The Most Charming Great Lakes Destinations For A Fun Getaway, According To Visitors

When it comes to the Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario — we're talking more than 94,000 square miles of water surface area between the U.S. and Canada. Eight states border at least one lake, and they're flanked primarily by Ontario in the north. This means that, in terms of charming destinations, there are more than 10,000 miles of shoreline that encompass a vast range of landscapes, parks, history, towns, and recreation opportunities.

The U.S.' three national lakeshores are all in the Great Lakes region: Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan's eastern side, Pictured Rocks along Upper Michigan's Lake Superior shoreline, and the Apostle Islands in northern Wisconsin, also on Lake Superior. This northernmost lake, which is the cleanest in the U.S. according to a 2025 study, is also the largest of the five. You might hear it referred to affectionately as "Gitche Gumee," which is akin to "Big Water" in the Ojibwe language. But the other lakes don't skimp!

Whether you're standing on bluffs in Tobermory, Ontario, catching the sunset from your lakeside cabin in one of numerous quaint villages dotting Door County, Wisconsin, or cycling through the car-free streets of Mackinac Island, there are myriad ways to dive into fun and experience the most inviting Great Lakes destinations. Here are 11 of the best.

North of Buffalo, New York, by just about 30 minutes, Lewiston is a beautiful, walkable town nestled along the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. It's also only about 15 minutes north of Niagara Falls, a spectacular attraction that tourists love visiting year-round. The Niagara Scenic Parkway passes through the eastern edge of town, which makes a great route to take northward to Fort Niagara and Four Mile Creek State Parks. During the summer, Lewiston's riverside Artpark comes alive with music and theater performances. Downtown, you'll find a wealth of options for shopping and dining; grab a gourmet burger and a brew at The Griffon Brewery & Gastropub, or opt for something a bit more upscale at the contemporary Bistro Avera.

Lewiston was one of the final stops on the Underground Railroad, and the dramatic Freedom Crossing Monument commemorates the enslaved people and those who helped them across the border to Canada in the mid-1800s. For even more local history, the Lewiston Museum is housed in a quaint 1835 wooden church on Plain Street.

The dramatic Niagara Gorge begins here in Lewiston, so throw on a life vest and hop aboard an exciting tour with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours to experience the gorge's energetic whitewater. "When they say you will get wet, that is an understatement," writes a happy reviewer in Tripadvisor. "Don't be fooled by the nice blue plastic rain jackets they give you."

Ashtabula County is known as Ohio's wine country, and its namesake city's location along miles of Lake Erie shoreline means epic views, parks, history museums, and more. In the harbor, you'll invariably spot the town's iconic lighthouse, built in 1836. Every summer, the landmark's preservation society hosts a fish fry fundraiser to keep it going strong.

If you can't wait to get out on the water, book a sport fishing charter with local outfits Lucky Strike or Lost Tackle Charters. Lake Erie is known for its walleye and perch, which can't be beat when fried the same day. In late July, combine two things that make Ashtabula great at the annual Wine & Walleye Festival.

Downtown, you'll find numerous boutiques and cafés. Harbor Halcyon is a speakeasy-style establishment with American classics, and Bascule Bridge Grill is a go-to for elevated surf-n-turf. That said, it's worth mentioning that some of what makes Ashtabula so great is actually just outside of town. In the surrounding countryside, you'll find a slew of historic covered bridges including the Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge at the southeastern edge of town, which happens to be the longest covered bridge in the whole country. Others close-by include Olin's Covered Bridge and the Benetka Road Covered Bridge. While out exploring, don't miss local wineries like Lago Cellars Winery & Enoteca.

Chesterton is a charming Midwest town with a flair for the retro that makes it feel stuck in time. Northside Diner feels locked in the 1950s, and Peggy Sue's channels the same vibe downtown. If you're well past breakfast and ready to wind down, stop by Running Vines Winery — which features an inviting outdoor patio — or Hunter's Brewing, which boasts 18 rotating taps, plus snacks, pizza, and sandwiches.

Every Saturday between May and October, downtown Chesterton imports a little across-the-pond flavor with its European Market. Sample artisan cheeses and other locally crafted nibbles along with arts and crafts. "The downtown area is quaint and inviting," shares a visitor on Tripadvisor. "The market makes for a good lunch stop and place to pick up some yummy baked goods and snacks."

Chesterton is also a great gateway to Indiana Dunes National and State Parks, which preserve beautiful areas of the Lake Michigan shoreline and ancient sand dunes that reach nearly 200 feet above the water level. This is a must-stop for visitors interested in unique and vulnerable ecosystems, and visitors recommend checking out Miller Woods, which can be accessed via the Paul H. Douglas Trail.

On the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, where the water often takes on an otherworldly turquoise hue and sunsets are not to be missed, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore belongs on your bucket list of awesome Michigan hot spots. The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center sits in the small, charming town of Empire, Michigan, and the formal boundary of the park encompasses areas both to the north and south, including the scenic State Highway 22 that passes by pastoral orchards, over picturesque hills, and along postcard-worthy views of the lake.

In addition to scenic byways — including the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive with its covered bridge —  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also comprises a unique heritage area known as Port Oneida. The site is made up of more than a dozen historic family farms and barns that are noteworthy because they still maintain their original character, mostly from the mid-to late 19th century. Some especially charming examples include the Carsten Burfiend Farm and the William & Charlotte Kelderhouse Farm with their white clapboard farmhouses.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also hugs both sides of the inviting, artsy town of Glen Arbor. Visit Cherry Republic for local produce and, of course, cherries, for which The Great Lakes State is known. "The entire experience feels uniquely Michigan, from the cheerful cherry-themed grounds to the incredible variety of cherry products — think chocolate-covered cherries, cherry salsa, cherry barbecue sauce, and so much more," writes an enthusiastic visitor in a Google review.

Saugatuck, along with its sibling town Douglas, is part of what's described endearingly as Michigan's "Art Coast," where creativity is infused into culinary experiences, local galleries, and downtown shops and experiences. Located about 40 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, the area is home to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and the renowned Ox-Bow, an art school and residency program attended by artists from around the world.

Saugatuck boasts the best of both river and lake access, and there's no better way to experience the water than a ride on the Star of Saugatuck, a throwback sternwheeler paddleboat with a couple of bars onboard. Sit back and sip a good beverage while enjoying a 90-minute cruise down the Kalamazoo River to Lake Michigan and back again.

Saugatuck and Douglas are ideal for exploring some of the most enjoyable beaches in the region. Soft, golden sand characterizes the popular Oval Beach, among others nearby. "We enjoyed playing in the sand, sitting and watching the waves, and going for a walk over the sand dunes and down the beach," writes a visitor on Tripadvisor. "We also watched people flying kites, people in sailboats, and a couple of sailboarders. So much fun to watch!" Arrive early to avoid a full parking lot, or visit in the evening to catch a stunning sunset. A day pass for Oval Beach costs $15. Alternatively, nearby Douglas Beach is free, but parking is very limited.

Located in Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is a gorgeous tourist destination in Michigan that offers a serene escape full of fun. Pronounced "Mackinaw," it's a gem in the summertime, brimming with quaint, historic architecture that gives it a timeless feel. Tourists are endearingly known as "fudgies," thanks to the island's renowned fudge.

Mackinac can only be reached via ferry, personal boat, or plane. The ferry is common for most visitors, and connections are available from Mackinaw City on the Lower Peninsula or St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula. During the ride, you'll also enjoy amazing views of the Mackinac Bridge, a 5-mile suspension bridge that's among the longest in the world. Once you arrive, drop your bags off at one of numerous boutique inns, such as Hotel Iroquois or The Mackinac House. Alternatively, head to the Grand Hotel, the O.G. of the island's lodgings since 1887.

Bicycles reign supreme as a way to get around because cars aren't allowed on the island. Peace and quiet was preferred over noisy engines way back in 1898, and the tradition stuck. Bring your own or take advantage of numerous rental services once you've arrived. In addition to shopping, try to keep your wits about you at The Haunted Theater, see cannon demonstrations at historic Fort Mackinac, or take in views of the lake through Arch Rock, one of the highlights of the beautiful Mackinac Island State Park.

Located at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Tobermory is your gateway to amazing hikes, water recreation, camping, and even shipwrecks around Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. The peninsula, with Manitoulin Island to the north, creates the boundary between Georgian Bay and the rest of beautiful Lake Huron, and Tobermory is reachable from Toronto in under four hours. If you have your RV in tow, and especially if the kids are coming along, check in to the sylvan Miller's Family Camp, Mountain Trout Camp, or take your pick from a number of vacation rentals, inns, and resorts.

Across the amusingly named Big Tub Harbor from central Tobermory sits Big Tub Lighthouse, a charming landmark constructed in 1885 that's a popular place to take in spectacular views. To the east of town is Fathom Five National Marine Park, with woodsy trails and overlooks over Little Dunks Bay. Enjoy dramatic bluffs, islands, and 22 shipwrecks that you can paddle out to or dive down to explore. Finally, make time to explore local islands by way of boat rides provided by Blue Heron Cruises or The Bruce Anchor. "You'll definitely want to take a ride out to Flowerpot Island to see the sights," says a national park visitor on Google. "Plan to stay at least three hours if you want to see everything."

Along Minnesota's scenic North Shore — a more-than-150-mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline between Duluth and Grand Portage — charming towns meet stunning nature. Grand Portage is home to a national monument and a state park with a towering waterfall near the border of Ontario, while towns like Grand Marais and Two Harbors boast lighthouses, picturesque harbors, and plenty of northern woodsy vibes to go around. Don't miss a stop at the iconic Lou's Fish House in Two Harbors for smoked delicacies and an array of cheeses — a must-try in the Upper Midwest. Visit the bright red Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum, taste locally crafted beer at Castle Danger Brewery, and find unique wood-fired ceramics at Cooter Pottery.

Meanwhile, Grand Marais is a secluded, artsy enclave home to the North House Folk School, making it the perfect place to book a unique workshop in anything from German-style timber building methods to beaded embroidery, as well as moccasin sewing in the tradition of the Indigenous Anishinaabe communities who have called this region home for thousands of years. Take in the view from Artist's Point, then explore the history of the Gunflint Trail, a historic dog sled route that's now a scenic byway, at the Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center. 

The North Shore boasts a whopping eight state parks in total. This includes the epic cascades of Gooseberry Falls, stunning Lake Superior views from Split Rock Lighthouse, and the varied 9,300-acre Tettegouche State Park, which sits between Grand Marais and Two Harbors.

On the eastern side of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, the aptly named hub of Bayfield is a vacation wonderland in all seasons — whether you're into boating and enjoying nature in the summer or snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. Take a dog sled jaunt with Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing, or cheer on your favorite sled team at the annual Northern Pines Sled Dog Race in February. When summertime rolls back around, enjoy spectacular kayaking or canoeing along the Lake Superior shoreline, take a boat out for a cruise, or charter a ride with Willigan's Adventures for sightseeing or fishing. Visitors can also take in the area's numerous lighthouses, see the sunset from the water, or customize their own sightseeing excursion.

Bayfield is your go-to for access to the Apostle Islands — an archipelago of 22 islands, 21 of which are administered by the National Park Service as a national lakeshore. They're famous for their stretches of wilderness and wave-splashed ice caves in the winter — when conditions are right. Meanwhile, guided kayak tours provided by outfits like Apostle Islands Kayaking get visitors up-close to the bluffs in the summer. "We not only paddled by the caves but also through several of them!" a visitor shares on Tripadvisor.

Once you've gotten your fill of the outdoors, Bayfield offers myriad options for dining and relaxing. From Manypenny Bistro and Pier Plaza Restaurant for casual, family-friendly vibes to upscale options like the trendy St. James Social Hotel's restaurant and lounge. If you want the full lodging-and-board experience, don't miss the Old Rittenhouse Inn, a B&B with Victorian flair and lake views.

Door County is Wisconsin's "thumb" jutting out into Lake Michigan north of Green Bay. In addition to its unique shape, it's also a renowned vacation destination chock full of lively towns brimming with shops, parks, marinas, and eateries. The charming and historic downtown districts of Sister Bay, Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, Ephraim, and Bailey's Harbor should definitely make it on your list of iconic Wisconsin tourist attractions you shouldn't skip. Beyond that, Door County is also an oasis for golfers, with half a dozen highly-rated courses dotting the peninsula. Cyclists also revel in the county's scenic rural roads, and the Peninsula Century event invites riders of varying skill levels to head out on routes between 25 and 100 miles long in both spring and fall.

Fish Creek is an energetic town with spectacular dining and shopping. Plus it's also your gateway to the sprawling and diverse Peninsula State Park, which is one of The Badger State's most popular. In Sister Bay, stop at Al Johnson's for Swedish pancakes, or shop for Scandinavian gifts in their adjacent gift shop. Remember to check for goats grazing on the buildings' grassy rooftops! Ephraim, on the other hand, is a bit smaller and offers low-key vibes with amazing art at the dockside Hardy Gallery, located inside of the iconically graffitied Anderson Warehouse.

While Fish Creek, Sister Bay, and Egg Harbor are typically the busiest during the summer, there are plenty of ways to escape to quieter spots, too. Continue north to the tip of "Nordoor" along the Door County Scenic Coastal Byway, and make sure to grab some smoked salmon or trout at the legendary Charlie's Smokehouse in Gills Rock. "Husband said it was the best he's ever had. Super friendly people working there. Great place!" raves a review of Charlie's.

Known endearingly as the "Malibu of the Midwest," Sheboygan is home to freshwater surfing, sandy beaches, renowned art centers, and access to the stunning Kohler-Andrae State Park — with its sand dunes, trails, and gorgeous Lake Michigan vistas. Both the John Michael Kohler Art Center, located downtown, and the Art Preserve, which sits on the south side of town, are spectacular places to explore contemporary art and one-of-a-kind installations and artist environments. Make sure you check out the artist-designed bathrooms in the art centers — all of them. They're essentially exhibits unto themselves.

You might be noticing a bit of a theme in terms of Kohler. Sheboygan is adjacent to the planned community of Kohler — yep, the namesake of the bathroom fixtures company — where you'll find luxury accommodations like The American Club and Inn on Woodlake, among others, plus world-class golfing at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run.

Back in downtown Sheboygan, don't miss a great sandwich or quiche at popular Field to Fork — which is owned by the same folks who run Il Ritrovo next door, known for its amazing pizza — and Trattoria Stefano across the street, serving upscale Italian cuisine. "Wonderful place for breakfast!" raves a visitor on Tripadvisor who loves Field to Fork. "We have enjoyed this place each time we have been here. Nice service, too. Go early if you are there on a weekend." Before you go, stop into Stefano's Slo-Food Market for take-away gourmet goodies.

To compile this guide, we primarily relied on the author's personal experience, including growing up in Wisconsin within an hour's drive of Lake Michigan and spending a lot of time touring around the Great Lakes, both in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to her experience, we consulted official tourism sites including HistoricLewiston.org, VisitAshtabulaCounty.com, Saugatuck.com, MackinacIsland.org, VisitTobermory.ca, Bayfield.org, ExploreMinnesota.com, NorthShoreVisitor.com, and VisitSheboygan.com. Additional information came from MichiganSeaGrant.org, EPA.gov, Britannica.com, NPS.gov, NiagaraFallsUSA.com, MackinacBridge.org, and others. Finally, to ensure we've shared things visitors most like to do in each town or region, we researched discussions and reviews on Reddit, Google, and Tripadvisor.