8 of the Most Charming Towns in the Great Lakes Region
The Great Lakes region of the United States is a massive chain of five freshwater lakes that drain into the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway. The five lakes were created from glaciers that melted over 14,000 years ago. Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario touch eight American states and parts of Canada. Because of their enormous size, people who traverse them have compared the lakes to oceans.
There are many charming small towns on the shores of these vast lakes. Rich in maritime history, these towns offer many lakeside and other attractions. There are beach towns and incredible vistas with scenic views, historical sites, and charming downtown areas. The towns have unique natural beauty and an unbeatable small-town atmosphere. These are the most charming towns on the Great Lakes.
Traverse City, Michigan
Set on the banks of Lake Michigan, Traverse City, Michigan, is known as the "cherry capital of the world." It is also notable for its wineries, freshwater beaches, and the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It also has a diverse downtown area with shopping, dining, and food trucks. The City Opera House is one such downtown attraction. Built in 1891, the historic performance arts theater hosts live exhibits year-round.
Downtown Traverse City has various restaurants like Crepes and Company, Espresso Bay, and Middle Coast Brewing Company. Another notable attraction is Mission Point Lighthouse on Mission Bay Peninsula. Construction ended in 1870, and it originally contained a six-room house. This charming lakeside town also includes several wineries to discover, such as Bowers Harbor and Mari Vineyards.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is on the banks of Lake Huron, between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, and is filled with natural and historic wonders. Fort Mackinac was constructed in 1780, and the park has the oldest house in Michigan, live cannon demonstrations, and reenactments. Other historic sites include beautiful and elegant Victorian architecture and cottages over 100 years old.
Arch Rock is a geological wonder that is more than 50 feet wide and is the most famous rock formation on Mackinac Island. The gorgeous formation can be accessed by vehicle or walking and viewed from the beach or by looking down at the beach from the top. The waterfront downtown area is filled with quaint restaurants and inns like the Market Street Inn and Bay View, which provide excellent views and comfortable accommodations.
Muskegon, Michigan
Muskegon, Michigan, is set on the banks of Lake Michigan and has state parks, two rivers, and 26 miles of shoreline. Muskegon State Park has three miles of beaches, forested dunes, and primitive camping sites. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park on Lake Michigan includes dunes and ten miles of hiking trails. Other outdoor attractions include Pere Marquette, Heritage Landing, and Hackley Park.
The small town also has an attractive downtown and a bustling cultural atmosphere. There is an eclectic array of museums like the Fire Barn Museum, the Montague Museum, and the Hackley and Hume Historic Site. The Victorian homes of Hackley and Hume date to 1890 and showcase what life was like for two of the town's most prominent citizens. There is a lot to see and do in Muskegon, both indoors and outdoors, and the historic sites make the town one of the most charming in the region.
Chesterton, Indiana
Only 50 miles from Chicago, Chesterton, Indiana, on the banks of Lake Michigan, is a pretty town steeped in history. The Indiana Dunes State Park is a significant draw and celebrates the dunes that took thousands of years to create. The 2,182-acre park features dunes that are nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan and include an astounding three miles of coastline. There is also the 157-acre Coffee Creek Preserve, which consists of wetlands and prairies.
Cultural attractions include the Historic Commercial District and the Westchester Township History Museum. The commercial district covers three acres and includes vintage Romanesque and Italianate architectural styles.
Ashland, Wisconsin
Ashland, Wisconsin, is a port town on Lake Superior and at the mouth of Chequamegon Bay. Known as "The Historic Art Mural of Wisconsin," the cozy downtown area is walkable and contains public art, historic murals, and a tunnel with mosaic art. Ashland also contains many historic brownstone structures, including City Hall, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Indoor and cultural attractions include the Ashland Historical Museum and South Shore Brewery. The historical museum is on Main Street. It started in a furniture store's basement in 1954 and is now across the street from the courthouse. South Shore Brewery is an independent brewery established in 1995 that is popular with locals and visitors. There are several wineries in Ashland, such as Irvine and Roberts, only five miles from downtown.
Marblehead, Ohio
Marblehead, Ohio, is a small Lake Eerie hamlet with the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The 55-foot stone lighthouse was completed in 1822 and had 13 lanterns. There are many fun things to do in this town, as well as historic sites like the Coast Guard Marblehead Lifeboat Station. The station was opened in 1876 and was one of the first seven on the Great Lakes.
Lakeside Daisy Preserve is a 19-acre limestone quarry that protects the only Lakeside Daisy population in the US. Another unique attraction is Radar Park, which started as a defense system in the 1950s. The land was donated to the National Parks Service and is located at the village's entrance. The quaint town has a great selection of restaurants, like Red's Lakehouse in the heart of town.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
A beautiful town on the north shores of Lake Superior, Grand Marais, Minnesota, is one of the most charming villages on the Great Lakes. The hamlet is a gateway to outdoor adventure; for those so inclined, the Grand Marais Recreation Area is the best place to start. It also has a campground and marina that offers walkable breakwater, nearly 300 camping sites, and cobblestone beaches.
Several museums, such as the Cook County History Museum, celebrate local history and a passion for the outdoors. The museum explores the community's maritime and commercial fishing heritage with exhibits and guided tours. There is a replicated 1930s fish house and the commercial fishing tugboat, Nee-Gee. The artsy town includes several galleries and annual art shows like the Art Along The Lake: Fall Tour. Docents also provide guided tours to the galleries in town.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield, Wisconsin, rests on the shores of Lake Superior and has a deep maritime history. The Bayfield Maritime Museum interprets this history through a group of volunteer docents and explores the Apostle Islands' history. The Apostle Islands are a collection of 21 islands, including historic lighthouses, sea caves, sandstone cliffs, and more. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a federal preservation that protects the unique islands and maintains their original, pristine condition.
Other attractions include a historic downtown area and the annual Big Top Chautauqua held every summer. Downtown Bayfield is an artsy and fun place to walk around and discover local shops and art galleries. The Bayfield Artists Guild features work from around 20 local artists, sculptures, and pottery. The annual Big Top Chautauqua is a summer music festival with live acts, vendors, and artists that perform under "big top" tents and bring out the communal spirit of this charming lakeside town.
The Great Lakes are a geological wonder, and the charming towns that dot the coastline make them unique. There are genteel and cultured towns like Ashland and Bayfield, Wisconsin. There are also plenty of outdoor adventures in Grand Marais, Minnesota. The people who make up these small towns are passionate about the outdoors and possess a sense of community with live events and friendly downtown areas.
Lighthouse enthusiasts will especially enjoy Marblehead, Ohio, or the Apostle Islands off the coast of Bayfield, Wisconsin. These are some of the most prized lighthouses in the region and hold significant historical value. Most of these maritime villages on the Great Lakes have state or national parks to preserve the precious natural resources only the Great Lakes can offer.
