8 Secluded Towns in the Great Lakes Region
The Great Lakes Region is a naturally endowed region centered around the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. Lakes such as Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie are all in this region, making it a paradise for water lovers. Naturally, there are plenty of towns in and around this chain of lakes offering amazing proximity to a wide range of water-related ventures and satisfying relaxation owing to their secluded locations. From Bayfield in Wisconsin to Vermillion in Ohio, find eight laid-back and unsullied towns in the Great Lakes Region to visit for a memorable vacation.
Geneva-On-The-Lake, Ohio
Despite being less than an hour from Cleveland, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a laid-back town on Lake Erie worth visiting year-round. With a population of fewer than 1,000, the town is quite small but no less exciting. Here, visitors will be met with stunning views of the lake along the bustling mile-long strip peppered with everything from shops to food stands, coffee shops, and more. Visit this strip and explore top spots like Ruff Life on the Lake (for delicious comfort foods) and Fascination (for fun games with family).
Golf lovers can proceed to score points at the miniature Allison’s Mini Golf or the larger Geneva-on-the-lake Golf Course. Adventure lovers can storm Adventure Zone to enjoy zip lining, wall climbing, bumper boats, and go-karts, among other thrilling attractions and activities. Don’t forget to explore the area’s delicious wine at Old Firehouse Winery and also enjoy exciting activities like camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and canoeing at Geneva State Park.
Vermilion, Ohio
Just west of Cleveland, the small town of Vermilion sits pretty on the south shore of Lake Erie in Ohio, and there is so much to offer. While its location on the lake makes it a hub for boating, the town hosts many fun attractions like the Vermilion Lighthouse (dating to 1877) and the 24-acre Sherod Park (featuring a beach to swim, a playground, picnic tables, and hiking trails).
Visitors will also enjoy walking through the historic downtown area, featuring historical attractions like the Vermilion Opera House (built in 1883), Bacon House Museum (built in 1845), and Vermilion News Print Shop Museum, which served as a print shop and weekly newspaper from 1905 to 1964. For more adventures, go fishing at Nakomis Beach, and don’t forget to visit Rudy’s Bar & Grill for delicious soups and hot sandwiches.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais is a secluded little town on Lake Superior’s North Shore with a rich history, amazing scenery, and plenty of fun things to do. Visitors here can start an unforgettable vacation with exciting education on traditional northern crafts at North House Folk School. This educational organization is open year-round and offers hundreds of courses, some of which include fiber arts, timber framing, boat building, bread baking, and northern ecology, among others. Next, head to the Grand Marais Art Colony to partake in art classes and browse the local gallery.
Afterward, go to Artist’s Point to enjoy iconic views of Lake Superior as it meets iconic rock formations and the harbor as boats depart and arrive. While in the area, take a short walk to Grand Marais Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Minnesota. Before leaving, be sure to savor authentic Indian flavors at Blue Water Cafe, steak at the Birch Terrace Supper Club and Lounge, and delicious seafood at the Angry Trout Cafe.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield is one of the most gorgeous towns in the country and has a host of bucket list-worthy adventures. Located on Lake Superior’s shores, this cozy little town is the gateway to the famous Apostle Islands, a group of more than 20 islands on the largest of the Great Lakes. Visitors can hike, camp, and bike on the island or kayak and boat on the waters to explore its highlights, which include sea caves and lighthouses like Raspberry Island Lighthouse.
Bayfield also hosts the Frog Bay Tribal National Park, featuring miles of hiking trails and a sandy beach. For history lovers, the town hosts the Bayfield Maritime Museum, which offers an immersion into the area’s maritime history. Meanwhile, bikers and hikers can hop on the 3.1-mile Brownstone Trail for breathtaking views of the lake and lush forests. When it’s time to eat, head to Manypenny Bistro for oven-fresh pizza.
Munising, Michigan
Munising lies calmly on the Southern shore of Lake Superior and is a year-round haven for adventure-hungry folks. First off, this town is famous for being a gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, hosting a plethora of summer and winter activities. This area preserves beautiful waterfalls and colorful sandstone cliffs, some of which reach 200 feet and have formed into arches, caves, and other formations. In summer, activities like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and biking can be done in the Pictured Rocks area, while ice climbing, skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing activities are offered in winter.
Additionally, Munising is a gateway to nearby attractions like Hiawatha National Forest and Grand Island Recreation Area, where a host of more adventures and natural scenery await. Meanwhile, visitors are invited to the Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center in the town center to learn about the local history with self-guided tours.
For a broader historical experience, head to Alger County Heritage Center. Before leaving, be sure to patronize top restaurants and shops in the area, such as Dogpatch Restaurant (for delicious seafood), Main Street Pizza, and Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore.
Pentwater, Michigan
Pentwater is a hidden gem on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore with less than 1,000 residents, making it a great choice for a relaxing vacation without the crowds. Once here, visitors can hit Charles Mears State Park, the town’s highlight attraction to enjoy fishing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. Hikers can also hit the park’s one-mile trail that leads to Old Baldy dune, where incredible views of Lake Michigan’s shoreline can be seen.
Art lovers can grace Art On The Town Gallery to marvel at its colorful paintings, pottery, sculpture, and jewelry, among other incredible artworks. The Pentwater Artisan Learning Center is also open to visitors looking to acquire new skills like weaving, sewing, glass crafts, pottery, and painting, among others. For a touch of history, visit the Pentwater Historical Society Museum to browse through its rich collection that tells the town’s interests from its founding in 1867.
Huron, Ohio
Huron sits on Lake Erie, which offers unobstructed access to unfiltered recreation year-round. Here, visitors will be stunned by the Nickel Plate Beach, one of the town’s top attractions featuring picnic tables, grills, and soft sands. The town also hosts the Huron Lighthouse and Pier. While the lighthouse is not open for tours, visitors can take a short walk down the pier for stunning views and to enjoy fishing.
Meanwhile, nature lovers can storm the Old Woman Creek Estuary to hike through various habitats like marshlands, sand beaches, and upland forests. Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve is also in town for nature lovers to explore, as it hosts over 300 bird species, coastal wetlands, and beautiful wildflowers. Visiting families can always head to the 172-acre Osborn MetroPark to hike, watch birds, and have fun in its two playgrounds.
Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix is one of the most beautiful towns in America. It is located between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, and there is so much to see and do. Visitors here can start an unforgettable adventure by visiting the town’s Mushroom Houses, famous for their roof shapes and stone-style construction that make them blend perfectly with their natural surroundings. These houses are scattered all over Charlevoix, and some of the top ones to see include Half House and Boulder Manor.
Next, tour the historic Castle Farms to see spectacular gardens, an enchanted forest, the state’s largest outdoor model railroad, and a museum showcasing WWI-era artifacts, among other incredible attractions. For outdoor adventures, bike or hike the Little Traverse Wheelway that stretches 26 miles from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs and offers beautiful water views.
For water-related activities, head to Ferry Beach or Depot Beach on Lake Charlevoix to swim and play on the soft sand. Visitors are also invited to kayak, sailboat, or stand-up paddleboard on the lakes or join the Sunshine Charters to sail on a catamaran to both lakes. Meanwhile, the town center is just four miles from the Fisherman’s Island State Park, featuring six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, a 2.5-mile hiking trail, campsites, and hunting opportunities.
The Great Lakes is a super exciting region for year-round fun. With so many natural attractions spread across the five majestic lakes, visitors will have no shortage of things to see and do regardless of season. Visit these laid-back, secluded towns in this region today with family or solo to enjoy an unforgettable experience in the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. When visiting, don’t forget to enjoy seafood, explore historic attractions, and take beautiful pictures for a wholesome experience.
