9 of the Most Walkable Towns in the Northern United States
America is a country that runs on cars, but not everyone enjoys being tied to four wheels. This is especially true in the northern U.S., home to New England, the oldest part of the country and the area with the most architecture that predates the Model T Ford. Want to check out a town that values its pedestrians and has lovely sights? Here’s our list of the 9 most walkable towns in the northern U.S.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, Maine, the gateway to Acadia National Park and a symbol of all things coastal New England, is a tiny coastal town known for its natural beauty. Besides exploring the rugged coastline of Acadia, take a stroll around the Bar Harbor Shore Path, a walkway that hugs the eastern side of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island, providing excellent, foot-powered views. If you’d prefer to spend some time indoors, take in the Abbe Museum on Mt. Desert Street in the heart of town and enjoy learning about the area's indigenous people, the Wabanaki. Finish off your day with some freshly caught seafood or a buttery lobster roll, and you’ll get the full dose of “Down East” flavor!
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, VT, the cultural capital of Vermont with a robust collegiate population, is a small city nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain near the Canadian border. Stroll the Church Street Marketplace for a variety of shops, ranging from independent artisans to high-end boutiques, or visit the Waterfront Park, which stretches along the shoreline and features many restaurants and breweries with excellent views of the lake no matter what season. Those looking to venture south downtown on the well-paved sidewalks of Burlington can take in the world’s tallest filing cabinet or the Burlington Earth Clock on the shoreline. Burlington’s walkability is matched by its extreme prevalence of high-quality restaurants and breweries, making it one of the beer capitals in Vermont.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, in upstate New York, is home to Skidmore College and the famous Saratoga Race Course, the venue that arguably put this charming small city on the map. After you see the course, proceed to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to learn the history of racing, and then stroll the lovely Congress Park with its lush gardens in the center of town. Don’t forget to check out the carousel. For those looking to spend a little fun money, Canfield Casino in Congress Park will not disappoint, but for amateur historians of gambling and historic architecture, the casino-turned-museum will deliver a jackpot. Stroll the Skidmore College campus to see the next generation of young minds hard at work, and finish your day at Druthers Brewing Company in the heart of downtown.
Northampton, Massachusetts
Northampton, Massachusetts, is a small city famous for its inclusive LGBTQ+ culture, artistic community, and Smith College. Highly walkable with lovely cobblestone pavers, Northampton offers it all: Smith College Museum of Art offers stunning masterworks free for all, while the more commerce-minded will enjoy Thornes Marketplace, a hyper-local mini-mall that offers shops ranging from a bookstore to a cafe and bar. Enjoy some nature by utilizing one of many walking trails, including the Manhan Rail Trail, which runs around the outskirts of downtown. Enjoy a variety of restaurants, record stores, and boutiques on Main Street - and don’t forget to come back during Pride Month!
Brattleboro, Vermont
Brattleboro, Vermont, is an artistic haven nestled in the Green Mountains. Right on the Vermont-New Hampshire border, the town packs a lot in a small, walkable space: start by checking out the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, featuring works from local and less-than-local artists. Stroll just a few blocks away to the Latchis Theater, an art-deco-era vintage movie theater sporting four screens and an evening’s memories. If you’re more interested in nature, take the Brattleboro Bridge to the westernmost point of New Hampshire and enjoy river and natural views. If you prefer elevation, a mere 25 minute walk away from the Latchis Theater is the Retreat Tower and trails, offering a historic landmark and an excellent light hike.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers the opposite of mountains: instead, it’s the gateway to the North Atlantic Ocean, and one of the few parts of New Hampshire to touch the sea. While many pass it by on the way to Maine just north on I-95, Portsmouth is well worth a stay and a stroll with its seagoing aesthetic and picturesque waterfront. In warmer months, enjoy the beautiful waterfront Prescott Park, which incorporates gardens and meandering trails on the water. For history buffs, the Strawbery Banke Museum is a living history museum on nearly 10 acres, showcasing historic buildings and gardens as well as traditional crafts. Just a block away is the 1784 Georgian mansion of John Langdon, now known as Langdon House. Music buffs can enjoy a concert in downtown’s Portsmouth Music Hall as well!
Traverse City, Michigan
The gateway to the stunning natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), Traverse City offers a mixture of natural beauty and tourism for anyone passing through- or staying. Enjoy a beach day at Clinch Park, a waterfront beach in the heart of Traverse City offering both walking trails as well as sun and sand in the summer. Another seasonal perk is the Sara Hardy Farmer’s market at Clinch Park’s entrance, offering the best of local “pure Michigan” produce. After recovering from a day of walking the shoreline, enjoy a performance at the 1891 historic City Opera House, or sip on a brew from North Peak Brewing Company two blocks away.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Another small town upon the water, Newburyport, Massachusetts is about an hour away from Boston by train, and features historic buildings and a seaport. Most famous for the Newburyport Front Range Light, a historic lighthouse on the water, it boasts quaint shops and tasty seafood. After taking in the views from the lighthouse, stroll just a few blocks away to the Custom House Maritime Museum and learn about Newburyport’s seagoing history. Continue your day perusing local boutique shops at the Tannery Marketplace, and then finish taking in the sunset at Waterfront Promenade Park, where historic tall ships mingle with more modern leisure and fishing vessels.
Galena, Illinois
Venturing inland to Galena, Illinois, is sure to prove a treat. Known for its quaint downtown area sporting 19th-century architecture, Galena is also home to U.S. president Ulysses S. Grant. After walking down main street and enjoying shops and restaurants alike, stroll along the Galena River and enjoy the Belvedere Mansion and Washburne House historic sites, as well as the historic Ulysses S. Grant home. Venture back across the river to the west and enjoy the artistic majesty of the West Street Sculpture Park, featuring several outdoor sculptures. Finish your day taking in a magic show at the PT Murphy Magic Theater.
All of these towns will easily provide a full day’s worth of walkable excitement- from quaint downtowns to stunning nature just a few steps away, each and every one showcases the beauty of America’s small towns. Life passes by too fast on wheels: it’s best to slow down, walk at your own pace, and enjoy all that pedestrian life has to offer. Just don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring a sense of adventure!
