9 Best Downtowns In The Great Lakes
Whether you're a local or a visitor in the Great Lakes Region, the day often starts and ends downtown. Here you can browse arts and heritage, sip on java, savor vino, or go on a date before and after basking on the beach or cruising the lake. These nine best downtowns on and around the Great Lakes complement the waterfront splendor of the region. In addition to easy beach access and boardwalks, many connect to piers with lighthouses and other iconic attractions, like an authentic windmill in Holland or the Artist Point in Grand Marais. Whether it's your first time in the area or you consider yourself a local, these towns deserve a closer look.
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
This Lake Superior gem boasts two splendid waterfronts and a lively downtown atmosphere on a peninsula in Green Bay. The highway turns into Main Street, running west to dog-friendly Sunset Beach Park. Fish Creek is easy to navigate on foot, starting from Founder's Square downtown. Formerly the site of early settlers’ homes and businesses, this historic shopping quarter along the bluff preserves Fish Creek's architectural integrity.
Visitors can explore local culture and heritage while shopping and dining, and the 19th-century Alexander Noble House Museum offers tours of period furniture and Victorian displays. From local shops and galleries to several restaurants and cafes in buildings dating back to the late 1800s, there is no shortage of ambiance in downtown Fish Creek. Pelletier’s Restaurant has a lovely terrace and is known for its nightly fish boil. Afterward, grab a cone next door at Dippy's Ice Cream Shop for a two-block stroll north to the marina at sunset.
Grand Haven, Michigan
Settled as a fur trading post in the 1830s, this small town grew thanks to its port and railroad at the mouth of the Grand River on Lake Michigan. Grand Haven today is recognized far beyond its small size. Front and center on the river, Grand Haven Musical Fountain has been a crowd pleaser since 1962, with synchronized water, lights, and music.
Start your tour on the paved 1.5-mile Grand River Boardwalk, which runs west along the river, from the shops at Chinook Pier to the state park, pier, and lighthouses on the lake. Brunch at Morning Star Cafe is a vacation staple before a day at the beach or a visit to the stately Tri-Cities Historical Museum, which offers free entry and has a lovely gift shop. When it's time to call it a night, Harbor House Inn offers spacious, cozy rooms in the heart of Grand Haven.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Once a Native American community, the French name for "big marsh" nods at the French trappers and Scandinavian colonists in the 1850s who utilized a vast wild stretch of Superior's coast for fur trade and fishing. Grand Marais, the state's first art colony, continues to lure travelers with easy access along the shallow shores of the deepest Great Lake.
Grand Marais' picturesque harborfront exudes maritime charm with scenic vistas amidst galleries, studios, and boutiques, like Spriggan Stone's unique, handmade gifts. Visitors can stroll down Broadway Avenue to Artist's Point, a rocky peninsula next to the breakwater that leads to the lighthouse. Once you've worked up an appetite, Angry Trout Café or the Fisherman's Daughter at Dockside Fish Market are local favorites for home cooking and fresh seafood.
Holland, Michigan
Founded by Dutch immigrants, Holland's heritage is evident and celebrated in its architecture and festivals; the town even has an authentic windmill that was brought over from the Netherlands in 1964. The hip and historic downtown is ideal for shopping, tasting, and browsing arts and traditional treats, with a wide variety of local beer on tap at New Holland Brewing. The town also boasts two waterfronts on the Macatawah River.
Just east of Lake Michigan, Holland lures nature and culture lovers alike into one of the most colorful places in all of the Great Lakes, with downtown attractions like Window on the Waterfront. This 30-acre park offers easy access to walking trails and bike paths, a baseball field, and thousands of tulips. For a deeper dive, the Holland Museum tells the story of the town's founding and evolution, and showcases Dutch art and exhibits dating back centuries.
Michigan City, Indiana
Adjacent to the Indiana Dunes along the south tip of Lake Michigan, Michigan City dates back to the purchase of just 160 acres of land for about $200 in 1830. The 1857 Barker Mansion offers a glimpse of early settlement with period furnishings and artifacts. Today, the handsome downtown encompasses a waterfront promenade and Michigan Blvd, its main street. Visitors can even enjoy a lakefront zoo in Washington Park with raptors, gators, and big cats, or try their luck at the lively Blue Chip Casino.
Whether you're after the beaches, boating, or dunes, there's something for everyone, including fine dining, craft breweries, and a winery. The 19th-century Old Lighthouse Museum is a beloved landmark at the mouth of Trail Creek, offering self-guided tours and exhibits on maritime history. If you are lucky enough to be in town at the end of August, the Lakefront Art Festival showcases local fine art and craftworks, while in July, the Great Lakes Grand Prix features races on the water and a range of events throughout town.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Nestled in the river bend on Kalamazoo Lake, Saugatuck's commercial district is the beating heart of the town, with galleries, shops, and boutiques running south toward Sergeant Marina. Saugatuck Center for the Arts is set inside a former pie factory and showcases statewide talent across genres and disciplines, as well as a scenic outdoor garden and farmers market.
To fuel your day's adventures, Uncommon Coffee Roasters is a great stop on the Village Square. The popular café serves ethically-sourced coffee and fresh baked goods, and they have outdoor seating on a lovely patio. No matter where or how you start your day, however, all roads eventually lead to Oval Beach, with its silky-soft sand dunes and pristine waters.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Boasting 1,900 feet of public waterfront, this beautiful town sits along the northeastern shore of Lake Superior's Green Bay. To power your exploring, stop by Door County Creamery. The local staple serves fresh cheese and other delights made with milk from their own goats. The lively atmosphere on the Door Peninsula is ideal for any getaway or weekend escape, from the local amusement park to the historical society and Frykman Studio Gallery.
Sister Bay's Fall Fest promises three days of family fun and an exuberant arts and crafts fair in October. Enjoy the foliage, renowned in Door County, and the bright blue bay, lighting up in epic sunsets along the shore. When it's time for a rest, cozy spots like the Country House Resort and Open Hearth Lodge are ready to welcome you with a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City boasts a unique location at the bottom of both the East and West Arms of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. Charming and trendy, the multiple waterfronts lend a scenic appeal to downtown, with a myriad of tourist attractions. The streets are lined with eclectic shops, unique architecture, and boutiques, which inspire exploration and always lead to the water.
Visitors can enjoy Clinch Park's picnic tables and beach amenities for a swim or time to relax after shopping at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. In addition to local wineries, the Dennos Museum Center is tucked off in the northeastern corner of town along the water, with rotating and permanent exhibits, a beautiful gift shop, and a performing arts center. For a true taste of Traverse City, Amical serves locally sourced European-inspired cuisine in the heart of downtown with gorgeous views of West Grand Traverse Bay.
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Two Harbors lures tourists from all over to the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, at the doorstep of Gooseberry Falls State Park. After exploring the trails and lookouts with waterfalls and wildlife, travelers will find a vibrant downtown. It is a lively affair year-round, with a curated mix of shops selling outdoor gear, local arts and crafts, gifts, and everything in between.
Get to know the area via its history at Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum, and chill out with a frosted mug at Castle Danger Brewery. The popular gathering spot has an inviting taproom, seasonal outdoor seating, and hosts events throughout the year. Cedar Coffee Company is another laid-back hangout with hot and cold espresso drinks and tasty treats, plus a dog-friendly patio. Just south of downtown, the red Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum offers self-guided tours of the longest continuously running lighthouse on the North Shore.
From Fish Creek, Wisconsin, to Saugatuck, Michigan, these nine eye-catching downtown areas blend culture and heritage along their respective waterfronts, highlighting the best of the Great Lakes. Strolling along the storied streets and architecture is like reading into the history of each town. From artsy and historic to stylish, foliage-studded, and festival-ridden, each of these stops offers something unique and deserves a spot on your next itinerary.
