8 Friendliest Towns To Visit In The Northern United States In 2024
When one thinks about friendly places in the US, typically, the Southern states will come to mind due to their reputation for hospitality. However, the North isn't all just cities with loud traffic and busy residents. There are also many friendly towns in the Northern United States. These towns are great to visit to meet the locals, explore local parks and forests, relax by the lakes, and much more. Not to mention, these small towns also have great events coming up in the latter half of 2024. Here are eight such towns to visit in the Northern United States to experience northern hospitality at its best.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Nestled in Frenchman's Bay, Bar Harbor is a beautiful place because it is next to serene water and the nearby mountains in the Acadia National Park. This park sees more than three million travelers annually due to its picturesque position with 125 miles of trails and Mount Desert Island. The park is also famous for its 45 miles of crushed stone roads built by John D Rockefeller, which you can take by carriage. In Bar Harbor itself, there are many fascinating museums as well, such as the Abbe Museum, which covers the history of the Wabanaki Nations, and the Seal Cove Auto Museum. Bar Harbor residents love their town's culture, reflected in its many events, such as the International Folk Dance held on July 6, and its many artistic events, such as Bird Carving classes held every Tuesday afternoon and the Mosaic Mirror Workshop held on August 2.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
This famous small town is the site of one of the most critical battles in the U.S. Civil War, and its friendly residents are happy to teach visitors all about it. By visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, you can learn more about that momentous battle and receive a tour of the battlefield where tens of thousands fought and died in 1863. Also in town is the Steinwehr Avenue Business District, which features restaurants, shops, and the National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. The town hosts many events for visitors and residents alike, such as regular history events at the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center or Bike Week at Battlefield Harley Divison from July 10 to 14. Speaking of bikes, cyclists can see all of the sites around town by following the Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian Inc. guide.
Hood River, Oregon
This Northwestern town is an hour from Portland but delivers picturesque small-town vibes in the Columbia River Valley. In the winter, Mr. Hood Meadows Ski Resorts offers beautiful slopes within the Mt. Hood National Forest. During the summer, you can take the Mt. Hood Railroad, which offers a scenic view of the forest and orchards in the area. You can experience Hood River hospitality firsthand by visiting one of its many orchards, such as Morale Orchards, specializing in Asian Pears and Packer Orchards. The Fruit Company museum and gift shop celebrates Hood River's legacy as an orchard town. For events to visit, there's a farmers market held in town every Friday, and Hood River has a Harvest Fest from October 11 to 13.
Whitefish, Montana
Located within the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana, is a charming town where locals are passionate about nature and their small-town vibe. Glacier National Park, named after its beautiful glaciers, is the best place to see in the area. The park has over 1 million acres of alpine meadows, lakes, and valleys, with more than 700 miles of hiking trails. Whitefish also has thrilling adventures at the Whitefish Mountain Resort, such as the Alpine Slides and Aerial Adventure Park. You can also take a hot air balloon through the mountains with 2FlyUs. Try a local coffee with Coffee Roasting Tours run by Montana Coffee Traders or enjoy a show at the Whitefish Theatre Company for indoor activities. To get the full local experience, consider going to the Huckleberry Days Arts Festival on August 9-11, or the Brash Rodeo held all throughout the summer.
Decorah, Iowa
Decorah, Iowa, is a town with a rich history since it was a major center for Norwegian immigrants. This friendly town celebrates that heritage with the Vesterheim Museum, which includes artifacts on how the early Norwegian settlers lived, along with a store that sells Norwegian sweaters, treats, calendars, toys, and more. Decorah was also the home of famed 19th-century author Laura Ingalls Wilder, which you can visit at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum. Due to the town's location by the Iowa River, there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout or hike at the Barbara Barnhart Van Peenen Memorial Park or the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery. For events to attend, the Nordic Fest, held from July 24 to 28, is one of the best annual festivals.
Mystic, Connecticut
This mystical town was first settled in 1654 as a shipbuilding village and safe harbor for ships. Today, this charming Northern town celebrates its heritage with museums, mom-and-pop shops, and small-town charm. The Mystic Seaport Museum tells the story of the town's role as a seaport center. There are plenty of fun water-based activities in town, such as Adventure Mystic, which offers paddleboard, kayak, and snowboard rentals for use on the Mystic River or the Atlantic. There are 80 locally owned shops in town, such as the J&R Seafood Market, The Bee's Knees boutique gift shop, and more. If you want to experience all the town offers foodwise, attend the Mystic Eats Riverside Food Festival from September 6 to 8.
New Harmony, Indiana
This friendly Northern town has a long history of optimistic settlers, as it was the center for two utopian communities: the original Harmonists and the Owenites in the 19th century. These settlers believed in creating serene, picturesque environments, which makes this town perfect for a getaway. Explore the Harmonist Labyrinth, built with concentric circles of privet hedges, or see one of the many beautiful gardens in town with the New Harmony Garden Tour. Speaking of tours, the Atheneum/Visitor's Center offers a guided walking tour of many of the original structures built by the Utopians. If you want a longer hike, the Harmonie State Park on the banks of the Wabash offers many trails. You can attend many festivals in town, such as Kunstfest, held from September 21 to 22, and the Dulcimer Festival, held from October 3 to 6.
Montpelier, Vermont
Despite being the state capital of Vermont, Montpelier maintains a small-town vibe with a population of just over 8,000 people. It is closely connected with nature and agriculture through the Capital City Farmers Market, voted one of the best in New England, and the 35-acre historic farm Anderbell Acres, which offers fruit picking. There are plenty of parks in town, such as Hubbard Park just behind the capitol building, the North Branch Nature Center and the nearby Chase's Mountain Trail in Middlesex. Montpelier has a reputation as an art town with multiple galleries, including the TW Wood Gallery, Vermont Crafts Council, and the Art Resource Association. The farmers market event runs from August 1 to October 26, but there are other great events in town, such as the Montpelier Fall Festival on September 28.
The North may have a reputation for rudeness, but there are also many friendly small towns that provide old-fashioned hospitality alongside wonderful experiences. They are perfect for going fishing on the lake, exploring a state forest, touring historic buildings, or learning about new places at local museums. Whether you prefer the mountains, rivers, or the sea, these small towns have it all. And with so many great events in the summer, fall and beyond, you'll always have something to do. Make sure to consider these Northern towns for your next trip in 2024.
