These Small Towns In The Great Lakes Region Have The Best Historic Districts

Covering an area of 150,000 square miles, the Great Lakes Region of North America consists of the US states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. As its name suggests, this vast area is centered around the five Great Lakes themselves – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario – and has long played an important role in the growth of both the USA and Canada. From the region's early days as a place of discovery and trade to later war and eventually shared resources and values, much can be learned about the history of the Great Lakes Region by visiting some of the many small towns that were established here. From well-preserved buildings to museums that explore the past, this list of the region's most notable small towns with the best historic districts will shed light on the pivotal role it played.

Holland, Michigan

The attractive Lake Michigan town of Holland is home to not just one but four important historic districts, all connected and easy to explore on foot. Founded in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists, Holland is not surprisingly proud of its Dutch-American heritage, most evident in its being home to the De Zwaan Windmill. This impressive 125-foot-tall structure was built in 1761 in The Netherlands and was shipped here in the 1960s, where it continues to produce flour for locals and visitors to purchase.

Other notable historic buildings include Cappon House, the first mayor's home and now a museum, and Settlers House, a restored laborer's cottage.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Despite being in one of the smallest towns in Wisconsin, the Bayfield Historic District covers an impressive 50-block area, in fact, pretty much the whole community. Thanks to its setting overlooking Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands, it's also one of the most attractive of the Great Lakes Region's many historic districts. Highlights include the Bayfield Heritage Center, built in the 1880s, and a treasure trove of local history covering topics as diverse as the town's Ojibwe roots, the logging and fishing industries, right up to becoming one of the state's top tourist destinations.

For those wanting to make a weekend of it, book a stay at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, built as a residence in 1890 and now one of the best places to stay in Bayfield. From here, you're only a short walk away from the town's historic waterfront, once bustling with commercial fishing and shipping and now a popular spot for leisure boats, kayakers, and sightseers.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake tops most lists of the prettiest towns in Canada. Just a 30-minute drive from stunning Niagara Falls and the bridges connecting Ontario to New York State, Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL to locals) is strategically located on the shores of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River. After strolling its charming downtown core with its numerous red-brick Victorian homes and businesses, head over to Fort George National Historic Site. Within easy walking distance of the best hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake, construction of this historic fort began in 1796 just in time to be of use in the War of 1812 between Britain and the newly independent USA.

NOTL is also a popular destination for theater buffs and is home to two notable venues: the Shaw Festival Theatre, named after playwright George Bernard Shaw and established in the 1960s, and the Royal George Theatre, built in 1915.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Together, the three historic districts in Chagrin Falls make for a fun day trip from Cleveland, just 20 miles to the west. The downtown should be where you start your adventure, exploring the over 100 buildings dating from the 1800s to be found here. After checking out the quaint boutique shops and galleries on Main Street, visit the town's namesake waterfalls. This picturesque spot has been a community focal point since its establishment in 1844, with the surrounding park and gazebo making for a great selfie spot.

Adjacent to the falls stands the Popcorn Shop, a must-visit Ohio attraction housed in a building that once powered the water wheel for a gristmill in the 1870s. The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is another significant landmark. Established in 1930, it's one of the oldest community theaters in the country and regularly hosts shows and music concerts.

Sandwich, Illinois

Its location, an easy hour drive west of Chicago, makes the town of Sandwich another ideal spot for history buffs to find out more about Illinois' rich past. Its unique blend of Midwestern charm and historic significance can best be seen in the attractive downtown area. Dissected by its Main Street, the buildings here reflect a mix of architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the best is the Sandwich Opera House, constructed in 1878 and still used for cultural events, local arts groups, and entertainment.

Interested in learning more about the history of the area? Then, pay a visit to the Sandwich Historical Society. Housed in a historic building, this interesting museum offers a comprehensive view of the town's evolution with exhibits and artifacts that detail the rich history of Sandwich and its significance in the broader Great Lakes region. 

Geneva, New York

Geneva is situated at the northern tip of Seneca Lake in the pretty Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York and is named after the capital of Switzerland. Its strategic location led to the construction of the Revival-style Geneva Armory in 1892. Today, this imposing red brick structure with its distinctive crenelated tower serves as a community gathering space. 

South Main Street is where many other fine examples of Geneva's architectural heritage can be found. Here, you'll see numerous 19th and early 20th-century structures in a wide array of architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Queen Anne. Be sure to pop into Prouty-Chew House, home to the Geneva Historical Society and built in Federal style in the 1820s.

Comprising portions of the United States and Canada, the Great Lakes region is known for its history, natural beauty, and quaint small towns. Many of these communities now boast lovely historic districts filled with well-preserved architecture that reveals a great deal about their past. Whether you're planning a road trip to the area or are simply researching, this list of small towns in the Great Lakes Region with the best historic districts will help.