2025's Most Underrated Towns In The Great Lakes
Spanning over 94,000 square miles, with an estimated 6 quadrillion gallons of water, the Great Lakes and their waterways comprise the largest freshwater system in the world. For thousands of years, people have been drawn to them for their water supply and staggering beauty, and 2025 is no exception.
While many vacationers and weekend travelers flock to waterfront cities like Chicago, Detroit, or Cleveland, sometimes, a quiet lake town is the secret to forget your worries for a while. Home to historic lighthouses, dune-studded beaches, and islands tucked away from the rest of the world, these underrated Great Lake towns invite you to slow down and embrace the charms of a laid-back, lakefront lifestyle.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
A "Gateway to the Apostle Islands,” Bayfield may be Wisconsin's smallest city, but its backyard is colossal. Perched on the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield is the perfect homebase to explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Considered the “Jewels of Lake Superior,” the 21 islands feature pristine beaches, mysterious sea caves, and historic beacons, such as the 1862 Raspberry Island Lighthouse.
Departing from Bayfield, guests aboard an Apostle Islands Cruise can tour the islands and learn more about their history. Kayaking is another option, whether booking a local guide like Stevie Waters or launching solo from spots like Meyers Beach. A popular shore for a day in the sand, Meyers Beach is also a gateway to the park’s dramatic mainland sea caves.
Port Clinton, Ohio
Perched at the mouth of the Portage River on Lake Erie, Port Clinton is anchored by its shimmering waterfronts. Known as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” the relaxing Ohio fishing village is celebrated for its leisure and recreation. Swimming, windsurfing, and lounging can be savored at shores like Lakeview Park and Waterworks Park. The latter also features wheelchair-accessible trails, a fishing pier, and the Port Clinton Lighthouse.
Much like Bayfield, Port Clinton provides a path to island adventures. Departing from Port Clinton, travelers can book a Miller Ferry ride to South Bass Island for a getaway within a getaway. Situated atop towering coastal cliffs, South Bass Island State Park offers gorgeous views of Lake Erie. Visitors can also enjoy a small swimming beach, countless picnic areas, and on-site Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals.
Alpena, Michigan
Overlooking Lake Huron, Alpena is a charming “Sanctuary of the Great Lakes” on the shores of Thunder Bay. It is known for its maritime heritage and attractions, including the Maritime Heritage Trail and Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Here, visitors can learn more about the wondrous Great Lakes, including their history and geology. The center features over 10,000 square feet of exhibits to discover, with shipwrecks as a major focal point.
Cold and clear, the waters in and around Thunder Bay are famous for preserving nearly 200 shipwrecks. Just off the Alpena Michigan coast, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects nearly 100 of these historic vessels. The sanctuary is a popular diving, snorkeling, and kayaking destination, while those looking to stay dry can book a glass-bottomed boat excursion. The Alpena Shipwreck Tour aboard Lady Michigan is a fun option, taking passengers into the heart of Shipwreck Alley.
Manistee, Michigan
Manistee, another laid-back Michigan town, is home to some of the state’s prettiest beaches and hiking trails. Skirting 25 miles of Lake Michigan, shores like 1st Street Beach and Fifth Avenue Beach are great family-friendly shores with calm waves and soft sands. Perfect for lounging, swimming, and sandcastle-building, these beaches bring Manistee to life in the summertime.
Orchard Beach State Park, on the other hand, is preferred for its serene rural scenes. Overlooking Lake Michigan atop a 100-foot bluff, the park offers watercolor sunsets and breathtaking views. While beach access is closed due to erosion and rising waters, the park’s 3.5 miles of old-growth forest trails are equally worth exploring.
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Returning to Lake Superior, Two Harbors sits on its northern shore in Minnesota, drawing visitors with its spectacular state parks. While the community itself is underrated and often overlooked, it is a gateway to popular sites like Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Crowning a 130-foot coastal cliff, the 1910 Split Rock Lighthouse is a sight to behold. After taking a historic lighthouse tour, make sure to stroll Pebble Beach or hike Day Hill for its breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
The Great Lakes town is also home to Gooseberry Falls State Park, an area praised for its Lake Superior shoreline, river gorge, and dramatic waterfalls. The North Shore park boasts 2 miles of snowmobile trails and 12 miles for cross-country skiing, although spring and summer are its more popular seasons. When the weather gets warm, visitors are drawn to the park’s 20-mile trail system, rewarding hikers with views of Gooseberry River's Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.
Chesterton, Indiana
Located on the southern shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana, Chesterton is a gateway to “Sand and Solitude” at Indiana Dunes National Park. Formed and shaped by the wind and waves of Lake Michigan, the park’s dunes, wetlands, and woodlands house a diverse range of wildlife. Birding is amazing here during fall migrations, with hawks and waterfowl flocking to its dunes and shoreline. Each third weekend in May, the park also plays an important role in the annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festival.
Across the park’s 15,000 acres and 15 miles of coastline, visitors can discover over 50 miles of scenic hiking paths, including routes like the half-mile Calumet Dunes Trail. For a day in the sand, Indiana Dunes also features countless shores to choose from, such as West Beach, Porter Beach, the Portage Lakefront, and Riverwalk Beach. From late spring through early fall, the latter features a wheelchair-accessible beach mat to ensure the scenic shores can be enjoyed by all.
Discover These Underrated Great Lake Towns in 2025
Small but mighty, these underrated Great Lake towns promise unforgettable scenes and long-lasting memories. Whether lounging on Manistee’s beaches, exploring sea caves in the Apostle Islands, or hiking to encounter the wonders of Gooseberry Falls, your Great Lake adventure can be as action-packed or relaxing as you desire. But regardless of how you fill your itinerary, these Great Lake towns are the perfect way to leave your worries behind in 2025.
