7 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in the Northern United States
When you think about a trip up north, does the thought of freezing temperatures send a shiver down your spine? While we often associate a country’s northern region with year-round icy airs and harsh snowy landscapes, the Northern United States challenges this in every way possible. Winters, although frosty, allow places like Bar Harbor, Maine to offer world-class skiing. Summers, on the other hand, are warm and pleasant, perfect for a New Jersey beach day in resort towns like the famous Cape May. No matter what time of year you plan your visit to the Northern United States, each season brings its own landscapes, festivals, and wonders. From Oktoberfest in a German-inspired town to a sunset cruise on a Caribbean-blue lake, you can make your next trip to the Northern United States truly unforgettable.
Camden, Maine
If you are wondering if a visit to Camden, Maine is worth the trip, just ask the thousands of people that visit every year. The town’s slogan “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea”' is precisely why Camden’s population triples during the warmer months and stays pretty busy throughout the other seasons. Curious crowds cannot help but flock to Camden’s breathtaking views of the Penobscot Bay and surrounding hills.
To experience the coastline in a unique way, book a trip with Camden Harbor Cruises. You can board the Lively Lady for a one-hour boat tour of Camden’s vibrant shores, or the Periwinkle for a more personalized, private ride. All trips will take you past the Curtis Island lighthouse and you may just want to keep your eyes peeled for the porpoises and seals down below and bald eagles soaring overhead.
Back in town, Camden’s historic downtown is brimming with quaint shops and cafes, along with an especially iconic feature. Sneak behind the shops on Main Street and behold Megunticook Falls, a gorgeous waterfall tucked away in the heart of town. Keeping with the gorgeous views, just a few minutes north of Camden, visit Camden Hills State Park for panoramic sights of the town and surrounding bay. With 30 miles of trails up Mount Megunticook and Mount Battie, this year-round park is heaven on earth for nature lovers.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Less than two hours from Camden, Bar Harbor is another incredible bayside town definitely worth adding to your getaway bucket list. The two are often compared, and if you are wondering which to choose, just know that Bar Harbor has even larger crowds and more for tourists to do. And if the idea of an island adventure intrigues you, Bar Harbor will win your vote for this as well. It is located on Mount Desert Island, the largest island on Maine’s coast.
The town is primarily favored as a gateway to Acadia National Park, whose 47,000 acres overflow with natural beauty. Similar to Camden Hills, Acadia is open year-round, winter favored for its world-class skiing, autumn for its foliage, and spring and summer for its glorious hikes. For views from the highest point on the Atlantic Coast, hike to the tallest peak at Cadillac Mountain, whose 1530-feet height has been climbed for thousands of years.
Back in town, Bar Harbor welcomes you to experience in its signature New England charm. Bar hopping is a great way to experience Bar Harbor at night and mingle with locals, with places like Leary’s Landing Irish Pub serving traditional Irish and New England classics. During the day you can visit the Abbe Museum, one of the oldest museums in Maine and the only one of its kind dedicated to the region’s preservation of the Wabanaki people.
Skaneateles, New York
Skaneateles (pronounced Skan-ee-AT-les) is another Northern United States town with some pretty gorgeous shores, but these New York waves are strictly lake-based. This easygoing Finger Lakes community is home to its namesake Skaneateles Lake, whose Iroquois name translates to “Long Lake”. The 16-mile reservoir is as long as it is beautiful, the clear, turquoise waters making the perfect backdrop for a scenic waterfront stroll. The water is so clean in fact, that it is one of just 6 unfiltered water sources in the United States, providing drinking water to around 220,000 people. With water this crystal clear, it is unsurprising that Skaneateles Lake is considered by many to be the “Jewel of the Finger Lakes Region”.
From May through October, hop aboard a Mid-Lakes Navigation vessel to explore the lake in all its glory on a sunset cruise. To enjoy the water from land or even take a dip, visit the waterfront at Clift Park. With affordable $3 USD swimming and free live music every Friday in July, this is a must-see attraction in Skaneateles in the summertime. Right across from the park, you can also spot The Sherwood Inn, a historic Victorian hotel that dates back to 1807. Foodies will appreciate the wide selection of fine dining options, ranging from a succulent Yankee Pot Roast to a delicate pan-seared Atlantic pecan salmon. But the inn’s ambience and setting are truly the cherry on top. With the lake just outside your window and the pristine historic charm all around you, this is one stop you will not want to skip on your trip to Skaneateles.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Making your way to Michigan, visit the charming river town of Frankenmuth to find yourself transported to the streets of Germany. Often called “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”, the town was settled by 15 Germans back in 1845 and the community continues to celebrate its history and heritage through architecture, festivals, and year-round traditions. A great way to start your visit is with a stroll along the Cass River. Here, you can view Frankemuth’s Bavarian-inspired architecture known for its exposed timber framing. The homes and businesses are like something straight out of a German fairytale.
The festivals in Frankenmuth are never ending, and locals love to welcome visitors into their fun. January brings the Zehner’s Snowfest, while April is when the town hosts its annual Bringin’ Back the 80’s celebration. And if you are wondering about more traditional festivals, of course the town has a classic Oktoberfest that starts in September to match Munich’s tradition, along with a separate Bavarian Festival in June. Oktoberfest is by far the town’s busiest tradition though, welcoming upwards of 10,000 people.
But no matter what time of year you visit Frankemuth, you will want to stop by Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland–”the World’s Largest Christmas Store®”. The store’s slogan really says it all. This Christmas paradise is open year-round, and is decorated from head to toe with 350 Christmas trees along with decorations and gifts from 70 different nations. The vibrant lights and displays are truly a sight to behold, and Bronner’s electric bill averages to a whopping $1,250 USD per day!
Mackinac Island, Michigan
To experience a quieter slice of Michigan, Mackinac Island is a quaint car-less village located in Lake Huron. While the idea of a car-less getaway may create mixed feelings for some, Mackinac’s community is incredibly walkable and accessible. Or, you can opt for a romantic horse-drawn carriage through town! These horses are the very reason cars were banned from Mackinac toward the very end of the 19th century, in the hopes of keeping the horses comfortable. As a result, the Victorian buildings and carriage rides feel like an adventure to a different era.
Once you have taken in the charms of the downtown, you will want to explore the island’s gem: Mackinac State Park. It was established way back in 1895, making it Michigan’s oldest State Park. More than 80% of the island is owned by the park, whose workers have carefully maintained the integrity of the natural landscapes. Massive rock formations and limestone bluffs are signature features, along with sweeping forests and sparkling shorelines. With over 70 miles of trails and roads–some paved, some natural–hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can explore Mackinac in all its glory.
History is another core element of the park, with monuments and landmarks featured throughout. Fort Mackinac is the most prominent, its involvement in the War of 1812 commemorated through the exhibits. Fort Holmes (another structure involved in the famous war) is another popular site. Many of these attractions are reachable by carriage ride, making the experience that much more authentic.
Salmon, Idaho
In the Pacific Northwest region, Idaho is home to the underrated town of Salmon, a community beloved for its sublime nature and outdoor recreation. This Lemhi Valley town is famous for its fishing on the Salmon River (the longest river running entirely through the state) with the majestic Beaverhead Mountains on the horizon. Anglers appreciate the river for its year-round fishing, especially the thriving salmon and steelhead populations. Book a guided fishing tour with Solitude River Trips to learn the ins and outs of this mighty waterway.
If whitewater rafting is more your speed, Salmon is home to some of the best in the state. Wilderness River Outfitters offers experiences for a range of abilities. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced rafter, all can enjoy the easygoing flow of the Main Salmon River tour. The river passes awe-inspiring canyons, beaches, and hot springs, which you may just want to explore by foot as well.
Cape May, New Jersey
For a more relaxed getaway, Cape May (“The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort”) invites you to lounge beachside on New Jersey’s Cape May Peninsula. Since as far back as the 1700’s, visitors have flocked to the town’s beaches–and for good reason. The Cape May Beach features a 2.5-mile stretch of soft, sandy shores overlooking the Atlantic. With views this good, it is unsurprising that a town of just a few thousand residents welcomes upwards of 50,000 visitors per year.
The Cape May Historic District is an additional feature of the town you will not want to miss. Thanks to Cape May’s waves of visitors throughout the centuries, the area is overflowing with gorgeous Victorian structures. Following places like San Francisco, the town has some of the highest concentrations of Victorian homes in the country. Visit the Emlen Physick Estate (the town’s only Victorian House Museum) to tour the incredible 18-room mansion. The former residence was constructed in 1879 by world-renowned American architect Frank Furness, and stands as one of the country’s most beautiful preservations of Victorian architecture.
The Northern United States is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the country, from its gorgeous Atlantic shores to its towering limestone bluffs. Along with these incredible pockets of nature, local cultures are waiting to be discovered. If you are looking for a relaxing weekend surrounded by nature and history, Mackinac’s easygoing horse-and-buggy lifestyle is a great way to take in both. If you are looking for a more active, fast-paced outdoor adventure, Salmon’s world-class whitewater rafting has you covered and then some. These Northern United States towns may be small, but their attractions are anything but.
