8 Best Lakeside Towns in the Northern United States
The Northern United States is home to serene lakeside towns combining breathtaking natural beauty and rich history and culture. These destinations offer a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation, outdoor adventures, or a glimpse into charming local life. Among them, Traverse City stands out with its scenic wineries and sandy shores, while Burlington delights visitors with its artsy vibe and views of Lake Champlain. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of nature or the vibrancy of small-town charm, these lakeside gems promise unforgettable experiences.
Traverse City, Michigan
Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is a vibrant lakeside town known for its scenic beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The town is often called the "Cherry Capital of the World" due to its booming cherry industry, and it’s not unusual to see cherry orchards dotting the landscape. Visitors often start their journey at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an ecological wonder offering miles of pristine beaches, dramatic sand dunes, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan. A short drive will lead you to Point Betsie Lighthouse, which overlooks the bay and symbolizes the area's maritime history.
The Historic Downtown Traverse City District offers plenty of local restaurants and breweries, like the Workshop Brewing Co. or Taproot Cider House, for a taste of the town. Elsewhere, the Village at Old Traverse Commons, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital and grounds, provides a singular shopping experience featuring boutique shopping, dining, an arboretum, guided tours, and hiking trails. While there, hop across the street to Left Foot Charley, one of several local wineries, or venture just outside town to Chateau Chantal and combine outdoor leisure with a small batch of wines. Have one too many glasses? Do not worry; Chateau Chantal is also an inn.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior at the northernmost tip of Wisconsin, Bayfield is a small town known for its maritime heritage. It is considered the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a collection of 21 islands off the coast that are perfect for hiking on or kayaking around, with its gorgeous red sea caves. The Apostle Islands contain more lighthouses than any other location maintained by the National Park Service. The adventurous may consider renting a sailboat for an afternoon navigating the islands. However, many visitors choose to take the ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands and the only island not included in the National Lakeshore. The island contains a small village with art galleries, gift shops, and cozy eateries. Scooter rental is a fun way to explore the island. Be aware that many businesses on the island are seasonal and close for winter; however, visitors can drive to the island via an ice bridge when weather permits.
Back on the mainland, Bayfield’s Historic District offers a walkable experience through Victorian homes, old municipal buildings, and the cozy local shops on Rittenhouse Street. The Bayfield Maritime Museum allows free admission and explores the town's aquatic history from its indigenous roots up through the town’s fishing and commercial development to today’s pleasure boaters. The town is also famous for its local produce, including apples harvested in the surrounding orchards during the fall. Bayfield Apple Festival, held annually in October, attracts thousands of visitors who come to sample apple cider, baked goods, and local crafts.
Ely, Minnesota
Ely is located in Northeastern Minnesota and is a perfect ambassador for the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” A small town on the edge of Lake Shagawa, Ely is known for its outdoor adventures and proximity to some of the best canoeing and fishing spots in the United States. Frequently called “The Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness,” which is part of the larger Superior National Forest. The BWCAW allows visitors to embark on multi-day canoe trips and experience the region’s untamed beauty across the area’s one million acres,1,200 miles of canoe trails, 2,000 individual campsites, and 12 major hiking trails. For those who like to eat what they catch, the summertime offers opportunities for anglers to snag trout or walleye, while fall hunters can seek out ducks, deer, and even bears. Animal lovers may prefer the International Wolf Center, where visitors can learn about the mysterious lives of these great northern predators. On clear nights, this remote town boasts some of the finest star-gazing in the country.
Though small, downtown Ely is irresistibly cute, with small, locally owned shops and quaint restaurants lining Sheridan Street. Don’t head for the wilderness without stopping by the Ely Outfitting Company or Wintergreen Northern Wear for any last-minute or forgotten outdoor needs. The Ely-Winton History Museum, which showcases artifacts from the town's mining and logging past, adds another layer of cultural depth to this outdoor paradise.
Chelan, Washington
Chelan is a small town at the southern tip of Lake Chelan, the deepest lake in Washington, located at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The crystal-clear waters of the lake and the majesty of the snow-capped mountain backdrop make Chelan a prime destination for all manner of recreation in nature, from fishing to boating to water sports. Don’t let its home in the Pacific Northwest fool you into thinking Chelan is all misty forests or drizzly logging tracts; Chelan boasts a remarkable 300 days of sun per year. Lake Chelan State Park offers marvelous public access to the lake with designated swimming areas, beach volleyball nets, a large playground for the little ones, campsites, and hiking trails.
One of the area’s most popular social attractions is the Lake Chelan Wine Valley, where over 40 wineries offer tastings with breathtaking views of the lush scenery. Lake Chelan Winery and Siren Song vineyards are just some of the most popular wineries in this official American Viticulture Area. Chelan’s Historic Downtown sits where Lake Chelan narrows to the Chelan River and features inviting shops, restaurants, and a delightful Riverwalk Park.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is tucked into the hills and valleys of the Adirondack Mountains at the edge of Mirror Lake. The town is most widely known these days as the host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, particularly remembered for the so-called “Miracle on Ice.” With towering peaks, robust pine trees, and pristine reflective waters, Lake Placid is an ideal place to reconnect with nature while taking in some truly unique history.
One of the most iconic landmarks in the town is the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. Visitors can take a gondola ride to the top of the ski jumps for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and town below. Another Olympic-related attraction is the Lake Placid Olympic Center, which houses both the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum, full of artifacts from the Olympics, including the Team USA bobsled, uniforms, and ephemera, and the Herbert Brooks Arena, where the famous “Miracle on Ice” hockey game took place in 1980. For some of the town’s dense history, visit the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society/Museum located downtown. It holds a wealth of engrossing history, including information on the town’s origins as a utopian colony for freed slaves in 1840, where the abolitionist John Brown once lived.
Lake Placid spells outdoor fun all year long. Winter sports are obviously no stranger to the area, with the popular Whiteface Ski Resort just minutes from downtown. It may surprise you to learn that the resort is open year-round, with the summer bringing sun-soaked gondola rides, disc golf, hiking, and yoga on the Mountain. Summertime is also, obviously, when the lake comes alive with pleasure seekers boating, paddleboarding, and swimming. The High Falls Gorge, just outside of town, offers a series of stunning waterfalls and bridges that provide an up-close view of the power of the Ausable River.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, at the head of the Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck is known as the Art Coast of Michigan and sits surrounded by exquisite and interesting natural wonders. The town is situated just south of the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, a hidden oasis with miles of pristine beaches, lush forests, and dune trails, perfect for hiking, bird watching, or just relaxing by the lake. Mount Baldhead is a 230-foot-tall sand dune just north of the town with a wooden staircase leading from the base to the summit, with a broad deck offering fantastic panoramas of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck, and the surrounding areas. Similarly, Oval Beach is one of the finest beaches in the country and is renowned for its sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Saugatuck is also famous for its art galleries, wineries, and boutique shops. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a colorful modern performance space and outdoor sculpture garden that hosts live theater, films, lectures, and art exhibitions. Every summer, the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club holds two juried art festivals, the Waterfront Invitational Fine Art Fair and the Village Square Arts and Crafts Fair, and each autumn, the town’s Art District hosts the Fall Gallery Stroll, where dozens of artists open their studios. At the same time, live bands entertain, and local restaurants provide samples of their cuisine.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva, sometimes called “The Newport of the West” given its role as a summer home for Chicago’s elite, has become one of Wisconsin's most popular lakeside towns, known for its deep, clear waters and welcoming midwestern air. The town’s namesake, Geneva Lake, is the hub of activity in town. In addition to the usual lake town activities like boating, swimming, and fishing, the lake has 21 miles of shoreline known as the Lake Geneva Shore Path, a fantastic place to go for a long, easy walk and admire the architecture of the stately mansions of this new-Newport.
The Black Point Estate and Gardens are a particular must-see among the sprawling manors; it is a beautifully preserved 1888 Victorian mansion with yellow siding and a large corner turret tower that was once the summer home of wealthy Chicago brewer Conrad Seipp. The property offers daily tours, including a detailed look at the grounds and a boat tour of the surrounding area. Of course, one could always visit one of the many boat rental businesses and charter a self-guided tour around the lake. For history buffs, the Geneva Lake Museum offers a glimpse into the town’s past, showcasing exhibits on its early settlers, industries, and the famous resort era.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais is a charming town in northeastern Minnesota, between Lake Superior's crystal clear waters and the dense boreal foliage of Superior National Forest. Grand Marais is an excellent springboard for outdoor escape, a community with character, and a long-standing local art tradition.
One of the town’s most beloved landmarks is the Grand Marais Lighthouse, perched at the entrance to Grand Marais Harbor. Visitors can stroll along the rocky pier for immersive views of Lake Superior and watch boats come and go. Judge C. R. Magney State Park is another popular nature retreat just a short drive away that offers camping, picnicking, fishing, and the park’s most popular hike to Devil’s Kettle Falls. It is a mesmerizing sight where water from the Brule River splits in two around a volcanic rock, with one-half continuing downstream and one-half disappearing into a mysterious hole, creating an otherworldly phenomenon. For a challenge, try reaching the falls in the winter, when snowshoes are recommended.
For those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, the Grand Marais Art Colony has been a hub for artists since the mid-1900s. It originally opened as a summer painting session for the Minneapolis School of Art. It was housed on the top floor of the old city hall before moving to its current location in the town’s old Congregational Church, where it holds gallery exhibits, artist workshops, and live performances. The town reflects this heritage with the variety of public art that can be found around town, with frequent murals and mosaics adding pops of color and creativity to this lakeside gem.
Conclusion
These eight lakeside towns of the Northern United States juxtapose natural beauty and a chance to step back in time. They allow visitors to explore vibrant communities and enjoy a host of outdoor activities. Whether you are hiking through sand dunes in Michigan, exploring ancient forests in Minnesota, or sipping wine while overlooking the clear waters of Washington, each of these towns has a unique personality that invites visitors to stay awhile and explore.
