9 The Great Lakes Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life

The industrial and transportation prowess of the Great Lakes facilitated the growth of many major cities across the United States and Canada. At the same time, the timeless beauty and, oftentimes, geographical isolation offered by these world-leading freshwater bodies allowed for small towns to sprout amongst their peripheral nooks and crannies, where they effectively resist the modern rat race. Though perfectly adequate in terms of amenities and undoubtedly replete as far as natural and cultural attractions, these nine Great Lakes towns ultimately specialize in a slower pace of life. So sit back, relax, and find inspiration in this brief international tour.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island hovers between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, as well as the precipice between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. This four-square-mile enclave doesn't just slow things down; it transports visitors back in time. Upon stepping off the ferry (which you can board at either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City), the refreshing lack of cars becomes immediately apparent. The only way to explore the Victorian/Colonial village, the historic hilltop fort, and the namesake state park (which covers approximately 80% of the entire island) is by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot.

While the overall pace is slow, the commercial core can be quite bustling at times. So if uninterrupted serenity is what you seek, I recommend renting a bike (you know, those cute single-speeds with a little basket in the front) from one of the dockside proprietors and casually covering the 8.2-mile perimeter loop.

Tobermory, Ontario

Another Great Lakes destination with a vibrant tourism scene but an easy-going pace of life is the harbourside village of Tobermory, Ontario. Hiding at the top of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory welcomes the wondrous Niagara Escarpment (with its tree-topped karst cliffs), witnesses the transition between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay (often called the "Sixth Great Lake"), and acts as the base town/welcome center for two of Canada's top national parks.

Score some fish 'n chips and ice cream around Little Tub Harbour, take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the shipwrecks, lighthouses, and undeveloped islands of Fathom Five National Marine Park, go for a shoreline hike in Bruce Peninsula National Park, or board the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry for a two-hour cruise over to Manitoulin Island - the largest freshwater island in the world, and home to our next slow-paced paradise.

Providence Bay, Ontario

Manitoulin Island is rich in scenery, wildlife (watch out for roadside moose!), Indigenous communities (just over 40% of the entire population belongs to First Nations), and microcosms free from mainland Ontario's hustle and bustle. I could highlight the tiny ferrytown of South Baymouth, the marina and shopping center at Little Current, the sleepy sanctuary of Manitowaning, or the budding art town of Gore Bay, but I think if you're coming to the Great Lakes to slow down, then the beach town of Providence Bay is perhaps best suited to the task.

Located on the south-central water body by the same name, Providence Bay enjoys not only a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) sandy shoreline (and a parallel boardwalk to boot), but shallow, and therefore relatively warm waters that allow for a longer swimming season. My van broke down here on the first of June (not a bad place to be stranded, I can tell you that), and it was already quite pleasant. Rounding out the chill vibe is a community with just enough amenities to satiate a multi-day retreat, including a fish 'n chips restaurant, a cool cafe, and a couple of accommodations.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

This quiet Great Lakes city is an underrated gem for nature lovers. Tucked away in northern Wisconsin, on the western wing of Lake Superior, Bayfield is well off the beaten path, but well worth the intentional excursion. Known as the "Gateway to the Apostle Islands," Bayfield acts as a cozy base for the 21-island archipelago (22 if you include the biggest of them all, Madeline Island), as well as the lighthouses (i.e. the largest collection in the National Park System), sea caves, and ancestral Ojibwe homelands of the corresponding 12-mile shoreline. Highly-regarded cruise and kayak operators are available in Bayfield's small, walkable downtown. Speaking of which, between outdoor adventures, be sure to pursue the boutique shops and eateries of Rittenhouse Avenue, and if you're fascinated by Superior's seafaring history, head on down to the Bayfield Maritime Museum (open June through September).

Bayfield, Ontario

If you find yourself struck by the Bayfield bliss, then why not continue the vibe in Canada's equivalent? Bayfield, Ontario, is an idyllic community within the Municipality of Bluewater, on the southeast shore of Lake Huron. Its designated Heritage Main Street (which begins in The Square, where Bayfield's farmers' market sets up shop on Friday afternoons) is lined with anachronistic inns, galleries, bookstores, and gift shops, as well as a healthy dose of restaurants and classy watering holes. Follow it through to its northwestern terminus, and you will arrive at Pioneer Park. From this pleasant green hilltop, a wooden staircase leads down to the lapping blue waters. Or you can traverse over to Bayfield's humble beach and walk the south pier to the mouth of the eponymous river.

Empire, Michigan

Another national lakeshore-adjacent community that specializes in a slower-paced life is that of Empire, Michigan. This tranquil village sits on the northwestern shore of the Lower Peninsula, at the base of the subsidiary Leelanau Peninsula. Empire is home to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center (where day passes and maps can be procured), as well as a delightful little tourist core - namely, Front Street. From here, visitors can head directly to Empire Beach and the Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse, scoot a tiny bit south, to the Empire Bluff Trail (and the wonderful panoramic views its affords after a short, wooded walk), or head north into the overlooked Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore via the Sleeping Bear Heritage cycling trail, or the aptly-named Dune Highway.

When you're all tuckered out from the sandy adventures, why not continue the charming tour deeper into the Leelanau Peninsula? This isolated land mass has made a name for itself thanks to the 20 award-winning wineries that make up the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. What better way to shake off the world for a bit longer?

Michigan City, Indiana

Speaking of underrated sand dunes, Indiana Dunes National/State Park (formerly, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore) is a must-see for introspective nature lovers and those curious about the quirkier sides of southern Lake Michigan. To the west, a smokestack skyline highlights the benefit of conserving delicate naturescapes, and to the east, the five 1933 Chicago World's Fair Century of Progress Homes punctuate the 15-mile sepia shoreline with color and a bizarre blend of futuristic vision from what is now almost a century passed. All in between are sand dunes hundreds of feet high, wild grasses, and 50 miles of rugged hiking trails through old-growth forests.

The best place to set up shop for an investigation of this incomparable segment of the Hoosier State is Michigan City, Indiana. It's not only immediately adjacent to the west side of Indiana Dunes National Park, but it also offers a collection of casual attractions around its harbor. These include the Old Lighthouse Museum, East Pierhead Lighthouse, and the Washington Park Beach and Zoo.

Ashland, Wisconsin

On my way up to Bayfield, Wisconsin, I happened across Ashland - a rustic city on the east side of Chequamegon Bay. Being just 30 minutes from Bayfield, Ashland has also taken to calling itself the "Gateway to the Apostle Islands." But since we've already investigated those "Jewels of Superior," let's hone in on Ashland's local assets. Known also as the "Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin," 20 massive paintings overtake many of the buildings along Main Street. The Ashland Mural Walk (which can also be done by trolley if booked in advance), is a slow-going way to appreciate not only the beautiful creations of two local artists, but also the railroad, lumber, military, natural, and cultural history that inspired them.

Before, during, or after the mural walk, you may wish to stop into the Ashland Historical Museum to learn more, catch a matinee flick at the indie Bay Theater, or recharge with a cup of joe and a book (there are many on site) at Black Cat Coffee House.

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Completing the Michigan trifecta of slow-going Great Lakes towns is Copper Harbor. Tucked at the very top of the Upper Peninsula - or, more specifically, the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula offshoot- this 100-resident community is an ideal place to get away from it all. From here, you can take a four-hour ferry to one of the least-developed and least-visited national parks in the country, Isle Royale, or enjoy the bountiful natural attractions around town. For instance, you can take a short drive up Brockway Mountain for arresting views of the rolling forests and enormity of Lake Superior, walk the trails through the towering white pine groves of Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, or simply hunker down around the namesake harbor, perhaps with some hearty grub from Harbor Haus Restaurant, or light bites from Jamesen's Bakery.

Slow Things Down This Summer

Now that school is out and the waters have warmed, it's time to start planning those weekend getaways and full-blown summer vacations. While the Great Lakes Region has its share of spritely beach towns, it also has a lot to offer in terms of slower-paced explorations. So, given the go-go mentality of modern life, perhaps it's high time to take the foot off the pedal (or ditch the car completely, in some cases) and sink into the lackadaisical charm of these nine lakeside towns.