The Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is a great hotel for families located in the heart of many of Chicagos finest attractions. Sunset on Lake Superior. See a list of all hotels in Great Lakes. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; If you stay in Mackinaw City, the Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn is located along the shore of Lake Huron, lakefront balconies are available, and the hotel is within walking distance to the ferry to Mackinac Island. Finish the day by heading to the town of Port Stanley, Ontario. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; How many miles did you drive from start to PA? Some of the ships also offer sailings that combine travel on one or more of the Great Lakes with a passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway. They were mostly short hikes but were they really tough or generally easy to navigate? amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; There are numerous interesting destinations within several hours drive south and east of the Indiana coastal route such as theCity of Indianapolis,Turkey Run State Park,Brown County State Park,Hoosier National Forest, theEast Race WaterwayWhitewater Park inSouth Bendto name a few. Taken in general, the Great Lakes structure is the biggest assemblage of new water on the planet; Lake Superior alone is multiple hundred miles from east to west. Lake Superior was our first Great Lake to visit. We booked a ride through Niagara Helicopters and loved it. Highly recommended! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Along the way, take in the sights of the lake front, then ready your camera for the wondrous Mackinac Bridge that will take you into the Upper Peninsula. I was wondering how rough each particular trail is? amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "backroadplane-20"; A Lake Huron Sunrise up along US-23 near East Tawas, MI on the Great Lakes Shoreline Tour. Marie, MI and Sault Ste. You still get the thrill of experiencing something brand-new but with zero need to waffle over where to stop for brunch. The Big Ten features 3 of the 4 largest stadiums in the world, including the "Big House" in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the home stadium of the Univ. 1. Head to the Canadian town of Hamilton, for a quick dip in Lake Ontario. With enough water to flood both North and South America to a depth of one foot and waves more than 40 feet high, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world. He loves to hop in the car and travel anywhere. We did get up early to try and avoid the morning rush over the bridge, but it wasnt an ungodly hour! Our personal expertise & experience, local partners in our destinations, & access to over 150 small ships are all invaluable to designing your unique journey. The views of the falls from the rooms are incredible. The 113th floor has a small segment of windows on the floor brave tourists can stand, sit, and walk across. After the graduation ceremony is over, all Sailors and family members are welcome to visit the MWR Recreation Center inside the north end of Bldg. Fly to Duluth and start drive from there? 20 Great Lakes Getaways | Midwest Living Backroad Planet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees at no cost to the consumer by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Weeklong Road Trips could include The Lake Michigan Circle Tour (it can be cut in half by taking acarferryacross the Lake), Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and surrounding areas, Isle Royale National Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Mackinac Island and surounding areas, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and theGreat River Roadalong the Mississippi River Longer trips could include the Lake Superior Circle Tour and the Lake Huron and/or Georgian Bay Circle Tours.. For the sites/sights in other states, see the MICHIGAN, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, INDIANA and ONTARIO sections of this article. Wisconsinis known for itswater: Countless inland lakes andrivers, numerouswaterfalls, and of course, its Great Lakes shoreline. Wisconsin'sGreat Lakes shorelineis about 800 milesIt's entire eastern shore is along Lake Michigan, and the northwest corner lies along Lake Superior. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more. amzn_assoc_linkid = "3fe3bec75a1034f54670c6abb0de2771"; Live streaming of our graduations begins at 9 a.m. CST every Friday. One way we do that is by providing apps that give you the resources you need, anytime and anywhere, on your mobile device. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; What to expect before and after graduation. Pennsylvania's Great Lakes Region The cool, calming lakes in this region have shaped not only the climate but also the small towns and agriculture. Top cruise ports in the Great Lakes The merchandise kiosk is open Friday from 6:45 to 8:30 a.m. MWR Recreation Center From spring blooms to summer boat tours these pages are packed with trip ideas you'll love. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "backroadplane-20"; We would be able to do only minimal hiking. No personal checks. amzn_assoc_linkid = "3fe3bec75a1034f54670c6abb0de2771"; ), grizzly bears, polar bears, seals, gorillas, anteaters, rhinos, penguins, wolves, kangaroos, and so much more. Great cities grace the shores of these lakes, from Toronto, Canada's largest city, to Chicago, America's "Second City" and home of the continent's tallest skyscrapers. The Cleveland Orchestra performs in Severance Hall, often considered America's most beautiful concert hall. amzn_assoc_title = "Backroad Planet Picks"; Maybe even take a cruise out onto Lake Michigan, and try at least a few of Winetravelers selection of must-visit wine bars in Chicago. Whether it be road trips across America, fly-drives to international destinations, or cruises on the mighty waters, I invite you to use Backroad Planets destination stories, travel guides, and planning resources to design your own adventures. The Original Wisconsin Travel Guide includes the mailing address, phone number, website, season and hours of operation for nearly 500 of the state's major tourist attractions. If so, we would love to hear about your experience. Six Flags Great America tickets are back for sale at the Ticket Office, B13. The Museum was fascinating and the Memorial for the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald crew and ship was well done, introducing me to each and every member of the crew of 29 who lost there lives 44 years ago. By now, youre at the second to last lake on the list! Marie, ON and then over to Whitefish Point, I actually began my eventual Lake Huron and Lake Superior Circle Tours that I expect to complete in the next two years. I hope you enjoyed this Great Lakes circle tour itinerary and road trip adventure and get a chance to try it out for yourself. We really didnt have to rush around at all. Great engineering attractions include the Welland Canal north of Niagara Falls, the Mackinac Bridge and the Soo Locks in northern Michigan. amzn_assoc_asins = "B07B16NSC4,0979467535,0873516214,1591937949"; Joining the Navy is a big step. Explore more travel destination possibilities and experience the world first hand. Lake Huron: Mackinac Island, Michigan The granddaddy of Great Lakes destinations, Mackinac still delivers. Do you think this is a good RV/Motorhome route? Top things to see and do on a Great Lakes cruise. Definitely hold hands near the cliffs tho! This quaint accommodation in the heart of downtown was definitely a great place to eat and stay with its friendly staff making us feel right at home. Welcome to your guide. The recruit graduation ceremony, also known as Pass-In-Review, is a formal ceremony honoring your recruit's hard work and dedication to a new way of life, and ties together the future of the Navy with our long-held Naval traditions and customs. Thinking FALL? 3800 Northpoint Blvd| Waukegan, IL 60085 Ripleys Aquarium is right next door and a great family place. By now, the sun will be setting and you will be excited to jump into the final lake of the day. When you get ready to jump into the lake, remember that its cold all year round due to its depth. Try some wines at the nearby Ledgestone Vineyards & Winery (in-person visits by reservation only until at least Spring 2021). Once you arrive in the Drill Hall on graduation morning, youll find a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) booth on both ends of the Drill Hall. 5688 Northridge Dr | Gurnee, IL 60031 That's a heckuva lotta. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; On the final leg of our journey (other than taking my oldest back to Duluth), we drove home to Stoughton, Wisconsin. You can have confidence in our experts' dedication to traveler safety, comfort, & providing a seamless trip. We are fully committed to low impact travel that not only preserves but gives back to the amazing places we visit. Read the "Top questions about CHICAGO". Support your recruit while they complete their mission at boot camp! Click here for more hotel options on TripAdvisor! Let me know if youd like some more info on any specific activities you enjoy. Arrive at 2 p.m. in the Sunrise Coast town of Port Austin. It gives useful info regarding parking, event calendars, pizza, beaches etc From Chicago, you could do a variety of Road Trips, from a week longLake Michigan Circle Tour, to an overnighter to aBeachtownor whitewater rafting river, to a multiple week extravaganza around the Upper Great Lakes. One can experience camping, hiking, backpacking, dune climbing, kayaking/canoeing, rafting, tubing (river and snow), xc skiing, downhill skiing (yes, downhill skiing in the Midwest! Wade into the cool waters and snap a few photos before packing up for the final stop of the trip. There are many ways to navigate around the shorelines of these great bodies of water. We hiked along the Escarpment Trail before heading off to find dinner. amzn_assoc_title = "Backroad Planet Picks"; The next day, we drove 86 miles to Bayfield, Wisconsin, via Hwy. I saw the Northern Lights for the first time when I crossed at International Falls. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; In the morning, we crossed the border into Canada and visited Lake Ontario by way ofSkyway Park. We also decided to hike the 2.2-mile Ledges Trail despite the rain. Its the worlds fifth-largest waterfall by flow rate. Taken as a whole, the Great Lakes form the largest body of fresh water in the world; Lake Superior alone is more than three hundred miles from east to west. Others focus on just three or four of the interconnected bodies of water. The National Park Services website lists numerous hiking trails of varying lengths. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; As you plan a trip of your own, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the most of your adventures: 2023 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The only bad thing about this great idea was that we didnt think to pack more than one sleeping bag. I believe the trails mentioned allow dogs, but you may want to double check. Listed below are links to Michigan sites/sights: Here's an ultimate Michagan bucket list from the Detroit Free Press. Making memories! Cash and credit are accepted for purchases. amzn_assoc_title = "Backroad Planet Picks"; If you drive Hwy. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; For Reservations: 847-249-7777, LaQuinta Inn & Suites - Gurnee We used it as guide. 15 Most Beautiful Great Lakes Destinations - hello stranger Cuisine is varied but often heavily influenced by the region's waves of ethnic immigrations and in recent decades by an emergence of locavore restaurants featuring the region's agricultural bounty. Stay on top of their policies at https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/foreign. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy these beautiful lakes. Renting a car to navigate this journey will be the most efficient (unless youre a local or driving long distance), but be prepared for a probable one-way fee. Learn about the history and culture of the Great Lakes region, sample the local cuisine, learn about the industrial past, marvel at mighty Niagara Falls and the beautiful landscapes that span this region, or simply . I love mother nature and traveling. Immerse yourself in museums, such as Discovery World (plans to re-open on March 27, 2021), the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Charles Allis Art Museum (still appears to be closed as of the time of this writing, but hopefully will re-open by the time of your trip). amzn_assoc_region = "US"; The Great Lakes Travel Guide - Expert_live_Journal It generated quite the laughs as we did our Marilyn Monroe imitations. If that works out well, will plan another trip around all the Great Lakes possibly in 2024. Mackinac Island, where personal cars have been banned for over a century, is an iconic Michigan destination. Great Lakes travel guide Great Lakes Attractions Let Expedia help you experience the best that Great Lakes has to offer! It could be cold, so make sure youre winterized and have a full LP tank. Even if you don't plan to visit the UP, it's still worth driving across the Bridge to experience the panoramic view of the Straits. Here is TA member lelici49'splan for her 5th Road Trip in the USA. Click here to book your stay at Holiday Inn Express Cleveland-Richfield on TripAdvisor! Great Lakes, IL 60088 847-688-2590 x218 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. . amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The city ofPittsburghis about 2 hours south of Erie and theAllegheny Mountainsregion lies to the south and east. Road trippers along the south shore of Lake Erie often stop in Cleveland to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Featured hotel highlights and area map with information on amenities and proximity to graduation ceremony. Great Lakes cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to 515 North Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor Saginaw, MI 48607. I just happened on your site about your tour and notice in a lot of the photos that you have a dog. Bldg. The Great Lakes are an important water system of North America for transportation, commerce, and recreation; they lie mostly on the border between the United States of America and Canada . The five Great LakesOntario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superiorform the largest freshwater system in the world, bordering eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. Guidebooks Used by the Pioneers of the Great Lakes States If you are looking for insights into the lives of the pioneers in the the Great Lakes states in the 19th century, you can find it in pioneer guidebooks. The Presque Isle River trails had many steps, but many trails have short boardwalks for waterfall views. The 1829 Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was closed by the time we arrived, but we were able to take our picture and enjoy the walk back despite the rainy conditions. If you're flying in from another part of the USA or overseas, logical portal cities to base your road trip would be Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland (the major airlines fly into each of these cities). I moved to Florida saying I would be back, and I am hoping to leave next week from New Orleans to Cleveland and go the other way. Im actually planning a Great Lakes road trip. They said no, they were from the lower peninsula. Those who flock to its shores have a wide range of outdoor activities available to them, including fishing (or ice fishing in the chilly . I was wondering if you think this trip would be ok for a 3 and 6 year old, hike-wise. Graduation Ceremony. It is a 3,200 acre peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, offering a wealth of recreational activities. Maries and crossed the border and then came back and went the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; This winding trail through the woods was enjoyable, undulating over and through streambeds and littered with roots and rocks to navigate. Long trips and short trips are both great, as long as he doesnt get left at home! While in Mackinaw City, taste local wines at Mackinac Island Winery. Great Lakes Great Lakes View Activity Map Attractions Restaurants Experience Great Lakes What to Do Looking for things to do in Great Lakes? amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Drive ~2.5 hours to Bay City. amzn_assoc_asins = "0932212980,1549207008,1585362832,0738550698"; The route begins in Stoughton, Wisconsin, just south of Madison, heads up to Duluth, Minnesota, and then makes a loop, hitting key sites while visiting every Great Lake along the way. Michigan's name is even rooted in the Ojibwa word for "large lake," Michi Gami. Click here to book your stay at Bayfield Inn on TripAdvisor! From Skydeck Chicago, glass cube ledges extend over 4 feet from the edge of the building. Stay overnight in Mackinaw City and/or Mackinac Island. amzn_assoc_linkid = "3fe3bec75a1034f54670c6abb0de2771"; Whether leaves are falling or snowflakes flying use this guide as your go-to for inspiration! Along the path, we saw some unique mushrooms. Some of the sailings travel across all five of the Great Lakes. Your cruise of the Great Lakes takes you to some of the top destinations and cities in the mid-East of the United States and Canada. 5430 Grand Avenue | Gurnee, IL 60031 Winetraveler Tip: Door County is only ~45 minutes from Green Bay. Modes of transportation include horse-drawn carriage rides, bicycles, and walking. 1151 S. Waukegan Rd. Make time to explore Detroit, as it is about the halfway point between Bay City and Sandusky. Related Topics: attractions, beaches, boating, bridges, camping, driving tours, epic journeys, family, guest contributor posts, guided tours, hiking, itineraries, lakes, lodging, mountains, museums, National Parks, rivers, road trip routes, road trips, roadside attractions, roadside discoveries, rural, scenic drives, scenic sites, state parks, waterfalls. However, 438 Lakehurst Road | Waukegan, IL 60085 10 Great Lakes Must-Visit Destinations & Roadside Attractions - TheTravel Additionally, the MWR Recreation Center has a computer lab, FREE WI-FI, and the souvenir division apparel special orders, Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, 411 S. Green Bay Rd. Ship enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys ships should visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship and/or reserve a sailing experience onto Lake Huron aboard the schooners Appledore IV or Appledore V. The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bay City Riverfront, on the Saginaw River, is conveniently located in the historic downtown area and across the river from the Veterans Memorial Park. So glad that our post helped you out! How many miles total would you say this loop was? I loved Tahoe so much that I am hoping to make thi." Taylor Shapard | Travel Advisor on Instagram: "LAKE TAHOE SUMMER GUIDE Save Now, Use Later! That event has stayed with me for the rest of my life. If you enjoyed this guide, consider joining the Winetraveler Facebook Group to interact with other Winetravelers or ask for additional travel advice and inspiration around the world. Graduation Code G42:847-689-8000, Sonesta Simply Suites - Waukegan It took some doing, but finally we worked our way to a beach near Dunkirk. The zoo is home to giraffes (that you can feed! Might try another place next time. You must stop at the Recruit Family Welcome Center to pick up your tickets BEFORE attending graduation. The entire east coast of Wisconsin could be done in 4 or 5 hours if you stick to the interstates and see nothing, but you could easily spend several days in Milwaukee or Door County alone At its southern border near Lake Michigan, Sheridan Road (runs along Chicago's "Northshore") turns intoWI State Route 32, which in turn runs north to Milwaukee. Late October, early November. Click here to book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview on TripAdvisor! amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; What an awesome trip! You may be able to do part of the Gitchi-Gami Trail, but there are hills. Hi Carol! Cedar Points Hotel Breakersis a luxury hotel located along a soft sandy beach at the shores of Lake Erie and right next to the Cedar Point Amusement Park (plans to re-open in May 2021) and Cedar Point Shores water park. This trip sounds amazing. After exploring the falls, we hiked a 2-mile segment of theGitchi-GamiStateTrailthrough the woods to the overlook, and later a 2.4-mile loop trail toFifth Falls before heading back to Duluth. Watershed's surface: 134,100 square kms. They are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by area and have sea-like characteristics such as rolling waves, strong currents, miles of sandy and rocky beaches, and distant horizons. The size of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, with a surface area of 31,700 square miles, amazes many travelers. . There are a lot of campgrounds, state parks, and the like along the great lakes. Explore Door County with Winetravelers: How to Spend a Few Days in Door County Wisconsin. We also bought a skewer and firewood. Other cultural attractions include Ohio Amish country, the largest Amish community in the world; Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world; and The Henry Ford, south of Detroit, one of the world's great history and auto travel museums and factory tours. After stretching our legs and negotiating a nasty traffic jam in Chicago, we arrived safely home. The day was cool and rainy, but the cruise was still great. The Wilds in Zanesville, east of Columbus, is one of the largest and most innovative animal preserves in the U.S. with almost 10,000 acres. Required fields are marked *. Im getting ready to do my second trip. Along this entire route, you can take side trips (or short cuts, as the case may be), via ferry, to Wisconsin, North and South Manitou Islands, Beaver Island and Mackinac Island, one of the Crown Jewels of the Great Lakes/Midwest Region. Hope your next adventure will be as memorable as your last. Just dont stay too long because next stop, Lake Superior! Thanks so much for sharing your experience, John! Her group is two adults, traveling in September for 4 weeks. Home | Great Lakes Guide Holiday Inn Express Cleveland Downtown, an IHG Hotel. If you have ever wanted a foam cheese hat or other fun items, you may be in luck here. Hi Barbara! Loved the aerial bridge and watching the ships go through from our South Pier Hotel room. With our timetable in mind, our northern destination was the Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most visited lighthouses in the nation, just 47 miles from Duluth on Hwy. 5 Trips to Plan Around America's Great Lakes Hi, can you tell us what the approximate mileage was on this 7-day route around the Great Lakes area as you have it mapped out? The Finger Lakes Region of New York State is a 9,000 square mile, four-season playground, set against a backdrop of Mother Nature's best work: from waterfalls and gorges to rolling hills to miles of spectacular shoreline around 11 glacial lakes and one Great Lake. All five of the Great Lakes feature exciting cruise itineraries, so theres no wrong choice when selecting your Great Lakes cruise - its just a matter of deciding what youd most like to see and do on your luxury cruise of the Great Lakes. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; These hikes are definitely within range of 3 and 6 year olds. E | Gurnee, IL 60031 I timed my tour to participate in the Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day along with 30,000 of my friends. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. Sorry, I guess the way I wrote the summary for Day 6 was a little confusing! Consider these pages your compass to whats most worth savoring here! The famous Detroit Zoo, a zoo that extensively uses exhibits without bars, is a great stop. 61, we stopped at Gooseberry Falls State Park, another must-see on the North Shore Scenic Drive. If you have several additional days, you could drive from NYC and see more of all Lake Ontario has to offer driving up on the Canada side (assuming travel is allowed) and visiting the Kingston area, Prince Edward Island, Bay of Quinte, Presquile Provincial Park, Toronto and then pick up this route at Niagara Falls and go round from that point. The Great Lakes are a series of five interconnected freshwater lakes located on the border of the United States and Canada. THREAD, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Cruising on the Chicago River Stretching across eight US states and the Canadian province of Ontario, the Great Lakes are huge inland seas containing 21% of the world's surface fresh water. amzn_assoc_asins = "1946142018,1946142026,1493009915,1494719495"; North America's Great Lakes region offers some of the continent's top attractions, such as Niagara Falls and Chicago, but also some lesser known road trip possibilities.