All across America, small towns are becoming art havens, fine dining meccas, and top travel destinations. Researchers even found that people living in small towns are happier than those who live in more urban environments.
INSIDER went state-by-state to find small towns with a plethora of activities for both locals and visitors. While some of the towns and villages are bustling tourist destinations , others are quiet suburban communities that are home to only a select few.
From the East Coast to the West Coast, these are the best small towns in the US (all populations according to the US Census Bureau ).
ALABAMA: Eufaula
ALASKA: Sitka
State of Alaska/ Mark Kelley
Sitka is located on Baranof Island, making it only accessible by plane or boat. It's nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean , giving residents magnificent views and even more incredible wildlife. Sitka is a lively and charming small town with restaurants, shops, and even art galleries. From whale watching to incredible hikes , Sitka has everything an adventure traveler needs within a small town setting.
ARIZONA: Bisbee
Discover Bisbee Arizona/ Facebook
Bisbee sits about 90 miles southeast of Tucson in the Mule Mountains . Nestled in the valley of mountains, this artistic community exudes a free spirit and relaxed vibes. The artsy community also has a historic downtown that is a monument to the 20th century. Bisbee draws tourists who are interested in history, music, museums, antiques, and especially art.
ARKANSAS: Jasper
CALIFORNIA: Los Alamos
1880 Union Hotel/ Facebook
Los Alamos was founded in 1876 , and you still feel that old west vibe while walking down its streets. While everything looks and feels vintage, Los Alamos has a lively culture, including food, wine, antiques, and arts. At the Los Alamos Third Saturday Stroll in September, the town combines its culture and history by celebrating with a BBQ, car show, and parade. But perhaps the most memorable part of Los Alamos is Union Hotel, which was built in 1880 and hosts weddings today.
COLORADO: Crested Butte
Visit Crested Butte/ Facebook
CONNECTICUT: Essex
DELAWARE: Rehoboth Beach
City of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware/ Facebook
Rehoboth Beach sits on the coast of Delaware, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean , making it an excellent beach town. A boardwalk runs along the coast, which is lined with charming restaurants, shops, and hotels. The town comes to life in the summer, with free concerts and hikes through Cape Henlopen State Park in the north.
FLORIDA: DeFuniak Springs
Cathy Mosley/ City of DeFuniak Springs/ Facebook
GEORGIA: Helen
Helen brings the charm of Germany to Georgia. Situated by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeast part of the state, Helen is best known for turning itself into a Bavarian alpine town . Walking down the winding streets is like transporting yourself to Germany, each building resembling some Bavarian architecture. Although sometimes regarded as a tourist trap, Helen also has great attractions outside of town , including the Chattahoochee River, Chattahoochee National Forest, and Smithgall Woods State Park.
HAWAII: Haleiwa
Haleiwa is a small town that sits on the island of Oahu. It's best known as the surfing capital of the world. From October to April, spectators flock to the beach to watch surfers brave the waves that regularly crash onto the sand. Here, the waves can reach 40 feet high. The town is also known for its Matsumoto Shave Ice competition , which brings more people to the charming area. For those who aren't into competitions, Haleiwa's main street has a plethora of restaurants, galleries, and shops.
IDAHO: Ketchum
There's a reason Ernest Hemingway settled in Ketchum, Idaho, and made it his final home. With the Bald Mountains of Sun Valley towering over the small town and wilderness wrapping itself around the rest, the town has become an idyllic destination for all types of travelers. Once a mining town, Ketchum has become a popular ski destination. The entire town seems like an idyllic ski cabin, perfect for the winter getaways. But residents are also able to hike, hunt, and trail ride during the warmer months.
ILLINOIS: Galena
INDIANA: Santa Claus
Santa Claus, Indiana/ Facebook
IOWA: Pella
KANSAS: Wamego
KENTUCKY: Bardstown
James Kirkikis/Shutterstock
Bardstown, Kentucky, has been named America's most beautiful small town . Travel + Leisure also says you'll find "Americas Most Beautiful Town Square" in Bardstown. But the town has so much more to offer than just its picturesque scenery. Bardstown is known for its bourbon and is considered the bourbon capital of the world with six distilleries in the area. Some of these distilleries date back as far as 1776. The town celebrates its prized resource at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival .
LOUISIANA: St. Francisville
MAINE: Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is perched atop Mount Desert Island and acts as a gateway to the Acadia National Park . Suffice it to say, the views in this town are jaw-dropping. Cadillac Mountain offers an even more gorgeous landscape as it towers over the small town. The idyllic streets are lined with Victorian homes and cozy porches. Bar Harbor isn't just known for its scenery, though. Residents enjoy hiking, kayaking, and golfing in the small town.
MARYLAND: St. Michaels
Situated on Maryland's east shore, St. Michaels is a harbor town that residents enjoy year-round. In fact, USA Today named it one of the top 10 small coastal towns in America . The town has great boutique shopping. It also has delicious restaurants and bistros for every craving, but it specializes in its local seafood. Another thing St. Michaels does well is its water adventures, which include sailing, kayaking, and skipjacking . If you're a visitor, the town offers some of the best Victorian bed and breakfasts on the East Coast as well.
MASSACHUSETTS: Provincetown
Provincetown is the northernmost tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts and the spot where the Mayflower landed back in 1620 . Today the seaside town is home to artists and known for its LGBTQ-friendly environment. While the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum celebrate the town's history, P-town is celebrated for its lively Commercial Street , which is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Along the main street, visitors and residents are also treated to nightclubs, bars, and cabarets.
MICHIGAN: Frankenmuth
While Michigan is home to a number of great small towns, Frankenmuth is unique for its German style and inspiration. The Bavarian-style architecture is a major draw to this small town, which can be seen in the Franconian buildings throughout Frankenmuth. While there are museums that honor the German style, residents can also visit Heritage Park for spectacular views. Also in town is Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, which is the world's largest Christmas store. Frankenmuth also draws in large crowds for its famous festivals , which include the World Expo of Beer, Oktoberfest, and Bavarian Fest.
MINNESOTA: Grand Marais
MISSISSIPPI: Corinth
Any history buff would fall in love with Corinth, Mississippi. The small town played a major role in the Civil War, including the siege of Corinth when the Union army occupied the town for a short time . Today you can visit Veranda House, which was the former headquarters of the Confederate army. Fort Williams, General Quarters Inn, and other historic sites downtown are great places to visit. But Corinth is also as rich with culture as it is with history. In fact, you can enjoy old fashion pop at Borroums Drug Store and Soda Fountain .
MISSOURI: Kimmswick
Visit Kimmswick/ Facebook
While Kimmswick has fewer than 200 residents and only a few storefronts, the small town in Missouri has so much to offer. The town was founded in 1859, and most of the 20 shops and businesses still occupy the same buildings from when it was created. From bakeries to galleries and antique shops, this town has everything a resident and traveler could need. Kimmswick also hosts a number of very popular festivals , including the Strawberry Festival in June and the Apple Butter Festival in October, which bring thousands to the small town.
MONTANA: Whitefish
While Whitefish, Montana, is known for being a ski town, it has something to offer to every resident and visitor. Whitefish is located near the Glacier National Park , offering the town some of the best views of white-capped mountains during the winter months. The Whitefish Winter Carnival is proof of the town's charm, as residents participate in snow sculpture competitions and non-stop partying. In the summer, Whitefish has great stream fishing and alpine trail hiking.
NEBRASKA: Chadron
Chadron Chamber of Commerce/ Facebook
It's easy to understand why Chadron is often named one of the best places to live in Nebraska . The town sits on the edge of the Nebraska National Forest, offering adventurous residents the beauty and activities of the great outdoors. Within driving distance, the Oglala National Grasslands also offer residents more wildlife to take in. The town itself has a village-like feel, making it a charming spot in Nebraska. Founded in 1884 as a fur trading post , history buffs could visit the town's Museum of Fur Trade and the Fur Trade Days festival in town.
NEVADA: Virginia City
Virginia City, NV/ Facebook
Virginia City became a popular mining town in the 1800s , and it's still evident today. From the Victorian homes to the stagecoach rides, this charming town is an homage to its past. The Way It Was Museum in town also offers tourists a look into the life of a miner. Virginia City's history attracts some not for its mining past but for its ghosts. The small town is also home to the Washoe Club and Piper's Opera Club , both of which are said to be haunted. Beyond its history, Virginia City also offers some of the best restaurants in the area and can't-miss saloons.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Hanover
Hanover is home to Dartmouth College, but it's so much more than a college town. In fact, CNN once named it one of the top six best places to live in the country . Situated on the Connecticut River , Hanover has some of the most picturesque landscapes a small town could offer. With the Appalachian Trail running right through the town, it's impossible to miss the natural beauty surrounding this small town. Almost all of the town's happenings are on Main Street where you can find small shops, restaurants, galleries, and farmer's markets. The thriving art community and Victorian architecture are further proof that Hanover is a great place to live.
NEW JERSEY: Cape May
At the tip of south New Jersey is a seaside town known as Cape May . While most come to enjoy its beach, visitors and residents also appreciate Cape May's elaborate Victorian homes many of which have been turned into B&Bs and hotels. Cape May is also known for its shopping and restaurants that are open along the boardwalk and Washington Street.
NEW MEXICO: Taos
NEW YORK: Shelter Island
While upstate New York is filled with small, quaint towns, the state's best small town is actually Shelter Island. Nestled between Long Island's North and South forks , Shelter Island is a great getaway town for city dwellers and an even greater alternative to the uber popular Hamptons. The island town is known for its outdoor activities, which include first-rate beaches. Shelter Island also has the Mashomack Preserve, which is a protected area with wetlands and woods that you can explore at your own leisure. If you're interested in history, the Shelter Island Historical Society in a 1743 farmhouse is the perfect place to visit.
NORTH CAROLINA: Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, North Carolina/ Facebook
Blowing Rock, North Carolina, truly has something for everyone. From fly fishing and rafting to bouldering and rock climbing, Blowing Rock has every outdoor activity you can imagine . But the town's real charm is its downtown, where you can find over 100 small shops and restaurants. With sweeping mountain views, this small town seems to be right out of a storybook.
NORTH DAKOTA: Garrison
Visit Garrison, North Dakota/ Facebook
OHIO: Marblehead
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Marblehead is a charming town with breathtaking views of Sandusky Bay. Its main street is the epitome of small-town America, as shops and businesses line the quaint streets . Residents are even greeted by parades down Main Street on special occasions and events. The Marblehead Lighthouse is another noteworthy draw to the waterfront town. Additionally, the East Harbor State Park allows you to get close to the shores of Lake Erie while also enjoying the small town vibes from Marblehead.
OKLAHOMA: Medicine Park
OREGON: Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay is on the coast of Oregon, sitting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The town is best known for being one of the best places to catch a sighting of whales because the waters around the town are home to a pod of grey whales. Residents and visitors flock to the shores to watch the sea creatures get close to town. In town, you can shop, dine, and explore the beautiful small town with constant views of the oceans.
PENNSYLVANIA: Volant
About an hour and a half north of Pittsburgh, you'll find a charming town named Volant. Although the town is home to mostly the Amish, it's a perfect place to visit and experience the Amish lifestyle and quaint community. As you tour, horse-drawn carriages will prance past, while each shop you enter will be stocked with Amish goods such as fabrics, spices, and jams. You can even get tours of Amish schoolhouses and farms. If that isn't enough to pique your interest, the town also hosts a Harry Potter festival every summer.
RHODE ISLAND: Little Compton
SOUTH CAROLINA: Beaufort
Deborah McCague/Shutterstock
After colonists settled the famous Charleston, they created the town of Beaufort, which still exists today. As the second oldest settlement in South Carolina , Beaufort is rich with history and is alive with historical sites from the time of the United States' birth. Beyond its history, Beaufort is also known for its idyllic waterfront on the Beaufort River . The small town also stands out for its antebellum mansions that residents still live in today.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Custer
Custer, South Dakota, is notable for its nature and wildlife, specifically its buffalo . Located in the breathtaking Black Hills National Forest, this mountain town is perfect for any nature lover. To catch a glimpse of free-roaming buffalo, residents and tourists head over to the majestic Custer State Park . The annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival is also held in Custer. For those more interested in history, the historic downtown features restaurants, shops, and galleries. The 1881 Courthouse Museum is also located downtown and was built in 1881.
TENNESSEE: Gatlinburg
Visit Gatlinburg/ Facebook
Historic Gatlinburg could not be in a better location, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The small town welcomes travelers interested in whitewater rafting in the summer and skiing in the winter . There's also scenic hikes and wildlife all over Gatlinburg to enjoy, as well as wineries and distilleries.
TEXAS: Dripping Springs
UTAH: Green River
Just three hours east of Salt Lake City, Green River is an idyllic small town great for escaping city life. Most come to Green River to raft down Desolation and Gray Canyons , but there's still so much more to see and do. The Green River State Park has a nine-hole golf course, and Goblin Valley is perfect for cave hunters. The small town is also known for its exquisite melons, which they celebrate during Melon Days Festival every September.
VERMONT: Chester
Chester, VT Guide/ Facebook
Chester, Vermont, is best known for its iconic Stone Village and Chester Village Historic Districts. Both of these attractions are on the National Register of Historic Places , bringing thousands to visit them every year. Stone Village is special for its granite houses, while Chester Village has a beautiful colonial aesthetic. And the inns, shops, galleries, and restaurants are also all proof of Chester's legacy in Vermont.
VIRGINIA: Lexington
Lexington, Virginia/ Facebook
WASHINGTON: Port Townsend
Port Townsend was born out of mistake. In the 19th century, people thought the town would boom as a shipping port, so they built the town up with Victorian mansions . But when the railroads connected to Seattle instead, Port Townsend was bypassed. Instead of taking defeat, the town has redefined itself as an art and culture hub in Washington state. The historic buildings with large bay windows still stand in this quirky arts village. For the more adventurous people, there is Fort Worden State Park nearby, where you can find sandy beaches and kayaking.
WEST VIRGINIA: Lewisburg
Like many small towns, Lewisburg, West Virginia, has a rich history, and it takes great pride in celebrating its past. A historic walking tour will take you through downtown and highlight all of the small town's most historically important buildings and architecture. The streets are also lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. But the best attraction in Lewisburg is the Lost World Caverns, which is an underground network of caverns registered as a National Natural Landmark . The ominous caves are worth the trip.
WISCONSIN: Stockholm
Stockholm Wisconsin/ Facebook
Tucked away along the Mississippi River, Stockholm, Wisconsin, has remained relatively untouched over the years. With just over 60 residents, Stockholm has no chain stores or restaurants in town , proving it has been saved from urbanization. Its local businesses still attract travelers, though, especially its famous pie shop , Stockholm Pie and General Store. Along with its locality, the town was able to preserve its Swedish heritage, which can still be seen in the architecture throughout Stockholm.
WYOMING: Buffalo
Historic Occidental Hotel/ Facebook
In the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, you can find the historic small town of Buffalo. The town is surrounded by sweeping natural beauty, while its downtown district is filled with history and old Midwest architecture. For example, guests can stay at the Occidental Hotel, which is over 130 years old . The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, which opened in 1900, is another popular destination. There are even ranches and mountain lodges for guests and residents of this historic mountain town.
