6 Most Idyllic Small Towns In The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes, a chain of deep freshwater lakes in east-central North America collectively called the Great Lakes, comprise Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Encompassing small towns whose tiny demeanor only maximizes the spellbinding nature around them, these six offer idyllic waterfronts.
The region's gems, stretching through multiple states, include Cape Vincent, a Yankee town along the St. Lawrence River across from Canada, and Kewaunee, an easy escape from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Port Austin is a small port town on the northern end of Michigan's "Thumb," while Traverse City is the delicious cherry capital of the world with iconic dining venues and multiple museums, including music and children's.
Cape Vincent, New York
Life in Cape Vincent, a town in Jefferson County with French heritage, is sweet. The gorgeous natural surroundings along the St. Lawrence River across from Point Alexandria in Canada and just a hop to the westernmost tip of the exquisite Lake Ontario attract relentless tourists to this rather remote corner of the Empire State. Bursting with scenery and landmarks, it is the site where Joseph Bonapart, Napoleon's brother, established residence in the early 1800s to rescue his blood after the latter stirred havoc and was exiled in Europe but never got to live in town. Today, the famous village celebrates its colorful history with a French festival around Bastille Day in France, so plan a weekend escape for the second Saturday in July.
Visitors can learn about Cape Vincent's glorious past any day at the Cape Vincent Historical Museum, within an elegant stone building turned from soldiers' barracks who served in the War of 1812. Don't miss the nearby historic gristmill and, just south of town, Tibbetts Point Lighthouse looking over the lake. Cape Vincent Fisheries Station and Aquarium offers a glimpse into the underwater life surrounding the 1,000 Islands, while the only auto ferry across the St. Lawrence River departs from St. Vincent to Canada on a delightful journey to the historic city of Kingston in Ontario with its own Wolfe Island destination, the largest in the archipelago.
Kewaunee, Wisconsin
Home to under 4,000 people, Kewaunee, a cute town along Lake Michigan, is a favorite escape from the glam and grime of Milwaukee or even Chicago. Offering pristine lakeside nature and pretty sunsets, the town's aesthetics inspire a 360-degree change in pace from that of the Windy City. North up the Wisconsin shore, the historic harbor town is a pleasure to discover on a stroll, from shopping to waterfront dining, where heritage blends seamlessly with nature and modern charms. Home to the tallest grandfather clock in the world, nearby the impressive Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse is a scenic, historic landmark, tipping the pier for a stroll over the waters.
On the eastern side of the Door County Peninsula, with majestic views of Lake Michigan, active and nature lovers can explore unique fauna and flora along the Kewaunee Marshland Walk and soak in the scenery on a picnic. From the city’s historic harbour to the historic district, don't forgo Euclid's Flowers & Greenhouses, the oddly pink sight of Kewaunee County Sheriff's Residence and Jail, which looks more like a Barbie house, and the beautiful Hollyhock House & Gardens, all part of the sweet appeal, while an area resort guarantees a relaxing lakeside getaway or the buzzy, purportedly haunted Karsten Hotel.
Leland, Michigan
Despite being a tiny, skinny guy along the immense Lake Michigan's northeastern edge, Leland captures hearts left and right, sneaking its pretty face onto nearly every must-hit list of the state's shining gems. What is so special about the town, you might ask? Its quiet intimacy in between the two lakefronts of Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau is a seductive destination for real water babies and sightseers to connect with the lakes in peace, dispersing crowds along the vibrant scenery of the many beaches, each with a different vibe. This historic fishing village, home to the legendary Fishtown along the docks, excels at cooking up fresh seafood, while Whaleback Natural Area is a great place to admire the watery scenery on a sunset hike.
Easy to explore on a stroll, don't miss the Old Art Building, coffeehouses, the Riverside Inn for a fine dinner, and lovely places to shop along the Main, like Leland Harbour House. From the public Van's Beach along Lake Michigan, enjoy access to the trailhead right downtown while Bartholomew Park and Schneider's Beach & Park crest along Lake Leelanau. The waves come alive with surfers, paddlers, and swimmers in the summer along the sunny sands, but the lush banks tempt with shade for serene picnics. Boasting its very own two North and South Manitou Islands, with ferry access, the hemlock trees lovingly frame the glittering water of Lake Michigan.
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Nestled idyllically between two great lakes, Mackinaw City straddles the line between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron with its two magnificent waterfronts. Revving up the excitement against double the views, visitors can enjoy tranquil beaches or board a ferry for a jaunty ride to Mackinac Island on Lake Huron, with secluded hiking and biking trails known for their pristine nature of limestone formations and clear blue waters. The classic beachside town with an old-timey feel offers an impressive culinary scene as the place to indulge in seafood, like at Darrow's for the best fish'n'chips, while the base of the Mackinac Bridge is a lovely picnic spot for photoshoots or sitting down with an easel where Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet.
Hugging the illustrious Lake Michigan shore, Wilderness State Park extends into Sturgeon Bay with islets. Headlands International Dark Sky Park is just a hop west, and don't miss the two lighthouses, McGulpin Point Lighthouse and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. From historic parks to relaxing sandy beaches, Mackinaw City captivates your senses year-round with shopping and action-packed winters, including wild alpine adventures. Turning into a wonderland under the dusting of snow, the city sparkles under the restless sunshine and crisp air from the lakes—a sight to behold in the frame of nature. Being in the mecca for cross-country skiing, there is equipment and guides through town, with easy access to learn the skill or seek thrills along backcountry trails.
Port Austin, Michigan
The small port town on the northern end of Michigan's so-called "thumbcoast" is a place of idyllic beauty. From the stunning sunrise to the unforgettable sunset, fill up the day with scenic relaxation along the expansive beaches in the summer and the multiple waterways for paddling. From the iconic Turnip Rock to exploring sea caves and admiring the off-shore reef lighthouse up close, see where the adventures take you. Port Austin, a photographer’s paradise, is on the path of migratory birds, with wildlife along the picturesque trails and farm visits in the warmer months. Do not miss the smattering of historic houses with shops and small local restaurants for regional cuisine along Lake Street, its heartline.
Boasting unmatched bass fishing, including charter boats to guarantee a salmon or lake trout for a fire-cooked dinner, during the winter, visitors can marvel at ice formations on Lake Huron. Whether you're in for the immersive Port Crescent State Park with a designated dark sky preserve and bird of prey observation deck, exploring the sandy dunes, or sunbathing against Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay views, the town of just 622 makes every experience cherishable. Sitting on the point of Michigan's thumb with a special connection to Lake Huron's famously clear water, make more memories by splicing it with a kayak around interesting rock formations and debarking at Turnip Rock, a unique rock island topped with trees like a toupee.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City, the delicious cherry capital of the world, in between the wild and the water, is a long-traversed area and a darling family getaway today in the embrace of nature. Its connection to expansive Lake Michigan is clear in the local desire to spend each spare minute along the shores, whether lounging on the beaches in the summer or taking a lonesome stroll in the stupendous scenery of the nearby Big Bear Dunes, with its ability to ease any heavy soul. The rugged coastline starkly contrasts the happy-go-lucky town with a celebratory feel no matter the time of year, bursting with local shops, treats, and other charms, like the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park and the World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan.
From the Great Lakes Children's Museum to the Music House Museum, Black Star Farms and a whole wine country are just up north along the peninsula with endless vineyards, while the country roads offer scenic overlooks around each corner to share special moments and Instagram-worthy shots. Home to its own little collective of just 5,000, it inspires an idyll with the old Victorian homes along the waterfront and culinary creations from unique farm-to-table experiences and waterfront dining. No wonder a journey to Traverse City reportedly evokes a sense of returning home even for new visitors, with its luxurious sailboats, the sweeping vistas of freshwater beaches, and lookouts over Lake Michigan at sunset—a lavish outdoor experience for every budget!
The Great Lakes, one of the great natural features of the Earth combined, comprise some 94,250 square miles (244,106 square kilometers), which is the largest surface of fresh water in the world, while Lake Superior is the world's largest single freshwater body by area. With countless waterways to explore in the summer, Port Austin features Turnip Rock, while Cape Vincent, built as a refuge for Napoleon, is the gateway to the 1,000 Islands. In the winter, head to the mecca for cross-country skiing in the US—Mackinaw City—or anytime for lavish outdoor experiences and expensive sights on a budget in Traverse City.
