7 Most Charming River Towns In The Northern United States To Visit In 2024
As the weather begins to heat up this 2024, many of us are starting to plan our weekends away. As spring and summer are near, for many, this means planning a water-based adventure. While we often gravitate towards sandy beaches and bustling boardwalks, the United States also boasts a ton of riveting river towns that may escape our attention despite their many attractions. From scenic bridges and riverside strolls to river cruises and kayak adventures, these waterways will keep you enthralled however long you stay. Plus, with over 250,000 rivers meandering more than 3 million miles throughout the country, chances are, there is a charming river town not far from you.
But if your heart is set on sandy shores in the Northern United States, many of these charming riverside communities also double as coastal towns for the perfect mix of beachfront relaxation and river-based activities. And as for the non-coastal towns, you may be surprised to find how a river shore may satisfy your coastal cravings. From Connecticut to Montana and everywhere in between, immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere and deep appreciation for nature that these northern river towns embody all year round.
East Haddam, Connecticut
Starting our journey in Connecticut, East Haddam is an underrated river community whose natural beauty extends to every inch of the 56.6-square-mile town. As you drive through, rolling hills, pastures, and woodlands create a captivating backdrop, inspiring visitors to get a closer look. For a waterside stroll, the Salmon River can be explored on the northern border of East Haddam, but Devil's Hopyard State Park features the more popular Eightmile River, favored for its access to the Chapman Falls cascade.
The town's true star, though, is the Connecticut River, best viewed at Gillette Castle State Park. Perched on a hill 200 feet above the racing river, visitors can hike the park's 184-acre woodlands and tour the namesake estate that lures 300,000 people yearly: a 14,000-square-foot castle. The stone fortress was built in 1914 by William Hooker Gillette, an actor and playwright famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage and screen. Like the famous fictional detective, the castle exudes mystery, harboring stories for visitors to uncover.
Ogunquit, Maine
Making our way to Maine's southern coast, you might say the cozy town of Ogunquit offers the best of both worlds. With the Atlantic on one side and the Ogunquit River on the other, this coastal river town's sights and experiences are endless. The Marginal Way is a great first stop for the best ocean views. This 1.25-mile clifftop trail is paved and marked with 39 benches, meaning you can really take your time to take in the sights.
If heights are not your thing, why not visit the Atlantic up close? Ogunquit Beach is the town's most popular sandy shore, while Footbridge Beach an equally scenic alternative for those looking to dodge the crowds. And for those hoping to truly immerse themselves in Ogunquit's waters, the more adventurous traveler can make their way to World Within Sea Kayaking. Rent a paddle board or kayak and venture out into the Ogunquit River's tranquil waters just south of the rental store.
Brunswick, Maine
Just over an hour northeast of Ogunquit, Brunswick stands out as another beautiful river town along Maine's coast. As the home of the state's first college, Bowdoin College, the town's art and cultural scene bear its influence, with attractions like the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum and Bowdoin College Museum of Art. But during the warmer months, like those visiting Ogunquit, most come here to experience Brunswick's natural beauty. The town offers plenty of waterside hikes, boasting 20 miles of scenic Androscoggin River bank and 61 miles of rugged coastline along Northern Casco Bay. Thomas Point Beach is an ideal spot for a sun-filled day and also serves as the backdrop for several festivals in 2024, including the Summer Jam Campout from July 12th to 15th and the Bluegrass Festival from August 29th to September 1st. So whether you are drawn here for the nature, the music, or the college town atmosphere, Brunswick has something for everyone.
Livingston, Montana
Seated on the shores of the Yellowstone River, Livingston, Montana, is memorable for its path to the great outdoors—and not just any outdoors. As the original gateway to Yellowstone National Park, this claim to fame originates from when Livingston was founded in 1882 as a railroad town. Today, the town is still one of the most prominent entryways to the park's North Entrance, granting visitors easy access to the wonders of this world-famous park. Before heading in, grab your best hiking shoes and camera for sights like Mammoth Hot Springs or Lamar Valley, a prime area for spotting bears, bison, and wolves.
While Yellowstone steals much of the spotlight, Livingston's natural beauty extends far beyond the park. Bordered by the Absaroka and Gallatin Mountain Ranges, the town boasts a stunning backdrop and is a haven for hiking enthusiasts. The Pine Creek Falls hike is a favorite, offering rewarding views of the waterfall. For those seeking a challenge with an even greater reward, the trek to Pine Creek Lake is also considered well worth the effort. The massive glacial lake can be found in the foothills of Black Mountain (a subpeak of the Absaroka Range), promising a memorable adventure and picture-perfect scene.
Manistee, Michigan
Like the other towns on this list, Manistee, Michigan is so much more than just a river town; the river itself should definitely not be overlooked. While Manistee's charming setting on Lake Michigan is undeniably striking, the Big Manistee River has its exciting qualities—and your first encounter with the river may be unexpected. Driving through Manistee's iconic Tunnel of Trees (via the Main Street and M-55 Intersection), you will soon realize why locals call it the "Bullfrog Highway." The prominent croaks come from the nearby river, guiding you through the fairytale canopy.
The river also runs north of River Street, Manistee's bustling downtown shopping district, so your window shopping and dining will come with a fantastic view. Once you have had your fill of shopping at quaint stores like Maryann's Antiques, the Vogue Theatre is a great little historic cinema to catch a show for as little as 25 cents, while restaurants like Bluefish Kitchen & Bar serve up fresh local seafood in a Victorian building with a deck overlooking the river. From downtown, the Manistee Riverwalk is an even better way to take in the scenery, the 1.75-mile trek leading you in line with the river to Lake Michigan. Picnics and hikes at the Magoon Creek Natural Area will grant you a bird's eye view of the lake, high in a hemlock-shaded bluff.
Poughkeepsie, New York
Situated on the Hudson River, Poughkeepsie, New York is another charming river town to keep an eye out for in 2024, especially for upcoming events. Boasting a vibrant academic community with institutions such as Vassar and Marist Colleges, Poughkeepsie mirrors the spirited art and cultural scenes found in other college towns like Brunswick. From lively events to engaging festivals, something is always happening in Poughkeepsie, such as the annual Poughkeepsie Book Festival held at Dutchess Community College. Springtime, though, is when the events start to pick up speed, like the upcoming PKX Festival, a free three-day art extravaganza from April 18 to 20, 2024.
Spring is also when New York residents shed their winter jackets and take advantage of the town's access to the Hudson. The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is definitely the most popular way to get outdoors in Poughkeepsie, and locals are proud to share in the joys of this record-breaking landmark. As the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, this 1.28-mile walkway grants some pretty tremendous views. Head to Upper Landing Park on Water Street to ride the glass elevator up to the bridge or down to the waterfront to appreciate the bridge and landscape from a different perspective.
New Paltz, New York
Under 30 minutes from Poughkeepsie and less than 2 hours from New York City, New Paltz, New York, is another vibrant college town, but the atmosphere is a bit more on the free-spirited side. For most out-of-towners, New Paltz is primarily a nature refuge, boasting the Shawangunk Mountains as a town backdrop and the Wallkill River as an anchoring landmark. This sparkling Hudson tributary can be enjoyed with a freshly brewed coffee at the Mudd Puddle, a Main Street staple, or hiked via the nearby River to Ridge Trail.
For a more easygoing path away from the river's edge, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a stone dust path guiding hikers and bikers through a forest and past historic iron works. Not too far from the trail, the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary is the preferred stop for birding enthusiasts and animal lovers. The sanctuary's 56 acres of woods and open meadows are shared with 153 bird species, and spring is an incredibly gorgeous time to enjoy the freshly bloomed flowers. All in all, whether you visit New Paltz for some exercise, some fresh air, or simply to enjoy the mellow pace of nature, this New York River town has it all.
Final Thoughts
Throughout history, humans have been captivated by the majestic power of rivers. Today, we continue to harness their energy and rely on them as vital trade routes and passageways. Yet, beyond their practicality, rivers play a crucial role in our communities, offering a chance to reconnect with the enduring beauty of nature. Whether you choose to navigate the Ogunquit River by kayak or marvel at the mighty Connecticut River from the heights of Gillette State Park, the manner in which you engage with these waterways is entirely up to you. However, the sense of joy and contentment they provide is universal.
