12 Charming Small Lakeside Towns

The Great Lakes, located on the border of Canada and the United States, comprise five interconnected bodies of water: Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Superior. Although only Lake Michigan lies entirely within the United States, the shores of all five are home to dozens of small towns, all well worth a drive or plane ride, writes World Atlas.

Here's just a taste of what these twelve cozy and quaint spots in the Great Lakes region have to offer.

Alpena, Michigan

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On the western shore of Lake Huron lies the small town of Alpina, best known as the center of Shipwreck Alley and the Thunder Bay Marine National Sanctuary. Visitors to the sanctuary can take a glass-bottom boat ride through Shipwreck Alley and see some of the sunken ships firsthand.

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Other Alpina attractions include Rockport Park, a twenty-minute drive north of downtown, and Starlight Beach, five minutes south.

Sodus Point, New York

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Less than an hour's drive east of Rochester is the town of Sodus Point. It's home to Sodus Point Park, a lighthouse built in 1858, and a beach on the shores of Lake Ontario. The Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum, with exhibits detailing the region's maritime history, is also worth a visit.

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

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On the shores of Lake Michigan, forty minutes from Green Bay, lies the town of Sturgeon Bay, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. At Cave Point Park, you can explore underwater caves by kayak or cliff jump directly into the lake.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

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At the northern end of Lake Superior lies the town of Grand Marais, rich in natural and historical attractions. The surrounding area boasts the Grand Portage Forest and Judge Magney Park, home to Devil's Kettle Falls.

Charlevoix, Michigan

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Situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix is ​​the city of the same name. It boasts the unique Fishing Island Park with its picturesque shoreline and campground. Of particular note are the Boulder Park neighborhood, lined with unique homes designed by architect Earl Young, and Castle Farms.

Sackets Harbor, New York

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Ninety miles northeast of Sodus Point, on the shores of Lake Ontario, lies the town of Sackets Harbor. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing cruises are popular here. Sackets Harbor State Historic Park, dedicated to the War of 1812, offers a glimpse into the era.

Ashland, Wisconsin

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Nestled on the southern shore of Chequamegon Bay, which flows into Lake Superior, is the town of Ashland. Here you can see the Soo Line 950 steam locomotive, built in 1900, and visit Maslowski Beach and the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.

Fairport Harbor, Ohio

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A half-hour drive from Cleveland, Fairport Harbor sits on the shores of Lake Erie. It boasts Lakefront Park, a beach and cafe, as well as a maritime museum and lighthouse.

Dunkirk, New York

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Less than an hour's drive west of Buffalo, you'll find the town of Dunkirk. It will charm you with its parks—Kosciuszko, Hazelton, Point Gresier, and Memorial. Be sure to visit the Dunkirk Lighthouse, first lit in 1875.

Munising, Michigan

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At the southern end of South Bay stands the town of Manising. It is known for its picturesque Pictured Rocks coastline, with its sandstone hills and cliffs, beaches, and Miners Castle.

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Chesterton, Indiana

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An hour's drive from Chicago, on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the town of Chesterton is ready to surprise you with the Indiana Dunes Park, which is part of the Indiana Dunes National Park.

Albion, Pennsylvania

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A half-hour drive from the flagship city of Erie, the historic town of Albion is home to nearly 2000 residents, covering an area of ​​5,69 square kilometers (2.2 square miles), of which 5,57 square kilometers (2.2 square miles) is dry land and 0,12 square kilometers (0.1 square miles) is water. It is famous for its park with a playground, sports fields, and a carousel dating back to 1890. Shoppers will also find plenty to do here—Albion is known for its fairs and markets, particularly its farmers' market.

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