6 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In The Northern United States
From the West to the East Coast, the Pacific Northwest region and the unique New England States, the Northern United States is one of the nation’s most culturally diverse and geographically beautiful areas. Spend time near the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, enjoy the lakeside delights of Minnesota, learn more about America’s colonial past, or simply find relaxation in a small town setting. Visiting the Northern USA is a treat that all ages can truly appreciate. While major cities always dominate attention, there are also a plethora of smaller, off-the-beaten-path towns that are often equally captivating as their big city counterparts. So come experience the Northern portion of the United States across an exploration of these awesome smaller communities and see firsthand why one of the finest vacation experiences awaits in the North!
Cooperstown, New York
Established in the 1780s, Cooperstown is a lovely destination in the “Empire State” of New York, where scenic delights and cultural wonder come together. The seat of Otsego County, a modest population of just under 1,800 inhabitants calls this charming community home, famed as the site of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Indeed, this attraction is a must-see for ardent fans and casual observers alike, where “America’s Favorite Pastime” is lovingly commemorated. Marvel at rare artifacts, interactive displays and exhibits, and unique souvenirs. Cooperstown has always been proud of its connection to the great sport of baseball.
But outside of the game, however, guests still have plenty to enjoy here, where hot summers and cool winters are the norm. Spend time at Otsego Lake, and take advantage of scenic opportunities to go swimming, fishing, and even ice skating. From there, get acquainted with some of the best in American folk art at the Fenimore Art Museum, while at the Farm & Country Village, a living history experience will charm the young and old. Experience daily life in the 19th century and see recreated businesses like the Doctor’s Office, the Pharmacy, the Schoolhouse, and the General Store, amongst others.
Littleton, New Hampshire
The town of Littleton is beautifully surrounded by the Connecticut River and the White Mountains, where a population of just over 6,000 residents calls home. Founded in the 1780s, this Grafton County community is a great place to feel a special sense of the old world alongside a charming slice of Americana. Explore the downtown area’s assortment of preserved 18th and 19th century landmarks, which bring guests truly back in time and many of which are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Edward Lane House (1830), Thayer’s Hotel (1843), and the Opera House (1894), to name but a few. And do not forget about the very special Chutters Candy Store, which has been in continuous business since the late 19th century! Enjoy delectable treats in a historic ambience; this is definitely one of the most unique tourist stops in the region.
Finally, with Littleton’s cute range of local businesses and eateries like Sour’s Taverna and the Little Village Toy & Bookshop, the special allure of small-town USA shines through. End the day with time spent near the Connecticut River or marvelling at the mountain peaks, and Littleton will definitely be a destination one will want to return to when in the “Granite State”.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
An ever-popular seaside destination, Delaware’s Bethany Beach boasts a population of around 950 inhabitants, yet many thousands more descend in the summertime to enjoy some of the State’s finest outdoor coastline. Featuring hot summers and moderate winters, stunning Atlantic Ocean views, and plenty of fun opportunities to go swimming, sailing, fishing, and sunbathing, Bethany Beach is truly a most wonderful vacation hot spot. Walk along the inviting boardwalk while browsing through the fine selection of local shops and seafood eateries, which, together with the panoramas, make for quite a special set of photogenic memories.
From there, visit the Delaware Seashore State Park, where the truly adventurous tourist can even try their hand at surfing! Meanwhile, the chance to see some ocean wildlife is always an exciting prospect, so keep your eyes open for species including dolphins, whales, and sand sharks. Finally, stop by the Indian River Life Saving Service Station (1880), a former shipwrecking rescue center designed in the Queen Anne style of architecture and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This fascinating museum will certainly have the history lover intrigued as light is shed on Delaware’s maritime past.
Waterville, Maine
Scenically situated along the banks of the Kennebec River, Waterville is an intriguing and welcoming college town located just some 30 minutes from Maine’s capital, Augusta. Incorporated in the early 1800s, today just under 16,000 residents call this community home, where loads of New England charm await. Spend time on the pretty campuses of Thomas College (1894) and Colby College (1813), where inviting green spaces and classic architectural styles delight. While at Colby, be sure to also experience the school’s Museum of Art, which features more than 8,000 works that include Asian, European, African, and modern American masters.
Meanwhile, the performing arts enthusiast will not want to miss the chance to see a show at the Waterville Opera House (1902) in a most unique historic building. Or if visiting in the summertime, catch the offerings of the annual Maine International Festival (July 11-20, 2025), highlighting some of the very best of international and American cinema. Finally, with an inviting college ambience, guests will find plenty of cute local shops, cafés, and other eateries in Waterville, perfect for a relaxing time filled with smiles. Enjoy the Front & Main Restaurant or the Lion’s Den Tavern and see why Maine has earned its nickname as “Vacationland”.
Bemidji, Minnesota
From an Ojibwe word meaning “Lake with crossing waters”, the town of Bemidji can trace its modern roots to the 1880s, and today, just under 16,000 residents call it home. The seat of Beltrami County is located along Lake Bemidji (leading into the larger Mississippi River), and cold winters and mild summers characterize the town’s climate, where enjoying outdoor recreation is always popular. Spend time on the eponymous Lake or venture out to other nearby bodies of water, including Big Wolf Lake and Lake Irving, where activities like swimming, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and camping delight all ages. From there, visit the stunning Chippewa National Forest or the Itasca State Park, just a short drive away. Here, some of the best of Minnesota’s raw nature awaits, creating a relaxing and totally breathtaking experience for everyone.
Finally in town proper, enjoy a welcoming dose of the famed “Minnesota Nice”, and browse through Bemidji’s fine collection of local shops and restaurants. These include the Paul Bunyan Mall and the Blue Oyster Restaurant, which are not too far from the lakeshore! And of course, be sure to take pictures with the giant statue of folk hero Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, for a most special addition to one’s photo collection.
Coupeville, Washington
Along the shores of Penn Cove and on Whidbey Island, the beautiful Coupeville is a great place to enjoy Washington State’s natural allure and intriguing 19th-century history. The seat of Island County, just under 2,000 residents call Coupeville home, which has its modern roots dating to the 1850s. A splendid spot to relax and get away from big city life, guests can enjoy time spent along the harbor or at the town’s lovely beach areas. And with cool summers and mild winters, there is never really a bad time of the year to visit. Meanwhile, at the Historic Waterfront District, admire several preserved 19th-century buildings, while a day trip to the fascinating Casey State Park and Fort Ebey offers some of the most exquisite natural settings in the “Evergreen State”. Finish the day with a meal at cute local diners, including Toby’s Tavern and the Front Street Grill, while a piece of Americana can be brought home at the cute Aqua Gifts near the harbor.
The Northern United States includes a diverse geographic and cultural span, and any visitors to the country will definitely not want to miss out on a holiday experience here. From the northeastern corner and the New England States, to the delightful West Coast, and the special ambience of Minnesota, time spent in the Northern USA is definitely a treasure waiting to be discovered. Although the major cities and towns of any place will always come to mind first, the smaller and overlooked communities remain some of the best destinations to get acquainted with another side of any given region. In the Northern USA, this continues to be true, and a most unique holiday outing through a stop in these off-the-beaten-path towns will surely create a vacation set of memories unlike any other. Wait no longer, and come see America through a journey to these awesome towns in the North, and be prepared for happy smiles to last a lifetime!
