Fun things to do on the Great Lakes

 

Thousands of years ago, the Great Lakes formed through melting glaciers, filling the basin. Little did people know back then that the Great Lakes would be as symbolic as it is today. From being a cultural landmark in the United States to the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes certainly deserves its “Great ” title. 

The best part of the Great Lakes is that no matter where you visit or reside along the 10,500-mile-long coastline, there are activities and festivities to get involved in. Whether you are seeking a more action-packed day or simply would like to relax and enjoy the views, the Great Lakes provides something for everyone. Outdoor lovers, food enthusiasts, and thrill seekers will find something to explore.  Scenic routes, rugged trails, and snow-covered landscapes await you to enjoy the beauty of nature’s simple pleasures. Vacationers traveling with families or friends can expect to make memories during this unique vacation. 

For an even more adventurous Great Lakes experience, travelers can join an American Queen Voyages™ vessel and travel to numerous locations in the span of a week. With each port, you can cross off another Great Lakes activity without having to pack and unpack your suitcase more than once! Either way, let us give you the inside scoop of fun things to do at the Great Lakes.

 

1. Stroll Millenium Park

Head over to the world of deep-dish pizza, Chicago-styled hot dogs , and jazz music with a trip to Chicago, Illinois. Home of the famous Millennium Park and its notable sculpture, Cloud Gate, typically referred to as “The Bean”, Chicago has much to offer tourists. As you walk through Millennium Park, you can choose between all sorts of activities. From going for a leisurely bike ride to admiring the many sculptures, the 25-acre park is full of life.

 

2.  Get a History Lesson at Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is most known for its cultural events, history, and a ban on all motor vehicles. But that doesn’t stop Ocean Navigator™ guests from seeing all the sights. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage tour and embark on an enriching experience towards the Grand Hotel. Once there, you can see what is known as “The World’s Largest Porch”. Did you know the Grand Hotel hosted notable figures, such as Mark Twain and Thomas Edison?

 

3.  Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

If you are on the hunt for things to do at the Great Lakes that include music, the Rock and Roll Hall of a Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, is a must-see. Whether you are a rock and roll fan or not, the seven-floor museum is bound to impress you. Full of costumes, exhibits, and stories of musical legends, you will walk out with a new perspective on the genre.

 

4.  Immerse Yourself in the Anishinaabe People’s Culture

A truly one-of-a-kind Great Lakes tourist attraction is the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation located in Little Current (Manitoulin Island), Ontario. The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation was established in 1974 to bring the Anishinaabe people’s culture to life. Stop by the center and receive a warm welcome in the form of a traditional welcome ceremony. Guests can even participate in an authentic smudging ceremony, allowing them to embrace the culture with all their senses.

 

5. Travel Back in Time in Sault Ste. Marie

If you find the fur-trading days as fascinating as we do, you will love the Historic Water St. Homes in Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan. As you walk through these historic homes, you will travel back in time to the fur trading days in the 1600s, an era marked by how heavily these towns relied on these kinds of exchanges. After checking out a piece of history, you can venture to the Soo Locks observation deck. Here, you can see how the famous locks operate. If you plan on visiting during warmer months, a visit to the Upper Peninsula is a not-to-be-missed destination. You can enjoy this picturesque locale with quiet walks, popular golf courses, hiking and biking, and virtually any water adventure on this beautiful freshwater escape. If cold weather is your thing, then this is the place!  There are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails that begin here with a network of city roadways that are snowmobile friendly. Be sure to check out the Soo international-500 race that has been enjoyed for over 50 years attracting hundreds of spectators to cheer on the competitors. 

 

How Can You See All the Great Lakes Tourist Attractions?

If any of these Great Lake’s activities have piqued your interest or were already on your bucket list, you might be wondering, how can I do it all? Well, it’s not impossible! When you hop on board an American Queen Voyages Great Lakes cruise, you can do all these activities and more. And, if you find that you want to spend more time at the beginning or end destination of your voyage, you can do so with our City Stay packages. Extend your adventure and cross even more off your bucket list.

Once you start exploring the Great Lakes, you will find that the list of things you want to do grows and grows. Start your journey in Chicago, Detroit, or Montreal with American Queen Voyages. Check out our Lakes & Oceans itineraries today to see if one catches your eye. We hope to see you onboard soon!

 

(Original Publish Date: July 21, 2022)