As we enter the end of April, the summer months believe it or not are just around the corner. The summer months in The Great Lakes region are some of the most beautiful throughout the United States and to go along with the beauty there are also plenty of fun things to do as well. In today’s article we’re going to look at a variety of fun things you can do in The Great Lakes region this summer.
With there being five Great Lakes; Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, we will be taking a look at two potential adventures for you to do within each Great Lake area.
Overall, if you find yourself in the Great Lakes region this summer or perhaps are a resident just looking for more to do, these 10 places listed below are a great start. That being said, by no means are you limited to just these 10 locations, be sure to do your research on each of these and other places before you start your adventure.
Of course, you can also stop at many of the Great Lakes’ top entertainment venues, sports venues, casinos, and more. Michigan Online Gambling offers extra entertainment opportunities whether you are sheltering from the weather or out and about seeing the sights.
Cedar Point – Lake Erie
Amusement parks don’t get much bigger and better than Cedar Point. Located in Sandusky, Ohio, Cedar Point is home to over 70 attractions including 15 roller coasters.
Since opening in 1870, Cedar Point has become one of the premier amusement parks in the country with over three million people attending throughout the course of the park’s season each year. Golden Ticket Awards also named Cedar Point the Best Amusement Park in the World each year from 1997 to 2013.
Presque Isle State Park – Lake Erie
After spending time at Cedar Point, you can drive eastward to Erie, Pennsylvania to visit Presque Isle State Park. This peninsula is located just outside Erie.
At the state park, you can do a variety of things such as boating, swimming, boat tours, visiting the multiple lighthouses, kayaking, and more. It offers great views of Lake Erie and the surrounding views as well, offering up one of the more traditional, relaxing spots in which you could post up a chair and relax for the rest of your day.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse – Lake Huron
This historic lighthouse is located in Huron, Michigan, and is a must-see for all lighthouse and boating enthusiasts. Located at the mouth of Lake Huron on the St. Clair River, this lighthouse was built in 1825 and was manned for nearly 100 years before being automated in 1933.
It stands at 85 feet tall, 53 feet taller than its original tower which stood at 32 feet at the time of completion in 1825. Admission to climb the tower is just a mere $10 but you can enjoy the tower from the outside for completely free.
Blue Water River Walk – Lake Huron
The Blue Water River Walk is open all year but is especially enjoyable in the summer. On the river walk, there is plenty to see and do as it extends for a mile. Different features include an observation dock, a pedestrian trail, a fishing pier, public art displays, and much more. There’s a little bit of everything on this river walk that will appear to people of all ages.
Indiana Dunes National Park – Lake Michigan
This national park located on Lake Michigan has over 50 miles of trails that takes you through a variety of different ecosystems as the park spans over 15,000 acres. Nature lovers will especially love Indiana Dunes National Park as it has a diverse population of plants and wildlife and is especially a favorite spot for birdwatchers to come and see the park’s bird population which includes over 250 species.
North Avenue Beach – Lake Michigan
If you find yourself in Chicago be sure to make your way to North Avenue Beach along the shores of Lake Michigan. The beach is open from 11 am to 7 am daily for swimming but is open from 6 am to 11 daily. The “beach season” at North Avenue Beach runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Very popular among locals, North Avenue Beach is a great place to stop if you’re looking for some relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Chimney Bluffs State Park – Lake Ontario
This state park located in Wayne County, New York is a 597-acre state park featured around stunning natural clay monuments on the southern edge of Lake Ontario. There are multiple hiking trails throughout the park that allow you to get up close to the various clay formations. While it’s open all year around, it’s especially nice in the summer as you get the breeze coming off the lake.
Niagara Falls – Lake Ontario
The premier Great Lake destination is of course Niagara Falls which you could enjoy from either the United States or Canadian sides. Both sides offer stunning views though the Canadian side is much more tourist-oriented with various museums, restaurants, and other tourist attractions. If this appeals to you, be sure to bring your passport as well. Either way, Niagara Falls is a must-see if you’re around Lake Ontario this summer.
Superior Entry Lighthouse – Lake Superior
Another historic lighthouse, the Superior Entry Lighthouse was constructed in 1913 on a concrete pier on what is known as Wisconsin Point on Lake Superior. The lighthouse only was automated in 1970 and stands at 56 feet tall. Listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the lighthouse is frequently visited by first-time visitors and often offers great photographic opportunities.
Fairlawn Mansion & Museum – Lake Superior
Finally, we have the Fairlawn Mansion and Museum in Superior, Wisconsin. This Victorian-style house was built in 1891 and consists of 42 rooms. It is open for tours throughout the year. Also worth visiting in Superior is the Old Firehouse Museum as well as the SS Meteor, the last remaining whaleback ship which sits in the Superior Harbor. All three museums do cost money but are all under $15.
