Great Lakes Travel Guide

Read this comprehensive travel guide for Great Lakes and learn about the best places to visit, food and drinks to try, accommodation options, and safety and health tips.


Introduction to Great Lakes

Great Lakes is a group of five interconnected freshwater lakes located in North America, straddling the US-Canada border. These lakes - Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario - are massive, holding almost 20% of the world’s freshwater supply. The Great Lakes region offers visitors with endless opportunities for outdoor and cultural activities, making it a perfect destination for every type of traveler.

In this comprehensive tour guide for Great Lakes, we’ll cover the must-visit places, top-notch hiking/biking routes, best things to do, where to stay, what to buy, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, and transportation options, among others.

List of Places to Visit in Great Lakes

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Great Lakes region is rich in history and culture, and so it’s no surprise that it has plenty of museums and historical places that hold some of the region’s most significant treasures and stories. Here are some places to check out:

  • The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
  • The National Museum of the Great Lakes
  • The Maritime Museum of Sandusky
  • The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • The Mackinac Island State Park

Natural Attractions of Great Lakes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Great Lakes region is home to some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in North America, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some must-visit sites:

  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  • Niagara Falls
  • The Apostle Islands
  • Isle Royale National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Great Lakes

The Great Lakes region is a haven for hikers and bikers, and so it’s no surprise that it has some of the best trails in North America. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking routes:

  • Lake Michigan Circle Tour
  • North Country Trail
  • Iron Belle Trail
  • Ohio Erie Trail
  • The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

Best Things to Do in Great Lakes: Activities and Tours

The Great Lakes region is packed with tons of activities and tours that you can indulge in. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Wine Tasting Tour
  • Kayaking Adventure
  • Fishing Charter
  • Whale Watching Tour
  • Sunset Cruise

Week-Long Itinerary for Great Lakes

Here’s a week-long itinerary that will introduce you to some of the best destinations in Great Lakes:

  • Day 1: Start your trip in Detroit and check out the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Motown Museum.
  • Day 2: Get on the road and head to Ann Arbor to explore the University of Michigan, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.
  • Day 3: Drive up to Mackinac Island and spend the day exploring the state park.
  • Day 4: Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and stay for sunset.
  • Day 5: Head to Niagara Falls and take a boat tour.
  • Day 6: Visit the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and take a scenic train ride.
  • Day 7: Wrap up your trip in Cleveland, checking out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or exploring the city’s food scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Great Lakes

Must-Try Dishes

The Great Lakes region has a distinct cuisine that reflects its history and culture. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Chicago-style deep-dish pizza
  • Coney Dogs (Detroit)
  • Fish fry (Wisconsin)
  • Pierogies (Michigan and Ohio)
  • Poutine (Ontario)

Local Beverages

The Great Lakes region is famous for its beer, but it has many other drinks to offer. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Vernors ginger ale (Michigan)
  • Leinenkugel’s beer (Wisconsin)
  • Labatt Blue (Ontario)
  • Old Forester Whiskey (Kentucky)
  • Great Lakes wines (Michigan, New York, and Ontario)

Where to Stay in Great Lakes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Great Lakes region has plenty of accommodation options for all budget levels. Here are some popular places to stay:

  • The Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island)
  • The Amway Grand Plaza (Grand Rapids)
  • The Hyatt Regency Cleveland
  • The Milwaukee Athletic Club
  • The Hilton Niagara Falls

What to Buy in Great Lakes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Souvenirs

The Great Lakes region has tons of souvenirs that you can bring home with you. Here are some ideas:

  • Coney Island Sauce (Detroit)
  • Cheese curds (Wisconsin)
  • Maple Syrup (Ontario)
  • Polish pottery (Michigan and Ohio)
  • Waterford crystal (Ireland, but prevalent in the Great Lakes region)

Local Products

The Great Lakes region has a thriving craft industry, producing exciting and unique products. Here are some items to check out:

  • Hand-dipped candles (Ohio)
  • Handmade wooden furniture (Wisconsin)
  • Lake Superior agates (Minnesota)
  • Cherry products (Michigan)
  • Hand-woven baskets (Ontario)

Local Culture and Customs of Great Lakes

The Great Lakes region has a rich culture and history that visitors should respect and engage with. Here are some cultural elements to keep in mind:

  • Music: The Great Lakes region has a vibrant music history, producing influential musicians such as Bob Seger, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Dylan.
  • Sports: The region also has a profound sports culture, with hockey, football, and baseball being the most popular.
  • Food: The cuisine of the region reflects its diverse cultural heritage, with many dishes being Dutch, Polish, German, Irish, and Italian in origin.

Best Time to Visit Great Lakes

The best time to visit the Great Lakes region is during the summer, between June and August. During this season, the weather is warm, and the lake’s water is perfect for swimming and other water activities. However, be prepared for crowds during this period. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the fall when the leaves are changing color, or in the spring when the flowers are starting to bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Great Lakes

Do:

  • Do explore the numerous natural attractions the region has to offer.
  • Do indulge in the local cuisines and drinks.
  • Do respect the local cultures and engage with them.
  • Do take up outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping.
  • Do visit the regional museums and historical sites

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in the lakes or on trails.
  • Don’t swim in dangerous currents.
  • Don’t engage in activities that may hurt local wildlife, such as feeding them.
  • Don’t ignore the safety warnings and advisories.

Safety and Health

Safety in Great Lakes

The Great Lakes region is generally safe. However, visitors should take care and observe typical safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their valuables and locking their vehicles. Visitors should also be aware of the area’s wild animals, such as bears, wolves, and cougars, and take the necessary precautions, such as carrying bear spray and avoiding hiking alone.

Health in Great Lakes

Visitors should take care of their health by staying hydrated and protecting themselves from the sun. The lakes’ water is generally safe for swimming, but you should avoid swimming in areas with a warning sign for blue-green algae, as it can cause skin irritations and other health issues. Visitors should also carry insect repellents, especially during the summer when mosquitoes are rampant.

Getting to Great Lakes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Great Lakes

The Great Lakes region has several airports, making it accessible from all over the world. Here are some of the airports:

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
  • General Mitchell International Airport (Milwaukee)
  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
  • O’Hare International Airport (Chicago)
  • Pearson International Airport (Toronto)

Bus Stations Near Great Lakes

Travelers can also access the region using bus services, such as Greyhound and Megabus. Here are some bus stations:

  • Detroit Greyhound Station
  • Milwaukee Intermodal Station
  • Cleveland Greyhound Station
  • Union Station (Chicago)
  • Toronto Coach Terminal

Other Options

Other options include car rentals, trains, and ferries (for example, to Mackinac Island).

How to Get Around in Great Lakes

The best way to get around the Great Lakes region is by car, but other transportation options are available. Visitors can also use buses or trains, particularly when traveling between cities. Biking and hiking are also popular activities with several trails available.

Where to Go Next from Great Lakes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can extend their trip beyond The Great Lakes region and explore other destinations nearby. Here are some of the places to check out:

  • Chicago
  • Toronto
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake (Ontario)
  • Cincinnati
  • Isle Royale National Park

Conclusion

The Great Lakes region is a traveler’s paradise, with countless natural and cultural attractions to explore. Before you visit, take note of the safety and health tips and how to get around the region. With this comprehensive tour guide, travelers can make the most out of their trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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