10 Best Small Towns in the Northern United States to Visit in 2024
The Northern United States region is a rich place for travelers and residents alike. Ranging from the beautiful Rocky Mountain states in the West to the historic shores of New England and everything in between, there are many scenic places to explore. These small towns feature historic battlefields, Puritan sites, lakeside national parks, and much more. As we move into the final months of 2024 and fall, travel plans are finalized; consider visiting these ten small towns in the Northern U.S.
Salem, Massachusetts
With a population of just under 45,000, Salem, Massachusetts, is renowned for being the site of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, where residents accused various people of witchcraft. The town's dark history makes it a favorite Halloween destination. Today, you can visit the many sites related to the trials, such as the Witch House, a 17th-century home of Judge Jonathon Corwin, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. There are several tours visitors can take to explore these sites, such as Bewitched Historical Tours or the Salem Trolley. For other intriguing spots in town and outdoor parks, check out the Spirits of Salem Museum, the Derby Wharf Light Station, Forest River Park, Salem Woods, and more. Lastly, try out some locally made treats in town at Jolie Tea Company or Lulu's Bakery & Pantry.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
This village in New York was the home of Washington Irving, who wrote the creepy classic "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." By visiting Sleepy Hollow, you will see many of the sites mentioned in the story, including the Van Tassell homestead, Patriots Park, the Andre Captors' monument, the Headless Horseman Statue, the Old Dutch Church, and more. This town has beautiful historic architecture and restored 17th-century structures like Philipsburg Manor. It also has idyllic parks such as Rockefeller State Park Preserve, donated by the Rockefeller family, with many hiking trails and intriguing spots, including Spook Rock, Raven Rock, and Carl's Mill. Before you leave town, visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving is buried, along with Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller.
Woodstock, Vermont
This cute Northern U.S. town on the Ottauquechee River is a cozy place perfect for a weekend getaway. Due to its position on the Green Mountains, it's filled with natural beauty and was once called "the prettiest small town in America" due to its architecture. It is home to the Rockefeller National Historical Park, which has hiking trails up to Mt. Tom and the mountaintop pond, The Pogue. You can also see the Marsh-Billings Rockefeller Mansion and gardens at the historic park. You can also travel from Woodstock Village up the Mount Peg Trail System to the top of Mt. Peg itself. Woodstock was also the home of 30th U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, which you can learn more about at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is a picturesque Oregon coast destination, named one of the world's 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic. The most popular destination in Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock, a unique landmark that is the home of many seabirds including Tufted Puffins. The area is a great place to watch marine animals, as Ecola State Park is a major center for gray whale migration. Speaking of beaches, there are multiple beaches in the area to relax at, including Arcadia Beach, Oswald West State Park, and Hug Point State Recreation Site. Beyond these natural sites, Cannon Beach is a major art colony with many galleries to visit, such as Bronze Coast Gallery, Basalt, and Cannon Beach Arts Association. At Icefire Glassworks, you can see glassblowers create art with molten glass.
Port Townsend, Washington
Located on the Pacific Coast, this village is a great place to kick back and relax. Port Townsend has plenty of saltwater beaches to discover, with the best within Fort Worden State Park. From this park, you can relax at the beach or hike the nearly 12 miles of trails. The park also features several hidden gun emplacements and defense batteries from World War I and II. Tourists can learn more about the sea's wildlife at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, or you can rent boat accessories and parts at the Norwest Maritime Center. For lovers of the arts, Port Townsend has several theaters and galleries, such as the Key City Public Theater, Jefferson Museum of Art and History, and Guided Open Studio.
Buffalo, Wyoming
Wyoming is often overlooked due to having the smallest population in the U.S. However, it has many beautiful towns that keep the spirit of the Old West alive, including Buffalo. This town is filled to the brim with fun activities and picturesque locales. One such destination is Bighorn National Forest, just outside the city limits. This forest has more than 1,200 miles of trails for adventurers to explore. If you'd prefer a day on the lake, go swimming or boating at Lake DeSmet. Within the town limits, you can see an authentic old western saloon at the Historic Occidental Hotel & Saloon, founded in the 1880s. For other spots in town, consider visiting the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, Potters' Depot, and the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Located in Northern Idaho, Sandpoint is one of the best places to go hiking, watch wildlife, and beyond. As a mountain town, it is filled with challenging and picturesque hikes, such as Scotchman Peak, the highest point in wider Bonner County, as well as Mickinnick Trail which goes up by more than 2,000 feet. There are easier hikes, including Mineral Point Interpretive Trail along Lake Pend Oreille and Farragut State Park. In addition, the town has a mountain resort called Schweitzer Village, located 11 miles from downtown that features more than 2,900 acres of skiing, hiking, and biking trails along with a quaint resort village. For indoor attractions, try out the Museum at the Brig, which has many military artifacts, and the Art Works Gallery.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Don't let the name fool you, Santa Claus isn't just a Christmas destination; it keeps the holiday cheer alive all year. Santa Claus, Indiana, is a cute Midwestern town with charm and thrills. At the Santa Claus Museum & Village, you can see several historic buildings going back to 1856 and send a letter to ole St. Nick at the original post office. Also in town is the locally owned Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, which features unlimited soft drinks and many legendary roller coasters such as The Raven, The Legend, The Voyage, and Thunderbeast. In the nearby community of Lincoln City, you can see the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, the place where Abraham Lincoln grew up. You can learn about his life and early settlers at the Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum and enjoy a hike through the scenic Lincoln State Park.
Ticonderoga, New York
Located in the Adirondack Mountains between Lake George and Lake Champlain, this historic town is a must-see for both nature lovers and history buffs alike. Ticonderoga's name comes from an Iroquois word that means "it is at the junction of the two waterways." As a result, this town was the center of an 18th-century French fort called Fort Ticonderoga, which would play a critical role in the early years of the American Revolution. You can visit the fort's museum today or hike up Mount Defiance to get a great view of the fort and Lake Champlain. Science fiction fans will also enjoy Ticonderoga as it is the site of the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, which has recreations of the original sets for the show. Regarding reproductions, consider visiting the reproduction Hancock House next to Liberty Monument, which also houses the Ticonderoga Historical Society.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is a must-visit for any American, as it was the site of a major battle in the Civil War, where Union forces defeated Confederate forces in a bloody three-day fight. At the Gettysburg National Military Park, you can see all the major battlefield locations, including the High Water Mark of Pickett's Charge. The park has many tour guides available to explain the history to you. There are other museums in town, such as the Gettysburg History Center and Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum. If you enjoy collecting historical miniatures, you will appreciate the Gettysburg Miniature Soldiers store in town. If you'd rather spend a day shopping, there are many local shops in Gettysburg, like Oyler's Organic Farms & Market, The Christmas Haus, and Zelma's Emporium.
These towns in the Northern U.S. have the ideal mixture of attractions to keep anyone engaged. Hikers will love the mountain trails of Ticonderoga and Sandpoint, while history buffs will appreciate Fort Ticonderoga and the Gettysburg National Military Park. If you just want a day on the beach, you can choose between the unique sites at Cannon Beach or the quaint appeal of Port Townsend. These ten small towns have everything you need to have a great vacation in 2024.
