Vacations on the Water – 5 Best Budget-Friendly Destinations on the Great Lakes 

If you’re looking for a great lakeside getaway that won’t drain your finances, then a trip out to the Great Lakes makes for the perfect vacation that won’t break the bank. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a cooling beachside stroll, fresh fish and chips, and an idyllic lighthouse sunset coastal ramble every summer, to fully recharge the batteries? 

Whether you’re heading away for a low-cost summer weekend getaway or a family vacation for the ages – join us as we pick out our favorite five affordable Great Lakes destinations that are famed for their unworldly scenic views, genuine local hospitality, and a ton of lakeside adventures to boot. 

Big Views on a Small Vacation Budget at Marquette, Michigan, on Lake Superior 

Set along the wild and rugged shores of Lake Superior, we kick-start our tour of the Great Lakes by heading to the wonderful city of Marquette in Michigan. Celebrated for its picturesque hikes along pine-covered trails, its cliffside views will simply take your breath away. With countless hidden beaches up and down the shoreline to also discover, this Upper Peninsula town makes for one of the Midwest’s most appealing summer escapes. 

You can start each day off in Marquette with a morning swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, before heading out to bike the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. Then, as the evening rolls around, be sure to head in to enjoy the charming Marquette nightlife – and with a bit of luck, the spectacular Northern Lights may even make an appearance for a million-dollar view on a realistic budget. 

Enjoy neighborhood cafés, late-night walks, and timeless local rituals in Marquette, Michigan, for less when you stay at the Best Western Plus Marquette Hotel & Suites. 

A Classic Beach Escape Without Coastal Prices in St. Joseph, Michigan, on Lake Michigan 

Next on our shortlist of the best budget-friendly Great Lake destinations leads us to the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan and the city of St. Joseph, best known for its soft, sandy beaches. With its distinct two North Pier lighthouses, cafés, and ice cream shops, if you’re looking for classic beach-town nostalgia, then this economical Great Lakes getaway will be the spot for you. 

Not only that, but if you and the family are looking for somewhere to beat the heat this summer, then the giant splash zone and cooling spray fountains at the city’s free Whirlpool Compass Fountain will be just the ticket. Located next to the stunning Silver Beach with its Caribbean-like turquoise waters, vacations to St. Joseph make for the perfect carefree vacation to Lake Michigan to forget all your worries. 

Trade the expensive oceanfront tourist traps for the chilled-out vibes of St. Joseph on Lake Michigan by booking your stay nearby at the Best Western Elkhart Inn & Suites in Elkhart, Indiana. 

Fantastic Mackinac Memories Without the Luxury Price Tag in Mackinaw City, Michigan, on Lake Huron 

We head to the wondrous Lake Huron on our shortlist of wallet-friendly Great Lake destinations and Mackinaw City, which, despite its name, is actually a lakefront village. Strategically situated as a connection point between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, here you can spend hours strolling around the village’s historic forts, its incredible waterfront, and opt to picnic under the magnificent Mackinac Bridge. 

Amazingly, Mackinaw City is also the key gateway to Mackinac Island, a car-free getaway that allows you to explore by bike or by horse-drawn carriages, before enjoying a sunset cruise back to the mainland. With countless historical reenactments, firework displays over the lake, and even a free annual Ford Mustang Stampede car show, Mackinaw City is ideal for those who want to make every travel dollar count this summer. 

Enjoy a low-priced getaway to see the sights of Lake Huron and Mackinaw City, and enjoy a great night’s sleep every night across the water at the Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront in St. Ignace, Michigan. 

Budget-Friendly Thrills on the Water in Sandusky, Ohio, on Lake Erie 

You may already have heard of our next Great Lakes location, as Sandusky is beloved for its easy access to the roller coasters at Cedar Point – however, this vibrant Lake Erie city has a few tricks up its sleeve that help balance the big thrills with cost-effective experiences. First up, you can travel back in time by taking a trip to learn about this fabulous port city’s ice harvesting and boat building past at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. 

For parents who need an excuse to pry the kids’ eyes away from their phones and tablets, you should hop aboard a Miller Ferry for a scenic crossing to Put-in-Bay, tucked away on South Bass Island. Contrastingly, for those adults traveling solo or vacationing away with friends, we highly recommend jumping on the 40-minute ferry cruise to Middle Bass Island for a Lonz Winery Tour to enjoy a refreshing drink or two at George’s, their waterfront patio bar. 

Enjoy the low-cost island-hopping excursions out of Sandusky, Ohio, before helping to stretch your budget while kicking back and relaxing every night across the bay at the Best Western Port Clinton. 

Canada’s Prettiest Summer City of Kingston on Lake Ontario 

A shortlist of the best lakeside retreats on the Great Lakes just wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Kingston, Ontario, north of the border. Situated where Lake Ontario becomes the St. Lawrence River, Kingston’s relaxed energy and historical streets make for a superb getaway for those looking to save money while they’re away.  

Nicknamed the Limestone City, Kingston’s limestone buildings invite visitors to explore its quaint, narrow streets, free lakeside parks, and, not to mention, Fort Henry and the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Rideau Canal. If you haven’t already heard, Kingston also happens to be famous for its lively music scene, so as you explore this great city on foot, you’ll be certain to stumble upon a live performance at one of the city’s several outdoor patio bars.  

Discover how to stretch your travel budget in style with a trip to Kingston, Ontario, before settling in for a comfortable night’s stay at the Best Western Fireside Inn.