8 Of The Most Welcoming Towns In The Great Lakes Region

Small Great Lakes towns run on a pace the neighboring cities don't. Grand Marais keeps Minnesota's oldest art colony on a harbor point reachable from the main street. Mackinac Island banned cars in 1898 and has stuck with horse-drawn carriages and bikes since. Kelleys Island fits about 300 permanent residents between a state park, a sculpture garden, and a handful of inns. These eight towns across Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Ontario share walkable downtowns, active waterfronts, and community events that pull locals and visitors into the same crowd.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

This small Cook County city resides on Lake Superior's western shore and within the subtle shadows of the rolling Sawtooth Mountains. Though thoroughly rural, Grand Marais is welcoming in many regards. For starters, it is home to Minnesota's oldest art colony. Explore a wide range of creative mediums by participating in a workshop, support the local scene by shopping for a few treasures in town, or walk out to Artist Point, a whale's tail-shaped peninsula that divides Grand Marais Harbor and East Bay and opens to views of the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area. Grand Marais also invites exploration of its surrounding backcountry, with networks of well-blazed hiking and biking trails in the immediate vicinity. Afterward, cozy up in one of the folksy restaurants or enjoy the breeze on a cafe patio.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Floating at the apex transition between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, this small, car-free island tempts travelers to adopt a slower pace and a fun-loving spirit. The best way to explore Michigan's 4.35-square-mile Mackinac Island is to rent a bike, stashing it occasionally to take on the inland trails through Mackinac Island State Park. For a trip back in time or to inject some romance into the vacation, horse-drawn carriages can also be hired. Linen-white lodgings, churches, restaurants, and shops line the perimeter, and plenty of natural formations and viewpoints will encourage lots of snack and picture breaks. Speaking of snacks, don't leave without tasting some of Mackinac Island's world-famous fudge.

Kelleys Island, Ohio

Let's stay in island mode for a bit longer. Kelleys Island is anchored in the western wing of Lake Erie, the shallowest and therefore warmest of the Great Lakes. Kelleys Island does allow cars, unlike Mackinac, though the only way to reach the island is by ferry and heavy traffic is not a concern. Fewer than 300 permanent residents live in the village, and the preferred method of transportation (other than the self-propelled varieties) is a golf cart. Lake Erie's Emerald Isle is covered in large part by Kelleys Island State Park, where the Glacial Grooves are worth a stop. Historical landmarks, a sculpture garden, a children's camp, and a few small beaches round out the island, including the pebble-strewn stretch called Pebble Beach. Lodging runs from cottages and cabins to B&Bs and small inns. Mini-putt, breweries, kayaking, scuba diving, and even a butterfly greenhouse keep families occupied.

Stratford, Ontario

Not all great Great Lake towns have to be directly on the water, though this one does straddle the sizable Avon River. Stratford, Ontario, is a prime example. Situated almost equidistant from Lake Huron to the north, Lake Erie to the south, and Lake Ontario to the east, this red-brick Shakespearean city fosters all kinds of memorable experiences. As the name teases, Stratford operates a theater festival from April to October. But this place isn't just for thespians. There is live music, a winter festival of lights, a Chocolate Trail that visits the many artisanal confectioners and bakers, and even a Bacon & Ale Trail that is everything you imagine it could be. Whatever you're into, Stratford combines that quintessential Canadian friendliness with an uncharacteristically old-fashioned-looking layout.

Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario

Another southern Ontario gem sits against New York's northwestern boundary, on the southern shore of Lake Ontario where it meets the Niagara River, and just north of one of the continent's most dramatic collections of waterfalls. Niagara-on-the-Lake, often called "the culinary capital of Canada," is also one of the country's most revered wine regions. Tourists can sample award-winning glasses from the grapes grown in the temperate valleys below the Niagara Escarpment or dine at upscale establishments throughout the Heritage District. With exquisite dining, Victorian-era architecture, a pleasant climate, and proximity to Niagara Falls, NOTL is widely considered one of Canada's prettiest towns.

South Haven, Michigan

The blueberry capital of Michigan is also a dog-friendly, people-friendly beach town. South Haven has long stretches of sandy, swimmable shoreline marking its western boundary. The only interruption is a welcomed one: the Black River bisects this small Lake Michigan city and is guided by long, walkable piers (the southern one ends in an adorable red lighthouse) to the waters of Lake Michigan. Aside from simply lounging in the sun, the local Michigan Maritime Museum encourages visitors to get in touch with the lake-centric history of this region. Tourists can board the Friends Good Will tall ship, a replica of the one constructed all the way back in 1810, and sail a portion of the open waters. If your sea legs give way, stretch them out on the walkable and hospitable streets of downtown adjacent to the harbor.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Grand Haven sits on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan where the Grand River meets the lake. Like South Haven, Grand Haven has soft, tropical-esque beaches and a long pier with a sharp red lighthouse at the end of it. But Grand Haven also has a network of paved biking paths, a trolley to take tourists all through town, a waterfront stadium with regular live music performances, sheltered bayous branching off the Grand River that are perfect for paddle sports, and regular local farmers markets for all your produce and socializing needs. There's even a musical fountain that lights up at night. Grand Haven is designed to bring people together in the most joyous ways possible.

Tobermory, Ontario

At the northern tip of Ontario's Bruce Peninsula, the tranquil town of Tobermory is waiting to welcome you. This lovely harbor and fishing community serves up fresh daily catches to fuel fun adventures and relaxing cottage getaways. Many sunken ships can be seen right from the limestone shorelines thanks to the crystal-clear waters around Fathom Five National Marine Park, or studied up close by taking a glass-bottom boat tour or strapping on snorkel and scuba gear. Tobermory also marks the end of the 560-mile Bruce Trail, which begins back in Niagara but saves its best part for last as it follows the coast across Bruce Peninsula National Park. Visitors will be in for a real treat of a day hike if they follow the white tree markings into the woods and past several watery vistas and rock formations. Another shorter hike leads to the Big Tub Lighthouse, which still shines out over the waters of Lake Huron to the west and the massive Georgian Bay to the east.

Lake Country Welcome

The Great Lakes region is one of the most inviting parts of North America, good for soaking up the sun in summer, watching the leaves change in fall, and getting cozy by the fire in winter. These eight towns share an advantage: fresh water on one side, walkable downtowns on the other, and a scale that puts locals and visitors at the same lunch counter. Come hungry, come curious, and plan to stay longer than you thought.