Most Peaceful Small Towns to Visit Along the Great Lakes

You can enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes year-round in these gorgeous small towns with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Straddling the U.S.-Canada border, the five Great Lakes are some of the most impressive bodies of water on Earth. The lakes are so large that they could be easily confused with an ocean.

Their cool fresh water is incredibly refreshing, and their shores are dotted with perfect little towns that make for a peaceful vacation. Summer is, without a doubt, the most popular time for a lake vacation, but each season brings its own charm.

Start planning an incredible getaway to one of these gorgeous small towns on the Great Lakes — all of which have fewer than 5,000 residents and are ordered from most to least populated.

10. Kewaunee, Wisconsin

Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse in Kewaunee, Wisconsin

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Population: 2,787

Chicago is the most frequented city on Lake Michigan, but it’s not the cleanest nor the prettiest place to enjoy the lake. Instead, head north up the Wisconsin shore into Kewaunee.

Spend time walking, shopping and dining near the historic harbor, or you can visit Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse. You can also go on the Kewaunee Marshland Walk — and don’t neglect to see the tallest grandfather clock in the world!

9. Munising, Michigan

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Population: 1,986

By all standards, Munising is a great destination for a lakeside getaway. It has sandy beaches, lighthouses and shipwrecks you can visit on a glass-bottomed boat. But the town’s main draw is that it’s the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Protecting sandstone formations that line the shores of Lake Superior, this natural landscape is popular for kayaking, hiking and boating. We recommend going kayaking the most, as it’ll allow you to really see the formations up-close and take in one of Michigan’s most beautiful places.

8. Angola on the Lake, New York

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Population: 1,682

Beaches aren’t exactly what New York state is known for, but Angola on the Lake will change your mind. In this Buffalo suburb, you’ll have access to long stretches of sand along Lake Erie.

The town is tiny and doesn’t have much besides beaches — which is oftentimes all you really want. And if you ever need a bit of action, you’ll be near Buffalo. Don’t miss visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff, an impressive estate on the lake designed by the famed architect.

7. Sackets Harbor, New York

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Population: 1,351

Another charming New York lake town, Sackets Harbor stands at the northern end of Lake Ontario. The town is known for its historic architecture and tree-lined streets. Get some fresh fish while taking in views of the water, or ride a bike around town.

History enthusiasts will also be happy to learn more about the famed battle that took place in Sackets Harbor during the War of 1812.

6. Grand Marais, Minnesota

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Population: 1,340

About four hours away from the Twin Cities, Grand Maris is one of Minnesota’s most popular lakeside escapes. It has everything you could want from a small town trip: nearby mountains with numerous hiking trails, impressive waterfalls, good dining, microbreweries and, of course, access to a Great Lake.

This spot on Lake Superior is highly frequented in the summer, but winter brings cool activities like snowshoeing, skiing and riding snowmobiles.

5. Saugatuck, Michigan

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Population: 865

Blessed with access to both Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo Lake, Saugatuck is famous for its gorgeous Oval Beach. Besides white sand, you’ll find grassy dunes that host unique wildlife and provide a colorful backdrop to this swimming spot. Water activities like jetskiing and boating are popular.

When you’re not enjoying the water, shop and dine on Butler Street. You’ll also find art galleries in and around the downtown area. All of this combines to make Saugatuck one of the best small towns in the entire country.

4. Mackinaw City, Michigan

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Population: 846

Can’t decide on one single Great Lake? Head to Mackinaw City. Straddling the line between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, this town gives you access to myriad fun experiences.

Head to Wilderness State Park (on Lake Michigan), or take a ferry to Mackinac Island on Lake Huron, which boasts biking and hiking trails, limestone formations and clear blue water. Within the small town itself, you’ll be able to enjoy an impressive culinary scene.

3. Port Austin, Michigan

Turnip Rock on Lake Huron near Port Austin

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Population: 622

Sitting on the point of Michigan’s thumb, Port Austin provides visitors with Lake Huron’s famously clear water. The town has sea caves, interesting rock formations and numerous places to go kayaking and boating.

Nobody comes to Port Austin and leaves without seeing Turnip Rock, a unique rock island topped with trees. You should also walk around Lake Street to see the small local restaurants and shops set in historic houses.

2. Bayfield, Wisconsin

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Population: 584

Bayfield is another Lake Superior town worth visiting. It provides access to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This collection of 22 islands is a wonderful spot for travelers who love the outdoors and want to see mindblowing rock formations, sea caves and ice caves.

As with many other places on the Great Lakes, Bayfield and the Apostle Islands are perfect places to go kayaking. Other things to do include fishing, chasing waterfalls and wine tasting at the area’s wineries.

1. Kelleys Island, Ohio

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Population: 256

Though it only has a year-round population of 256, Kelleys Island manages to be an exciting place to visit. Located near Cleveland, this Lake Erie island is laid-back. Most people get around on bicycles and golf carts since there’s never a rush here.

Cool things to do include seeing a rock with pictographs, going to the Charles Herndon Galleries & Sculpture Garden and camping at Kelleys Island State Park.

For more tranquil small towns by the water, check out “Most Idyllic Small Towns on the Pacific Coast.”