10 Prettiest Great Lakes Towns to Visit in 2024
Chicago — the birthplace of the skyscraper — is possibly the most handsome city in the Great Lakes. The Windy City, with its magnetic lakefront, heart-gripping skyline, and rooftop bars, will make any jaw drop. Still, the Great Lakes Region is dotted with cute, little towns, many of which are quaint, layered with nature, and just as pretty. From Sister Bay, Wisconsin, to Grand Haven, Michigan, embark on a discovery trip of the 10 prettiest towns to visit in the Great Lakes.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Sister Bay is one of Wisconsin’s best beach towns. Waterfront Park, for example, the largest public waterfront in Door County, is fronted by almost 2,000 feet of continuous shoreline. The sand here is soft and lovely to step on — and will tickle the fancy of any beach bum, especially if one also considers its large grassy areas, the adjacent marina, and a beautiful on-site gazebo. Visiting Al Johnson’s, a family-owned establishment that has been around since 1949, is a certified must-do. It is known for the goats that graze on its grassy roof.
The Dorr Hotel in downtown Sister Bay, where most windows open to views of Green Bay and downtown Sister Bay, is famous for its welcoming feel, incredible location, and Scandinavian-themed decor. A visit should involve a tour of Door County’s award-winning wineries and Cave Point County Park, a 19-acre space loved for its limestone sea caves, several miles of hiking trails, and spectacular cliffs.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City rests on Grand Traverse Bay in the northwest corner of Michigan's lower peninsula. More than 200 miles of continuous Lake Michigan shoreline are among the town’s draws, making it an ideal destination for all sorts of water lovers. Start your adventure at Clinch Park, a public space with a sandy beach on one side — and an amazing splash pad on the other. Duncan L Clinch Marina, a nice spot to walk around, catch a gorgeous sunset, and mingle with locals, is just as swoon-worthy. There is the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as well, home to the world’s largest collection of freshwater sand dunes.
Reflect Bistro provides top-tier meals and should set the stage for other outdoor sites such as the Hippie Tree, a mystic spot said to have a haunted portal to hell; the 25-acre Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park loved for its scenic trails and fairy gardens; and Boardman Lake, a blue water gem that spans over 300 acres.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais is rustic, quaint, and peaceful — partly because it reclines on the world's largest freshwater lake by area. One will enjoy heart-melting views of Lake Superior, including its white-sand beaches. Take a walk out to Artist's Point, a small but surreal peninsula known to provide stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area. If you fancy eating down by the water, and have a thing for melt-in-the-mouth white fish, the Angry Trout Cafe will have to form part of your itinerary.
Fire the imagination at the Sivertson Gallery, and thereafter pick a thoughtful gift or beautiful home decor. Go to the roof deck at Voyageur Brewing Company, where a filling meal — washed down with a drink — often makes afternoons upbeat and memorable. Outdoor enthusiasts will have a blast at the nearby Judge C.R. Magney State Park, known for an unusual waterfall located on the Brule River.
Mackinaw, Michigan
Although Mackinaw is associated with the historic Fort Mackinaw in Lake Huron, a former military outpost that today hosts the state’s oldest building, this town packs a lot more. First on the list of Mackinaw attractions is its creamy fudge, best enjoyed at spots such as Original Murdick’s Fudge, a wildly famous spot that has been around since 1887. It is inside Mackinaw Crossings, a Victorian-inspired shopping center that provides exceptional retail therapy.
Star-gazing nerds have Headlands International Dark Sky Park, a peaceful space that boasts the prestigious International Dark Sky Park designation. There is the McGulpin Point Lighthouse as well, whose history goes back more than 150 years. Do not miss Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, especially if you want to step on the USCGC Mackinaw, once the largest icebreaker on the Great Lakes.
Marquette, Michigan
A vibrant college town surrounded by beautiful trees and lots of scenic spots, Marquette is an adorable Michigan eye candy with a sprightly cultural scene. There are historic lighthouses (Marquette Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1853), charming shops and boutiques, including the small but mighty Blackbird North, and excellent museums, including the one-of-a-kind Upper Peninsula Children's Museum.
If you love to wander through the woods, Sugarloaf Mountain, with its panoramic overlooks, is among the most sought-after spots for taking in heart-gripping views of Lake Superior. To set the tone, grab a finger-licking meal at The Rice Paddy, a family-owned establishment that serves top-notch egg rolls and other Thai flavors.
Munising, Michigan
The drive into Munising from Marquette, known to leave first-time visitors completely blown away, provides an appetizing introduction to one of the most beautiful towns in the Great Lakes Region of the United States. Munising is on a lovely bay on Lake Superior and serves as the western gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, whose wild beauty consistently draws vacationers from across the country.
A hearty breakfast at Dogpatch Restaurant, known for its playful decor, should set the stage for a line-up of other stand-outs, including the well-stocked Gift Station, the go-to souvenir shop. There is the Alger Underwater Diving Preserve as well, reputed to be among the best scuba-diving areas in the Great Lakes. Just don't miss Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours, if just for the cool breeze of skimming across Lake Superior.
Petoskey, Michigan
Filled with scenic hiking trails, including the North Country Trail that passes through a section of town, Petoskey has endearing features that earn it a spot among the prettiest towns in the Great Lakes. Whether one wants to watch a magical sunset at the bay, especially at the aptly named Sunset Park, play games at the Odawa Casino, which features Las Vegas-style table games, or just amble through Gaslight District, popping inside its array of shops and restaurants — Petoskey has everyone covered.
The 1911 Restaurant, whose history goes back more than a century, features an old-timey back porch that provides fabulous views in every direction. If spending the night, Stafford's Bay View Inn comes with heart-melting bay views and historic allure.
Ludington, Michigan
Ludington is a lovely harbor town that sits on the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan. If looking for laughter on the beach, sun in the sky, especially in summer, and one of the best state parks in Michigan, Ludington checks every box. One can explore over 5,000 acres of pristine beauty at the Ludington State Park, a prime spot for floating down the Big Sable River. There is the S.S. Badger car ferry as well, loved for its insightful, and historic rides to Manitowoc.
Grab a tasty omelet at Brenda’s Harbor Cafe, whose cheery atmosphere reflects the establishment’s friendly service. Alternatively, House of Flavors Restaurant, with its extensive list of ice creams, is a good spot to feel the town’s pulse and chat with locals.
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Often mentioned among the most underrated towns in the Great Lakes region, Two Harbors, loved for its incredible beauty, easily casts a spell on first-time visitors. Two Harbors sits on Lake Superior and offers iconic lighthouses, including The Breakwater and Lighthouse, a fantastic spot for watching ships loading up taconite at the Ore Docks. A short drive from downtown Two Harbors, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed in the region. A hearty breakfast at Judy's Cafe, known to serve yummy homemade pies, should prime a first-time visitor for the town’s long list of offerings.
There is the peaceful Paul Van Hoven Park, where one can sit down and enjoy panoramic views; the Two Harbors Light, the oldest operating lighthouse in the state; and the Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum, with its old trains and enticing bits of local history.
Grand Haven, Michigan
We all dream of a peaceful haven of bliss, where the environment welcomes first-time visitors with beautiful beaches, salt-free waters, and heart-stirring sunsets. Grand Haven sits on Lake Michigan, a year-round vacation destination packed with boatloads of things to see and do. Grand River, the site of numerous recreational activities, flows through the town and imbues it with a rustic charm and allure. The walking paths at Rosy Mound Natural Area are well-paved, speckled with stairs, and open to some of the most beautiful views in the Midwest.
Spend time at the Grand Haven State Park, located along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline — especially if you want to swim, sunbathe, or just lounge on the beach with a good read. If you need to first fill your stomach, work your way to Fricano's Pizza, a cozy bistro with an innovative menu of Italian and American dishes, including Sicily-like pizzas.
Have you ever wondered why many vacationers rave about the Great Lakes Region of the United States? Often called "America's Third Coast,” the Great Lakes boast over 10,000 miles of shoreline, over 30,000 islands, many of which are unspoiled, and a delightful array of small, pretty towns. Looking for the prettiest towns in the Great Lakes? You cannot go wrong with Sister Bay, Wisconsin; Traverse City, Michigan — and many other towns that dot the shores. Slide into your flip-flops, especially if the weather is pleasant, and experience what will resemble a vacation in one of the Mediterranean islands.
