called the "Art Coast of Michigan." It boasts a delightful cornucopia of art establishments, including the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, a first-class regional theater with an intimate setting, and the James Brandess Studios & Gallery, which keeps several stunning prints at varied price points. Keep in mind that the Kalamazoo River flows through the heart of town and gives the entire stretch a rustic feel and ambiance.

Geneva, Illinois

It is always surprising how Geneva is so close to Chicago, yet feels so soothing and relaxing like a tucked-away riverfront village in some swoon-worthy Neverland. You will find brick sidewalks, vintage lampposts, and a sprinkle of well-preserved Victorians. The scenic Fox River runs through the town’s eastern rim and seems to magically lift Geneva’s look and feel. If you ask three random people about where to start your adventure, there is a good chance they will point you to Livia Italian Eatery, a cherished name with fantastic choices of Italian-inspired dishes. It will be hard to miss the Kane County Courthouse, an imposing 19th-century edifice that will make you feel like you are walking into another time in history. At Harvey's Tales, you will enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing an unbelievable selection of books and accessories.

Traverse City, Michigan

Although you will want to explore a tongue-tingling wine trail, gorgeous white-sand beaches, or the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, there is a good reason to linger around Traverse City’s main hub. Charming architecture (especially at the Front Street Historic District). Delicious Lake Michigan views. An exceptional lineup of farm-to-table restaurants. If you did not receive the memo, Traverse City has been called the "Cherry Capital of the World.” Don’t miss the State Theatre, which the Motion Picture Association of America has previously ranked as the #1 movie theater in the world. The same for City Opera House, one of the oldest Victorian-era opera theaters in the Midwest. Some easy steps away, Clinch Park offers a scenic waterfront escape along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay.

The Takeaway

Although the Great Lakes ripple with freshwater charm, that is not their exclusive feature. Storybook downtowns dot the expanse, some of which feel like a love letter. Think of vintage Victorians, cobblestoned streets, and heart-melting waterfronts. Speaking of waterfronts, the Great Lakes region contains nearly 20% of the world's fresh surface water. It is never a bad decision to skip the thunder of the ocean for the softer and gentler appeal of glimmering beauties and postcard downtowns.