8 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In The Great Lakes
Several states border the Great Lakes, which form a natural boundary between Canada and the US and are the largest body of fresh water on Earth. Tiny towns along the immense shorelines, like Leland, Michigan, feel undisturbed, allowing you to forget the daily stressors in the unfolding scenery. Are you landlocked but craving an ocean fix? Michigan is sometimes referred to as the nation's third coast, touching four of these "inland seas," while the Empire State is often forgotten as a Great Lakes destination, with two towns on this list. Discover eight hidden gems and see for yourself why these sweet spots just might be the country's best-kept secret.
Alpena, Michigan
This Lake Huron lumber town once thrived as a port, ushering thousands of ships on the moody Thunder Bay, known as "Shipwreck Alley." The Thunder Bay Underwater Marine Sanctuary actually preserves and protects over 50 shipwrecks that can be seen by snorkeling, kayaking, and diving, as well as a visitor center with information about Alpena's marine history. Back on dry land, the world-class Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center offers free entry to its own shipwreck gallery and interactive exhibits.
Dubbed the "Sanctuary of the Great Lakes," Alpena feels insulated from the daily stressors of the world, providing stunning sunrises, access to open water, and a gently curving shoreline. Escape every last reminder of urbanity across the footbridge to Island Park for kayaking and birdwatching along picturesque nature paths. From the paved promenade at Bay View Park to the clean, packed sand beach to the south, there are plenty of places to admire the landscape and scenery.
Conneaut, Ohio
This Lake Erie city and the state's northeasternmost point remains relatively undisturbed along the Pennsylvania border, with a marina full of stunning boats providing access to the Conneaut Harbor. The historic Conneaut West Breakwater Lighthouse is most stunning at sunset. Conneaut Township Park is ideal for sunny picnics, hunting for sea glass, and leisurely strolls along the boardwalk. The park also hosts an annual D-Day reenactment, 4th of July fireworks, charity fundraisers, and weekly car shows all summer long.
There are also five covered bridges within minutes of each other, such as the Historic Middle Road Covered Bridge. Built in 1868 and reconstructed in 1984, it is one of 16 driveable covered bridges in the county. Meanwhile, the nearby Historic Olin's Covered Bridge is the only one in the state to be named after a family, while the beautiful Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge is the longest in the US, at 613 feet.
Copper Harbor, Michigan
The northernmost community in the Great Lakes State promises secluded vibes and easy access at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Whether you're after rich history, fall foliage, or some of the world's top biking trails, Copper Harbor offers a serene escape. One of the most sought-after views is atop Brockway Mountain, a steep incline with lots of twists and turns that reward drivers with 360-degree views, bald eagles circling, and freighters on the Great Lakes some 700 feet below. The 9.4-acre Hunter's Point Park features a loop trail and pebbly beaches on a spit that stretches out into Lake Superior. Not far from town, it is just a short hike into Manganese Falls, a waterfall best viewed after a good rain.
Dunkirk, New York
Named for its sister city in France, America's Dunkirk sits just 50 miles southwest of Buffalo on the shores of Lake Erie. Here, travelers enjoy the ocean-like views plus lush vineyards and tasting rooms minutes away in every direction. Wake up for a morning stroll at City Pier Park, ideal for boating, fishing, or just relaxing after a trip to the Dunkirk Boardwalk Marketplace. Point Gratiot Park is another popular spot with scenic trails, picnic tables, and access to the beach. Cap off a great day by catching the sunset as it illuminates Dunkirk Lighthouse, established in 1826 and still operational with an onsite maritime museum.
Evans, New York
Boasting 12 miles of pristine Lake Erie shoreline, the town of Evans is a mosaic of unique neighborhoods to discover one step at a time. In addition to local businesses, like the popular Angola Lakeside Market & Butcher Shoppe, the waterfront communities boast a wide array of recreational opportunities, from guided fishing charters and undisturbed beach walks to a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff, a stunning lakeside house-turned-museum just north of town. Sturgeon Point Marina is open to the public, while Wendt Beach Park is a preferred spot for swimming, windsurfing, wildlife spotting, and westward sunsets, and the 733-acre Evangola State Park offers beach swimming, sports fields, disc golf, and seasonal campsites.
Fairport Harbor, Ohio
This charming town offers some of the most peaceful natural vistas from the bluffs where the Grand River enters the Great Lakes. Fairport Harbor Marine Museum features a scenic and historic lighthouse and marine artifacts on display in the former keeper's dwellings. In addition to the Finnish Heritage Museum and locally owned shops downtown, the natural barriers result in less through traffic, lending a peaceful retreat feel from Cleveland, just 30 miles away.
You can book a charter or fish straight off the pier in Fairport Harbor, or walk the shoreline in search of sea glass. Spend a beach day at the nearby Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve, one of Ohio's best beachfront parks and a premier birding site. Enjoy photos at sunset and the operational lighthouse as waves splash against the breakwater.
Leland, Michigan
Flanked by Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, this hidden gem is an ideal base to get in touch with nature, whether hiking, biking, boating, or birding. Leland is the place to fall back on a traditional lifestyle with small shops and family-owned wineries, steps from the sandy Van's Beach. Nedows Bay also offers a beach, a boat launch, and a pier on the inland lake. Part of the walkable historic district, Fishtown maintains its authentic vibe along the rustic docks, with shanties, boats, and smokehouses. Many wooden shacks have been converted into cute shops and restaurants. Once a general store and community hall, the charming 1880 Leland Harbor House downtown is an ice cream shop and boutique with local gifts and souvenirs.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
The car-free Mackinac Island is certainly a place like no other, with unique lodgings in lieu of chain hotels, golf carts, and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping along the cobblestoned streets in the historic downtown. Ideal for romance and family vacations alike, this National Historic Landmark is a sanctuary of timelessness and nature, with over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails that weave past historic sights to remote beaches, like British Landing, an iconic place for its views and history.
Whether you take to the water or stick close to town for shopping and dining, the "Jewel of the Great Lakes" is an escape from the everyday you won't soon forget. So savor world-famous fudge at Murdick's and be amazed by the size of Arch Rock. This limestone monolith rises about 150 feet above Lake Huron on the northeastern shore, with easy access by bike, carriage, or a scenic hike. How perfectly it's framed by the scenery and stunning sunrise that lights up the shoreline, water, and surrounding forest.
Life in each of these eight towns is tied to a Great Lake shoreline, from protected harbors to seaside cliffs and remote lighthouses. Long settled for the region's rich bounty, the historic districts provide a charming, tranquil atmosphere and a laid-back lifestyle. Michigan gems like Mackinac Island and Leland complement more isolated towns, like Copper Harbor, and despite their allure, these sweet spots are still waiting peacefully and patiently to be discovered.
