These 7 Towns in the Northern United States Have Beautiful Architecture
The northern region of the United States played critical roles in the independence of America through various means, such as peace treaties and wars. As a result, history is lavish across the region’s small towns, where old-world charm has endured for generations. Amid these historic allures are spellbinding architectural masterpieces that further reflect how far these towns have come. They might look rustic, but it’s impossible to deny their architectural elegance and astounding engineering. From Victorian and Greek Revival to Romanesque and Italianate architectural styles, every visitor will be dazzled by the beautiful architecture in these towns in the Northern United States.
Rockland, Maine
Rockland is a town that charms every visitor with its scenic location along Penobscot Bay and the Gulf of Maine. However, its architecture is also worth exploring, as it features Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne architectural styles. The town preserves these architectural wonders in its residential and main street historic districts, featuring several 19th-century and early 20th-century structures, with most of them on the National Register of Historic Places.
Notable buildings in both districts include Knox County Courthouse (built in 1874), Rockland Public Library (built around 1903), Security Trust Building (built in 1912) and Farnsworth Homestead (built in 1854). For art lovers visiting Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum building is worth visiting as it also features stunning architecture and a massive collection of American art. Talking about museums, Rockland is also home to the Maine Lighthouse Museum, featuring the country’s largest collection of lighthouse artifacts.
Hudson, New York
Hudson is a friendly town along the Hudson River, remarkable for its stretch of magnificent buildings in the downtown. The Hudson Historic District is where the town’s most stunning buildings can be found, and some include - Dr. Oliver Bronson House and Estate (built in 1811), Hudson Almshouse (built in 1818), and Elisha Williams House (built around 1810).
For outdoor buffs visiting, a cruise on the Hudson River is a must, while art lovers can tour the Carrie Haddad and Stair Galleries to see sculptures, paintings, and iconic artworks. Relaxed visitors can boat along the Hudson River to check out the Hudson/Athens lighthouse or enjoy its views from the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a picturesque island in Lake Huron, entirely listed as a National Historic Landmark. The town is also full of stunning architectural offerings, and more than 80% of the island is designated as a state park to preserve its natural, historic, and architectural endowments. While the island does not have a historic district, elegant architecture can be spotted at every turn. Some of the finest to keep an eye on include Fort Mackinac (built in 1782), Mission House (built in 1825), and Mission Church (built in 1874).
Visitors can also enjoy the island's dramatic landscape by exploring the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, featuring more than ten shipwrecks for divers and around six lighthouses. Arch Rock is another prime outdoor attraction on this island, featuring trails and paved roads leading to a scenic rock arch framing the sea. Before leaving, visitors are invited to enjoy picnics alongside spectacular greenery and sea views at Marquette Park.
Easton, Pennsylvania
Immerse in an ambiance of architectural splendor in the quaint town of Easton, located at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. This town’s downtown historic district sits at the backdrop of this river confluence, with elegant architectural charms overlooking the river. Some remarkable structures and buildings in the district include - the Civil War Memorial, Easton House (built in 1753), Jacob Nicholas House (built in 1750), and Herman Simon House (built in 1902). Easton also invites visitors to its 1,500-capacity State Theater, featuring impressive architectural design and hosting shows, concerts, and theatrical performances year-round.
Next, visitors can head to Hugh Moore Park to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and biking in the middle of enchanting lush greenery. The park also features the National Canal Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of American canal boats. For more history, visitors are invited to the Northampton Sigal Museum, built in 1753 and featuring interesting artifacts, arts, and exhibitions that shed light on the area’s rich history.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is a unique town that is beautiful in nature and architecture. The town sits on the Quimper Peninsula, with many 19th-century Victorian buildings dotting the banks. Once here, walk through the Port Townsend Historic District to feast on its historic and architectural offerings, like the magnificent Jefferson County Courthouse (built in 1892). Other stunning structures include Frank Bartlett House, Rothschild House, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
After savoring the town's architecture, delve into history at the Fort Worden History Park, featuring military artifacts, barracks, batteries, and castles from the 1900s. The park also features a beautiful beach, campsites, a lighthouse, and a marine science center. For some adventures, head to Fort Townsend State Historic Park, featuring more than six miles of hiking trails and spots for boating, picnicking, and fishing.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a charming town along the Piscataqua River with captivating natural beauty and irresistible architectural allure. The Portsmouth Downtown Historic District alone is home to over 1,200 historically significant buildings, reflecting Victorian, Federal, and Greek Revival architectural characters. Some notable structures in this town include Samuel Beck House (built around 1761), Benedict House (built around 1810), and Franklin Block (built in 1879).
Away from the town's architecture, visitors can enjoy some history at the Strawbery Banke Museum, featuring more than 30 historic buildings built between the 17th and 19th centuries. This museum also represents the oldest neighborhood in New Hampshire, which was settled by Europeans. Nearby, Prescott Park invites visitors to relax amid colorful gardens, trees, and flowers.
Kingston, New York
Kingston was the first capital of New York, and its rich history is reflected in its charming architectural masterpieces. The town boasts multiple districts - Kingston Stockade District (the most famous), Rondout-West Strand Historic District, West Strand Historic District, and Midtown Neighborhood Broadway Corridor. Magnificent structures to see in these districts include the Old Dutch Church (completed in 1852), Senate House (built in 1676), and Ulster County Courthouse (built in 1818). Kingston also features the Trolley Museum of New York, where visitors can see vintage trolley cars and learn how the world evolved from them to modern cars. Blend the experience with a trolley ride along the scenic Hudson River and stop to immerse in the water via a boat cruise. And if there's still time, head to Kingston Point Park to enjoy charming views of the Hudson River and swim on the beach.
Explore these quaint towns of the Northern United States, where historic and impressive architecture dots the landscapes. Jump from courthouses to post offices, churches, and museums, marveling at the beauty of architectural masterpieces and at the prowess of architects in eras when technology was absent. Relax in ancient taverns to savor delicacies at the backdrop of history, and grab the sights with a camera for handy memorabilia. The experience could be part of a weekend getaway or a week-long retreat away from the city's bustle, but one thing is certain, the memories will live on.
