6 of the Most Walkable Towns in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are jewels in America’s topographical crown: these nearly-oceanic freshwater bodies number among the largest lakes in the world and inspire cultlike devotion from anyone from the Midwest. The Great Lakes include Lakes Erie, Ontario, Huron, Michigan, and Superior, and span from western New York all the way to Minnesota. While touring the area, take time away from staring at the seemingly limitless horizon to peruse the half dozen walkable gems nestled in the lakes region and enjoy walkable downtowns with their own unique charm.
Chesterton, Indiana
Nestled just off the banks of Lake Michigan, Chesterton is known for its blend of natural beauty and historical charm. The town offers access to Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park, which provide miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, and bird-watching opportunities. Lending the feeling of being in a desert in the American midwest, these dunes are well worth stopping for on any road trip. The Historic Commercial District, featuring vintage Romanesque and Italianate architecture, is a perfect place to explore on foot, given its many shops, cafes, and restaurants, as is the Westchester Township History Museum, which is located in an old mansion and shares space with the local library.
Ashland, Wisconsin
Ashland, located on the shores of Lake Superior, is a hub for art and history enthusiasts. The town's downtown area features public art, historic murals, and the Ashland Historical Museum, which showcases the region's rich history. Conveniently, the streets are laid out in an easily navigable grid, which makes exploration all the easier. The South Shore Brewery, the “Taste of Wisconsin” grocery store, and several local wineries are also within walking distance, offering a taste of Ashland's vibrant culture. Peruse the Downtown Art Walk, which features public art, particularly murals.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
A picturesque town on Lake Superior, Grand Marais is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Sit and enjoy nature at Artist’s Point, a small strip of land jutting into the lake that also includes the Grand Marais Lighthouse. The Grand Marais Recreation Area offers camping and boating facilities, while the Cook County History Museum celebrates the area's maritime heritage- while Lake Superior is only a lake, it boasts a long and storied shipping and commerce history not without its share of shipwrecks. Art lovers will enjoy the galleries and art events hosted by the Grand Marais Art Colony Center. Don’t miss the Lower Range Light towards the bottom of the town, accessible from its marina!
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Straddling the line between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Mackinaw City offers double the stunning waterfront views. Importantly, it is also one of the few ways mainland Michiganders can visit the wild haven, which is its Upper Peninsula or UP. Visitors can enjoy tranquil beaches, board a ferry to Mackinac Island, and explore historical landmarks like the McGulpin Point and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouses— the latter dating back to the 19th century. The city also provides access to Wilderness State Park for nature lovers. Don’t miss Headlands International Dark Sky Park for stargazing with minimal light pollution, an increasing rarity in today’s electrified world. Mackinaw City is also a true tourist stop, with its downtown shopping district filled with souvenir shops and boutiques alike.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Another town with a maritime past, Bayfield is a scenic town on the shores of Lake Superior. The Bayfield Maritime Museum and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are significant attractions, providing important historical context to the town’s development as a shipping and fishing port on the lake. The museum even allows its littlest sailors an opportunity to steer an old helm, igniting the imagination! Downtown Bayfield is filled with art galleries, local shops, and the Bayfield Artists Guild, where you can appreciate the work of local artists and their homage to the lakes around them.
Traverse City, Michigan
Do you associate Michigan with cherries? You should: Traverse City, the cherry capital of the world, combines natural beauty with local charm and a little tartness from the sour red cherries harvested in the region. The city's proximity to Lake Michigan offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities, from boating to enjoying Clinch Park Beach. Visitors can explore the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, the Great Lakes Children's Museum, and a variety of local shops and eateries along the waterfront as they spend their day wandering the small town’s streets.
It’s true that one doesn’t quite understand the splendor of the Great Lakes until you’ve seen them: their endless horizons, tropical-seeming azure waters, or even mighty waves that have claimed many ships. Each of the towns listed above applies its own lens of appreciation and symbiosis with the lake it nestles on, from honoring a maritime historical past to embracing the abundance of nature-forward activities these stunning bodies of water provide. Particularly if you live in one of the larger cities in the Midwest, taking time to drive around the lakes will help you slow down and appreciate the abundance around you.
