7 Prettiest Towns In the Great Lakes Region
The area surrounding the famous Great Lakes is lush, blue, and wide open. There are national forests that make incredible national parks, top-quality fishing and water activities, not to mention the charm of lakeside living in countless picturesque towns and villages. Relaxing getaways are in almost every inlet and cove that visitors can find along the Great Lakes. However, seven in particular stand out as the prettiest, must-visit destinations for any individual or family-sized trip to the Great Lakes.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais is a calm lakeside of quiet and beautiful scenery on Lake Superior's north shore. The town is modest and only a 5-minute drive from end to end, but the charming streets following the water's edge on the Grand Marais Harbor speak loud enough. Most visitors are nature lovers, often walking along the smooth rock beaches of Lake Park, enjoying the different sections of the Pincushion Mountain Trail System, or spending overnights at the Grand Marais Campground that overlooks a charming marina. However, those spending most of the time in town can walk down Broadway Avenue towards the town's most famous attraction: the flat, rocky outcropping known as Artist Point that provides a farbound view of Lake Superior's coast.
Munising, Michigan
Munising is known for its unique natural features. Most notably, its sedimentary rock formations on the South Bay of Lake Superior look straight from Utah's red-rock valleys. The rock cliffs feature stunning horizontal lines and formations of caves and inlets; most visitors opt for the Grand Island Ferry Services and enjoy the best views touring around the Grand Island National Recreation Area and looking at the clifftop Grand Island North Lighthouse. Likewise, the Freighterview Campsite and North Light Beach make Grand Island a mainstay in Munising. The other notable natural attraction is the sounds and sites of the Wagner Falls Scenic Site, where hiking trails lead upwards from Wagner Creek.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the quintessential Canadian small-town destination, though often placed behind the fame of the attraction with the same name, Niagara Falls. Much of the town's beauty follows the Niagara River, which holds famous historical monuments like the Old Fort Niagara Museum and the Mississauga Point Lighthouse, fantastic natural scenery in town greenspaces like the Queen's Royal Park and the Fort Niagara State Park, and of course the dividing line between New York and Ontario. Some visitors argue that even more happens outside the small town's downtown than within: Niagara-on-the-Lake holds world-class vineyards and wineries like the Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant and the Konzelmann Estate Winery.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a small plot of land dotted within Lake Huron and committed solely to panoramic, clear-water views and family-friendly activities. Aside from the Mackinaw Island Ferry Port and the Mackinaw Island Airport, the island is almost entirely greenspace: Mackinaw Island State Park encompasses 80% of the island land and includes the scenic Arch Rock that overlooks Lake Huron, the historic Fort Mackinaw built in 1780, and the architecturally stunning Fort Holmes. There are walkable trails that pass the beautiful Sunset Rock and the majestic cottage homes of Pontiac Trail Head. Aside from natural attractions, there are top-quality golf courses like the Jewel Golf Course and contemplative retreats like the beachside "Somewhere in Time" Tree. Uniquely, the island is entirely car-free.
Port Clinton, Ohio
Port Clinton is trapped on both sides by Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay and on all sides by beautiful scenery. The most iconic attraction is the Port Clinton Lighthouse in Waterworks Park, where most postcard pictures are taken. But also of equivocal appeal following down Highway 163 and the Portage River is the Safe Harbor Lakefront's charming marina. Other visitors want to spend at the African Safari Wildlife Park, where there are shows and tours with monkeys, wildebeests, and other large mammals. However, tourists looking for a more impressionable experience follow East Sand Road towards Catawba Island State Park: a compact state park with fantastic picnic sunsets and one of the best lakeside fishing piers on Lake Erie.
Marquette, Michigan
Most pictures of Marquette, Michigan, are of the landmark 1853 lighthouse, characteristically bright red and highly visible on McMarty's Cove. But Marquette has much more to offer: there's the huge Lower Harbor Ore Dock, a relic of iron ore mining history; fantastic views over the Marquette Bay from the Noquemanon South Trailhead or the Mount Marquette Overlook; and an abundance of daytime activities for families like the Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park playground, interactive exhibits at the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum, or events and concerts at Northern Michigan University's Superior Dome. The best swimming spot on Lake Superior is a 10-minute drive north at the Black Rocks of Presque Isle Park.
Goderich, Ontario
Goderich is the most unique town on Lake Huron. The winding Maitland River runs through its core, passing under the Menesetung Bridge and the Maitland Valley Marina and Resort Park, giving the town a mystic watershed feel. Visitors can explore the valley by walking along the Tiger Dunlop Heritage Trail or explore the intriguing architecture in the town's core. The most recognizable structures are the Huron Historic Gaol, a historic octagonal county jail, and the star-shaped town square at the center of Courthouse Park. But most visitors are pulled by pristine beaches bordering the lake, including the Goderich Main Beach and the tropical-like St. Christopher's Beach.
The Great Lakes are your Next Road Trip
The Great Lakes are a smart waterside alternative to more popular Southern destinations. Summers bring good weather, and fall brings beautiful colors. The lakes are proximal so they can be experienced together by car or bus, and busy crowds are generally avoidable. Prepare to explore the rolling trails of countless state parks, the calm water of low-tide pools and easygoing beaches, and the quaint shops of charming main streets and downtown boutiques. There's something for everyone at these ideal destinations across the Great Lakes.
