This Quaint New York Village Is A Cute And Quiet Stop On Your Trip To The Great Lakes

Many people look forward to exploring the Great Lakes as an epic bucket list road trip around the U.S., with some itineraries also stretching into Canada. Notably, the breathtaking journey runs through iconic American cities like Chicago and Detroit, but towards the tail end of your trip (if you're working your way west-to-east), you'll find a much quieter stop. It might be easy to overlook Sackets Harbor, a peaceful upstate New York village sitting on Lake Ontario, but that would be a mistake. This small town is bursting with history, antique shops, and waterfront eateries serving stunning views.

If you're coming from the west, you can take Interstate 90 East. Or, if you'd rather start in the east and work your way west, this is a great place to kick off the journey. You can even fly from Philadelphia into Watertown International Airport and rent a car — it's just a 12-minute drive from the village. Once you get to Sackets Harbor, the town itself is pretty walkable, with most of the best attractions clustered around the waterfront.

Augustus Sacket founded the town in 1801 and chose the location due to its proximity to natural resources and easy access to trade with Canada. But it was just over a decade later when the village became an important battleground in the War of 1812. Today, this war history remains an essential part of the village's story. You can start at the Visitor Center to get a quick background and then head out to the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, where you can go on a tour or even catch a live reenactment. Other sites include Augustus Sacket's Historic Home, the stunning Horse Island Lighthouse, and the Pickering-Beach Museum.

If you aren't a history nerd, never fear! The lake is the main star of the show here. Life in Sackets Harbor revolves around Lake Ontario. Hit the water on a kayak, go on a fishing charter, or enjoy a swim in the lake's sparkling water. There are several nearby outdoor attractions for communing with nature, like Robert G. Wehle State Park, Southwick Beach State Park, Westcott Beach State Park — all of which are a short drive away.

After all that activity, get some retail therapy at the town's eclectic shops like Charlie Bridge's Antiques, Junk in the Trunk, and Market on Main. When you get hungry, there are plenty of local eateries to choose from. Grab your morning coffee at Chrissy Beanz Bakery, get a cheesy slice for lunch at Goodfellos, and end the night watching the sunset over Lake Ontario at The Boathouse Restaurant.

There are two ways to stay in Sackets Harbor: You can experience small town charm at an inn or bed and breakfast, or rustic lakeside campground under the stars — it's even a great place to master solo-camping. If you prefer coastal comfort, great options are The Harbor House Inn, Marina Inn & Suites, and Sackets Harbor B&B. If you like the rugged approach, Bedford Creek Marina, Southwick Beach State Park, and Westcott Beach State Park all offer campgrounds by the water. Local inns and bed and breakfasts will cost between $170 and $215 a night, while camping starts at $61 for RV sites and $130 for cabins.

Summer is a great time to visit for lake activities and fun community events like Summer Concerts on the Waterfront, the Can-Am Festival, the Plein Air Art Festival, and Porch Music Fest. Fall is a great alternative, if you're looking for fewer crowds and gorgeous foliage. Whether it is the starting point or the finish line in your Great Lakes adventure, Sackets Harbor is one of the best towns to visit on the Great Lakes.