8 Best Small Towns In The Great Lakes To Visit In 2024

There is something about vacationing close to the water that makes Florida, Hawaii, or the many islands that dot the Caribbean top-notch travel destinations. You can look for a rustic cabin by the sea and spend the day swinging in a hammock, all the while inhaling views that no one can exchange for the world. Right here within the lower 48, the Great Lakes region offers just such kinds of vibes. And the towns that dot the expanse are no less charming. If you are looking to explore this underrated region of the continent, the following are the eight best small towns in the Great Lakes to visit in 2024.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful small towns, is nestled at the top of the Bayfield Peninsula, about 80 miles east of Duluth, Minnesota. This small waterfront town will light up the face of a first-time visitor, especially considering its incredible beauty, fabulous views of the water, and gorgeous downtown area. One can come to cross the waters of Lake Superior via a ferry to Madeline Island (this is quite popular with tourists), experience Apple’s Fest’s party spirit amid food, live music, art, and all things Apple — or explore the well-displayed historical artifacts at the Bayfield Maritime Museum. Bayfield is famous for its whitefish-themed culinary landscape. If you want to have a finger-licking experience involving whitefish, Pier Plaza Restaurant, a long-running establishment with a great view of the lake, will serve the purpose. Just don’t miss Apostle Island, home to some awe-inspiring red sandstone cliffs and numerous wave-formed arches.

Munising, Michigan

There is something about the drive from Marquette to Munising via Highway 28 that just gives a special genre of goosebumps. It is the subtle announcement, a suggestive giveaway if you may, that one is approaching a spectacular spot. Munising, true to the build-up experience, drips beauty like a poem. There is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area; the pier, where visitors catch stunning sunsets; Binsfeld Bayshore Park and Bayshore Marina, with its grassy lawns and picture-perfect lake views; and the beautiful, white lighthouse, though the tower is currently closed to the public. A crispy burger at Dogpatch Restaurant on Superior Street should set the pace for what will be a day of fun and adventure. Traveling to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, whose appeal is right there on the name, is often a top-of-the-list agenda item. Don’t even think of missing it.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is often ranked among the prettiest Great Lakes towns to visit. And for good reason. It is on the Grand Traverse Bay, where horizons are trippy and hypnotic. Then it has that hometown feel that is just quite addictive and endearing. Plus, even if Lake Michigan were to be missed from the scene, there is Boardman Lake, Boardman River, and Kids Creek — many lovely waterfront views. One can go people-watching at Clinch Park, walk through the marina admiring boats and ducks, roll on the sand at the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, or explore the trails at the 25-acre Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. If you are spending the night and want to stay close to the water, check out Hotel Indigo. It is cozy and friendly and boasts a fantastic location near shops and restaurants.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Even without a dictionary, the word “haven” comes with ideas of peace, tranquility, and quiet beauty. Nestled on the Grand River — and right on the shores of Lake Michigan — Grand Haven lives up to the image its name conjures in the mind. A beautiful boardwalk, an incredible state park, and the glint of a shimmering lake, especially at night, are offerings that will melt any heart. Looking for where to hit it off? Fricano's Pizza seems to have mastered its craft well. Their thin-crust pizzas particularly hit all the right spots. There is something else. Grand Haven hosts one of the biggest Coast Guard festivals in the nation. It also features food, whether elephant ears or ice cream.

Sister Bay, Wisconsin

Trust a town of less than 1,000 residents to leave a first-time visitor completely enamored. It is not just about its charm-soaked streets, white-sand beaches, or waterfront views. There is more to Sister Bay; something to do with its location in Wisconsin’s Door County. There is a reason Door County is called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” From the incredible scenic beauty of the area to the rolling hills and lush apple orchards, Door County is one criminally underrated quarter. Speaking of orchards, you may want to sip some Pinot Noir at the Twelve Eleven Wine Bar + Provisions, a local favorite loved for its relaxing atmosphere. It is right next to Thyme Restaurant, the best place in town for risotto-themed dishes. There is the nearby Cave Point County Park as well, an ode to nature's raw power and beauty. Just don’t miss Door County’s wine tours, some of which feature paranormal experiences.

Chesterton, Indiana

You may not be able to pin it down to any single feature, but there is something about Chesterton that easily sweeps first-time visitors off their feet. It could be the residents’ ready smiles, the gorgeous scenery, its small-town charm and allure, or the access it provides to one of nature’s most spectacular wonders: Indiana Dunes National Park. The park provides exceptional fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities. But more than this, it is known for the Big Blowout, where gradually drifting sand, several feet high, has buried trees and created what has been called “a tree graveyard.” Plus, the park has a dog-friendly beach and, for its herons, cranes, and egrets, is a birdwatcher’s dream. If you are thirsting for some ciders, Running Vines Winery checks almost every box. After this, you will want to slow down a bit at the Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary as you watch the sky turn pink.

Petoskey, Michigan

Pteoskey is a soothing, charming town tucked away on the southern rim of the picturesque Little Traverse Bay. It boasts excellent craft beer choices, scenic hiking trails, some of which meander through the town, and of course, the azure blue waters of Lake Michigan. Speaking of craft beer, locations such as the Petoskey Brewing Company, which serves flavors that cater to every taste bud — will come in handy. Sections of the humongous North Country Trail, which stretches more than 4,600 miles, run through a portion of town. Plus, one can play slots at the Vegas-style Odawa Casino and linger a bit at Bayfront Park before sleeping under the open skies at Petoskey State Park amid beautiful beaches and easy trails.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais is a charming harbor village that has been called “America's Best Small Lake Town.” It is walkable, charming, and peaceful and boasts dream-like, hallucinatory horizons. You can do a lot here. You can also just come to do nothing — but lounge at Artist’s Point — looking at the clear water, inhaling heart-melting views, and just dreaming about how you have won the lottery. Right here, Sydney's Frozen Custard serves delicious wood-fired pizzas and provides rooftop seating overlooking the glittering waters of Lake Superior. After what will be an exceptional culinary experience, a stroll along Grand Marais Breakwater Trail can crown the day. But if you want more action, check out the nearby Judge C.R. Magney State Park, the site of the Devil's Kettle waterfall.

The Takeaway

Sometimes all one craves is a vacation somewhere close to the water, where the horizon is trance-like, the towns slow-paced, and the environment pristine and rustic. Fortunately, the Great Lakes region of the United States is known to offer such kind of experience. The trick is to pick a nice town, whether Bayfield, Wisconsin or Grand Marais, Minnesota — and set them as bases from which to explore what this underrated region of America offers. And it is not just water. Some spots exhibit low-key Napa Valley vibes, Pinot Noirs and all.