7 Coziest Towns to Visit in the Great Lakes in 2024
The Great Lakes is a region of North America extending from the Midwest to the northeastern portion of the continent. It contains some of the largest fresh bodies of water in the world, like Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, along with three other main lakes. This area is extremely popular for its beauty and abundance of bustling shoreside towns and cities. If you are looking for a cozy place to spend time in the Great Lakes in 2024, find seven of the best small towns for a fun and relaxing escape.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Located on the southern shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield serves as the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a collection of 21 islands known for their sea caves, lighthouses, and old-growth forests. Bayfield itself is rich in history, with many buildings from the late 19th century still standing, reflecting its past as a prosperous fishing and lumbering town.
Commercial activity in Bayfield is centered around its picturesque downtown core, where visitors can explore local shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Bayfield Maritime Museum offers insights into the region's nautical history, while the Bayfield Heritage Association Museum will give you a broader look at the area's storied past.
Bayfield is known for its orchards and berry farms, many of which have tours and pick-your-own experiences. The annual Bayfield Apple Festival, held every October, attracts thousands of visitors and will allow you to buy fresh produce and baked goods. Come over this 2024 to see what crops grew best during the year!
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Onto the opposite shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais charms visitors with its historic sites and the rugged natural beauty surrounding it. It is home to the North House Folk School, for example, which has displays and workshops based on traditional crafts and skills, a locale that attracts artisans from all around. The town’s history is preserved in places like the Cook County Historical Museum, which explores the area's Native American heritage and early European settlement.
Grand Marais provides access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast network of lakes and forests perfect for canoeing, hiking, and camping. Pincushion Mountain Trail System offers hiking and mountain biking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In town, the harbor, with its iconic lighthouse, is a focal point and a great spot for boating and fishing.
Grand Marais has a couple of notable festivals, including the Grand Marais Arts Festival and the Fisherman's Picnic, both of which will be held this summer in 2024.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck is a prime destination to visit on the shores of Lake Michigan. Well-known for its numerous galleries and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, which hosts a variety of performances and exhibitions throughout the year, this town is a great spot to go to for anyone interested in the arts.
For those looking for a dose of nature, you may appreciate the scenic beauty of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, which contains hiking trails and access to many of the pristine beaches nearby. A bit closer to town, the Kalamazoo River runs through the center of downtown, offering all opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can also enjoy a trip on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, one of the last remaining hand-cranked ferries in the United States, providing a unique way to cross the river.
Landmarks like the Old School House, which now serves as a historical museum, are worth a visit if you'd like to learn more about the history of Saugatuck.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Sitting on South Bass Island on the Bass Islands chain in Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay is a slightly more remote destination for anyone trying to get away from the mainland.
One of this town’s key historical attractions is Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, commemorating the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and celebrating lasting peace between the United States, Canada, and Britain. This monument also has top-notch panoramic views of the surrounding lake and islands.
Put-in-Bay also offers numerous ways to engage in outdoor recreation. South Bass Island State Park provides campsites, fishing spots, and hiking trails, while the Aquatic Visitors Center is more family education-oriented, with educational programs about Lake Erie's ecosystem. While here, check out the island’s caves, including Crystal Cave and Perry's Cave, both unique geological formations.
An annual event that is coming back in 2024 is the annual Pyrate Fest, a pirate-themed celebration that is full of activities that are fun for the whole family.
Traverse City, Michigan
Sitting on Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is renowned for its bustling downtown core with many popular restaurants and breweries. The Boardman River, winding through the city, will give you an alternate way to get around town in a kayak or another type of boat of your choice. Also located in town is the State Theatre, an iconic venue dating back to 1916. It is a hub for film and performing arts.
No visit to Traverse City is complete without a visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a short drive from the city. This park features towering sand dunes, scenic hiking trails, and stunning vistas of Lake Michigan. Learn more about the area at the Grand Traverse County Historical Society's museum, located in a 1903 train depot.
Traverse City is also famous for its cherry orchards and vineyards, with many offering tours and tastings. Annual events like the National Cherry Festival are held here, celebrating the pickings of every season.
Port Washington, Wisconsin
The downtown district of Port Washington is noted for its well-preserved architecture from the 1800s, with numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To get more in-depth info about this historic gem of a destination the Port Washington Historical Society's Resource Center contains exhibits and other resources that are open to the public.
Also downtown is the marina, which grants access to boating, fishing, and other water sports. Enjoy a walk along the harborfront near the marina and pay a visit to the Pierhead Lighthouse, a landmark that dates back to 1935. Coal Dock Park and Rotary Park are other popular spots nearby for picnicking and more great views of the lake.
The Interurban Trail, a 30-mile bike and pedestrian path, connects Port Washington to neighboring communities. This scenic route is very popular for active individuals who would like to experience this area at a slower pace on foot or with a bike.
Angola on the Lake, New York
Angola on the Lake, New York, sits at the southeast corner of Lake Erie. This hamlet blends residential areas and vacation homes/resorts, making it a great place for a quiet retreat near the water.
One of the main attractions in Angola on the Lake is Evans Town Park. This park features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and facilities for swimming and sunbathing. It is a family-friendly environment where you can enjoy a day by the water with the backdrop of Lake Erie ever-present. The park also hosts community events and concerts, adding to the vibrant local culture.
The nearby Evangola State Park provides additional ways to embark on outdoor fun. With a diverse ecosystem full of forests and beaches, this park contains hiking trails, wildlife observation areas, and a beachfront perfect for simple walks and nature photography. Be sure to catch a sunset here! The park's campground also makes it a place where you can stay the night, if you are seeking accommodations nearby.
Enjoy 2024 on the Lake!
The Great Lakes are beloved by many, and it is easy to see why now. With plentiful things to see and do in this vast region, you may never want to leave after a visit to any of these cozy small towns. Whether you are looking for a history-filled downtown area, a hiking trail, a beach to lounge on, or a regional festival to take part in, there is something for everybody to have a splendid 2024.
