7 Old-World Towns to Visit in the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes cover eight United States(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and the Canadian province of Ontario. Considering their range, it's no wonder they draw in tourists every year. People are particularly drawn to the Great Lakes area in the summer because of the area's beautiful beaches.

However, beyond beaches, the Great Lakes area has many small towns full of Old-World charm. Towns such as Fort Erie are rich with history that can be explored through historic sites. Other towns, such as Goderich, have natural vistas, such as a boardwalk connecting three beaches. Here, we explore seven towns in the Great Lakes that each have a unique Old-World charm.

Fort Erie, Ontario

Fort Erie is a town in Ontario's stunning Niagara region where the past meets the present. Explore the history of Niagara Falls and the War of 1812 in Old Fort Erie. Every year, the area has an annual Siege of Fort Erie Reenactment with historical reenactors in uniform. The Old Fort also has daily tours and musket demonstrations. Take a trip to the Fort Erie Railway Museum and the Bridgeburg Historic District to learn more about the area's history. The Bridgeburg Historic District is only 5km from the historic Peace Bridge and overlooks the Niagara River. This is a great part of the downtown area, where you can walk around and explore the local shops while admiring the beautiful surroundings. Stop at Bay Beach to enjoy the shores of Lake Erie.

Ludington, Michigan

Ludington is a charming town on the bank of Lake Michigan, surrounded by natural beauty. Ludington State Park is a great spot to enjoy a hike near town. A short hike with scenic views is the Big Sable Lighthouse Hike. The 1.8-mile hike takes visitors to the Big Sable Lighthouse, sitting at over one hundred feet tall; it is a site to behold amongst the jackpines. In the winter, enjoy a unique experience of snowshoeing on a lantern-lit hike at Ludington State Park. In town, check out the Cartier Park Pathway for an easily accessible hike. The Mason County Cultural Trails are a great way to learn about the town's history. The trails include The Agricultural Trail, Lumber Heritage Trail, Barn Quilt Trail, and Music Trail. In the summer months, the trails include detours for farm fresh fruit, such as Kistlercrest Farms for cherries and apples. Stopping at the farms for fresh food will bring you back to simpler times. End your day in Ludington by stopping by the beaches on Lake Michigan and watching the sunset.

Sackets Harbor, New York

In the heart of Lake Ontario's maritime history, Sackets Harbor is a town with stunning vistas. Some of the best places to admire views are Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, Westcott Beach State Park Bluff Overlook, and Robert Wehle State Park. These are great sites to watch the sunset and to check out during the day. At the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, you can learn about the area's military involvement during the War of 1812. The Westcott Beach State Park Bluff Overlook is an excellent park for hiking and camping. Walk around town and admire the small-town atmosphere. Stop in Tin Pan Galley for some fuel for your day and an old-timey breakfast.

Port Washington, Wisconsin

Port Washington was once a fishing port teeming with business. Today, the area is known for delightful shops, cute eateries, and a New England-esque vibe. Explore the town's past as a fishing port at the local marina. Here, there is lots to do, including visiting Coal Dock Park. The park was once the spot where huge shipments of coal were transported. However, since the town no longer uses coal, the area was transformed into a green space. Close to the Marina is the Port Exploreum. The museum has interactive exhibits of the town's past. The town's beaches are also just north and south of the marina. They are the perfect place to spend a day in the sun relaxing. In the summer, Port Washington has festivals, including Port-Fish Days. This is a community fish fry that happens every year on the third Saturday of July. The festival has a parade and live music, along with opportunities to participate in the deep-fish fry contest.

Marquette, Michigan

On the southern shore of Lake Superior is the majestic town of Marquette. With mountain views and miles of shoreline to roam, the small town has the charm of cottage country. In the summer, enjoy biking on the 47-mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The trail connects five counties and offers a range of views from historic mining areas to tranquil wetlands. Marquette Mountain is another great area to bike in the summer. Snake Oil, Easy Rider, and Weasel Connector are popular beginner-friendly trails. In the winter, Marquette Mountain is transformed into one of the area's most popular ski mountains. For a break from the outdoors, step back in time by visiting the Marquette Maritime Museum. Here you can see the Marquette, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, which dates back to 1853. Discover the local arts scene at the Marquette Arts and Culture Center. The center has workshops, art exhibitions, community art projects, and performance events.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Another town with Old-World charm is Grand Haven in Michigan. The town is full of relaxing beaches and festivals, and it has a cute downtown. The Grand Haven Lighthouse is a popular attraction to see in town. Built-in 1839, walk along the boardwalk to admire the lighthouse and the shores of the Grand River channel. The boardwalk goes for 2 1/2 miles and goes around shops, restaurants, marinas, and fishing boats. If you'd rather bike than walk around the area, check out the town's 100 miles of bike trails. Some of the most popular trails are along the Lake Michigan shoreline on Lakeshore Drive. The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a unique attraction in town. The fountain has a unique display of water and lights during live music performances. Performances happen every night from May until September.

Goderich, Ontario

Goderich is a pretty town with historic buildings and cute restaurants near its beaches. On the shore of Lake Huron, the beaches in Goderich are calm and perfect for an afternoon swim in the summer. There are three main beaches, and a boardwalk connects them all. The Goderich Lighthouse sits on the edge of a bluff and offers spectacular views of Lake Huron. Downtown Goderich has a unique octagonal shape. There are vibrant murals on brick walls, unique local shops, and a local theater. The Huron County Museum is a great spot to visit and learn about the area's history.

Experience the Timeless Allure of the Great Lakes Region

Overall, these seven towns make great vacation spots in the Great Lakes. Each offers a unique experience of the region. From the long winding bike paths in Marquette to the unique historic sites in Sacket Harbor, these Great Lakes towns have something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip, visiting one of these towns will not disappoint you.