7 Whimsical Towns to Visit in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes, a massive chain of five sea-like lakes, is the world's largest freshwater system—that drains into the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway. These lakes, formed from glacier water melt over 14,000 years ago, have attracted scores to the region from around the globe. Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake, borders the US and Canada, while Michigan is the largest within one country. Altogether, it is accessible directly from eight states, and its enormous size is comparable to oceans.
Peppered with charming towns along the shores for every kind of sightseer and adventurer, the most whimsical ones offer quirks in addition to rich maritime histories, a beach scene, and unique wildlife. From Put-in-Bay, the “Key West of the North,” to the artsy community of Saugatuck, home to the sweeping Oval Beach, and Grand Marais, the oldest art colony in Minnesota, the hype is real, leaving an air of nostalgia for unbeatable small lakeside town charm.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield, a whimsical berry-scented heaven, is straight from your dreams if you love smoothies, berry-picking, and lakeside recreation. Attracting people from all over, discover a rich maritime history and culture alongside picking the ripe, plump, and juicy strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in the "berry capital of Wisconsin." Now is the time to visit for the apple harvest to pick basketfuls of sweet and crunchy treats, taste fresh-pressed cider, and leaf-peep around the shores of Lake Superior. Find all this, plus peaches, pears, and garden vegetables, at Erickson Orchards, with a country store for preserves, fresh baked goods, and more. For more adventure, Brule River is one hour away for the best, scenic wildlife fishing.
Visit the Apostle Islands, sample local cuisine, and take a shaded hike through the Chequamegon National Forest, just 15 minutes away. After the Big Ravine-West Rim Trail, you will be ready for a feast at the island-inspired Hoop's Fish & Chips Dockside. This charming town is a jet-set to destinations like Meyers Beach Sea Caves, 20 minutes away, or Madeline Island, one mile from the ferry terminal. For a longer getaway, Copper Falls State Park is just one hour away. While in the area, you may feel inspired to create, so stop by Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery for a hands-on experience at making your own fruit bowl. Dalrymple Park and Campground is a popular summertime stay near the waterfront of the immense blue lake.
Beverly Shores, Indiana
Just south, in the large shadow of Michigan City, the small town of Beverly Shores is definitely one of the most whimsical Great Lakes destinations on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for escaping and joining the locals in sipping on delights by the lake, Beverly's unique signature is its Architectural District, a relic with Century of Progress Homes. Through the district, admire five meticulously crafted and preserved homes, like the stunning design of the unconventional House of Tomorrow. With a variety of styles and designs from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, their embrace of the modern era by flaunting an innovative architectural palette was groundbreaking for that time.
Not just an architect's dream, every outdoor enthusiast should stop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for all the info and guides. Indiana Dunes State Park," a natural cocktail forged by winds and waves," is peppered with amenities without obstructing the views across 15 miles of Indiana's shores. Comprising various habitats, its hotels and eateries offer quick access to swimming, bird-watching, and trail hikes like the Indiana Dunes National Park Heron Rookery or Kemil Beach. Take the 3 Dune Challenge, while Mount Baldy features hiking trails through forests to lake views atop a dune. Beverly Shores Depot Museum displays the town's evolution and railroad heritage.
Geneva-On-The-Lake, Ohio
This retro beach town, “Ohio's First Summer Resort,” along the sparkling Lake Erie, flaunts a dinner theater, among other trademarks of classic Ohio vacations. Its vintage boardwalk, the mile-long stretch of Lake Road, or "The Strip," features eateries and entertainment for fun-filled days with those you love. From arcade games to climbing walls, slides, miniature golf, and ice cream shops, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a blast from the past for a nostalgic getaway. The family-friendly feel, diversity of pursuits, and "Nostalgic Beach Bum Charm" attract loyal tourists, but few out-of-staters remain aware of this lakefront gem.
Visit this fall for scenic strolls without the crowds and wineries like Old Firehouse Winery for tastings or a quiet evening conversation over a glass, plus a number of nightclubs staying open into the wee hours. Its beautiful Breakwater Beach is perfect for a day on the water or lounging along the soft sands with views of the iconic Geneva Beacon Light. Gear up at Bula Coast Water Sports for adventures through Geneva State Park or relax on a stroll at the serene Geneva Township Park at sunset.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Featuring a picturesque lighthouse, hiking trails, and local breweries, this artsy and quirky North Shore gem is hidden behind the Sawtooth Mountains on the shores of Lake Superior. Named America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel, Grand Marais welcomes creatives, families, and adventurers for a nature sojourn. Perfect for outdoor recreation as it is for beer lovers, many come to sift through the craft shops filled with treasures and discover traditional crafts of the northern hemisphere at the North House Folk School, with classes available. Home to creative and talented locals, it is easy to see the source of inspiration for both visiting artists, photographers, and artisans journeying to the oldest art colony in Minnesota.
A simple harborside stroll reveals the passion for creating, with painters at Artist’s Point overlooking sailboats and the lighthouse. The lake scenery changes by season, reflecting skies, and the fall colors flicker during a casual drive to spot an elusive moose. Just outside of the city, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails attract explorers and wildlife-seekers, like the Pincushion Mountain Trail System for wintertime skiing. From Old Shore Beach to Grand Marais Marina Photogenic Point, stop by My Sister's Place, serving flavors of the North Shore. All this and more inspires curious artists to taste the real rush in the fresh air, like going south along the shore to Fall River Waterfall.
Paradise, Michigan
This charming town blends outdoor leisure into natural beauty, between the Upper Peninsula and the Lake Superior shore, with easy access to explore both. Defining "Paradise," Tahquamenon Falls, within the lush 50,000-acre state park, was eternalized in Longfellow's poem The Song of Hiawatha. Stand at the edge of the river where Hiawatha built his canoe "by the rushing Tahquamenon," feeling like the time has stopped since in this undisturbed natural world, with calming pools, sights, and sounds that facilitate solitude and relaxation—spellbinding. Hookups, other comforts, and amenities encourage camaraderie with your loved ones on a budget getaway with access to attractions like Toonerville Trolley and the Riverboat Trip, some 30 minutes away.
The series of cascades on the Tahquamenon River of an ethereal russet hue earn them the moniker "Root Beer Falls," while the wintertime blue and green gives the area a holy aquamarine glow. Many enjoy exploring the waterways via a rented rowboat or canoe, and the small island in the middle of the cascading river—just perfect to lose yourself against the close-up of the lower falls. Visit this fall for the best leaf peeping along wildlife trails, with moose, whitetail deer, and even black bear. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum displays insights into the dangers of shipping on the Great Lakes. Stop by its Whitefish Point Light Tower, constructed in 1861 during Abraham Lincoln’s administration, to spot the iconic red flare; it offers an authentic feel while discovering a piece of history.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
From prehistoric settlement to a viticulture destination since 1864, the legacy is a vibrant little town with entertainment, historic sites, and stunning waterfront dining. Boasting a telling moniker as the “Key West of the North,” Put-in-Bay attracts voyagers for a day trip or a relaxed long weekend, with friendly hotels and resorts, as well as small and large island rental homes. Bring back memories from the sunny island while shopping and exploring South Bass Island via beautiful wildlife trails. The islanders enjoy quiet winters, guiding the adventurous along world-class ice fishing on a frozen harbor. The Oliver Hazard Perry sites reminisce of the Battle of Lake Erie, while the colorful ice shanties, local eateries like the Boardwalk Restaurant Complex, and parks like DeRivera Park delight year-round.
Boasting quick access by car from Cleveland or Toledo, plus a scenic Put-in-Bay ferry ride, over 750,000 guests annually flock for the Caribbean feel in a laid-back atmosphere. The Miller Ferry departs from Catawba Island every half-hour in the summer, while the views of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial aboard “The Jet” are breathtaking. Leaving Port Clinton and Sandusky with a stop at Kellys Island, it offers full-day entertainment into the legendary nightlife. Adventurous boaters access via their own vessel and "park" at one of the local downtown docks and marinas. Once a rest stop for tall ships, bikes and golf carts have the right of way downtown. Whether you are in for the War of 1812 history or water activities and sandy beaches, enjoy Victorian-era buildings and resort amenities during the off-season to feel like you own an island.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Known for artistic flair in everything it touches, Saugatuck bursts with whimsy galleries, cafes, restaurants, and interactive attractions on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Come for daytime lounging and stay for stunning sunsets—Oval Beach offers a year-round, gay-friendly, sweeping stretch for swimming, sunbathing, and walking with dunes. Experience the one-of-a-kind creativity through art galleries like James Brandess Studio and Gallery for oil paintings, alongside boutiques and cozy eateries like The BARge, serving American at the riverfront. Stroll along Kalamazoo Lake or north to Saugatuck South Pierhead, where the local fishermen reel in catch for family dinner, while thrill seekers enjoy blasting through the sands with Saugatuck Dune Rides. Douglas Beach Park features a sliver of sandy beachfront with facilities and picnic amenities.
Next to the Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, perfect to stock for your picnic by the Lost Rock on the beach, J. Petter Galleries beckons for a glass and glass work with a wine bar and other art. In addition to a 2.5-mile sandy frontage, Saugatuck Dunes State Park boasts dunes over 200 feet tall with sloping trails to secluded beaches. Head to The Southerner for Southern-style dishes and cocktails in a relaxed lakefront vibe and lounge-worthy interior. Retro Boat Rentals take you on a spin around Saugatuck Harbor in vintage eye candy, while the hand-crank Saugatuck Chain Ferry is a 5-minute float across the Kalamazoo River to the base of Mount Baldhead. Nine miles southeast, Fenn Valley Vineyards pours premium wines during a tour, vineyard strolls, or simply a relaxing evening after Mount Baldhead's 282 stairs up the dune for an overlook of Oval Beach.
Not just any lakeside towns, but the Great Lakeside towns are worldwide destinations with whimsy for every taste and age, year-round. From the berry-scented Bayfield to the creative Saugatuck, which lake scene speaks to you? Home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Paradise offers access to the Tahquamenon River and its iconic "Root Beer Falls."
Beverly Shores is home to five Century of Progress Homes flaunting innovative designs for their time during the '33 Chicago World's Fair, while Geneva-on-the-Lake bursts with nostalgic beach bum charm. This bunch of the most whimsical towns along a Great Lake presents incredible vistas over dining, historic attractions, charming downtowns, and unique natural beauty.
