7 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in the Great Lakes Region

The Great Lakes are a collection of five of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. These inland seas have proven over time to be highly important to the many towns and cities that rest on their shores. They have also allowed for several beautiful wildlands to thrive nearby, many of which eventually becoming parks for the residents in the area.

It is obvious that the Great Lakes offer many worthwhile things to see and do, and today, we will explore this wonderful region of America. Let's take a deeper look at some of the best close-knit towns that you should visit around the Great Lakes today.

Charlevoix, Michigan

Charlevoix sits on the northern shores of Lake Michigan and is best known for its picturesque harbor, charming downtown area, and unique attractions. It's charming downtown community is lined with a number of useful amenities, many featuring views of the water. A short walk from the waterfront will bring you to the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, perhaps the best place to look out at the lake or look back at the town's quaint skyline.

A major highlight of Charlevoix is the historic Belvedere Golf Club, a wonderful course with views almost as good as its well-maintained greens. Charlevoix is also home to the “mushroom houses,” distinctive buildings designed by architect Earl Young, which have become a symbol of the town. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the town's close proximity to popular natural destinations like Fisherman’s Island State Park, where hiking, birdwatching, and landscape photography can all be engaged.

Ely, Minnesota

Ely is a close-knit community located on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering both a welcoming atmosphere and an abundance of natural beauty. The Ely area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to the Boundary Waters, a pristine network of lakes and forests as well as a plethora of other parks and wildlands, such as the renowned Superior National Forest, one of the largest old growth forests in the United States.

Residents and visitors often take part in canoeing, fishing, and hiking, with some local businesses providing guided tours and rentals on the many lakes and trails spread throughout the region. With community events like the Ely Winter Festival and the Boundary Waters Expo, the town brings people together to celebrate its rich outdoor heritage.

Oswego, New York

Oswego, located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, is a historic town with a waterfront that is a central gathering point, with scenic views of the lake, a well-maintained harbor, and recreational activities that foster a strong connection between residents and the natural environment.

Oswego is home to several historic sites, including the Oswego Harbor Lighthouse and the Fort Ontario State Historic Site, which offer an up-close look into the town’s role in early American history. The nearby Lake Ontario offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching, while the surrounding countryside features hiking trails and scenic vistas.

To get a strong grasp of this town's storied past, museums like the Richardson Bates House Museum, the headquarters of the local historic society and former home of one the town's earliest residents, and Safe Haven, a museum celebrating Oswego's commitment to harbor refugees in World War 2, are well worth a visit too.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck is a vibrant lakeside community along Lake Michigan, renowned for its solitude, with a population of just under 900 permanent residents. Whether you’re exploring the town’s historic charm or participating in its communal traditions, Saugatuck invites guests to experience the connections that define its identity. Landmarks like the Saugatuck Center for the Arts highlight its unique artistic identity, offering rotating exhibitions, performances, and workshops that often draw visitors into the fold.

Nearby Oval Beach, consistently ranked among the best in the country, provides a natural haven for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing for visitors in the summer months. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the winding trails of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, a 1,000-acre preserve that exemplifies the region’s great outdoors.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield, a small town on the shores of Lake Superior, is known for its tight-knit community and deep-rooted maritime history. Its downtown area is a nice mix of historic buildings, many of which house family-owned businesses, galleries, and restaurants serving up fresh fish from the lake. The town is widely visited as a convenient gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and exploring sea caves make it one of the best parks in the Great Lakes region.

Cultural events in the area, such as the Bayfield Apple Festival, bring together locals and tourists to celebrate the area’s strong agricultural heritage and the fall harvest towards the end of every year. Bayfield's farmers’ market, which operates in the summer, is another event that highlights local agriculture from the rich soils of northern Wisconsin.

Tobermory, Ontario

Tobermory rests at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and serves as the gateway to both Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. The town’s unique location along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventure and some of the best sightseeing in Ontario.

While here, be sure to explore the crystal-clear waters of the bay by boat or kayak, visit the famous Flowerpot Island, or hike the many trails that wind through the nearby national parks. The area is also known for its shipwrecks, which attract divers from around the world.

Tobermory’s small-town feel is enhanced by local events like the annual Tobermory Film Festival and its seasonal farmer’s markets, where residents come together to celebrate local culture and delicious, fresh produce picked from the fertile soils of the surrounding area.

Port Clinton, Ohio

Port Clinton is a short drive east of Toledo and is located on the western shores of Lake Erie. As the entry point to the Lake Erie Islands, including Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island, Port Clinton has a laid-back atmosphere that is extremely popular for tourists in the summer, when the weather allows for beachgoing and swimming.

The town’s location makes it a prime spot for water-based activities, including boating and fishing, especially at the water near the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Annual events like the Walleye Festival are another huge draw for fishermen in Port Clinton and the Great Lakes region as a whole. Port Clinton is also home to historic landmarks such as the Port Clinton Lighthouse, providing a glimpse into the region’s connection to the water.

Explore the Great Lakes Today

These towns on the shores of the Great Lakes make for excellent stops for road trips year-round. Whether it is an extended trip or just a weekend escape from the city, the warm residents of these small towns (and many other communities that didn't make the list) and the cultural, natural, and historic attractions that they maintain, will make for an unforgettable getaway in this wonderful region of the country.