7 Prettiest Small Towns In The Great Lakes

The five Great Lakes comprise the world's largest freshwater system between Canada and the US. Like inland seas without the saltwater, they bottom out at the horizon, full of opportunities to sail, cruise, or explore pretty towns along the scenic coastal highways. Each, ferociously pretty, stands out against the astounding scenery yet leads a peaceful life, humbled by the ocean-like views.

These pretty towns beautify the curved shorelines with arts and gardens, sandy beaches, and grateful hearts. It can be a carefree escape to a classic lakeside retreat or an adventurous escapade along the rugged cliffs and camping under the stars along the sandy beaches. Whatever weekend getaway or family vacation you conjure up will be in the presence of grandness unlike anywhere around the globe.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Just 40 minutes from Cleveland, Chagrin Falls was settled by Massachusetts craftsmen and incorporated in 1844. Once a commercial center of nine mills powered by the Chagrin River, this historic village is home to unique boutiques and fabulous restaurants. Defined by an architecturally intriguing walkable downtown, a natural waterfall is visible along both sides of Main Street. See the dam at the heart next to the Historic Society in a charming building with a gift shop. All in all, three waterfalls cascade along the Chagrin River.

Abundant greens, like Riverside Park, offer refreshing strolls, play, and picnics, plus the serene shade of the wooded Whitesburg Park. Drawing visitors from around the world any day, this pretty town hosts Blossom Time in the Valley, a traditional Memorial Day weekend celebration to kickstart the summer season since 1956, with a carnival, a hot air balloon glow, a 5K race, and more. Drop by the Chagrin Valley Little Theater, in its 95th season with a lineup including The Sound of Music, Clue, and the hit music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Chesterton, Indiana

Goderich, Ontario

Goderich, the "Prettiest Town in Canada" since Victorian times, beautifies Lake Huron's southeastern shore in ways architects find intriguing. The streets radiate from the center, Courthouse Park, where Courthouse Square is a gem of Canadian Heritage Architecture. In addition to the retro Park Theatre and weekend markets, the historic Bedford Hotel is affordable at roughly $50 a night. Menesetung Bridge was the longest bridge in Ontario at the time of construction. After a stroll along the Auburn Rail Trail, drop by the Huron County Museum.

Just north, Huron Historic Gaol is another cool site sliced into an octagonal alignment. Home to a marina and a sizable regional airport across the river, Goderich draws visitors from near and far. Home to three interconnected beaches, take the parkland trail to your favorite, all dog-friendly. Rotary Cove Beach is furthest down and most serene, even on weekends, with clean amenities and plenty of space. After a day at the sunny Lions Harbour Park, Goderich Lighthouse is super cool for strolling by at sunset with benches to relax in the views.

Grand Marais, Michigan

Tucked into a crescent-shaped coast on Superior's southern shore, Grand Marais exudes a carefree, adventurous spirit. It is the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The active enjoy water sports and Grand Sable Dunes. But first, the Dream Bean is all heart to get yours pumping. Drop your bags at a charming motel or Woodland Park Campground and follow the trail down to the wide sandy beach. Grand Marais Harbor is a swimming beach with volleyball, a play area, and picnic tables just north of the Bayshore Market.

With just a few streets to its name, this tiny historic village is enclosed by transcending lake scenery, with miles of sandy shorefront. North of the main street, Agate Beach is a rockhounding area. The views are stunning on a hike, particularly from Log Slide Overlook, 20 minutes west by car or a good hike from the nearby Grand Sable Lake Scenic Overlook. At Sable Beach, Sable Falls Trailhead winds inland to the waterfall. Harbor of Refuge Inner Lighthouse is a historic landmark, and Outer Range Light Beacon Station tips the fishing pier.

Munising, Michigan

Munising is surrounded by waterfalls and historic lighthouses scattered along the fifty-mile famous Lake Superior stretch, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It is an absolute Upper Peninsula gem for any adventure, from boat and kayak paddling along the stratified stone to deboarding at the sandy beaches. Hundreds of miles of trails wind through the nearby Hiawatha National Forest. There is every type of rugged wilderness, and Munising is an ideal host with comfy, rustic, and luxurious stays, unique shops, and eateries for all tastes.

Admire the rustic East Channel Lighthouse view in a frame of island green across the water. Why not visit the island by boat? It is home to several campsites, serene beaches, and the Grand Island National Recreation Area. Several waterfalls cascade within 15 miles of downtown, all tranquil and framed for photography, like Spray Falls. This very remote cascade from 70 feet in height into bright turquoise nether gets its deep sapphire hue from pictured rocks. Sable Falls tumbles 75 feet over gigantic sandstone cliffs into Lake Superior.

Sackets Harbor, New York

Sackets Harbor is a designated New York State Heritage Area on the Black River Bay of Lake Ontario. Historic architecture jostles with modern attractions along tree-lined streets, framed by sidewalk gardens. Steeped in military history, the Sackets Harbor Heritage Area Visitors Center features striking exhibits. The seasonal Pickering-Beach Museum reveals 19th-century village life before the full-service marinas and a public dock made it a hub for yachting, sailing, and windsurfing. Trails lead to historic sites that contrast the vibrant core but not in a murky way.

In fact, Sackets Harbor Battlefield, site of a crucial War of 1812 battle, offers an elevated waterfront to explore overlooking the sparkling Great Lake. Meanwhile, Madison Barracks is a somber War of 1812 burial ground on a former U.S. Army post with stone structures. From fishing to cycling and hiking around the village, cross over to Horse Island Lighthouse on the island for that frozen-in-time vibe. Then, kick back at Good Fellows, a rustic pizza place next to AANNY, the Arts Association of Northern New York. Friends enjoy camping at the sandy beaches south.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Between Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo Lake, Saugatuck shines with its arts and beaches. Framed by towering sand dunes and the snaking Kalamazoo River, Oval Beach is a year-round, gay-friendly beach, ranked by MTV among the top five in the US. One of the world's 25 best shorelines, according to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, is ideal for swimming and sunbathing with views of the dunes. The forested hilltop Mount Baldhead Park offers a sandy descent to this beach, a reward, after hiking the steep steps to the summit, of course.

Many enjoy Saugatuck Dune Rides, a guided excursion along a rugged off-road trail. Dive into Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, where Saugatuck South Pierhead is accessible at low tide or by boat to catch the sunset. The sandy Douglas Beach Park offers amenities and picnic tables with grills for close get-togethers. As for the art scene, places like Uncommon Coffee Roasters relay the town's creative spirit with a fun vibe, a patio, and baked goods to recharge. See what strikes you at J. Petter Galleries to bring a piece of Saugatuck home.

Just take a moment to fully absorb the breadth of these bodies, totaling nearly 95,000 square miles for almost one-fifth of the freshwater supply on the planet. Then stand on the shore that bends and curls for over 9,000 miles of shore from one of the pretty towns.

Atop a cliff with views of a stoic lighthouse against the jealous waves, it is easy to forget all the numbers. Paddling along the Pictured Rocks, it can be a vivid out-of-body experience, a nostalgia-inducing trip down memory lane, or one full of self-reflection.