8 Darling Small Towns In The Great Lakes Region
In the summer, thousands of people flock to North America's Great Lakes Region. The Great Lakes include Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario and Lake Superior. Some of these lakes are in America, while others are in Canada. Whatever side of the border you are on, the towns in this region are amazing. They possess the charm of lake life and the darling beauty of nearby nature. Port Dover is a good example of this. The sandy beaches are close to a quaint downtown with local shops and restaurants. This is only one example of a darling town in the Great Lakes area. Here, we will explore eight such towns.
Port Dover, Ontario
Right on the coast of Lake Erie, Port Dover draws in thousands of tourists every year for its small-town charm and coastline views. The scenic pier is a great place to go on a romantic stroll or cast your line and get some fish. The beach in Port Dover has a warm sandy shoreline and features the crisp waters of Lake Erie. Beyond the beach, Port Dover is home to the Lighthouse Theater. In the summer, the theater has The Lighthouse Festival and puts on a series of plays. The town also has a long winding trail known as the Lynn Valley trail. The trail goes to nearby towns such as Simcoe and Waterford. It is a beautiful place to take a hike or go for a bike ride. Explore the town's past by visiting the Port Dover Museum. See local exhibits of history and the fishing industry.
St Joseph's, Michigan
Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Huron, St Joseph's is a beach lovers paradise. One of the most popular beaches is at Silver Lake State Park. Here, you can enjoy the sandy shoreline and explore some cool local landmarks. The Little Sable Point Lighthouse is a must-see. The beautiful red brick lighthouse was built in 1870. Another charming park in St Joseph's is Grand Mere State Park. The park is a favorite spot for birders. With 371 acres of nature, this is a great park to hike outdoors. You will see different landscapes here, from sand dunes and beach woods to a hemlock swamp and cranberry bog. Those looking for an adventure in St Joseph's will enjoy taking a fishing charter out on the lake. St Joseph's is a great spot to catch freshwater salmon.
Munising, Michigan
Another darling Great Lakes town in Michigan is Munising. The town is located in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Michigan, the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), on Lake Superior. Here, you can explore Picture Rocks National Lakeshore. The shoreline stretches out for 42 miles and features sandstone cliffs and caves. There is a boat cruise that offers stunning views of the sandstone cliffs. Nearby is the famed Hiawatha National Forest. With over 890,000 acres of woodland, this is a great place to hike, go birding, or camping. Munising has two lighthouses to see: the Grand Island East Chanel Lighthouse and the Grand Island North Lighthouse.
Something unique about Munising is that it is a great place to see the northern lights. Check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Northern Lights Forecaster to see when a great time to see them is
Goderich, Ontario
Goderich is one of Ontario's prettiest towns. Located on the coast of Lake Huron, the coastal town is known for its breathtaking shoreline and historic downtown. Goderich's three beaches are one of the main attractions in town. There is the main beach, St. Christophr's Beach, and Cove Beach. For scenic views of all three beaches, walk along the boardwalk that stretches from the main beach to Cove Beach. At St.Christopher's beach, walk up the set of wooden stairs across from the bluff that has Goderich's lighthouse. The little lighthouse was built in the 1800s, and today, you can enjoy spectacular views from the bluff the lighthouse is perched on. At Main Beach, you might notice a large salt mining operation. This is Goderiche's salt mine and it is the largest underground salt mining operation in the world. Near the salt mines is another beautiful site to enjoy, the Menesetung Bridge. The bridge crosses the Maitland River and offers views of Lake Huron in the distance. Once you cross the Menesetung bridge, you can explore the nearby forest.
Outside the beaches, Goderich has a charming downtown, unique for its octagonal shape. The downtown has charming shops and cafes to explore. The historic buildings and murals make the town feel like something off a Hallmark card. In the summer months, the downtown has added charm with local markets in the Courthouse Square.
Tobermory, Ontario, Canada
Tobermory is one of Ontario's most popular summer destinations, and for good reason. Located on the coast of Lake Superior, the town is an adventure seekers paradise. The town is the scuba diving center of the Great Lakes, home to over two dozen shipwrecks. Those who love to hike can enjoy a beautiful 700km of the Bruce Trail. The trail follows the shore of the lake and has a rugged, charming terrain. Talking about Tobermory wouldn't be complete without mentioning Bruce Peninsula National Park. There, you can pay a visit to the Park's Visitors Center to climb the lookout tower for stunning vistas of the peninsula. To see more of the surrounding island, take the Chi-Cheemaun and see the wonders of Flowerpot Island. Around town, enjoy a stroll through local shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
A town on the Great Lakes that combines the ease of lake life with a fun, vibrant arts community is Grand Marais, Minnesota. The small town has the oldest art colony in Minnesota. Art lovers will enjoy walking around town and seeing the different art galleries and shops. The North House Folk School sells traditional artisan goods in the area and even offers classes. Travel down the the North Shore Scenic Drive in town and you will see the scenery that inspires so much of the local art in town. Expect to see splashing waves, the forested Sawtooth Mountains, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs. The Cook County Historical Society has protected a lot of historical sites in the town. History buffs will enjoy visiting the old Lighthouse Keeper’s House and the Bally Blacksmith Shop.
Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario
While many people have heard of Niagara Falls, fewer have heard of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The picturesque town is on the shores of Lake Ontario and at the tip of the Niagara Peninsula. The historic downtown is a darling mix of quaint restaurants, manicured gardens, and historic buildings. The Niagara Apothecary Museum is a cool historic building where you can see how pharmacists practiced their profession over 100 years ago. Explore the Historic Center in town to learn more about Niagara on The Lake's History. Niagara on the Lake is also full of natural beauty. Walk on the Lakeshore Loop to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Ontario.
While most of the towns near the Great Lakes are known for their beaches, Niagara on the Lake is known for its wineries. One of the most unique wineries in the area is Southbrook Vineyards. The vineyard is an organic and biodynamic winery and offers a romantic picnic experience. After a day of exploring wineries and walking around the charming town, you might feel like relaxing. While the town is quieter in the evenings, there are still some activities to enjoy. One of the best ways to relax at the end of the day is by watching a play at the Shaw Festival.
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Right on the shore of Lake Michigan, Winthrop Harbor is a charming town with beautiful parks and a family-oriented community. Winthrop is home to North Point Marina, which has a free boat launch, public beaches, and a fishing pier. This is a great place to enjoy everything the Great Lakes offer with the whole family. There are even outdoor activities, such as volleyball courts, set up at the Marina. Winthrop is also near Illinois Beach State Park. This is a 4,500-acre state park with opportunities to enjoy nearly every outdoor recreational activity, from hiking to swimming and boating. Cyclists will enjoy Winthrop's Kenosha County Bike Trail. The peaceful ride in Winthrop goes through the prairie section of the trail.
Each town near a Great Lake is unique. Port Dover's quaint downtown with local shops and beaches gives an unforgettable small-town experience. Tobermory's beauty near the Bruce Peninsula National Park will leave people struck with awe at the area's beauty. Grand Marais's art community welcomes everyone into the town. Whether you are a nature lover, beach bum, or history buff, there is something for you in these towns in the Great Lakes Region. The Great Lakes are a worldwide destination travelers go to every year. After learning about these eight darling towns, it is easy to see why.
