6 Undiscovered Small Towns in the Great Lakes Region
The Great Lakes region encompasses large swathes of several American states, including New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and Illinois, among a few others, and the Canadian province of Ontario (which shares a border with all of the Great Lakes except for Lake Michigan). Comprising 5 of the world's largest freshwater lakes- Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior, this region is home to tens of millions of people across both countries. A number of major cities sit on the shores of these mammoth bodies of water, including Toronto, Chicago, Clevland, Buffalo, and Milwaukee, but today we would like to focus more on the smaller towns here that are worth a visit.
Elk Rapids, Michigan
Located along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, Elk Rapids is a hidden gem that is almost completely surrounded by water. With Elk Lake to the east and the bay to the west, boating, fishing, and swimming are incredibly popular activities here in the warmer months.
If you are looking to explore more of the wildland around the small town, be sure to make a trip to Elk Rapids Day Park, where a sandy beach and picnic areas abound, or venture to the nearby chain of lakes, including Elk Lake, Lake Skegemog, and Torch Lake for kayaking or canoeing on waters that are often less choppy than that of Lake Michigan.
Learn more about Elk Rapids at the Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum, which features exhibits highlighting local wildlife and Native American history. The Elk Rapids Area Historical Museum is another spot, this time right in the heart of dowtown, that is also worth a visit.
Alexandria Bay, New York
The Thousand Islands region on the St. Lawrence River sits at the far eastern edge of the Great Lakes region and is also the home of Alexandria Bay, a town of less than 1,000 residents.
This small town is renowned for its historic Boldt Castle, an iconic structure on Heart Island that was built by one of the area's wealthiest and most famous residents- the hotelier George Boltd. You can now tour the castle and its beautifully landscaped gardens. The Cornwall Brothers Store Museum in Alexandria Bay further explores the region's commercial history, featuring a number of artifacts and exhibits related to the area’s earliest settlers and industries.
Alexandria Bay's waterfront is also lined with a number of parks and viewpoints, like the aptly named Scenic View Park and Alexandria Bay Park Beach. Enjoy some of the local businesses near the waterfront too. Grab a coffee with a view at Coffee Pot Cathy's or grab a more substantial meal at Riley's by the River, among several other highly-rated eateries.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield sits on a spit of land that juts out into the mighty Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. This quiet escape is surrounded by some of the most iconic parklands and natural wonders in the United States and makes a great place to stay a night or two during your outdoor adventures. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the most notable of the nearby parks. Here, visitors can explore its lakeside caves, pristine beaches, and historic lighthouses by kayak, boat tour, or along its extensive trail system.
The town itself has much to offer too, containing many useful amenities such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and outfitters. The Bayfield Maritime Museum is the place to go for more insight into the area’s shipping and fishing heritage, while the nearby orchards and berry farms invite you to pick your own fresh fruit during the summer and fall.
It is highly recommended to embark on a relaxing stroll along Bayfield's scenic lakefront on the Brownstone Trail, which begins right in the heart of town. Also be sure to take a ferry to Madeline Island, which is ideally explored on a bike.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Chagrin Falls, located southeast of Cleveland, sits a little further from the lakeshore than many of the other entries on this list but still retains all of the beauty and charm of your typical Great Lakes region town. Known for the waterfall in the center of town, Chagrin Falls is renowned for its many natural features and parks in and around its borders.
The iconic Chagrin Falls Waterfall, as mentioned, is the centerpiece of the town, providing a scenic spot for photography without having to stray too far. The nearby Riverside Park is also perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic by the Chagrin River. History enthusiasts will appreciate the preserved 19th-century architecture, many of which you can learn more about at the Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum.
Chagrin Falls also hosts a variety of annual events, including the Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival, which features parades, hot air balloons, and a carnival, making it s great place to bring the family every May.
Leland, Michigan
Situated on the Leelanau Peninsula, Leland is truly a lakeside town, with Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Leelanau on the other. Best known for its historic Fishtown district, with its rustic fishing shanties, weathered docks, and charter boats, this living museum is where you can easily fill up a day exploring and learning about this unique place. Here, you can also shop for locally caught fish, and enjoy fresh seafood at waterside eateries like The Cove, a hugely popular restaurant.
Leland’s location between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau makes it an ideal spot for water activities such as boating, fishing, and beachcombing, with several places to launch your watercraft. The town’s sveral nearby beaches beaches, including the secluded Van's Beach, are also perfect for a peaceful day by the water.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, where numerous vineyards offer tastings with views of rolling hills and the lake. Try out the Verterra Winery tasting room if you like to try some local products without having to venture outside of town.
Sackets Harbor, New York
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor is a historic town in upstate New York that deserves more attention. Renowned for its preserved historic sites, including the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, where you can see the remains of forts from the War of 1812 and learn about the area's strategic significance through exhibits and exciting reenactments. The Sackets Harbor Historical Society Museum further highlights the town’s past with expertly curated displays of artifacts and local history.
The picturesque waterfront area features a marina, scenic parks, and walking paths where gorgeous views of Lake Ontario are easy to find. Just outside of Sackets Harbor are a number of wonderful state parks, including Westcott Beach State Park, which as you could imagine, contains a pristine beach that is good for swimming or simply lounging on a hot summer day.
Discover More in The Great Lakes
In exploring these lesser-known yet beautiful towns around the Great Lakes, it becomes clear that the region offers more than just its well-trodden paths. From the historic charm of Alexandria Bay to the tranquil beauty of Bayfield at the other end of the region, each town mentioned above presents a unique facet of the vast Great Lakes area. As you plan your next getaway, consider venturing into these underrated towns for a truly unique and memorable time.
