Covering an area of 150,000 square miles, the Great Lakes Region of North America consists of the U.S. states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, new York, Ohio, PennsylvaniaAnd Wisconsinas well as the Canadian province of Ontario. As the name suggests, this vast area is centered around the five Great Lakes themselves – Superior, Michigan, Huron, ErieAnd Ontario – and has long played an important role in the growth of UNITED STATES And Canada. From the region’s beginnings as a place of discovery and trade to later warfare and ultimately the sharing of resources and values, one can learn much about the history of the Great Lakes region by visiting some of the many small towns that were established there. 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 highlight the pivotal role it played.
Holland, Michigan
The attractive Lake Michigan city of Holland is home to not one but four significant historic districts, all interconnected and easy to explore on foot. Founded in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists, Holland is not surprisingly proud of its Dutch-American heritage, including 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 that locals and visitors can purchase.
Other notable historic buildings include Cappon House, the first mayor’s house and now a museum, and Settlers House, a restored worker’s cottage.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Although it is located in one of the smallest towns in the Wisconsin, the Bayfield Historic District covers an impressive 50 blocks, in fact, pretty much the entire community. Thanks to its dominant location Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands, it is also one of the most attractive historic districts in the Great Lakes region. 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, logging and fishing industries, to becoming one of of the state’s main tourist destinations.
For those looking for a weekend getaway, 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 there, you’re just a short walk to the city’s historic waterfront, once bustling with commercial fishing and shipping and now a popular spot for recreational boats, kayakers, and tourists.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake tops most lists of Canada’s most beautiful cities. Just 30 minutes drive from superb Niagara Falls and the bridges connecting Ontario to New York StateNiagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL to locals) is strategically located on the shores of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River. After strolling through its charming city center with its many red-brick Victorian houses and businesses, head to the Fort George National Historic Site. Within walking distance of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s best hotels, construction of this historic fort began in 1796, just in time to be useful in the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the newly formed United States. independent.
NOTL is also a popular destination for theater lovers 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 of Chagrin Falls make for a fun day trip from Cleveland, just 20 miles to the west. Downtown should be the starting point for your adventure, exploring the more than 100 buildings dating back to the 1800s located there. After visiting the quaint shops and galleries of Main Street, visit the town’s namesake waterfalls. This picturesque location has been a focal point of the community since its establishment in 1844, with the surrounding park and gazebo providing a great spot for selfies.
Adjacent to the falls is the Popcorn Shop, a must-visit Ohio attraction housed in a building that once powered the waterwheel of a flour mill in the 1870s. Another important landmark is the Chagrin Valley Little Theater. Established in 1930, it is one of the oldest community theaters in the country and regularly hosts live performances and music concerts.
Sandwich, IL
Its location, an easy hour’s drive west of Chicagomakes the town of Sandwich another great place for history buffs to learn more about Illinois’ rich past. Its unique blend of Midwestern charm and historical significance is best seen in the attractive downtown area. Dissected by the main street, the buildings reflect a mix of late 19th and early 20th century architectural styles. One of the best is the Sandwich Opera House, built in 1878 and still used for cultural events, local arts groups and entertainment.
Would you like to know more about the history of the region? Next, visit 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 Sandwich’s rich history and its importance in the broader Great Lakes region.
Geneva, New York
Geneva is located at the northern tip of Lake Seneca in the pretty Finger lakes region of upstate New York and is named after the capital of Swiss. Its strategic location led to the construction of the neo-Renaissance-style Geneva Armory in 1892. Today, this imposing red brick structure with its distinctive crenellated tower serves as a community gathering space.
Rue Principale Sud is home to many other beautiful examples of Geneva’s architectural heritage. Here you’ll see many 19th and early 20th century structures in a wide range of architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Queen Anne style. Don’t forget to visit the Prouty-Chew House, home to the Geneva Historical Society and built in federal style in the 1820s.
Comprising parts 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 have beautiful historic districts with well-preserved architecture that reveal much about their past. Whether you’re planning a road trip to the area or just doing research, this list of small towns in the Great Lakes region with the best historic districts will help you.
