The Best Small Towns in the Great Lakes for a Weekend Retreat
The Great Lakes region offers a fantastic escape for any traveler in the Northern United States. The region can be appreciated both for its natural beauty and for the variety of small towns found within. Whether searching for sweeping bluffs and dunes in Fairpoint Harbor, Ohio; a vibrant small-town energy in Grand Haven, Michigan; or a quiet beachside refuge in Michigan City, Indiana, these small towns in the Great Lakes are sure to exceed the expectations of any weekend traveler.
Michigan City, Indiana
Michigan City is a fantastic getaway refuge along the waters of Lake Michigan. The town's harbor, carved by the waters of Trail Creek, is home to the beautiful Washington Park and Washington Park Beach, complete with a charismatic lighthouse, intriguing histories in the Old Lighthouse Museum, and the extensive Washington Park Zoo. Michigan City's energetic center-town is complemented by the tranquility of Pottawattamie Park and the Friendship Botanic Gardens, a lush forested area for leisurely strolls along accessible walking trails.
The most recognizable attraction in Michigan City, however, is Indiana Dunes National Park, where many visitors enjoy the sands of Porter Beach and the greenery of the Great Marsh Trail. Stay at the Beachwalk Vacation Rentals for the best privacy and accessibility to the beach.
Fairport Harbor, Ohio
Fairport Harbor, Ohio, is a quiet town most often associated with idyllic beaches along the tranquil waters of Lake Eerie. Largely forgotten as a getaway destination among the many treasures of the Great Lakes region, relaxation and seclusion in Fairport Harbor are easily found on the wide beaches of the Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. The small town's more unique natural attraction is the Headland Beach State Park, where sweeping views are complimented by the wide pathways and tall grasses of the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve.
The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse is a fantastic dedication to the region's history, headlined by the lighthouse built in 1871. The Steele Mansion Inn and Gathering Hub is highly recommended to complement beachside living in Fairport Harbor.
Marquette, Michigan
Because of the town's duality between natural attractions, cultural vibrancy, and small-town feel, Marquette, Michigan, is a fantastic small town for travelers, families, and retirees. Exploring the downtown area reveals endearing restaurants like The Vierling and the Iron Bay Restaurant and essential amenities like the Marquette Regional History Center and the interactive displays of the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. The historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock is a representative and impressive symbol of the town's history, best experienced from paths and green fields the adjacent Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park.
Outdoor enthusiasts must visit Presque Isle Park: a secluded peninsula of beautiful green forests, colorful coastline, and pristine swimming in Lake Superior. Stay at the Nestledown Bed and Breakfast for the most charismatic stay in the Picnic Rocks Park.
Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven, Michigan offers a full host of amenities on Lake Michigan, bundled alongside the multiple inlets of Grand River. Many visitors choose to walk the long pathway of the Grand Haven South Pier towards Grand Haven Outer Lighthouse, a cultural monument that boasts a characteristically bright red color. It's recommended to continue through the Grand Haven State Park by following the Grand Haven Lighthouse Connector Park through to the downtown area, marked by the attention-grabbing Grand Haven Musical Fountain.
The surrounding downtown is filled with restaurants, shops, and other attractions. The most popular among them include The Toasted Pickle restaurant, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, and Central Park. Accommodation at The Boyden House provides an ideal combination of style, convenience, and comfort.
Port Clinton, Ohio
Port Clinton, Ohio is surrounded by water. The shores of Lake Eerie to the north and the tides of Sandusky Bay to the south make this small town a fantastic marvel of natural beauty in the Great Lakes region. The most charismatic attraction here is the Port Clinton Lighthouse and its neighboring Waterworks Park, a sweeping landscape of wide-angle views over various monuments, statues, and walking trails. Equally impressive are the extensive gardens of Lakeview Park, or the sunrises and sunsets accessible on the Safe Harbor Marina.
Port Clinton's most popular attraction, however, is the African Safari Wildlife Park: a large exhibition of Africa's large animals, experienced by drive-through. Our Sunset Place Bed & Breakfast is the most quaint and secluded option for a weekend retreat here.
Port Washington, Wisconsin
Port Washington, Wisconsin is often recognized for its long-winded and intricate harbor system, most commonly associated with the Port Washington Breakwater Light and the Coal Dock Park. Port Washington should also be remembered, however, for the pristine beaches and forested coastline of Port Washington South Beach Park, the pleasant walking trails of Rotary Park, and the intricate lanes of the Port Washington Marina.
Upper Lake Park is also a memorable attraction, renowned for its many unique boardwalks and playgrounds. Otherwise, it's worthwhile to follow the coastline of Lake Michigan south towards the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve's many dramatic bluffs and beaches. Stay at The Port Hotel for a fantastic view over the harbor and Lake Michigan.
Sackets Harbor, New York
Sackets Harbor is an underappreciated getaway location in New York state. This is a small and quiet town with quaint downtown streets to match; visitors can find modest but top-quality restaurants like Tin Pan Galley and The Sandwich Bar, or walk pleasant trails in the centrally located Market Square Park and the Navy Point Marina. Travelers can also explore the town's intricate military history in the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, or at the Sackets Harbor Visitor Center.
The benefit of the peace and tranquility in Sackets Harbor does well to provide extremely relaxing conditions for those visiting the neighboring Westcott Beach State Park: its many beaches, bluffs, and forested trails are always a welcome refuge. The Harbor House Inn is the perfect accommodation here, with ideal proximity and comfort.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario represents a center of culture and activity in the Great Lakes region, on the border with New York. Many travel here to enjoy the area's famous vineyards, such as the Peller Estates Winery, the Inniskillin Winery, or the impressive Château des Charmes. Other visitors are pulled by the town's cultural heritage, most apparent within the Fort George National Historic Site, a military landmark lining the Niagara River, dated to the War of 1812.
Above all, Niagara-on-the-Lake may be appreciated for its charming downtown streets and quaint boutiques. Dining at The Irish Harp Pub, taking in a show at the Shaw Festival Theatre, and walking the greens of the Queen's Royal Park are all highly recommended activities in the downtown area. Harbour House Hotel always provides a welcoming and character-filled accommodation downtown.
There is no shortage of possibilities and opportunities among the many wonderful small towns in the Great Lakes region. Outdoor travelers will marvel at the many sweeping beaches in natural refuges like the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve in Port Washington, Wisconsin; and those searching for a modest excursion to a quaint small town will find culture and charisma in getaways like Marquette, Michigan. These eight towns in the Great Lakes are sure to exceed the expectations of any experienced traveler in need of a relaxing weekend retreat.
