8 Most Scenic Small Towns in the Great Lakes
Some towns are built around the water. In the Great Lakes region, they’re shaped by it. Across five massive lakes, you’ll find places where sandstone bluffs tower over the shoreline, kayakers paddle through sea caves, and historic streets end at the water’s edge. This list rounds up eight small towns, from remote stretches of Lake Superior to lively harbors on Lake Ontario, where the views are as memorable as the setting itself.
Leland, Michigan
This small, lakeside town is between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, which means it is a paradise for those who love the water. The town's quiet intimacy and connection with the lakes is what makes it such a special place, and tourists can enjoy the vibrant scenery by visiting one of the many beaches. By Lake Michigan is Van's Beach, which is open to the public; its trailhead is right in downtown Leland. There is also Bartholomew Park and Schneider's Beach & Park, which crest along Lake Leelanau. During the summer, the waves come alive with surfers and swimmers, but those who would rather enjoy the water from a distance can also set up a picnic.
Leland is also a very walkable destination, so it is fairly easy to get around. After a day by the lake, consider heading up to the Whaleback Natural Area, a great place to admire the sunset. With hemlock trees framing the glittering water of Lake Michigan, it's virtually impossible not to fall in love.
Cobourg, Ontario
Located right by Lake Ontario, Cobourg may not usually be on a typical tourist's radar, but that doesn't make it any less special. This small town hosts a variety of celebrations and festivals every year that breathe new life into the community.
Each summer, Cobourg comes alive with its Waterfront Festival along Victoria Park and the harbour, where live music, performances, artisan booths, and shoreline activities draw crowds over the Canada Day weekend.
Not going to be around for June? No worries! Cobourg hosts plenty of other events throughout the year, including the Sandcastle Festival, Movies Under the Stars, and the Christmas Magic Festival. What Cobourg may lack in size, it more than makes up for in its positive and warmth-filled streets.
Munising, Michigan
The natural beauty of Munising is a sight no one can turn away from. Known as the home to the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Hiawatha National Forest, this town has grand, elegant sandstone cliffs that stretch for 15 miles, overlooking the Lake Superior shoreline. These cliffs offer a wild beauty to the already stunning view. With ribbons of copper, iron, manganese, and limonite, these minerals produce a rainbow of colors to contrast the teal-blue surface of the water. It is the most popular summer attraction in Munising, but it certainly isn't the only one worth exploring.
During the months of August through April (especially April, October, and November), you are likely to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous Aurora Borealis. Many of the beaches along Lake Superior make for great viewing platforms, so make sure to check out Sand Point Beach, Miners Beach, or Twelvemile Beach if NOAA is predicting strong solar activity.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
For folks who love hiking, Grand Marais is a great destination. Lying along Lake Superior, this small town in Minnesota is very walkable, with multiple routes and trails that interconnect. Park by Artist Point and wind through stunning beaches that will take you through covered bridges, Lake Superior's shoreline, and a final climb up Sweetheart's Bluff.
Just outside Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway winds inland from town, offering an easy way to extend a visit. A short drive up leads to the Pincushion Mountain Trail System, where a climb rewards hikers with panoramic views of Grand Marais, its harbor and lighthouse, and the blue stretch of Lake Superior. In summer, the trails draw hikers and mountain bikers; in winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers take over the route.
Not only is Grand Marais a great place for physical activity, but it's also home to beautiful native flowers! From April to September, the Devil Track Wildflower Sanctuary will be filled with colors and different species of flowers and ferns.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Known as the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield is a charming coastal town lying by Lake Superior. The number one attraction to do here is to kayak the Apostle Islands. Paddling through emerald-like waters while seeing the towering sandstone sea caves is an experience not a lot of people can check off their bucket list. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, there are guided expeditions and leaders to make sure your trip is as safe as possible.
After your day on the water, visit the "Fruit Loop!" Because Bayfield is located by one of the Great Lakes, its climate is perfect for fruits and berries to thrive in farms and fields. Known as the Berry Capital of Wisconsin, Bayfield has a wide variety of strawberries, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries to pick from during the summer months. During the fall, these fruits are then replaced with apples.
Chesterton, Indiana
While Chesterton is located at the southern shore of Lake Michigan, it isn't solely the water views that make this a striking town. Sitting a little to its north is the Indiana Dunes National Park, where steep sand dunes, bogs, marshes, swamps, and woodland forests fill up its space. Combine that with the wind and waters from Lake Michigan, and you get a view that looks as if the tropics and deserts collided with one another. Visitors are able to hike along these sand dunes that extend for 16,000 acres.
Back in Chesterton, the art is vibrant and teeming with life. Many studios and galleries are open along the streets for tourists to pop in, as well as independent boutiques that are supported by local artists and creators.
Thessalon, Ontario
This small, quaint town lies by Lake Huron and is an ideal destination for water sports. Though it is located by one of the Great Lakes, its own Thessalon River is an iconic destination itself, where you are also able to catch a glimpse of the Thessalon Red Bridge, which was originally built in the 1880s. During the summer months, many locals and tourists are invited to paddle, kayak, and fish along both the river and the lake. The calm environment may also be a good place for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, or simply soaking up the view.
Another great attraction of Thessalon is the migration of countless birds during the spring and fall. Species such as warblers and sparrows will fill the town with their songs, and seagulls and shorebirds tend to crowd near the water. Look up, and you will also be able to find hawks and falcons soaring above in the sky, making for a stunning view of nature's wonders.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Entrenched in history and teeming with friendly neighbors, this town shows its heart the moment tourists walk along their cobblestone paths. Niagara-on-the-Lake has the charm of an old village, where its past is well preserved in its buildings and architecture. Bordered by lush gardens and antique shops, its vibe is welcoming and affectionate, especially to tourists.
A trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake would not be complete without visiting one of its 39 wineries. Many have won awards for their Niagara wines, and tasting their staple, Niagara Icewine, is a must. Guided tours are also offered, where visitors can bike between wineries/vineyards to other winery restaurants.
Once you have had your fill of drinks, there is no doubt of where to go next: Niagara Falls. Located just 15 miles away, the world-famous waterfall is the perfect way to end a trip in this gorgeous small town.
The Great Lakes offer some of the most stunning natural views in the world, and it is only fitting that the nearby towns give tourists a taste of that beauty while having a few highlights of their own. Gazing up at the towering sandstone cliffs of Munising or celebrating culture in Cobourg are memories that can only be found in these small, hidden gems.
