5 Must-Visit Places in the Great Lakes Region
The Great Lakes Region is one of the most stunning areas of the country. Gazing over the water into the horizon, it can be hard to believe you’re not standing at the shores of an ocean.
But the region is as expansive as the lakes, covering eight states from Minnesota to New York. Deciding where to go and what to see can be a tough challenge, indeed.
It sure was tough to decide what to feature in this list. Here are our recommendations for five places around the Great Lakes you can’t afford to miss.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore consists of 21 of the 22 Apostle Islands. The final and biggest one, Madeline Island, is not technically part of the National Lakeshore, but it hosts La Pointe, the only town in the islands, and is a great destination in itself.
The lakeshore is most renowned for its abundance of sea caves that Lake Superior’s waves have carved into the islands’ rugged sandstone cliffs. Boat tours and cruises out of La Pointe or Bayfield on the mainland take you around to see the best of them. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available if you’d prefer to cross the water on your own terms.
You can also ride onto the islands. The Madeline Island Ferry carries you over for a calm and surprisingly uncrowded ride around the island.
Read more about riding on Madeline Island and the nearby SR 61 in our Duluth, MN, Shamrock Tour® article.
The Tunnel of Trees
The Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route, officially SR 119, is a 20-mile road that follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, MI. The road’s title is extremely apt, as it is quite literally a tunnel formed of trees.
The hardwoods surrounding the road grow right up to the pavement. Their branches stretch out overhead, blocking the sky and living in a beautiful, if a bit eerie, twilight.
The Tunnel of Trees is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. It turns from the light neon greens of spring to a deep, shadowy forest and eventually to a blazing orange fall wonderland.
Given how close to the road the trees are, remember to ride according to wildlife safety best practices. For more information on the Tunnel of Trees and what you’ll find around it, read our Classic Roads article.
Lake Huron Lighthouses
The Thumb is a peninsula jutting out of southeastern Michigan into Lake Huron. While there’s plenty to see along its shores, it’s an excellent destination for touring lighthouses.
There are five historical lighthouses on SR 25 (M-25) that traverses the Thumb’s shoreline: Fort Gratiot, Port Sanilac, Pointe aux Barques, Harbor Beach, and Port Austin Reef. You can see all of them from the roadside parks, but only Fort Gratiot and Pointe aux Barques are generally open to the public. Harbor Beach and Port Austin Reef require you to book a seat on a boat tour, while Port Sanilac (located on private land) is only open on specific days, typically in September.
Other things to see along the road include Turnip Rock, a distinctive rock formation, and many welcoming small towns. Check out our Bay City, MI, City Escape route for more sights.
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is among the most popular destinations on Lake Erie. Despite what the name suggests, it’s not an island but a peninsula—which means you can ride your motorcycle there.
The loop road circling Presque Isle makes for a laid-back cruise in pretty, forested surroundings. The asphalt can be a little rough in places, but just take it easy, follow the 25-mph speed limit, and have a good time.
In fact, you should take some time to ride the loop road so you can enjoy the peninsula’s 11 miles of sandy beaches. There’s also a lighthouse on the peninsula that you can visit.
Presque Isle State Park is located on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, a wonderful 500-mile route from the Pennsylvania-Ohio border to Niagara Falls. And speaking of Niagara Falls…
Fort Niagara
The Niagara Falls are a marvelous sight worth seeing, but there’s another fascinating destination located beyond them. Fort Niagara sits at the mouth of the Niagara River as it runs out of Lake Ontario.
The French built the original fortress in 1726 to guard the river entrance, and the English took it over in 1759 following the French and Indian War. Following the American Revolution, the newly born U.S. took control of the fortress in 1783.
Today, the fortress houses a museum and hosts plenty of re-enactments throughout the year. The grounds also afford excellent views over Lake Ontario and across the Niagara River to Canada.
Learn about Fort Niagara in more detail in our destination article.
Honorable Mention: Silver Lake Sand Dunes ORV Area
Got a hankering for some real off-road riding? The Silver Lake Sand Dunes ORV Area allows you to rip across the sand while enjoying a view of Lake Michigan.
This is the only place east of the Mississippi where you’re able to legally ride over dunes. The 450-acre ORV area features a marked route, but don’t worry—it’s just a series of flags, not a real trail.
To take a break from the dunes, you can visit the adjacent Little Sable Point lighthouse. It’s also easy to connect the Silver Lake Sand Dunes to a longer ride, like our Michigan off-road tour.