There are endless things to do on the Great Lakes, and on an American Queen Voyages sailing, the adventure never ends with included and premium shore excursions. Jump on our hop-on-hop-off bus and explore the towns and cities that trace the shorelines. Or enjoy diving deeper with a premium shore excursion. No matter what you do, history comes to life, new cultures greet you at every port of call, and locals share time-old traditions with you.
Whether you have booked one of our voyages or not, let us fill you in on some of our favorite shore excursions and things to do on the Great Lakes.
- Ojibwe Cultural Foundation – Little Current (Manitoulin Island), Ontario
Enjoy culture in its rawest form with a visit to the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation. Receive a warm welcome and hello, or boozhoo-biindigen, as you start a cultural journey. Walk through each exhibit that helps tell the story of the Anishinaabe people. Hear the language and take in the culture through stories, songs, and art.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Cleveland, Ohio
Get ready to dive into American music past with a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Learn the history behind rock legends and their craft. Walk through all seven floors of exhibits, each complete with costumes, instruments, music samples, legends signatures, and more.
- Grand Luncheon Experience – Mackinac Island, Michigan
Visit The Grand Hotel for a delicious luncheon in the Main Dining Room. Dine on a delectable four-course plated lunch, including appetizers, garden-fresh salad, a local entree, and dessert. Afterward, stroll through the hotel for a peek into the luxury that five United States presidents, Thomas Edison, and Mark Twain, experienced during their stay. While you’re there, make sure to explore “The World’s Largest Porch.”
- The Henry Ford Experience – Detroit, Michigan
Discover America on an exploration through the remarkable Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Through a plethora of interactive exhibits, learn about the innovation from one of America’s greatest thinkers, makers, and doers. What began as Henry Ford’s personal collection of historic objects, dating back to 1906, became 12 acres of antiques, collectibles, automobiles, aircraft, and more, for you to explore.
- Meeting the Mist – Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario, Canada
Spend the day exploring all Port Colborne has to offer. Start your adventure with a Hornblower boat ride right up to the base of Niagara Falls. Then ride up to the top of the Skylon Towner to take in the views from the 360-degree observation deck. Round out the day with a first-class meal before indulging in a delectable wine tasting at a local winery.
- CN Tower – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reap the rewards of modern engineering at the CN Tower. This tower stands at 1,815 feet tall and is one of the most notable and recognizable Canadian landmarks. In as little as 58 seconds, speed to the top of the tower, where stunning views await you. When the weather is nice, enjoy unparalleled views of Niagara Falls and New York State.
- Art & Wonder – Québec City, Québec
Québec City is full of many gems and vibrant scenery, but some of the most magnificent sights live outside of the city. Albert Giles Boutique et Musee is just one of the gems on the outskirts of the city. Here, outstanding works of art molded from copper are abundant. Walk through the exhibit and immerse yourself in the finest works of Albert Giles. Then, travel to the natural wonder of Montmorency Falls, where a cable car takes you to the top of the cliff for a breathtaking view of the lle d’Orleans.
- Montréal Underground – Montréal, Québec, Canada
Travel to new depths with Montréal Underground. This excursion takes you through some of the incredible underground pedestrian networks. The network connects to shopping malls, museums, offices, hotels, and more, protecting residents and visitors from the winter chill. While strolling from place to place, pedestrians can even stop and shop at the underground shopping mall.
- Public Gardens – Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Get ready to stop and smell the roses with a visit to the Public Gardens. This 16-acre garden is vibrant, with an abundance of flowers and colors. Right in the heart of the city, the garden serves as a peaceful oasis with a Victorian touch.
- Chicago Highlights Tour – Chicago, Illinois
Get a taste of all Chicago has to offer with a Chicago Highlights Tour. This excursion is a pre-cruise excursion and is the perfect preview of all the adventures your voyage will offer. Head to “The Bean”, Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and other iconic spots in the city before embarking on your Great Lakes voyage.
Plan Your Great Lakes Voyage Today!
From the towering skyscrapers of Chicago to the quaint town of Mackinac Island, a Great Lakes cruise with American Queen Voyages is a one-of-a-kind adventure. Embark on Ocean Navigator™ or Ocean Voyager™ for a voyage from Toronto to Chicago or Chicago to Toronto. Or see the windy city twice with a Roundtrip Chicago voyage. Learn more about each itinerary by contacting our concierge services at (866) 522-1166 or your preferred travel advisor.
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