9 Best Towns In The Great Lakes For A Two-Day Recharge
The Great Lakes are a chain of freshwater lakes located in east-central North America consisting of Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. The lakes are connected by the St. Lawrence River and empty out into the Atlantic Ocean. They rank among the 14 largest lakes in the world, serving as a natural border between the United States and Canada, with shorelines in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as the province of Ontario.
For decades, they have attracted many visitors, with each lake offering a unique experience, ranging from scenic beaches and tranquil scenery to bustling resort towns and rich history. These are the nine best towns in the Great Lakes for a two-day recharge.
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Winthrop Harbor is located in Illinois, on the shore of Lake Michigan, drawing in visitors for its diverse landscape. Illinois Beach State Park boasts miles of shoreline, thousands of acres of forests, dunes, beaches, a popular fishing pond, and numerous hiking and biking trails woven throughout its expansive landscape. Visitors to Winthrop Harbor can enjoy a stay at Illinois Beach Hotel, the only hotel in the state situated on the beaches of Lake Michigan. Guests can enjoy modern rooms and choose from views of Lake Michigan or of Illinois Beach State Park.
Illinois Beach State Park surrounds North Point Marina, one of the largest inland marinas in the United States. It offers a wide range of amenities, including a swimming pool, a large sheltered sandy beach, and both a restaurant and a pub during the summer. Enjoy a variety of beers at Harbor Brewing Co., which features a consistently rotating selection of beers on a weekly basis.
Chesterton, Indiana
Chesterton, Indiana, is a great place for a two-day recharge for those looking to enjoy the outdoors and unwind with wine tastings. Indiana Dunes State Park sprawls 2,182 acres, including sand dunes that tower 200 feet above Lake Michigan. It is the ideal spot for a picnic, hiking, or simply enjoying the beach. Running Vines Winery offers tastings of its award-winning wines and hosts weekly events, including trivia nights, live music on weekends, and happy hour on select nights.
Enjoy a relaxing lakeside stay at Best Western Indian Oak, which offers several amenities, including a large indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center. If you are visiting Chesterton on a Saturday between May and October, be sure not to miss Chesterton's European Market, an artisan and farmers' market located in downtown Chesterton, offering an array of produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is an idyllic spot for a two-day recharge, free of cars and city noise. The best way to get around is by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle. Experience the history of Mackinac Island through Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, a 1-hour and 45-minute horse-drawn carriage ride offering narrated tours through downtown to Surrey Hills, Arch Rock, and Fort Mackinac. A visit to Mackinac Island is not complete without sampling world-famous Mackinac Island fudge. Joann’s Fudge has several locations downtown, offering over 25 different flavors of fudge.
Stay at the Lake View Hotel, which is conveniently located downtown and offers a range of amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a heated indoor pool, and friendly concierge service. Visit Fort Holmes, whether you are a history buff or not. It is the highest point on the island, offering stunning views and a great spot for a picnic.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais is one of Minnesota’s most popular destinations for a getaway on Lake Superior. It is a vibrant, artsy town, complemented by natural scenic beauty. The Grand Marais Art Colony is a studio, gallery, store, and exhibition space all in one. Artist’s Point, a flat rock peninsula, provides a great scenic spot to watch the waves splashing against the rocks.
Stay at Cobblestone Cove Villas Vacation Rentals, which are conveniently located within walking distance to all of Grand Marais’ attractions, and enjoy private decks and patios overlooking Lake Superior and Grand Marais Harbor. For a taste of locally caught fish from Lake Superior, visit the Fisherman’s Daughter at Dockside Fish Market, which is open daily. You can also get fish and chips, deli items, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and desserts.
Dunkirk, New York
Dunkirk is a great place to enjoy the outdoors around Lake Erie for a two-day recharge. Lake Erie State Park boasts a shoreline spanning over three-quarters of a mile, offering opportunities for water sports like kayaking and canoeing, as well as hiking trails that lead to high bluffs overlooking Lake Erie. For an even better view of Lake Erie, partake in a guided tour of Dunkirk Lighthouse that allows guests onto the observation deck.
Clarion Hotel Marina and Conference Center offers guests waterfront views and modern amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and in-room cable television. City Pier Park is open year-round and allows for boat launching, fishing, and picnicking. In the summer months, the pier comes alive with Music on the Pier and other events.
Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Geneva-on-the-Lake is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie and is known for activities throughout all four seasons. Stay at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, a high-quality resort offering different forms of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and private lakeside cottages, as well as many on-site activities. A visit to Ohio’s wine country is not complete without a visit to one of the many wineries in the area. During the summer, Old Firehouse Winery features a full-service menu on its patio, nightly music, and offers unique wines, many of which have won state-wide competitions.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy recharging at Geneva State Park, which offers visitors the opportunity to go boating, fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing on a sandy beach. For family fun, spend a day at Adventure Zone, which features 10 different attractions suitable for all ages, including ziplines, go-karts, bumper boats, and climbing walls.
Waterford, Pennsylvania
Slightly inland from the coast of Lake Erie, Waterford, Pennsylvania, is an ideal spot for a two-day break if you enjoy history and natural surroundings. The Fort Leboeuf Historical Museum is built on the site of the original French fort and features numerous exhibits, with admission to the museum offered free of charge. For another historical outing, the Sunset Drive-In is the oldest continuously operating drive-in theatre in Erie County, with space for 150 cars.
The Green Goose Lodge offers private apartments with appealing amenities such as an outdoor fireplace and a dining area. Relax at Gazebo Park, a green space with outdoor activities, well-maintained paths, and a baseball court. This park allows visitors to be as active as they want, located in the heart of Waterford.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
A two-day stay in Bayfield shouldn’t be without exploring the natural beauty of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which is located in Wisconsin’s Bayfield peninsula, featuring 21 islands and a scenic 12-mile shoreline along Lake Superior. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the lake on a watercraft, camping, and exploring sea caves. Discover the area's history through hands-on exhibits, focusing on maritime life and stories at the Bayfield Maritime Museum.
If you are visiting Bayfield in the summer months, be sure to make time to go apple and cherry picking on the hills of Bayfield at Apple Hill Orchard. Enjoy your time in Bayfield at Lake Superior Lodge. It is situated on the shores of Lake Superior, with all hotel rooms and private condos offering stunning lake views, ensuring a peaceful and tranquil experience.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake is situated in southern Ontario, just a 25-minute drive from Niagara Falls, and is renowned for its historic district and numerous wineries. Peller Estate Winery offers unique tours of its winery and is home to Niagara’s only igloo-like Icewine lounge. Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage district, home to unique boutiques, restaurants, and shops, including Just Christmas, Canada’s oldest year-round Christmas emporium.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, located high atop the Niagara Gorge, overlooking the Niagara River, and offering visitors the opportunity to participate in activities such as hiking and bouldering. Enjoy a refreshing stay at White Oaks Resort and Spa, full of luxurious amenities such as a world-class spa, fitness facility, and golf course.
Recharge in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are an ideal spot for a two-day recharge, regardless of who you are. Their natural beauty, small-town charm, and abundance of wineries in the region offer something for everyone. From the car-free streets of Mackinac Island to the natural beauty of Bayfield, the Great Lakes are the perfect spot for a two-day getaway from daily life.
