A journey through the heart of the Great Lakes
By Emma Svoboda
Five mighty lakes. One inland ocean. See natural wonders, impressive feats of engineering, and iconic pieces of history. From the roar of then Soo’s steel gates to Dawn’s first blush over Lake Huron, here’s how to ride the waves—by car, ferry or sheer curiosity.
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Lake Superior
Start off the adventure in Duluth, Minnesota with a visit to Great Lakes Aquarium and check out the historic Aerial Lift Bridge nearby. For more local history, Lake Superior Railroad Museum and Split Rock Lighthouse are great stops. About 40 miles north of Duluth, you’ll find Gooseberry Falls State Park. Enjoy a hike around the trails with views of scenic waterfalls.
Follow US-2 toward Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, featuring 21 islands along the northern tip of Wisconsin. With sandstone caves, historic lighthouses and campsites, there is plenty to explore.
Visit Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park for more natural views. It is the largest state park in Michigan with 60,000 acres of old-growth forest.
Make your way east to Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Watch as freighters clear the 21-foot drop of this engineering feat which connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Lake Michigan
Take a scenic drive on US-2 and stop at the sand dune pull-offs along the only Great Lake fully located in the U.S. Ride the ferry to Mackinac Island to check out the many options this historic car-free island has to offer. Mackinac Island is renowned as the place to get away from it all and relax. It is home to historic forts, one-of-a-kind golf courses, horse-drawn carriage tours and world-famous fudge.
Heading south, enjoy a scenic drive through Tunnel of Trees on your way to Traverse City. Pick some cherries in the “Cherry Capital of the World.” Head northwest to Sleeping Bear Dunes, which offers 65 miles of protected Lake Michigan shoreline. Climb the dunes or simply take in the beautiful views.
S.S. Badger Car Ferry can take you across Lake Michigan, with round trips between Ludington and Manitowoc as well as shoreline cruises in either city.
For adventures on the western shore of Lake Michigan, explore the cities. Check out Milwaukee’s craft breweries, the Historic Third Ward, and the Public Market. Delve into the rich history of Chicago through the city’s architecture and museums or enjoy an adventure along the Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile’s 430-plus retailers and three vertical shopping centers have something for everyone in your group.
To learn more on Chicago’s impressive architecture, check out Architectural Wonders in Chicago and Surrounding Areas.
If you’re eager to enjoy more sand dunes, check out Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which features more than 50 miles of trails lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies and lush wetlands.
Lake Huron
Start off the adventure along Lake Huron by driving the US-23 Sunrise Coast, ranked one of the top summer solstice spots in the United States. Spanning from Standish to Mackinaw City, the heritage route offers beaches, boating, wineries, lighthouses, and most notably natural beauty.
Stop by Tawas Point State Park in Michigan to visit the lighthouse as well as explore the trails and beaches. Oscoda is home to the historic Cooke Hydroelectric Dam and Lumberman’s Monument, an educational opportunity. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers views of many sunken ships in “Shipwreck Alley.”
If you enjoy biking, there are several bike routes along the coast such as the Ocqueoc Falls Cruise, Au Sable Cruise, and more. Cheboygan and Mackinaw City are both popular vacation spots offering many more options.
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Lake Erie
Hop on a ferry from Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay. Explore the “Key West of the North” via golf cart, bike, or just stroll around town. Check out the beaches and state parks for more natural views or tour a winery cave. Jet ski rentals are also available to cruise around the lake.
Stop in Cleveland and explore downtown, including a stop at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to learn about legendary musicians. In the same area you’ll find the Great Lakes Science Center for a family-friendly interactive experience and International Women’s Air & Space Museum for a history lesson.
Spanning 50 miles on the coast, Lake Erie Wine Country is our next stop. The largest grape growing region west of the Rockies, this region is home to 21 wineries offering bottle and glass sales.
Lake Ontario
Sitting north of Lake Erie and south of Lake Ontario lies Niagara Falls. America’s oldest state park offers tours, boat rides, and more.
Cross the border and visit Welland Canal to check out the locks. The canal has 8 locks, with Lock 8 being the second longest canal lock in the world. It opened in 1829 as a way to secure western trade across Lake Erie for Canadian merchants.
Head up to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town with much to do. Learn about the history of Fort George and Fort Niagara, see a performance at Shaw Festival Theatre, or stroll around the Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
If you want more adventures in the city, enjoy some time in Toronto. Wander around Kensington Market, learn more at the Hockey Hall of Fame, or take a short ferry ride to Toronto Islands.
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