6 Little-Known Towns In The United States
For curious travelers, the United States has so much to offer. Stunning scenery? Naturally. World-class museums and attractions? Of course. Friendly people? Definitely! Yet, I’ve traveled coast-to-coast multiple times and there’s one aspect of travel in and around the US that’s often overlooked (and which I never get tired of), and that’s exploring new towns. And the smaller, the better.
Exploring beyond America’s better-known destinations brings with it no end of rewards. From New England’s historical enclaves to the rugged landscapes of the Southwest, these lesser-known places to visit in the US offer the kind of authentic glimpse into American heritage and culture that you simply won’t find in many of the most popular travel destinations. So, strap on your boots, and let’s take a look at these six little-known towns in the United States
Camden, Maine
Established in 1791, Camden is a small coastal town in Maine that has much to offer curious travelers. Set on Penobscot Bay 40 miles east of the state capital of Augusta, this once prominent shipbuilding center played a pivotal role in Maine’s maritime economy and features remnants of this prosperous past in its well-preserved harbor and buildings. One of the best examples, Camden Opera House, was built in 1894 and continues to host local events. Camden also offers an intimate look at New England life with key sites like Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheater, which dates to the 1930s and provides superb views of the bay and its fleet of docked schooners such as the Surprise and Lazy Jack Camden, to name but two.
Held each year over the Labor Day Weekend, the Camden Windjammer Festival is a great time to visit. This unique celebration of the town’s shipbuilding legacy comes with parades, sailing events, and fireworks, plus plenty of opportunities to sample fresh seafood dishes at popular spots like the Camden Deli. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find the nearby Camden Hills State Park worth visiting, especially if it includes a climb up Mount Battie for its incredible views of Penobscot Bay.
Marblehead, Ohio
Set along the south shore of Lake Erie, Marblehead, Ohio, was established in 1891 and is best known for its distinctive lighthouse. Marblehead Lighthouse was built in 1822 and has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes, and also lays claim to being one of the region’s most scenic spots... so bring a camera. Still in operation today, be sure to take one of the informative guided tours and afterwards pop into the adjacent museum detailing Camden’s d significance to maritime navigation in the Midwest.
Interested in cultural attractions? Then summer’s always a great time to visit as Marblehead hosts the Lakeside Chautauqua, a tradition since 1873 that features lectures, book readings, concerts, and all manner of creative arts-related events along the Lake Erie waterfront. Marblehead Peninsula also offers easy access to East Harbor State Park with its beaches, fishing, and boating activities
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
Located just an hour south of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, Ste. Genevieve was founded in 1735 and is the oldest European settlement in Missouri. The stars of the show here are the town’s many French colonial-style buildings, including the well-preserved Felix Vallé House, built in 1818 in the distinctive French Creole style known as poteaux en terre, or “post in ground.” Other fine historic buildings like the Green Tree Tavern, built in 1790 and the town’s oldest home, can be seen in the Historic District, much of which is located within what’s now Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park.
Jour de Fête, held each August, celebrates Ste. Genevieve’s French roots with art and craft vendors, historical reenactments, and traditional local foods. Just a short distance away, Hawn State Park features plenty of hiking trails through pine forests and dramatic sandstone bluffs, providing a scenic escape into Missouri’s natural beauty. Enjoy a good wine? Then, you’ll want to include attractions like Chaumette Vineyards & Winery on your list of fun things to do in St. Genevieve.
Silverton, Colorado
While there are plenty of choices when it comes to wanting to experience a little of America’s fascinating “Old West” period, Silverton remains a favorite among travelers who enjoy exploring lesser-known towns. Founded in 1874, this former silver mining town in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains played an important role in Colorado’s early mining industry and today preserves this history in the Silverton Historic District. Highlights of this frozen-in-time destination include structures like the Silverton Depot, built in 1882, and the Shenandoah-Dives (Mayflower) Mill, built in 1929 and the state’s longest-running mill.
Other must-visits include the Old Hundred Gold Mine a few miles east of downtown where fun underground tours reveal the operations of this century-old mining operation. And for extreme sports enthusiasts, Silverton hosts the Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run, a challenging 102-mile ultramarathon through the rugged landscape of the San Juan Mountains. Gentler outdoor adventures like hiking can be had at the nearby San Juan National Forest, while the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic rail line in operation since 1882, offers scenic train rides through some of the state’s most dramatic mountain terrain.
Madison, Indiana
Established in 1809 along the banks of the Ohio River, Madison, Indiana, is a historically significant town with a well-preserved historic district that’s now designated a National Historic Landmark. The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, built in 1844, is a key attraction here and features attractive Greek Revival architectural flourishes, an elegant spiral staircase, and a superb garden. Now a museum, tours are available, along with special events at Christmas including charming candlelight visits. The town’s creative and cultural side can be experienced at the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art, held each September and featuring regional artists and craftsmanship along the riverfront.
Madison is also where you’ll find Clifty Falls State Park, home to several waterfalls and hiking trails popular with nature enthusiasts year-round. The town’s proximity to the Ohio River is another great excuse to visit, with trails and riverside benches in places like Lamplighter Park perfect for sitting and admiring the stunning river views.
Bisbee, Arizona
Located near the border with Mexico and established in 1880, Bisbee, Arizona, was once a thriving copper town that’s done a great job of preserving this important aspect of its past. Its mining legacy can be witnessed in attractions like the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, originally opened in 1897 as a part of the Smithsonian Institution’s affiliate program. In recent years, Bisbee has transformed itself into an eclectic arts community where former mining buildings and attractive old commercial structures now house art galleries (check out the attractive exterior of Belleza Fine Art Gallery). One of the most unique is the Broadway Stairs Gallery. Also known as the Art Wall, this quirky art gallery features artwork inside… and outside.
Be sure to include a tour of the Queen Mine on your list of fun things to do in Bisbee. The highlight of this first-rate attraction is being led on an underground tour with guides who were once miners themselves. It’s also known for its annual Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb, an event that challenges participants to ascend the town’s historic staircases built into steep hillsides. The lovely Mule Mountains range, which surrounds the town, provides ample hiking and birdwatching opportunities, particularly in the Huachuca Mountains.
The Final Word
These six lesser-known towns across the United States reveal a diverse array of American culture, history, and natural beauty and are well worth a visit. With their well-preserved architecture, fascinating cultural events, and strong ties to both historic and natural landmarks, these towns offer immersive experiences beyond the typical tourist sites. In fact, exploring these places is like embarking on a journey through time that presents you with a unique connection with the authentic character of each town. From the coastal charm of Maine to Arizona’s artistic legacy, these six little-known towns in the United States illustrate how smaller destinations can offer fascinating insights into American life.
