11 Small Towns in The Great Lakes with the Best Downtowns
Come for the beach, stay for the lively downtown. These 11 small towns span four states and provinces across all five Great Lakes. Each one bears a unique fingerprint, but one thing they all have in common is a commercial core that is as compelling as the massive bodies of freshwater they orbit. From the islands of Lake Erie up to the isolated treasures of Lake Superior, over to the military and Victorian legacy on Lake Ontar... I mean, ummm, Lake America? All of these small-town downtowns provide ample alternatives during inclement days, or can just as easily be treated as destinations unto themselves. Let's start with a prized beach town on the Canadian side of these bi-national beauties.
Port Stanley, ON
Once known as the "Coney Island of the Great Lakes," Port Stanley is still one of the best beach towns in Ontario. Its pithy downtown is centered around the King George VI Lift Bridge, which spans Kettle Creek on its way up from Lake Erie and Port Stanley Beach. Bridge Street features two cute coffee shops, varied eateries, the esteemed Port Stanley Festival Theatre, and the always crowd-pleasing Broderick's ice cream parlour. Rounding onto Main Street, Port Stanley's boutique and art shops present themselves on the way down to Little Beach. And on the other side of the creek, accessed via a convivial walking path, Port Stanley Brewing and Riva Italian Restaurant make excellent use of their large square footage and generous, water-facing patios. Adding even more flair to its already colorful downtown is the Port Stanley's tourist train, and the sporadic presence of Waldo-esque "Post People."
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
This National Historic Site of Canada sits on the southern shore of Lake Ontario (sorry, we're still calling it that), where it meets the mouth of the Niagara River. Niagara-on-the-Lake, or "NOTL" for short, is bookended by two War of 1812 forts, and predominantly concentrated around Queen Street. Yes, there are some cheesy tourist shops and steady crowds on any fair-weather day, but the wealth of historic structures (90, in fact, spread across the Old Town district) keeps the magic alive. The cenotaph clocktower, Victorian-era Prince of Wales Hotel, and various Shaw Festival theatres leap to the foreground, and look all the more anachronistic as the horse-drawn carriages come clopping by. Those looking to get a taste of Niagara's revered wine region can grab a bite and a bottle at Shaw Cafe & Wine Bar. And those looking to indulge their sweet tooth have an array of ice cream/gelato, fudge, candy and pastry shops.
St. Joseph, MI
Downtown St. Joseph sits on a bluff above its spritely Lake Michigan beach. And while these distinct sections of St. Joe should really be taken as a whole, the downtown portion is reason enough to visit. Centered around State Street, St. Joe's commercial core is where all the beachgoers ascend to at day's end, but also where sun-shy shoppers and wine connoisseurs meander at all hours. In terms of the latter, with three different tasting rooms, downtown St. Joseph is an integral part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Better still, downtown St. Joe acts as one of Michigan's famous "Social Districts," meaning you can request your wine of choice in a take-away cup and walk the streets freely with it while you window-shop and socialize. If beer is your preferred beverage, then the nearby St Joe Community Taproom and Silver Harbor Brewing Company have your back. While cruising about, you might come across Saturday's downtown Farmers Market or Sunday's Antiques on the Bluff. But on any average day, the sounds of patio conversations and buskers fill the streets with positive energy.
Sandusky, OH
Famous for its skyline of mega coasters courtesy of Cedar Point, the rest of Sandusky, Ohio, is a blend of artistic and historic charm. Sandusky's downtown hugs the mouth of Sandusky Bay, where it meets the Western Basin of Lake Erie. Walking its few square blocks reveals mural covered brick buildings, and stately structures that have been converted into commercial attractions. The Merry-Go-Round Museum housed within the rotund post office is a prime example, but so too is the old bank-turned church-turned Vita coffee shop and bistro. When the soft evening sun graces Water Street, crowds gather on the patio at Paddle Bar. Afterwards, those in the know putter across to Volstead Bar, a speakeasy cocktail lounge obscured within a meek legal office.
Put-in-Bay, OH
Reachable by ferry from Sandusky, as well as the nearby mainland towns of Marblehead and Catawba, is the chain of Lake Erie Islands spanning from Ohio's half of this shallow Great Lake, through to Pelee Island, Ontario. In terms of the Buckeye State's portion of the archipelago, Kelleys Island and Middle Bass take a reserved approach to tourism, but the community of Put-in-Bay, on South Bass Island, leans into its magnetic downtown. Put-in-Bay is perfectly walkable, but many visitors and residents alike utilize golf carts to enhance their experience and range upon the island. In any case, there are a few key subsections of PIB's downtown to park your cart and keister.
The first is The Boardwalk, which juts out into the namesake waterbody and serves up the famous lobster bisque. Put-in-Bay, after all, is the "Lobster Bisque Capital of Ohio." The next is Catawba Avenue, one of a few candidates for "Main Street." This thoroughfare introduces PIB's two wineries, brewery, and the "world's longest bar." In case you can't tell, PIB is a bit of a party island. But lastly, the eastern edge of downtown is ever beckoning thanks to Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. This 352-foot, War of 1812 tower honors the longest undefended border on the planet, serving as a reminder that, despite our current squabbles, Canada and the United States have long maintained an exemplary relationship.
Southampton, ON
Southampton sits at the base of Ontario's Bruce Peninsula, facing out to Lake Huron. Its long sandy beach is the primary attraction, but there is much to enjoy in its commercial core, before, during, and after a relaxing beach day. Standing at the intersection of Highway 21 and High Street, newcomers have sightlines to a diverse array of indulgences. If it's morning and you need a little shot in the arm, The Lighthouse Restaurant is an ever-popular spot to gorge on classic diner breakfast, whereas Dizzy Bird Coffee hones in on artisanal caffeine kicks. Afterwards, you might shift your focus to Southampton Arts, which runs regular galleries and occasional plays from within the retired red-brick church/clocktower. And lastly, as part of Southampton's "Store to Shore" initiative, numerous book and boutique shops coat High Street on its way out to the beach and boardwalk.
Collingwood, ON
On the eastern, Georgian Bay side of the Bruce Peninsula, Collingwood's downtown has really blossomed over the years. Known for its surrounding ski resorts and Niagara Escarpment trails, the heart of Collingwood, as is unfurled via Hurontario Street, has a rich look and feel to it. The Town Hall Clock Tower and "CWOOD" sign effortlessly captures one's gaze, but there are subtle assets to uncover as well, many of which sit right in its shadow. For instance, squeeze down the slim brick alley between Town Hall and the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame, and you'll find the lively Gibson & Co cafe & bar. If you take your coffee to go, then feel free to walk the next alley down, which showcases the lovely Millenium Murals. Then, steering northbound, passing the many shops and restaurants en route, you'll reach Collingwood Harbour, where a tall ship or two may very well be docked, and where the tranquil Georgian Trail picks up.
Creemore, ON
The Great Lakes region extends well beyond the immediate shorelines of its five fresh water bodies. And while it makes sense that attention is given to sunny beach towns, there are some inland gems that should not be overlooked. Case in point: the village of Creemore, Ontario. Set amongst European-esque lavender farms, Creemore feels a world away, even though it's just 25 minutes south of Collingwood and the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay (i.e. a massive arm of Lake Huron). Historic Mill Street leads the way into downtown Creemore, an anachronistic enclave bathed in sepia tones. Once a sleepy settlement, Creemore was spurred on by the arrival of the Creemore Springs Brewery, which opened in an old hardware store in 1987. Now, attractive coffee shops beckon backroad cyclists, fusion restaurants (one Michelin-star designated) turn heads, and the smallest jail in North America delights weekend sightseers.
Bayfield, WI
Bayfield, Wisconsin, is known as the "Gateway to the Apostle Islands." But this Lake Superior city (the smallest in the state, mind you), has a lot of character in its modest downtown core. Rittenhouse Avenue serves as a reduced-speed section of the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway, allowing boutique businesses and nifty tourist shops to flourish with the summertime crowds. Wonderstate Coffee is a popular rallying point for all ages, but families with young kids will likely feel the pull towards Bayfield's multiple ice cream, candy, and toy shops. Bayfield's accommodations also tend to serve as diverse dinner spots, whether it's St. James Social's elegant restaurant, or the casual rooftop patio at The Bayfield Inn. At the water's edge, you'll find Apostle Island Cruises, who will happily whisk you off into the 22-island archipelago. Or, if it's a Tuesday or Thursday evening in the summer, the Music in the Park, aka "Concerts by the Lake," series will beckon from adjacent Memorial Park.
Caseville, MI
In the bottom right corner of the Lower Peninsula, at the top of Michigan's lesser-known scenic drive, downtown Caseville splashes bright colors over its vibrant businesses. This Huron County community welcomes motorists of the aforementioned "Thumbcoast," following their tour up and around Lake Huron's southwestern shoreline. Upon arrival, many sprint for the beach, but slightly inland, amidst labyrinthine waterways, downtown Caseville is equally appealing. Those in the mood for an open-air refreshment might plunk down at Beachy's or its neighbor, the Thumb Brewery. Whereas those on the hunt for a new summer outfit or handcrafted souvenirs will love the cluster of shops on M-25 (i.e. the Lake Huron Circle Tour). Not only are the inventories compelling, but each store, cafe, and restaurant is punctuated by a summery mural.
Traverse City, MI
Traverse City serves as an introduction to Lake Michigan and the longest stretch of freshwater sand dunes in the world. But before pushing on to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, or the wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula, be sure to allow ample exploration of Traverse City's downtown, which actually feels like an amalgamation of five downtowns. There is the East Side Social District, Front Street (i.e. Main Street) District, North Boardman, aka "NoBo" Lake District, Old Town District, and the Warehouse District. Once you drop in from M-31, the streets are all easy going, and there are various pedestrian walkways that connect these districts via the Boardman River and its corresponding parks. The focal point of it all is Front Street. Here, you'll find an eclectic mix of shopping and dining, and a hint of Traverse City's historic structures in the form of the City Opera House.
Great Lakes = Great Towns
The Great Lakes are one of North America's epicenters for commerce and recreation. These 11 small towns offer a glimpse into these massive natural formations, providing comfortable and trendy spots to eat, sleep, drink, shop, and socialize, all mere steps from the water. So whether it's stateside or north of the border, any Great Lake shoreline will have no shortage of great small towns.
