8 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes, the world’s largest freshwater system, feature sea-like shores to traverse in search of the next gem. The locals value tradition, authenticity, and enjoying every moment of a simpler life. It feels like a step into another realm in Port Austin and Big Bay, both State Wolverine's gems. Even in the high of summer, the incredible shorelines offer spots to relax and seek adventure against a persistent backdrop of the immense blue.
Visit in other seasons to revel in unobscured foliage around Big Bay and seek holiday activities like ice skating in Huron. In these slow-paced towns, you will find beauty-filled spaces, like gardens in Kewaunee and its majestic Lake Michigan views, unique landmarks, like the art-deco-like Huron Lighthouse, and so much more. Plan to visit the first small town, home to sandy shores, for every taste in the summer.
Angola on the Lake, New York
Nestled along the scenic southeast corner of Lake Erie, Angola on the Lake offers a charming escape surrounded by forests, beaches, and a vibrant ecosystem. With a population of just 1,500, this hamlet provides a peaceful, vacation-like atmosphere. Begin your exploration at Evans Town Park, a community hub featuring picnic areas, a sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and regular events like concerts. For a delightful meal, visit the nearby Toasted Hog, known for its Tex-Mex cuisine.
Just north of downtown, Wendt Beach Park offers serene summer activities such as swimming, windsurfing, trout fishing, and wildlife watching, all culminating in breathtaking Lake Erie sunsets. For a more adventurous outing, head 10 minutes south to Evangola State Park. Its hiking trails wind through wildlife observation areas and lead to a tranquil beachfront ideal for relaxation and nature photography. For a unique experience, don’t miss Everhaunt Haunted House, which features intricate props, talented actors, and family-friendly fun—even outside the Halloween season.
Big Bay, Michigan
Home to under 500, it really doesn't get any smaller or more scenic than Big Bay, along the namesake water body of Lake Superior. Tightly embracing Lake Independence, its unique "C" shape is so much fun to explore with more water than land, plus easy access to Marquette, half an hour down the shore. Stepping back in time off the beaten path, Big Bay takes your mind and body far away from the city hustle. Its unspoiled environs attract nature lovers, perfect for relaxing or enjoying big lakeside adventures without crowds. Life slows along the compact wooden and brick historic downtown, reminiscent of the Timbertown established in the 1800s.
Enjoy easy access via County Road 550, which ends in Big Bay but feels like another realm. While you won't find fancy cafes nor consistent cell phone service, it was home to a Ford Motor Company automotive plant in 1944. Henry Ford and his top company executives reveled in the area's seclusion on a retreat. The lush area comes alive in the fall, best taken from the Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook. Reflecting colors in the smaller lake and stark against the world's largest freshwater body, it boasts some of the most incredible foliage displays.
Cape Vincent, New York
Perched on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, Cape Vincent offers stunning views of the Thousand Islands and a touch of French heritage. Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother, briefly established residence here in the early 1800s, leaving a historical legacy celebrated each July during the French Festival around Bastille Day. This small town, home to 2,628 residents, is the perfect retreat for a slower pace of life at the eastern tip of Lake Ontario.
Explore the Cape Vincent Fisheries Station and its small aquarium to learn about the river’s underwater world, featuring exhibits on local fish species and regional history. Afterward, unwind at Cape Vincent Brewing Company, a local favorite with craft beers, appetizers, and a welcoming atmosphere. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Cape Vincent Historical Museum, housed in a former War of 1812 barracks, or a visit to the town’s historic gristmill. End your day with a stunning sunset at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, a local icon, and consider extending your trip with a scenic ferry ride to Kingston, Canada, across the river.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
This great "walking around" town of 1,300 is among the most photogenic in the state. Grand Marais is also one of the best Great Lakes outdoor destinations, with Superior National Forest in its backyard. Living a scenic life, the active locals enjoy weekend drives along the rewarding 57-mile Gunflint Trail overlooking the breathtaking Superior National Forest. For something less strenuous, the 5-mile Superior Hiking Trail offers spectacular waterfalls and river views. Take your time along Grand Marais Marina Photogenic Point. This beautiful park tips right onto the lake, with a set of stairs to climb for views far beyond. The Grand Marais Lower Range Light Beacon Station is worth a thrilling tour along the rocks, with views of Grand Marais Lighthouse on the dolphin-tale part of the town jutting between Grand Marais Harbor and East Bay.
Back in town, take a gallery stroll through the local photography and art scene, including studios downtown. The charming Angry Trout Cafe will satisfy all your seafood cravings in a local-feel harborfront setting, plus wine and a kid's menu. Stop for local talent at Grand Marais Playhouse or plan to visit during the annual Plein Air Grand Marais art festival in September, an all-inclusive event showing artists of all ages and abilities.
Huron, Ohio
Nestled along Lake Erie, Huron boasts breathtaking views and excellent fishing, earning its nickname as a “Great Lake Place.” Just a short drive from Cleveland, this charming town blends small-town charm with easy access to city amenities. Visitors and locals alike enjoy live outdoor entertainment at the Huron Boat Basin Amphitheater, which also hosts popular events like Riverfest. For boaters, the town’s marinas, including the family-friendly Holiday Harbor Marina with its pool and welcoming atmosphere, provide plenty of options. The serene Huron River is ideal for canoeing and hiking, offering a peaceful alternative to busier Great Lakes destinations.
Huron Lighthouse, with its unique Art Deco-inspired design, features an observation deck perfect for capturing panoramic views, including those from the scenic Nickel Plate Beach Fishing Pier. Nickel Plate Beach itself offers a sandy escape with picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground for family fun. For nature lovers, Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve showcases 472 acres of coastal wetlands, vibrant wildflowers, and nearly 300 bird species along its trails.
Kewaunee, Wisconsin
Kewaunee is one of the cutest towns in the Great Lakes region, home to some 2,800 people. Its aesthetics are highly sought after by the dwellers of Milwaukee and even Chicago. Best part? There are no crowds along the trails—or the streets—to admire all the landmarks and views on leisurely strolls and take unobscured shots. The beautiful Kewaunee River splices the thoroughfare and empties into Lake Michigan.
Offering pristine lakeside nature with majestic views, it is a real photogenic affair to capture the magical time at sunset by the scenic Kewaunee Lighthouse, a historic landmark, tipping off the pier. Don't miss Euclid's Flowers & Gardens and the beautiful Hollyhock House & Gardens, while the purportedly haunted Karsten Hotel adds its own, unique charm. Home to the tallest grandfather clock in the world, even its Kewaunee County Sheriff's Residence and Jail is a soft red building.
Port Austin, Michigan
Home to just 600 residents, this charming port town sits along Michigan's northern Thumb Coast, offering a serene escape of natural beauty. Its location between Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay provides breathtaking views, from stunning sunrises to fiery sunsets over sandy dunes and peaceful streets. The town’s expansive beaches and calm waterways are perfect for morning paddles, while the unique rock formations along the shore invite exploration. A highlight for adventurers is the pristine Turnip Rock, a natural wonder topped with trees, accessible by kayak with unforgettable views. Nearby, sea caves and the offshore reef lighthouse add to the town’s allure for explorers.
Life here feels like stepping into a living postcard, with a slow-paced charm that's hard to leave behind. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with bass or join a charter for salmon and lake trout, perfect for a fire-cooked dinner by the beach. In winter, ice formations transform Lake Huron into a magical landscape, while Port Crescent State Park offers a dark sky preserve and bird of prey observation deck. After a day outdoors, recharge at the historic and modern establishments along Lake Street, offering regional cuisine and quaint shops to complete your stay.
Port Washington, Wisconsin
This historic town lives back in simpler times. Its Port Washington Historical Society 1860 Light Station offers a great overview of what you're about to experience. Take a docent-led tour in a 19th-century light station with period artifacts and exhibits. Just inland, Pleasant Valley Nature Park features a boardwalk, while Forest Beach Migratory Preserve attracts birders north along the shore. From boating to fishing and water sports, the 30-mile Interurban Trail is made to enjoy views on a paced hike or bike ride.
The locals value tradition, authenticity, and longevity, which is apparent through the towns' many landmarks and well-preserved architecture from the 1800s. Strolling along numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Port Washington Breakwater Light is a 1935 beacon. Furthermore, the next-door St. Vincent De Paul Society is a destination thrift store.
Wrapping Up
These eight slow-paced towns in the Great Lakes region each offer their own slice of charm, natural beauty, and serenity. From the striking lighthouses of Port Washington to the unique Turnip Rock of Port Austin, there’s something for every nature lover, history enthusiast, and seeker of tranquility. Whether it’s wandering through Kewaunee’s scenic gardens, fishing in Huron, or soaking in the French heritage of Cape Vincent, these destinations invite you to escape the hustle and embrace the beauty of simplicity. Plan your visit to experience life at a slower, more refreshing pace.
