Discovering The Great Lakes: Which One Should You Visit?

The Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario and Erie – are the largest group of freshwater lakes on the planet, holding over 20 percent of the Earth’s fresh water along the northern borders of the US and Canada. The lakes encompass 95,160 square miles, formed thousands of years ago after the last Ice Age left behind large bodies of meltwater and glacial landforms. Sometimes called the ‘inland seas,’ the Great Lakes are known for their ocean-like characteristics – strong winds and currents, rolling waves, and distant horizons – and are home to remarkable national parks, wildlife preserves, pristine waters, beautiful beaches, and countless outdoorsy activities.
If you like the great outdoors: Lake Superior
The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior offers 7,340 square miles of pristine natural beauty. Its ideal juxtaposition on the northeast corner of Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin provide lake goers with access to many national forests – including Superior National Forest, Ottawa National Forest, Hiawatha National Forest, and Sault Ste. Marie State Forest Area – with several just a short drive away. The surrounding awe-inspiring landscape makes for the perfect camping trip: expect forested woods, waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, fishing, and vast wilderness. Isle Royale National Park offers kayaking and diving (alongside 450 other islands to explore) and is a wildflower paradise filled with blooming buds, while the sea caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the ultimate kayaker’s dream. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore should not be missed, with its steep, multicolored cliffs and massive rock arches towering over clear and peaceful waters.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie: Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is an adventure sports haven. From shipwreck diving, fishing, and boating to wind and lake surfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, flyboarding, and kayaking, this lake has no shortage of things to do. And if you catch yourself here in the colder months, thrill-seekers can test their skills at ice luging, ice climbing, ice diving, snow kiting, or ice sailing. There are over 30 state and local parks located on the shores of the lake, and on its many islands as well as many beautiful beaches. Empire Beach, St. Joseph, and Grand Haven State Park Beach boast cool, crystal clear waters, and Silver Lake Sand Dunes are a perfect place to catch some rays after golfing, hiking, boating, or four-wheeling. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the lake’s biggest draws, boasts 65 miles of shoreline and sandy dunes rising 400 feet above the lake, a must-see for first-timers. And should you need a night out on the town, Chicago isn’t far away.


If you want to relax: Lake Huron
Booking a week-long stay at the Grand Hotel, made famous in the 1980 film Somewhere in Time, is the ultimate peaceful getaway. Located on the pedestrian-only Mackinac Island, the Grand Hotel offers golfing, swimming, spa services, and horseback riding. But if this isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry – Lake Huron has plenty of beaches to catch some R&R, with the longest shore length of any other Great Lake. Harrisville is claimed to have some of the best beaches in Michigan, while St. Ignace makes for a perfect picnic stop with panoramic views of the architectural marvel, the Mackinac Bridge. Plus, with over 30,000 islands to explore, there’s no question that you’ll find some real estate to park it and enjoy the natural surroundings.


If you’re a history buff: Lake Ontario
As an outlet to the Pacific Ocean through the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario has played a key part in American history for centuries. Originally inhabited by Natives, including the Huron and Iroquois tribes, the lake – discovered by Europeans in the early 1600s – was established as a primary hub for trading. Many towns blossomed on its shores as people settled close to the water, and several of these communities are still there today. Rochester is filled with historic neighborhoods and buildings – such as Corn Hill, one of the nation’s best preserved Victorian neighborhoods, and the Susan B. Anthony House – while Oswego provides curious travelers with a detailed history of the 15th-century village at many of its history museums. Cape Vincent is always worth the stop, founded by French explorers and missionaries in the 17th century, before departing to the world-famous Thousand Islands.


If you want a little bit of everything: Lake Erie
Lake Erie may be the smallest, but it is mighty. Along the lake’s 100-mile shore, find historic resort towns, lighthouses, and Victorian homes alongside many beautiful beaches. Adventure enthusiasts can revel in the many recreational activities – from biking, fishing, and golfing to canoeing, camping, and horseback riding – while lovers of the outdoors can get their fair share of natural beauty at the many islands and parks, including Presque Isla State Park, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, and Maumee Bay State Park. Learn about the rich waterfront heritage at the Erie Maritime Museum, or catch a theater performance at the Warner Theater. There’s even wine tasting plus a whole host of breweries. Should you need some downtime, visitors can take advantage of the abundant wildlife by bird-watching, or take in the scenery with a drive down the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. On Kelleys Island, former glaciers have carved long grooves in bedrock, a sight that should not be missed.


Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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