11 Small Towns In the Great Lakes region that were ranked among US favorites

The towns around the Great Lakes in the United States are attractive due to their location near the water, which spans multiple states and even touches Ontario, Canada. Whether the leisurely delight of beaches that accommodate a wide array of outdoor activities, majestic views of waterfalls, or indulging in the aurora of a perfect mixture of maritime culture and American heritage, these highly acclaimed towns will surely treat visitors to tough lake experiences to replicate anywhere else in the country.

Mackinac Island, Michigan 

Mackinac Island lies in Lake Huron, between Michigan's lower and upper peninsulas.  Shaded woods, trails, and the town's natural crown jewel, limestone Arch Rock Formations, paint the island's terrain.  Mackinac Island offers outdoor activities like golf, carriage tours, bike rides, and swimming.  A local staple, Mackinac Island State Park, the US' second national park, wields abundant natural wonders and historic landmarks, which are available to explore by foot, bike, carriage, horse, or buggy, further adding to the exploration experience.

The Grand Hotel on the island, built in the 19th century, is known for having the world's largest porch and offers various comfortable accommodations. Several magazines have praised the hotel, such as Wine Spectator and Gourmet. The site has also been the backdrop of several films and has received visits from several former US Presidents, including John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, Harry Truman, and Gerald Ford. Further exploration of the island uncovers Fort Mackinac, where living history reenactments transport visitors to the island's colonial past, offering a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and settlers. It is advisable to check out the town's reputable fudge shops along Main Street for unforgettable flavors that fill the air with sweet temptation.

Beverly Shores, Indiana (Lake Michigan)

Beverly Shores on Lake Michigan offers many outdoor activities for both nature and culture lovers. If you had to start anywhere, make sure to take advantage of the town's prize possession, the Indiana Dunes National Park, a natural cocktail forged by its winds and waves that wields a rich mosaic of habitats across 15 miles of Indiana's shores. Mount Baldy in the town offers hiking trails through forests, leading to amazing lake views from the dune.

The town's notable charm is also illustrated by the Century of Progress Architectural District, a relic of the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, which displays a variety of housing designs that embrace the modern era by flaunting its innovative architectural pallet.  Here, visitors can marvel at five meticulously preserved homes, such as the stunning yet unconventional House of Tomorrow, a groundbreaking example of modern design.  History buffs who seek a quick fix will find satisfaction in  Beverly Shores Depot Museum, as it showcases the town's evolution through several virtual and in-person exhibits designed to educate and entertain visitors, offering insight into the town's railroad heritage.  Beverly Shores is engulfed by culture while serving as an ideal spot for beach vacations, making it a go-to location for Americans who yearn for an escape and foreigners who desire a sip of the delights of a weekend by the lake. 

Paradise, Michigan (Lake Superior)

Lake Michigan's Paradise earns its name as it beholds a haven for outdoor leisures blended with natural beauty, which resides between Michigan's upper peninsula and the western side of the magnificent Lake Superior.  The town's most prominent attraction is  Tahquamenon Falls, a pair of majestic waterfalls that cascade with an ethereal russet hue, earning them the moniker "Root Beer Falls." The site remains a popular tourist attraction throughout all four seasons; just as spellbinding is the Lower Falls, where the river gracefully fans out into a series of smaller falls and calming pools that facilitate visitors needing solitude.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum attracts many visitors and teaches them about the dangers of shipping on the Great Lakes. This historical landmark stations the red Whitefish Point Light Tower's iconic flare, guiding mariners since 1861.  

Kelleys Island, Ohio (Lake Erie)

 Kelleys Island lights up in the western basin of Lake Erie, making it a flawless spot for water activities, as fishermen refer to the Kellys as the “Walleye Capital of the World.”  The local glacial grooves, etched into the limestone bedrock by ancient ice sheets, stand as a testament to the island's history, transporting visitors to a time when colossal glaciers shaped the landscape.  Meanwhile, the Kelleys Island State Park encourages tourists to explore its beaches, hiking trails, and picnic spots, which are surrounded by mesmerizing geological, ecological, and archaeological features. 

Those interested in the town's history will receive answers at the Kelleys Island Historical Association Museum and the 19th-century German Evangelical Church.   The Glacial Grooves Visitor Center, perched on the edge of the glacial grooves, will enlighten visitors to a deeper understanding of their formation and historical significance.  The island's wineries define the area, such as the charming Kelleys Island Wine Company, ensuring Wine lovers taste local craftsmanship and savoring flavors that will guarantee visitors unforgettable nights.

Saugatuck, Michigan (Lake Michigan)

Another remarkable beach town of Lake Michigan is the cozy and inviting community of Saugatuck, the home of under 1,000 residents.  The town is known for its soft sands, cerulean waters, and oval beaches, attracting beachgoers and outdoor devotees alike.  Local staples such as the Saugatuck Dunes State Park will spoil tourists with thrilling dune rides along miles of sandy trails and treat incoming campers with intimate moments that will allow you to absorb beautiful views of the lake's expanse with your loved ones.  Just a car ride away lies the Kalamazoo River, which, according to archeological evidence, has been used by humans for over 11,000 years.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts is the local cultural hub hosting exhibitions, performances, and workshops celebrating creativity in all its forms.  Galleries and boutiques illuminate the streets by offering handcrafted treasures and local artworks.  For a splash of historical insight, the historic Saugatuck Chain Ferry, a hand-cranked vessel that shuttles passengers across the Kalamazoo River, will ensure outsiders with memorable experiences as it showcases the town's maritime origins, making it a must-visit destination on Lake Michigan's shoreline.

Bayfield, Wisconsin (Lake Superior)

At the very edge of the Great Lakes expanse, the cheerful small harbor town of Bayfield establishes a gateway to art, music, and the northern wilderness of the Apostle islands.   The heart of the area is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a rewarding destination that offers a diverse set of outdoor accommodations, whether paddling, boat rides, kayaking, or guided tours of the shorelines of Lake Superior.  The national lakeshore will also entice outdoor lovers to explore intricate Redstone sea caves that contrast the clarity of Lake Superior's surface.  A short car ride away, visitors can take a short ferry ride to Madeline Island for captivating views and fun on the beach.

Beyond the harbor town's outdoor treasures, Bayfield extends its cultural scene through local art galleries like the Wild Rice Retreat, where creativity finds its sanctuary, founded on the pillars of expression and nourishment.  The resort creates an environment for grounding the mind and body through integrative artistic and holistic life experiences.  For a daily dose of history, check out Bayfield's Maritime Museum, which accounts for tales of local seafaring.  Another unmissable delight is the Bayfield Apple Festival, a celebration of autumn's bounty that hosts apple orchard events, live music, craft vendors, and the festive Spectrum Carnival.

Grand Haven, Michigan

The beach town lies along the dazzling Lake Michigan, home to the iconic 48-acre Grand Haven State Park, which boasts sugar-sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, providing sun-seekers and families to picnic and fishing sites, filled with delicious chinook salmon and lake trout.  Stationed at the park stands the memorable red lighthouse, a sentinel at the harbor's mouth, serving as a backdrop to beachgoers and photographers alike.  The nearby dunes at the Rosy Mound Natural Area invite tourists to hike through the undulating landscape for a memorable escape.

Grand Haven's cultural heartbeat echoes through the bustling downtown district.  The Grand Haven Musical Fountain, a choreographed water and light show set to music, is a beloved 25 to 30-minute spectacle that illuminates the harbor with its high-spirited performances from May to September. On the 4th of July, the fountain hosts themed programs such as the annual Coast Guard Festival, which pays homage to the town's maritime heritage with parades, fireworks, and a touching memorial service that honors the Coast Guard's dedication to safeguarding Lake Michigan's waters.

Chesterton, Indiana

On the Northwest of Indiana, Chesterton is an unquestionable gem of the Great Lakes region due to its distinctive geography and location.  Indiana's Dunes State Park lays down the path for visitors to conquer the rugged trails that wind through diverse ecosystems and the Hoosier landscape. These dunes have taken thousands of years to form, towering 200 feet above Lake Michigan, domesticating an abundance of varying habitats of animals and plants.  Mount Baldy, an enormous dune, stands as a testament to the ever-changing local landscape, commonly called the "living dune" due to its shifts throughout the year.

Beyond the dunes, Chesterton's European Market is a cultural rendezvous that springs to life every Saturday, showcasing a pallet of local artisans, fresh produce, and international delicacies.  The Thomas Centennial Park, home to the Chesterton Art Center, celebrates the town's artistic spirit through exhibitions and workshops, while for a dive into history, the Chellberg Farm and Bailly Homestead offer immersive insights into the area's 19th-century life.

Duluth, Minnesota

Lake Superior's Duluth in Minnesota flaunts its gem, the Aerial Lift Bridge constructed in 1905, a prominent landmark of the town's maritime origins that is typically used as a gateway to the Great Lakes.  The 135-foot-high aerial lift bridge connects the town to Minnesota Point, raising itself several times daily to allow ships to pass through.  The Lakewalk trail stretches along the lakefront, offering views of stunning environments and access to the enchanting Park Point Beach.  

The Glensheen Historic Estate, a 20,000-square-foot mansion overlooking Lake Superior, offers guided tours through its opulent rooms and immaculate gardens, revealing past stories.  The Duluth Art Institute celebrates local creativity through various exhibitions and workshops, while the lively Lincoln Park Craft District attracts newcomers with its studios, galleries, and varying cuisines.  The annual Tall Ships Festival sails into the harbor, bringing historic vessels to life with engaging maritime displays.  Visitors better take advantage of the North Shore Scenic Railroad for a more intimate view of Duluth's scenery, from its northern woods to the divine frames of Lake Superior.

Marblehead, Ohio

Marblehead is known as "Vacationland" because it attracts many tourists in the summer. The area continues to live up to its image of being a popular vacation destination, accredited to its lakefrontage of Lake Erie, offering ferry services to visitors who seek to explore the lake's several islands.  Marblehead Lighthouse stands proud as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the American side of the Great Lakes.  The lighthouse's primary purpose was to navigate mariners through the entrance of Sandusky Bay.   An estimated 25,000 people climb the lighthouse annually.  Nearby, the Marblehead Peninsula unveils the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve, home to a rare wildflower species, 19 acres of old limestone quarried land, and various endangered species.

History enthusiasts will surely appreciate The Keeper's House Museum, as it protects local history by narrating the lives of the lighthouse keepers, while lovers of geology can approach the Glacial Grooves State Memorial, which unmasks prehistoric wonders etched into the limestone bedrock by retreating glaciers, entrancing audiences with insight into the Earth's geological evolution.  Visitors yearning for relaxation and memorable conversations must pass by the Rocky Point Winery, which retains a hefty selection of beers and wines after a long stroll through the commanding shorelines of Lake Point Park. 

Leland, Michigan

Leland in Michigan is located between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau and is known for its charming Fishtown area and beaches. The Fishtown district, weathered with fishing shanties and vintage smokehouses, emits a maritime atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the wooden docks, witnessing fishermen at work and indulging in freshly caught whitefish. The historic Manitou Island Transit offers ferry rides to the North and South Manitou Islands, where welcoming beaches, towering dunes, and hiking spots await, inviting outsiders to explore and admire the clear waters of Lake Michigan.

Aside from the town's defining maritime culture, Leland showcases its artistic pneuma through the Old Art Building, an early 20th-century schoolhouse turned cultural center, with art exhibitions, workshops, and performances that further illustrate Leland's astounding artistic vision.  The town not only tantalizes visitors with lakeside glamor but also offers accommodations for all sorts of pastimes, from the arts and fishing to camping.

The Allure of Great Lakes Towns

Situated along the expansive shorelines of the United States' Great Lakes, these charming small towns offer a captivating gateway to many recreational opportunities, all set against the backdrop of their unique Midwestern coastal environment. Encircled by more than 100,000 square miles of "vast inland seas," as described by the National Lakes Assessment (EPA), the region showcases a stunning landscape replete with dunes, iconic lighthouses, and treasured indigenous landmarks. With a compelling mix of outdoor activities and rich maritime heritage, these towns continue attracting Americans in droves, solidifying their reputation as ideal vacation spots that masterfully blend nature and culture.