6 Most Memorable Small Towns in Northern United States
Home to around a third of the American population and the first part of the country to have been settled by Europeans, it should be no surprise that the Northern United States is home to many lovely small towns. From the coastal allure of Bar Harbor in Maine to the Great Lakes community of Mackinac Island, and from the Winter Olympic legacy of Lake Placid in New York to Stillwater in Minnesota, each of these small towns offers plenty of great reasons to want to visit. Find out more with this list of the six most memorable small towns in the Northern United States.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque small towns in Maine. Situated on Mount Desert Island in the Northeastern United States, this charming town is as close to the major Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City as it is to Boston, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway destination for those planning a cross-border road trip. Visiting Acadia National Park is topping the list of things to do in Bar Harbor. Famous for its rugged coastline, forested interiors, and striking mountain scenery, it is renowned for outdoor pursuits such as hiking the Jordan Pond Path and the more challenging Precipice Trail. Take the scenic sunset drive up Cadillac Mountain, at 1530 feet, is the highest point on the East Coast.
Picturesque downtown Bar Harbor is also fun to explore and is characterized by its charming boutique shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants for fresh lobster. Shore Path, a scenic coastal walking trail, is a must-do and provides excellent views of Bar Harbor’s waterfront and the Porcupine Islands. For a truly memorable experience, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers tours that promise sightings of humpback and finback whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is another road trip-worthy town. Located in Lake Huron between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas, this unique travel destination is notable for its ban on almost all motor vehicles, with horse-drawn carriages and bicycles being the primary modes of transportation. Among the top attractions in Mackinac Island is the Victorian-era Grand Hotel. Built in 1887, this elegant (and aptly named) hotel boasts excellent views of the lake from what is reputed to be the world's longest porch and makes for an unforgettable place to stay.
Fort Mackinac is just a short carriage ride from the hotel, a well-preserved remnant of the island’s military past featuring live historical re-enactments and engaging interactive exhibits. Interested in nature? There is plenty to explore in Mackinac Island State Park, which covers over 80 percent of the island and features unique limestone formations like Arch Rock, along with over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails and superb lake views.
Lake Placid, New York
Fans of winter sports won’t need any introduction to Lake Placid. Located in New York's Adirondack Mountains, the Winter Olympics took place in 1932 and again in 1980, ensuring the town’s sporting legacy and making it a popular year-round destination for tourists. The best places to visit in Lake Placid include the Olympic Center, where visitors can explore the history of the Olympics through its museum and even skate on historic ice rinks, and the nearby Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, which is especially fun to visit during ski jumping training sessions.
Whiteface Mountain boasts the highest vertical drop in the East for those wanting to experience a little slope action for themselves. Come summer, the mountain transforms into a hotspot for hiking, mountain biking, and gondola rides with views over Adirondack Park, one of the largest protected areas in the United States. Mirror Lake, located in the center of town, is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in summer; in winter, it becomes a fun place for ice skating and dog sled rides.
Stillwater, Minnesota
Over in Minnesota, the attractive town of Stillwater is well worth visiting for its rich history. Established in 1854, Stillwater is considered the birthplace of Minnesota as it was here, just a few years earlier, that a territorial convention kicked off its journey to becoming a state. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, stroll along Main Street with its well-preserved Victorian-era buildings that now house boutique shops, antique stores, and excellent local eateries. Next up, the Washington County Historic Courthouse was built in 1870 and offers guided tours that delve into the area's history and justice system.
Other fun stuff to do in Stillwater include visiting Warden’s House Museum with its exhibits relating to local history and exploring William O’Brien State Park and Afton State Park, both of which offer hiking, camping, and bird watching. The 18-mile-long Gateway State Trail, a scenic biking and walking route that connects Stillwater with Saint Paul, is fun to make use of.
Newport, Rhode Island
Affectionately (and appropriately) known as the "Queen of Summer Resorts," the Rhode Island town of Newport is an Atlantic coastal gem that deserves to be included on any Northern USA travel itinerary. Located on Aquidneck Island just a short drive from the state capital of Providence, Newport is one of those places where it is best not to have a rigid itinerary and meander along its tree-lined streets and drool over those opulent Gilded Age Newport Mansions. The best of these palatial estates, once owned by America's wealthiest families like the Vanderbilts and the Astors, include The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms, and can be toured and present a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the country’s elite during late 19th century.
Other fun things to do in Newport include following Newport's Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile public access walkway following the shoreline with views of the mansions and the coastline. Interested in maritime history? Head to Newport Harbor with its rich sailing tradition, sailing tours, yacht charters, and home to the annual Newport Yacht Regatta. The International Tennis Hall of Fame, located in Newport Casino, is another popular attraction.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City in Michigan is another small town in the Northern United States that is a popular tourist destination. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City lays claim to the title of the world’s cherry capital, celebrated each year with the National Cherry Festival, held here since 1925 and attracting visitors from across the globe. Traverse City's main draw is its proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an impressive 71,187 acres of outstanding natural beauty popular for its sand dunes and clear blue waters.
The town also sits at the heart of Michigan's wine country and numerous vineyards and wineries along the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, including Left Foot Charley, Mari Vineyards, and Black Star Farms.
These six small towns – Bar Harbor, Mackinac Island, Lake Placid, Stillwater, Newport, and Traverse City – are each well-worth including on any Northern United States travel itinerary. Whether exploring elegant Gilded Age mansions, biking (or hiking) along tranquil island paths, or reliving Olympic glory, these most memorable towns in the Northern United States invite travelers to enter a world of discovery as they forge new and lasting memories.
