10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Great Lakes Region
With over 9000 miles of shoreline, the Great Lakes region is the center for pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfront, sea caves, and outdoor activities in North America. The Great Lakes make up 20% of the freshwater in the world, giving the regions around them an astonishing beauty.
The Great Lakes region comprises 8 US states and Canada's Ontario province. This region comprises big, famous cities like Toronto, Chicago, and Detroit. But if you want to enjoy this region's beautiful landscapes without the noise of big cities, then the small towns around the shorelines are a better option. Get ready for an adventure in these must-visit small towns in the Great Lakes region.
Munising, Michigan
Munising is the Ojibwe for “at the Island.” Seated at the Southern shore of Lake Superior, this town serves as the western gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. As a lakeside town, it is a must-visit place for all those seeking adventures.
This small town has several waterfalls, hiking trails, mountain ranges, beaches, sea caves, and lighthouses. Climb up the lighthouses to get a complete view of the beautiful town from above the ground.
Regardless of the weather conditions, there is an activity for every season. During Summer, visitors go hiking along popular trails like Miners Castle Trail to discover hidden waterfalls in Munising. In Winter, you can go Ice-climbing or Snowmobiling in the mountains.
Before going to the great outdoors, grab a meal from a local restaurant like Miners Pasties and Ice Cream.
Angola on the Lake, New York
Angola on the Lake is a small hamlet town on Lake Erie's east shore. This town is the perfect destination for people looking for a quiet place with lots of adventure for vacation. Every moment spent in Angola is a beautiful and unforgettable memory, from mountain backdrops to the cascading waterfalls.
Spending time at Bennett Beach is a healthy way to relax after a long, stressful period. You can sit on the beach and watch the birds and deer do their daily activity. Evangola State Park offers tourists opportunities like hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
On your way to Niagara Falls, grab a bite at the finest restaurants in Erie County. Try the flatbreads sold at Sandella Flatbread Cafe.
Kewaunee, Wisconsin
Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse is situated on a breakwater along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Enjoy a picture-perfect view of Lake Michigan from the lakeshore town of Kewaunee. Kewaunee is located on the Northwestern shore of Lake Michigan. This town is more than just a tiny town by the lake. It is a charming, peaceful, and exciting place to be.
From dining at restaurants by the lake to increasing your adrenaline rush by driving ATV cars at the dedicated ATV parks, this town has an activity for everybody.
Kewaunee has a rich cultural history, and visitors can learn all about it at the Kewaunee County Jail Museum, Kewaunee County Historical Society History Center, and the Tug Ludington. You get to see the tallest grandfather clock in the world.
After the adrenaline rush from the ATV ride at Riverview ATV Park, go down to Farmhouse Bar and Grill to grab a delicious plate of steak meat with your friends.
Sackets Harbor, New York
Scenic view of the marina at Sackets Harbor in New York state, under a clear blue sky.
Overlooking Lake Ontario is a small vintage town known as Sackets Harbor. This town played a significant role during the War of 1812. You can visit the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, designated to honor this small town's role in the US defense.
The Main Street of this town is like stepping into a vintage movie. The street is filled with well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. On this main street, you can shop for wines, groceries, antiques, and vintage items.
Visitors visit the Westcott Beach State Park for a picnic or camp on the beach. The park has several hiking trails along Lake Ontario to admire the environment. Enjoy beautiful performances by local artists at the Sackets Harbor Ballroom.
Saugatuck, Michigan
The Kalamazoo River flows through Saugatuck, Michigan, with green and brown surroundings.
Seated on the Southeastern shore of Lake Michigan is the beautiful beach town of Saugatuck. Saugatuck was once known as a lumber and port town, but over the last two centuries, it has become a famous beach town for tourists.
Go on a ferry ride on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, Diane. Diane is the only hand-cranked chain ferry in the US. Enjoy the view of the Kalamazoo River while on the ride. From the landing spot of the Saugatuck Chain ferry on Park Street, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on your way to Oval Beach when you hike up the John Woollam Trail.
Saugatuck is home to some of the finest wineries in the state. Go on a guided tour around the wineries, tasting the locally-made wine unique to this town alone.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Cuddled between the Saw Mountains and Lake Superior is the small beach town of Grand Marais. The peaceful demeanor of this town is a source of inspiration to creatives, which is why it is always steaming with creatives, from photographers to artists to musicians.
This terrain around the town also attracts people looking for adventure. Whether summer or winter, Grand Marais has several trails perfect for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. If you are an art enthusiast, you will enjoy taking classes at the Grand Marais art colony.
With a long line-up of restaurants to pick from, your taste buds are in for a treat at Grand Marais's local restaurants.
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Mackinaw City is at the edge of Michigan’s lower peninsula. This town offers visitors astonishing views of Lake Heron and the Mackinac Bridge that will leave them in awe. Mackinaw City is the perfect place to explore the Great Lakes Region and surrounding Islands.
Push your adrenaline to an all-time high on the Mackinaw City Longest Zipline. You can soar above three waterfalls and an animal river, sitting or hanging from the Zipline.
Spending quality time at Mackinaw Crossings is the highlight of many tourists staying in Mackinaw City. The buildings in these crossings are Victorian-styled and offer a lot of shopping and dining options to visitors.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Catch a glimpse of Lake Superior's shoreline during your visit to Bayfield. Bayfield is the smallest city in Wisconsin, and with a population of less than a thousand, it is the perfect destination for a quiet and adventurous vacation.
Bayfield is a gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Go on a boost tour from Bayfield to explore the Apostle Islands. You can find sea caves, lighthouses, and the best kayaking spots.
You can also join the ferry and cross to Madeline Island. It is an excellent hiking, dining, and art-viewing spot.
Port Austin, Michigan
At the Northern tip of the thumb of Michigan is a small town with beautiful sunsets and sunrises that leave you in awe. Overlooking Lake Huron, this town has excellent water trails, kayaking spots, sea caves, off-shore reefs, and lighthouses.
Visit the Turnip Rock that comes out dramatically above Lake Huron. The rock is funnel-shaped and is the major attraction in this small town. Port Austin is known for organizing festivals, like the celebration of the Lady’s Slipper, all year round.
This small town is known to host one of the most prominent farmers' markets in Michigan. Feel free to shop for fresh farm produce.
Kelleys Island, Ohio
Popularly known as the “Island of all seasons,” Kelleys Island is the largest of Ohio's Lake Erie Islands. This Island is a popular destination for hikers, golfers, bikers, scuba divers, and wine enthusiasts.
Lake Erie contains over 1700 shipwrecks, and you can find 50 of these shipwrecks in the waters around Kelleys Island. This has attracted a lot of scuba divers to this town. The Glacial grooves in Kelleys Island are the most prominent and accessible glacial grooves in the world, making it a hotspot for tourists in this small town.
Kelleys Island is known for its world-class wines. It would be best to visit any of the two wineries in town to taste this wine.
Discover the Charms of the Great Lakes' Small Towns
The Great Lakes Region is the world’s largest freshwater supply. Many small towns on the shorelines surround this region. These small towns have a lot of adventures to offer tourists, from hiking up famous trails to scuba diving deep into the water bodies to discover hidden treasures.
Here are ten must-visit small towns in the Great Lakes Region. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and catch the next ferry ride. A whole new world awaits you.
