6 Most Idyllic Small Towns in the Northern United States
The Northern United States is a region comprising more than a dozen scenic states that offer visitors a world of opportunity. While major cities shine, the area’s small towns are often overlooked, boasting untapped potential of grand proportions. Six picturesque small towns stand out, from the Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth, Washington, to the historic river town of Stillwater, Minnesota, along the banks of the scenic St. Croix River. Those looking for a quirky time can join the circus in Baraboo, Wisconsin, or experience the painted canyon in Medora, North Dakota—the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
With these and many more, a journey through any of these idyllic small towns is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a rustic little village with a fascinating backstory hidden in the stunning Cascade Mountain Range in the Pacific Northwest. Founded as a logging town in the late 19th century, Leavenworth faced serious challenges when the Great Northern Railway closed in the 1920s. To revitalize a flagging economy, community leaders boldly decided to transform the town into a Bavarian-themed town with strict building codes and regulations to create a European ambiance. Today, the town attracts tourists worldwide for its festive atmosphere, where Oktoberfest is celebrated every day.
There is no shortage of “bier” and bratwurst in the town’s restaurants, such as the dog-friendly Leavenworth Sausage Garten, Gustav’s Grill & Beer Garden, and München Haus, many of which serve beer on tap from the local brewery. The Icicle Brewing Company has a taproom in downtown Leavenworth where you can hoist a beer in the cozy bar, at an outdoor fire table, or in the old Stevens Pass chairlift. Hikers and backpackers can also explore natural landmarks like the hundreds of miles of wilderness trails in the nearby Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest or take the out-and-back hike to Icicle Creek.
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Known for its rich history and natural beauty, Baraboo was initially inhabited by Native American tribes. But, like many towns, the arrival of the Chicago & North West Railroad (C&NW) brought visitors from Milwaukee and Chicago to the shores of Baraboo’s famous Devil’s Lake, whose history dates back to the Ice Age. Today, Devil’s Lake State Park attracts more than 3 million visitors annually and features stunning 500-foot quartzite bluffs, hiking trails, and the 360-acre picturesque Devil’s Lake for swimming and boating.
But Baraboo, or “Circus City,” is perhaps best known as the home of the Ringling Brothers, founders of the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Visitors can explore what life is really like under the Big Top at Circus World, which preserves the legacy of the circus and its performers—spanning over 64 acres, including 30 structures, seven National Historic Landmarks, including Ringlingville, and ten buildings that once housed horses and ponies, elephants, camels, tigers, monkeys, and more. There are also over 260 beautifully restored circus wagons from the United States and England at Circus World—the most extensive collection of circus wagons in the world.
Stillwater, Minnesota
Thirty minutes outside of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Stillwater is a historic river town on the banks of the stunningly beautiful St. Croix River. The town resides on the hillsides surrounding the River, so one can climb the historic Stillwater Steps for a scenic view of the river and the valley below. Take advantage of the overlooks to snap a picture of the iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge, which spans the river between Stillwater and Hudson, Wisconsin. The bridge, constructed in 1931, is one of three remaining vertical-lift highway bridges in the U.S. The Lift Bridge Brewing Co. pays homage to the famous steel structure with various non-alcoholic sodas, hard seltzers, and hemp-based beverages in their Stillwater Taproom.
At the top of the Stillwater Steps, visitors can explore Stillwater's historic district, which features charming shops, restaurants, and Victorian-era architecture. Built in 1883, the Freight House Restaurant was once a freight depot handling as many as seventy rail cars daily and housing the area's telegraph office. It was the first building in Stillwater to be placed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Medora, North Dakota
The small town of Medora sits at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Established in 1947, the park preserves the rugged landscapes that captivated President Theodore Roosevelt during his time in North Dakota. Roosevelt first went to the region in the 1880s to hunt bison and fell in love with the rugged beauty of the Badlands—a precursor to his later instrumental role in the conservation movement. It covers over 70,000 acres of land across its three units: the North, South, and Elkhorn Ranch. The North and South units have their own landscape, wildlife, and recreational opportunities, like the famed backcountry hiking trails in the North and the self-guided nature trails and wildlife watching in the South. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is considered a solemn place where Roosevelt often retreated after the deaths of his wife and mother.
Medora itself is a charming tourist town with an Old West vibe, eclectic shops, and eateries, and, given its small size, a surprising number of live entertainment and Vegas-style shows. For example, the Medora Musical, a live outdoor music revue featuring music from “Dolly to Disco” and the Medora Gospel Brunch, a combination of an all-you-can-eat breakfast and gospel celebration with a full band and gospel quartet. Visitors often stop in Medora on their way to the park to view landmarks like the scenic Painted Canyon—vibrant and striking rock formations with a wide array of colors ranging from reds and oranges to yellows and purples.
Chesterton, Indiana
Chesterton is an idyllic small town approximately 45 miles southwest of Chicago, Illinois. Its unique proximity to both Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park makes it a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic dunes, beaches, and outdoor recreational activities. For visitors new to the area, Indiana Dunes National Park offers hundreds of ranger-led walks and talks throughout the year. For more independent hikers, 15 distinct trail systems cover over 50 miles of trails, from short, easy hikes to all-day challenging treks. Swimmers and sun-worshippers will love the 15 miles of sandy beaches along the south shore of Lake Michigan.
Indiana Dunes State Park comprises over 2,000 acres of primitive landscape to explore. At day’s end, the recently-restored 1930s landmark Pavilion features a restaurant, grill, and a rooftop lounge where visitors can enjoy the fantastic view with a Skyline Margarita or a Pavilion Paloma.
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Harbor Springs is a pretty resort town located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It offers a mix of art galleries, restaurants and cafés, and natural landmarks such as the Tunnel of Trees scenic drive and Petoskey State Park. The Harbor Springs Museum is housed in the Old City Hall building built in 1886, and its storied past includes incarnations such as an opera house, a fire station, and a shooting range. The museum's permanent collection celebrates the town’s past. At the same time, recent exhibits have included deeper explorations of the town with “Restful Resorts: Cottages, Community and Change” and “Dry Harbor: Prohibition, Gambling, and Gangsters.”
The Tunnel of Trees is one of Michigan's most iconic attractions, a 20-mile scenic drive named for the hardwoods and evergreens that form a canopy over the roadway along a spectacular bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Navigating the narrow and winding on the M-119 can be slow going depending on the season, and drivers are cautioned to watch out for the sharp twists at Horseshoe Curve and Devil’s Elbow (rumored to be haunted by an evil spirit after dark).
Stop at fun shops like Gurney’s Bottle Shop for a Train Wreck sandwich, or pick up a mix of Michigan craft beer after the drive. The Good Hart General Store has been a must-stop on the Tunnel of Trees since 1934, so indulge in one (or two) of their famous pot pies or homemade peanut butter chocolate chip sea salt cookies.
Summary
These six idyllic towns in the Northern United States invite exploration and relaxation. Experience the rich heritage of "Circus City," where the circus legacy comes to life, or venture into rugged landscapes beloved by President Theodore Roosevelt. Wander sandy shores, explore scenic drives, or indulge in local cuisine. Moreover, they lack the urban hustle and bustle that can make larger cities a hassle to visit. Thus, tourists can journey through these timeless destinations and discover the magic of small-town America.
