9 Great Lakes Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
Many Americans (and Canadians) prefer the Great Lakes over the seashore, and it is not hard to see why. The Great Lakes are gorgeous, can be surfed, there are no hurricanes, and the water is clean. The small towns that sit on the shores of these lakes offer a leisurely pace of life and all the natural wonders visitors could ask for. For instance, Grand Marais, Michigan, features beautiful Lake Superior beaches and the Grand Sable Dunes. Bayfield, Ontario, is home to Pioneer Park, which overlooks Lake Huron. Great Lakes towns are a major draw for both locals and visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors and explore what each town has to offer at their own pace.
Leland, Michigan (Lake Michigan)
Leland is a tiny town between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, where visitors can lose themselves in the views and the relaxed vibe. Also known as Fishtown for its commercial fishing history, Leland offers the chance to stroll past shantytown-style buildings and buy candy from the Dam Candy Store. By the candy store, the Leland River flows into Lake Michigan, creating a visual spectacle. Those who want to get into the water can kayak, boat, or paddleboard from Leland Harbor. The harbor is also a tranquil space to sit and watch the lake's gentle waves or have a bite to eat. And, around 13 miles away lies the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There are massive sand dunes here that visitors can climb, and trails to hike. The views of the lake from this vantage point are unmatched.
Saugatuck, Michigan (Lake Michigan)
Saugatuck is another magical Lake Michigan destination that features sand dunes and gorgeous beaches. The Southerner is a cozy place to kick back and enjoy delicious southern cuisine before walking the 303 steps to the top of the 250-foot Mount Baldhead sand dune. This climb rewards visitors with fantastic views of the town and the water from an observation deck. Those who prefer water activities over hiking can take the Saugatuck Chain Ferry to get across the Kalamazoo River towards Mount Baldhead Park. There is also the incredible Oval Beach on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, which is ideal for sandcastle building, swimming, and strolling. Visitors who want to do some birdwatching or explore more of the area’s dunes can do just that at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, which also boasts a 2.5-mile stretch of beach.
Grand Marais, Michigan (Lake Superior)
There are more beaches to explore in Grand Marais, Michigan, which sits right at the southern edge of Lake Superior. The town is also the eastern entrance to the incredible Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Some of the best beaches to visit include Agate Beach, where the sunsets are spectacular and agate hunting is a favored activity. There is also a protected swimming beach at the Grand Marais Harbor where visitors can spend the day playing volleyball and picnicking. The other major attraction is the Grand Sable Dunes which sit on top of the 300-foot high Grand Sable Banks. Visitors can access the dunes via the Grand Sable Dunes Trail which starts in the Sable Falls parking area just a mile west of town. At the end of a gorgeous day in Grand Marais, visitors can have a delicious meal and drinks at the Dunes Saloon Lake Superior Brewing Company.
Munising, Michigan (Lake Superior)
Munising is a magical Great Lakes destination, just an hour away from Grand Marais, that offers fantastic glass-bottom boat tours. These tours take visitors out on Lake Superior, allowing them to enjoy the scenery while keeping an eye out for the shipwrecks that still lie beneath the surface. It is also possible to take a boat or kayak tour of the Pictured Rocks along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. These magnificent rocks are ‘painted’ in reds, oranges, coppers, and browns, and some of them stretch up to 200 feet in the air directly from Lake Superior. There is also the Miners Castle overlook to explore, where the colors of the cliffs frame the clear blue-green water. Those who go to see this incredible natural wonder often stay for birdwatching, hiking, or ice fishing, depending on the season. Other serene outings in Munising include backpacking in the Hiawatha National Forest or renting a pontoon boat to cruise Munising Bay. A pontoon boat cruise comes with views of the surrounding waterfalls and cliffs (and even lighthouses), while a hike in the forest features at least 100 miles of shoreline along three of the Great Lakes, namely Superior, Huron, and Michigan.
Alpena, Michigan (Lake Huron)
Alpena is a water activity enthusiast’s dream, making it one of the most ideal Great Lakes towns. The town is around 66% water and the perfect place for water gliding, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking across the Thunder Bay River. There are also several fishing spots in 300,000 acres of water surrounding this beautiful town. Those who want to see some of the nearly 200 vessels at the bottom of Lake Huron along the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary can board a glass-bottom boat or snorkel at Besser Natural Area. Alpena is also surrounded by no fewer than three Dark Sky Preserve Parks. This is a wonderful attraction for those who want to sit under the wide, darkening skies and watch the stars for hours on end. One of the best places to do this is at the Rockport Recreation Area, which sits on the shores of Lake Huron. Rockport offers several other activities as well, including hiking, swimming, and searching for fossils inside an old quarry.
Bayfield, Ontario (Lake Huron)
Visitors who want to explore a little bit of the Canadian side of the Great Lakes can head to Bayfield in Ontario. This small town sits on Lake Huron’s eastern shores and is located close to Goderich on the Bluewater Highway. One of the most popular activities in Bayfield is strolling Historic Main Street and supporting the local shops. Visitors who like hunting for unique bargains or gifts will find plenty at The Village Bookshop and The Spotted Cow. At Main Street’s west end lies Pioneer Park, where people can have picnics or take the staircase down to the beach. There are also great views over Lake Huron from here. The most frequented beach is the Main Beach and Pier, where there are more lovely views and more than enough space to just relax. Those who want to get to know the locals can make their way to the Bayfield Farmers’ Market, which is set up every Friday during the summer months. There is also the Black Dog Village Pub, where visitors can get a bite to eat as well as great drinks.
Vermilion, Ohio (Lake Erie)
Vermilion is a classic American town on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. People love getting out on the water on boats over the weekend, or going on a cruise on the Mystic Belle. This pretty cruise boat runs daily tours of the Vermilion River, the lake, and the surrounding lagoons. After a couple of hours enjoying the sun and the water, Big Ed’s Soda Grill awaits with excellent burgers and even better soda floats. There are plenty more things to see and do after lunch, including strolling to the Vermilion Lighthouse at Main Street Beach, which overlooks the lake. This is a great place to just relax and watch the boats come and go. And those who want to do something active can take the Vermilion Bike Path and travel through Vermilion, Oberlin, Lorain, and Avon Lake.
Westfield, New York (Lake Erie)
Visitors can also explore Lake Erie from Westfield, New York. Before they even get to the water, people often explore the Lake Erie vineyards close to town. There are several wineries here that offer tastings, including the Johnson Estate Winery, as well as beautiful views of the lake along the way. By the shore lies Barcelona Harbor Beach, where visitors can sit and enjoy the views. Swimming is not allowed, but the beach is perfect for picnicking and relaxing. If it happens to be a rainy day, there is the McClurg Museum to explore. The museum features evolving collections of artifacts that tell the most important stories of the town’s history. The stunning Barcelona Lighthouse is three minutes away, which was one of the locations in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse. The lighthouse overlooks the Barcelona Harbor on the lake and was the first lighthouse to be powered by natural gas.
Sackets Harbor, New York (Lake Ontario)
Sackets Harbor is yet another Great Lakes town built for lazy days along the water and exploring the town's entertainment options. This charming village is part of New York’s 1000 Islands region and overlooks the breathtaking Lake Ontario. Here, visitors can take serene boat tours of Black River Bay or pick a spot on the docks to watch the sailboats go by. For lunch, there is The Sackets Boathouse or The Whiskey Coop, which offers a great menu and memorable drinks near the water. Afterwards, visitors can explore the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, which was one of the major navy bases during the War of 1812. There is a nice walking path called the Bicentennial Trail that runs around the village and passes old military buildings at Madison Barracks. The trail is an easy and laid-back way to explore the town and learn some of its history at the same time.
A Peaceful Getaway At The Great Lakes
The towns that sit on the shores of the five Great Lakes have their own pace and rhythm. Residents live by the timing of the waves and the weather, enjoying every moment of their tranquil surroundings. These small towns are simply perfect for slowing down and really taking in the old fishing shanties, the docks, and the views of the water. There are also plenty of activities like sand dune climbing, fossil searching, and wine tastings, something for everyone. If you are overdue for a break, there is a peaceful getaway awaiting you at the Great Lakes.
