2024's 9 Most Adorable Small Towns in the Great Lakes
The contest regarding the most adorable big city in the Great Lakes is not even close. Chicago — with its magnificent skyline — deserves all the flowers. When it comes to small towns, however, it is a tight race. Many small towns that dot the Great Lakes region are authentic, sweet, and adorable. It is not about which small town is adorable, but which is more adorable than the rest of the crowd. Starting with Sister Bay, Wisconsin, discover 2024's most adorable small towns in the Great Lakes.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Wisconsin's best beach town features nearly 2,000 feet of public waterfront, several top-notch galleries, three specialty outdoor stores, and endless outdoor fun and adventure opportunities. Hang out at the wood-paneled Husby's Food and Spirits and feel the town’s pulse. Embark on a wine trolley tour, and find Door County’s award-winning wineries, including Stone's Throw Winery in Baileys Harbor.
Play mini-golf at the Red Putter or kayak at Cave Point Park. When the night starts to steal a match, one will need to work their way to the Boathouse On The Bay, a fun and casual setting that overlooks the water. Sister Bay Marina, known for stunning sunsets and thrilling boat tours, is not to be missed either.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Tucked away in Minnesota's easternmost county, Grand Marais is an adorable North Shore stunner that can make one's heart purr with ecstasy. Grand Marais sits along the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake by area. Once a fishing village, Grand Marais is today a big name in vacation circles.
One Grand Marais highlight is the North House Folk School, which teaches traditional northern crafts, including boat-building, blacksmithing, and knitting — all without the need for exams, term papers, or credits. When hunger pangs begin to set in, the curiously named Angry Trout Cafe, which clings to the edge of Grand Marais Harbor, serves delectable seafood in a light and casual environment. For avid hikers, however, the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway is mouthwatering and filled with birds, moose, and deer. One can even hear the howls of wolves.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City — northern Michigan's buzzy hub — reclines next to the blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay, on an incredibly beautiful stretch. Although vibrant, Traverse City boasts a population of just about 15,000; hence, blends the sweet spot between small-town feel and big-city glamor and glitz. There is never a dull moment here. Traverse Bay, which boasts more than 130 miles of continuous Lake Michigan shoreline, is filled with sites ideal for those who want to swim, sail, or just go beachcombing.
The nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, whose high dunes offer gasp-inducing views of the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan, should be a must-do. If this will whet one's appetite, viewers of ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” once voted this slice of heaven the “Most Beautiful Place in America.” Reflections Bistro, although a bit eclectic, serves delicious meals. On the flip side, a drive out to Lake Ann Brewery is fun on a summer evening, especially when one sits outside while tapping their feet to the sound of mood-lifting music. Hit up the Treat Farm Trail out to the shore, especially if looking for spectacular views and do not want to break a sweat.
Mackinaw City, Michigan
For many years, vacationers have trooped to Mackinaw City, drawn by its adorable beauty and menu of travel-worth offerings. This Michigan treasure is home to historic Fort Mackinaw, a former British and American military outpost that today hosts the oldest building in Michigan. The Officers' Stone Quarters dates back more than 240 years.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, which spans more than 500 acres, will tickle the fancy of all star-gazing nerds. McGulpin Point Lighthouse, which began operating in 1869, is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the Straits. At this spot, one can catch a glimpse of the world-famous Mackinac Bridge.
Head over to Mackinac Island by ferry, which is also world-famous for its creamy fudge, something a first-time visitor can enjoy at spots such as Original Murdick’s Fudge, Mackinac Island's first candy shop. One will enjoy strolling the car-free streets and sampling the town’s array of chic boutiques and locally owned restaurants.
Munising, Michigan
Munising is an adorable Michigan gem tucked away on a lovely bay on Lake Superior, the largest of North America’s five Great Lakes. Although a dainty town of less than 2,000 residents, Munising scores big on aesthetic appeal. A first-time visitor will enjoy traipsing through Munising’s downtown area and popping inside its charming slew of restaurants. The Dogpatch Restaurant, for example, known for its playful decor, serves tender and juicy whitefish, crispy burgers, and fried mushrooms.
The well-stocked Gift Station, at 101 Cedar Street, has a wonderful selection of unique gifts and mementos. If desiring outdoor fun and adventure, the Alger Underwater Diving Preserve is among the best scuba-diving areas in the Great Lakes. The Munising Bay Shipwreck Tours, a favorite with first-time visitors, is often quite a memorable adventure. That said, a visit to Munising can never be complete without a detour to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, known for its streaked sandstone cliffs.
Petoskey, Michigan
Anyone will describe a town famous for its million-dollar sunsets as adorable. But Petoskey — which rests on the southern shore of Little Traverse Bay — features numerous other enticing features. The Gaslight District in Petoskey, with its unique shops and restaurants, is known to effortlessly lighten wallets. It is a fun spot to browse away an afternoon.
Play games at the smoke-free Odawa Casino, a fun spot that also serves finger-licking prime ribs. Spend the night at the fairly brand-new Courtyard Petoskey at Victories Square, especially after exploring stand-outs such as Bayfront Park, the adjacent Sunset Park, and the Crooked Tree Golf Club, a beautiful spot to tee away an afternoon.
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette is an adorable Michigan eye candy with lots of stuff to see and do. For those who love the fragrance of morning dew — or the pleasure of wandering through the woods — Presque Isle Park is a must, as is Sugarloaf Mountain, whose trails reward hikers with arguably one of the best views in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. One also has access to Hogback Mountain, an exacting but fun hike that rewards intrepid climbers with stunning views of Lake Superior.
On the culinary side, the Rice Paddy serves great Thai food while Villa Capri has good Italian. In the final minutes of daylight, take a walk around the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, and enjoy mesmerizing views on all sides.
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Featuring Lake Superior’s enchanting mystique, Two Harbors is among the most underrated towns in the Great Lakes region. A first-time visitor will be blown away by the town’s array of offerings, including The Two Harbors Light Station, Minnesota’s oldest operating light station. It was constructed in 1892. An outdoor lover here has access to many miles of scenic hiking trails, many of which are interspersed with panoramic overlooks, including the famous Superior Hiking Trail, which stretches over 300 miles along Lake Superior's North Shore.
Two Harbors is a jumping-off point to the nearby Gooseberry Falls State Park, famous for its series of waterfalls, including the expansive Middle Falls, possibly the most photographed. If marooned in town and hungering for a bite, check out Betty's Pies, known for delicious strawberry rhubarbs and kick-ass burgers. Find a table that overlooks Lake Superior, and watch the afternoon drift by.
Ludington, Michigan
This peach of a town screams “adorable” at the first site. There are many reasons to lace up for Ludington, more so if one wants to get a feel of warm sand between the toes or just to play and splash in invitingly gentle waves. Ludington is tucked away in western Michigan’s Mason County, and with a population of about 7,800 — is Mason County's largest town. One can experience the S.S. Badger car ferry, the largest to sail the Great Lakes, explore the miles of stunning beaches along Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, and step back into time at two lighthouses, one of which is right in town.
The stand-out attraction here is Ludington State Park, arguably the best in the Midwest after Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Visitors to Ludington State Park get to enjoy more than 5,000 acres of picturesque vistas and sylvan charm in an ambiance whose serenity is known to enamor and beguile.
Looking for the most adorable small towns in the Great Lakes? Roll up your sleeves because this is going to be a difficult choice. Many small towns in the Great Lakes — with their miles of waterfront views — are incredibly swoon-worthy. Those that lead the pack include Sister Bay, Wisconsin; Grand Marais, Minnesota; and Traverse City, Michigan, which boasts miles of continuous Lake Michigan shoreline.
