9 Towns In The Great Lakes With The Best Downtown Areas In 2024
There is the pleasure of chasing waterfalls, floating down rushing rivers, and wandering through quiet forest trails, enjoying the sweet smell of Ponderosa pines, white eucalyptus, or magnolias. On the flip side, there is the delight of walking on cobblestoned streets, ambling through high arcades — amid sparkling fountains as well as beautiful boulevards and topiaries. Most of the towns in the Great Lakes with eye-catching downtown areas have one thing in common: a spell-binding waterfront. If looking for Great Lakes towns with the best downtown areas, hold it here. From Bayfield, Wisconsin, to St. Joseph, Michigan, discover 9 towns in the Great Lakes with the best downtown areas.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
As its name implies, Bayfield is a small harbor town that serves as the jumping-off point to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a much sought-after treasure trove of outdoor fun and adventure. The town’s main drag, about three blocks wide, offers a spicy line-up of attractions, including casual restaurants, nice boutiques, and beachy gift shops — plus awesome views of both Lake Superior and Madeline Island. One can sit with a good read at Honest Dog Books, a fun, quirky space that book lovers treasure like a gem; enjoy some top-of-the-world white fish liver at Manypenny Bistro, a family-owned establishment known for its American classic eats — or just enjoy epic views at the beach. If spending the night, Bayfield Inn is right on the waterfront and provides views none will want to exchange for the world.
Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven is a must-stop on the Lake Michigan Shore for numerous reasons. These include its white-sand beach and lighthouse; its musical fountain and state park. The town’s street names, with labels such as Washington, Colombus, Franklin, LaFayette, and Jackson — read like the who-and-who of America’s political landscape. Central Park, which anchors the downtown area, has a fountain, massive evergreens, a grassy lawn, and lots of shaded spaces. Start with a yummy bite at Pronto Pup, however, a long-running corn dog stand located right on the boardwalk — from where you will easily work your way to the beach — or dash to the heart-tickling Grand Haven Musical Fountain, which for many years was the largest musical fountain in the world.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is on Grand Traverse Bay, an astoundingly beautiful expanse that can transform any average town into one of the most sought-after vacation destinations. Think of more than 230 miles of continuous Lake Michigan shoreline, most of it fringed with white, powder-soft sand. Whether one wants to spend the entire day beach-combing, swimming, or just inhaling heart-ravishing views, Traverse City scores every point. Start at Reflect Bistro, especially if you are into lobster bisques, seafood pot pies, or corned beef hash. Boardman Lake is also right in town, adding a layer of rustic charm to an already beautiful spot. The chance for a sun-kiss at Clinch Park, to float down the Boardman River, or to experience the historic National Cherry Festival, makes Traverse City one of the Great Lakes’ favorite travel destinations.
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Considering what it looks like and what it offers, you do not want to regard Two Harbors as just the last place to get a Big Mac before Canada. A first-time visitor will enjoy a stroll along the Two Harbors Breakwall at the end of a parking lot along the Sonju Trail. The whole stretch along Waterfront Drive, right through to the shoreline of Lake Superior, is hemmed with several eye-catching attractions, including Lake County Courthouse, Thomas Owens Park, 3M Birthplace Museum, where one can have a glimpse into the beginnings of one of the area’s most intriguing business ventures, and the cozy Harbor Rail Pub. For those looking to venture outside the downtown area, the Gooseberry Falls State Park is typically the go-to spot.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Hugging the world's largest freshwater lake by area, Grand Marais has a setting any first-time visitor can fawn over. Its downtown area — a stretch of about 3 blocks anchored by Harbor Park — is a relaxed space ideal for those seeking a slow and light experience. Feel the breeze here at the park before crossing the street to Java Moose Espresso Cafe, where a treat of delicious blueberry muffins will set the pace for the rest of the adventure. Still on Wisconsin Street, one will find the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, a fantastic spot to rouse the senses. For those who want to wander through the woods or mingle with wildlife, whether deer, moose, or birds, the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway is at hand.
Munising, Michigan
A cute, dainty town of just about 1,900 residents, Munising’s beautiful downtown area will light up the face of any first-time vacationer. Several Munising streets are lined with eye-catching red-brick buildings, giving the whole expanse a homey, lovely feel. The streets are wide and walkable — and lined with numerous classy restaurants, including the famous Pictured Rocks Pizza on Birch Street, known for its wood-fired oven pizzas. If looking for a place by the marina with a grassy lawn, Binsfeld Bayshore Park will have to be on your itinerary. Other sites to check out include the Alger Underwater Diving Preserve, one of the best scuba-diving areas in the Great Lakes. That said, missing out on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; its sparkling waterfalls and multicolored sandstone cliffs — must feature in a list of the region’s vacation crimes.
Petoskey, Michigan
Broad, tree-lined streets, a number of eye-catching red-brick buildings, and a central boulevard also lined with beautiful trees — are among Petoskey’s most conspicuous features — giving the town a sense of place and serenity difficult to find anywhere else. A walk along Lake Street, for example, ushers one to many little gems and treasures, including Symons General Store, a gorgeous, red-brick structure offering an exceptional assortment of treats, including alcohol, candy, and cheese. Pick sugar-free jam and all spoon-related treats at the aptly named American Spoon, a cute, one-of-a-kind establishment just two steps away. For some cool breeze and delicious views, the beach at Petoskey State Park is right at hand.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Sister Bay is arguably the best beach town in Wisconsin. Considering its tasty waterfront, the average Wisconsin town has nothing on it. There is much to do here, whether one wants to graze through the town, explore the region's award-winning wineries, or practice swings on lush, beautiful lawns. But first, chill out at Husby's, a lovely, wood-paneled space where patrons enjoy the most delicious frozen mango margaritas in the world. Other go-to spots include Stone's Throw Winery in Baileys Harbor, Red Putter, especially if golf is up your alley — and Cave Point Park, if you want to spend your afternoon on the water. If spending the night, the Boathouse On The Bay, with its cool, waterfront views, provides a hard-to-beat accommodation experience.
St. Joseph, Michigan
Whether one wants to watch the gentle rolling of the waves from a picture-perfect park — or just traipse through a slow-paced downtown filled with chic boutiques and casual restaurants, St. Joseph often exceeds the expectations of first-time visitors. Silver Beach County Park, for example, provides access to Lake Michigan, whose waters are so clear one can see right through to the sandy bottom. Infusco Coffee whips up the tastiest lattes in the area — and should be first on the list of things to do. There is Lake Bluff Park as well, known to provide panoramic views of Lake Michigan, one of the town’s most defining attractions. Finally, a walk on the pier should be a slow and light affair because it accords one the chance to explore St. Joe's two historic lighthouses.
The Takeaway
Some towns in the Great Lakes are famous for being stopovers to first-class outdoor venues. Some state park here; some waterfall there. Others, however, are noted for their downtown areas, a swoon-worthy stretch with cobblestoned streets, historic buildings, and awe-inspiring architecture. Among the last group are gems such as Bayfield, Wisconsin, a small harbor town with a not-to-forget downtown area. But there are others as well, each of which has its own character, its own personality.
