These 6 Towns In The Northern United States Have Bustling Main Streets
The Northern United States, encompassing regions such as New England, the Midwest, and parts of the Northeast, is home to many picturesque small towns with thriving main streets. Surrounded by picture-perfect scenery, these towns are not only rich in history, but they’re also brimming with successful local businesses and tourist attractions making them extremely popular destinations for tourists. Furthermore, their proximity to major cities and highways also means that curious travelers can easily plan weekend getaways or day trips to them.
If that sounds like you, be sure to make a beeline for you’re the downtown and main street areas of these northern towns. It’s here you’ll not only find some of the many things to do in each destination, but it’s also where you’ll best get a sense of what makes these unique communities tick. Find out more with a virtual visit to these six towns in the Northern United States that have bustling main streets.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Located along Maine's coast and only 50 miles from Bangor, Bar Harbor is a pretty New England town that’s well-known for its charming downtown and proximity to Acadia National Park. The town’s picturesque Main Street and the downtown area are home to numerous local businesses, including the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, established in 1887 and still offering classy accommodations. From this plush hotel, you’re just steps from the town’s best art galleries, boutiques, and eateries, and only a short stroll from the waterfront with its stunning views of Frenchman Bay. Better still, book a scenic boat tour or fishing charter for additional fun.
If planning a fall visit, try to time it to coincide with the Acadia Night Sky Festival in September. One of the best celebrations of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard, it offers plenty of stargazing and opportunities for fun both in town and in the neighboring national park. The town also hosts the Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival over the Labor Day Weekend with much of the festivities taking place along Main Street.
Stillwater, Minnesota
Just 30 miles east of Minneapolis, Stillwater’s picturesque setting along the St. Croix River makes it a great place to visit for an authentic Minnesota getaway. Its historic Main Street is immensely walkable and is home to many well-preserved brick buildings dating back to the late 1800s, each offering a glimpse into the town’s former role as a lumber and river trade center. Nowadays, these fine old buildings house antique shops, cafés, and restaurants, making them lively spots for those looking to get a taste (quite literally!) of local history and culture.
Be sure to include the Stillwater Lift Bridge on your self-guided walking tour of downtown Stillwater. Completed in 1931 and a key feature near Main Street, a large section of this impressive steel structure lifts vertically at scheduled times each day, so have your camera ready. Popular community events include the Stillwater Harvest Fest, held every October and featuring fun pumpkin weigh-offs, live music, and a craft fair. The town’s charming Main Street also plays host to the Rivertown Fall Art Festival, also in October and a popular weekend of art exhibitions and street performances.
Traverse City, Michigan
No list of great little towns in the Northern USA would be complete without at least one Great Lakes destination. Traverse City, set along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and 140 miles from Grand Rapids, is our choice. Front Street is considered the main drag here and is a popular place to visit for its lively vibe. Developed in the late 1800s, this historic street is lined with restored buildings that now house restaurants, shops, and major attractions like the old State Theatre. Built in 1916, this lovely heritage building still draws film buffs for its eclectic movie screenings and is home to July’s Traverse City Film Festival.
Traverse City is also known for its agricultural roots, too, and is surrounded by vineyards and orchards. You can get a flavor of the town’s farming connection during the National Cherry Festival, a week-long summer event that takes over Front Street with parades, cherry-themed food stalls, and carnival rides. The town’s Lake Michigan location offers up memorable experiences of its own including sailing or beach outings.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Situated 30 miles north of Albany, New York’s capital city, Saratoga Springs is widely regarded as one of the country’s prettiest small towns. The town’s bustling main thoroughfare is Broadway, a wide, tree-lined street that features numerous early 20th-century buildings, many of which now house art galleries. A major cultural highlight of Main Street is the Saratoga Arts center, a community hub for artists with regular exhibits showcasing local talent. Congress Park is a must-visit for those who enjoy a stroll. Once the grounds of an old casino, it’s a great place to kick back and relax, boasting pretty fountains, picnic areas, as well as a historic wooden carousel for the kids (and kids at heart).
Although a few minutes' drive from the downtown core, Saratoga Race Course was established in 1863 and continues to attract thousands of race fans during the summer horse-racing season. For a truly memorable Upstate New York experience, try to visit during the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival in the fall. Better still, the town’s Victorian Street Walk in December sees Broadway come alive with a fun holiday tradition where locals dress in period costumes while visitors enjoy carriage rides and carol singing.
Galena, Illinois
The pretty Illinois town of Galena is located 160 miles west of Chicago near the Mississippi River, making it an ideal day trip from the big city. Famous for its lovely Main Street with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, this once-booming mining town is now a hub of antique shops, art galleries, and specialty boutiques, all housed in historic red-brick buildings dating back to the mid-1800s.
From Main Street, it’s just a short walk to the town’s charming river walk, a delightful pedestrian-only area that follows the Galena River. Keep walking and cross the pedestrian bridge to Grant Park, named in honor of President Ulysses S. Grant (you can also visit the former home of 18th U.S. President just a little further up the road). Notable events in Galena include its Halloween Parade & Festival, while the Galena Country Fair, held every Columbus Day weekend, features over 150 vendors selling handmade crafts and local goods.
Burlington, Vermont
Set along the scenic shoreline of Lake Champlain and just 45 miles from Montreal in Quebec, Canada, Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace is very much the heart of this pretty college town. This lively pedestrian-only area is set between Main Street and College Street and features a mix of historic architecture and modern storefronts, including local eateries, bookstores, and artisan shops. Check out the live street performances and al fresco dining along Church Street, a central gathering place for both residents and tourists. The short walk along Main Street to the campus of the University of Vermont is also highly recommended.
Need more excuses to visit this picturesque small town in Vermont? Then swing by during the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, held every June for 45 years and featuring live music and performances throughout the downtown area. Another major attraction is the Burlington Farmers Market, one of the largest in the state, held every Saturday on Church Street.
The Final Word
These six Northern U.S. towns each offer unique experiences for travelers looking for bustling main streets filled with history, culture… and oodles of local charm. Each not only reflects the region’s diverse heritage, but they also provide plenty of top-notch attractions to visit and events to participate in. With their well-preserved architecture, fun festivals, and scenic surroundings, these six towns in the Northern United States have bustling main streets that are well worth exploring.
