8 Serene Great Lakes Towns For A Weekend Retreat

The five sea-like Great Lakes, connecting Canada and America, are phenomenal and mind-boggling. Comprising Lakes Huron, Michigan, Ontario, Erie, and Superior, serenity is easily accessible along the immense shores in the Great Lakes Region. Some of the most idyllic spots in the US hide around the largest freshwater system in the world.

Discover your favorite for a romantic adventure or unforgettable family moments. For berries and fruit that taste as sweet as they look, the first town is ripe for visitors this summer season. Letting Mother Nature's gentle hand guide you around, see how seamlessly a weekend itinerary forms, where the serene waters meet charismatic towns.

Chassell, Michigan

Overlooked south of Houghton for the larger mining town, visit Chassell to taste some of the world's best strawberries. Easily one of the most gorgeous spots in the region, it is ideal for outdoor adventures. Portage Lake, a sidekick of Keweenah Bay on Lake Superior, sets the tone and background for history and entertainment, best known for the Chassell Strawberry Festival. The small town will once again come alive with live music, a queen competition, a craft/vendor show, and kids' games on July 11-12 this year. Book early at Chassell Bay Cottages or a B&B during the festival.

The early lumber town in the 1800s has been in farming and agriculture since the 1920s. It is hard to resist the charms since it has gotten the hang of tourism. The Chassell Historical Organization lays out the backstory at the Heritage Center, where even the kids can appreciate the effort behind the plump berries before popping one in the mouth for a burst of flavor. From berry picking to lakeside picnics, take a hike through Sturgeon River Slough Wildlife Area. Chassell Township Centennial Park features a beach, a boat launch, a dock, and a trail, while Houghton welcomes the overspill of visitors.

Dunkirk, New York

Towns within the Empire State tends to fly under the radar as the "Great Lakes destination." Many have not heard of this small town, southwest of Buffalo. First settled in 1805 as Chadwick’s Bay, Dunkirk adopted the new name, suitable for this thriving port city, following the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 and the Erie Railroad in 1851.

Dunkirk Historical Museum is open year-round a few blocks down from the Memorial Park, next to the city pier, the town's greatest attraction. Enjoy fishing and strolls, plus summer concerts and even a bar. Clarion Hotel Conference Center on Lake Erie offers deals.

Point Gratiot Park is a kid- and pet-friendly greenway for a stroll or a romantic picnic at Point Gator Beach. The pristine rocky shore offers a great vantage of the sunset behind Dunkirk Lighthouse. Erected on Erie Lake in 1875, the landmark is open seasonally with a superb museum and guided tour to an observation deck to admire the lake, plus a new pavilion. Just west, Canadaway Creek Nature Sanctuary is a peaceful place to get away from it all, bask under the sun in the calming swooshing of the water, or set a photoshoot against the seasonal nature framing the lake.

Empire, Michigan

There's an Empire in Michigan, too, surrounded by pristine lake scenery. The crescent coastline is picture-perfect, like a sharp blade's edge cutting into Lake Michigan, three quarters up its eastern shore. Soak in the view from Inland Overlook or the iconic Empire Blufftop Trail for those who like a challenge. Treat Farm Trail is perfect for active families, while minutes north, you're admiring some of the state's, nay, an iconic slice from the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook. It is all highlighted through cultural attractions downtown, like the Empire Area Museum and Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.

Relax at the beach park along the patterned sands strewn with rocks. The historic Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse backdrops your search of sea glass between the Great Lake and South Bar Lake. Shipwreck Cafe wows visitors with such a simple fare—sandwiches—that look like a work of art and taste great on a hike. Joe's Friendly Tavern has been an unpretentious favorite since 1946, whereas Sleeping Bear Gallery showcases high-quality art, the local interpretation of natural beauty in a lovely setting. The popular Empire Lakeshore Inn goes for around $100 in the off-season.

Ephraim, Wisconsin

Welcome to Lake Michigan's Door County. Ephraim is tiny but makes a statement with picturesque foliage wrapping around this inlet on Green Bay. Dock your sailboat along the bay and meet the friendly hosts at the Eagle Harbor Inn. Idyllic in scenic beauty and a backstory to tell, Anderson Dock showcases local artwork. Visit the Ephraim Historical Foundation for heritage exhibits and tours. The historic district features charming stores and restaurants. From Pebble Beach to an alpaca ranch, the lakeside rurality encompasses the restored Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, which was operational until 1926.

Just east, Eagle Tower is a perfect romantic adventure through a beech forest to admire the lake from Eagle Panorama. Clamber around Eagle Terrace via a rough 2.7-mile loop to a rock cave for selfies and intimacy. Peninsula State Park is a one-of-a-kind 38-acre island. Enjoy bike trails and camping, plus the 18-hole Peninsula State Park Golf Course. Svens Bluff Lookout is a top hiking destination to admire the curvy coast, while the serene Nicolet Beach features a boat launch. Catch a show right on site at Northern Sky Theater Park Amphitheater, an outdoor venue with musicals in a natural frame.

Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio

An hour east of Cleveland or west of Erie, PA, Geneva-on-the-Lake is one of the region's best for convenient location, wine, food, and entertainment. It is an easy getaway for a weekend on the south-central Lake Erie shore. Many head straight for Geneva State Park, with trails, fishing, swimming, and boating. Enjoy camping, cabins, or a lodge just a stroll back downtown. The historic town exposes its quirkiness with landmarks, ice cream parlors, and breweries along the antiquated strip. Uncle Joe's Good Time & Lock N Load is a shooting arcade. Grab breakfast at Ruff Life on the Lake.

Geneva Township Park is a serene waterfront, a stroll from Anchor Motel & Cottages. Snap a selfie by the "GOTL" sign at the Recreation Park. The dog-friendly Breakwater Beach offers unobscured views of the Geneva Beacon Light. Take a stroll to the lighthouse and hang around the paved breakwater until the sunset over the marina. Sportsterz Bar and Grill is a reputable place to chill among locals with live entertainment and outdoor seating. For a more intimate evening, Old Firehouse Winery offers hundreds of feet along the lake's edge, plus a spacious restaurant with live bands.

Lutsen, Minnesota

Lutsen is Minnesota’s original vacation destination. Small and wildly scenic on Lake Superior's northwestern shore, there's no real downtown, just the Voyageur Hwy with lakefront resorts and cabins. Book Summit Chalet overlooking the lake or Caribou Highlands Lodge at fair prices. Between the Poplar River, the Sawtooth Mountains, and the Great Lake, there are breathtaking land and water views to chase and enjoy intimate moments in nature. Relax at North Shore Winery. Lutsen Mountains is a ski resort.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Some of the most serene places are islands, like the infamous Mackinac Island. Mackinaw Island State Park covers 80% of the island with trails and landmarks. Right where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan, the stunning island is accessible via ferry from Mackinaw City. Visitors enjoy views of the suspension bridge between the Upper and Lower peninsulas. As a true jewel of the Great Lakes, it is modern yet traditional, with car-free streets ruled by cyclists and horse-drawn carriages. Committed to preserving an untouched feel, Mackinaw Island Ferry Port is one of its only developments.

Top restaurants and famous fudge shops are using traditional recipes. Fort Mackinac is a 1780 touchstone with preserved cannons you can touch; the island was once a focal point between the biggest ports in the northern US. Elsewhere, natural landmarks like Arch Rock over Lake Huron are accessible via trails for panoramic activities with clear-water views. From Sunset Rock to the beachside "Somewhere in Time" Tree, find the majestic cottage homes along Pontiac Trail Head.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Home to over 20,000, this historic village at the border with the US is the heart of Ontario’s wine country. Soak in the views over a glass or on a family horse-drawn carriage along the antiquated 19th-century downtown area. The Gardens at Pillar and Post hosts seasonal festivals plus a skating rink in winter, while the level Heritage Trail runs parallel to a historic railroad for walking or biking. Drop by Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum in a stately building. There are many B&Bs for under $200 a night, like Lulu's or the Olde Angel Inn.

Boasting some of Canada's most fruitful vineyards, Two Sisters Vineyards offers tours on a tranquil estate, while Trius Winery & Restaurant produces red and white ice wines. The waterfront Fort George National Historic Site was reconstructed after the War of 1812, while the next-door Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant pairs wines grown onsite with farm-to-table cooking. In addition to over 40 wineries in the area, Queen's Royal Park is worthy of a queen, with a scenic gazebo on a waterfront green, a small beach, plus picnic tables and amenities to stay until sunset over Lake Ontario.

The Great Lakes Region is a national treasure. The small towns capture a unique essence with vibrant downtowns and an unobtrusive atmosphere. Niagara-on-the-Lake is in the heart of Ontario wine country, while Ephraim borders Peninsula State Park with a romantic beach and an outdoor theater venue.

Scattered through various states, look no further than one of these gems. Each delivers a breathtaking getaway from the bustle, complete with cozy accommodations. Lutsen is a hiking destination. Chase the scenery along a river, lake, and the Sawtooths, or salvage intimate moments between land and water vistas.