The Great Lakes is the largest collection of freshwater in the world, and in the summer months, it’s one of the best places to be. From relaxing in the sand to taking the kayaks out, there is no shortage of adventure. Here are the essentials, activities, must-see spots and excellent eateries for your trip – from beginning to end.
Clothing/Gear for Your Great Lakes Vacation
The must-haves for the sand dwellers on this road trip are a bathing suit, towel, cooler with drinks, snacks, and sandals. Don’t forget other lakeside essentials like sunblock, sunglasses, and a change of dry clothes. For those planning on hitting the hiking trails, remember to grab boots, hiking pants, a water canteen and a first aid kit – just in case. Packing for kayaking or a boating trip will require similar gear. Make sure an extra dry outfit is packed along with a life jacket, boating gloves, and wet shoes.
Lake Huron
Activities Right off Lake Huron, you can venture into The Au Sable River and rent a kayak or canoe. Just a few short miles in town in Oscoda is North Country Canoe Rentals, they even offer tubes and paddle boards. Prices range from $18 to $35, guides are available and you can even bring your dog to relax on the river with you and then head back to Lake Huron when you’re done to watch the sunset on the sandy beach.
Purdy’s Fried Fish
Take your boat or rental over the St. Clair River, which flows from Lake Huron, and take a short trip over to this dockside eatery – Purdy’s Fried Fish for an unforgettable meal. You can dock right at the restaurant and head inside for some fish that gets rave reviews.
View this post on InstagramEating fish and chips by the water. 💁🏻🐟🚤⚓️
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The Grand Hotel
Overlooking the Straits of Mackinac this unique hotel was built in 1887. You might think the furniture and decor are outdated or eccentric but it’s all very well kept and each room has its own individuality. From bright colored wallpaper and colorful carpets, this hotel offers never-ending views.
Lake Ontario Activities
Spend the day at Singer Castle, on a small island that flows from Lake Ontario. It’s a 28 room castle with secret passageways and loaded with artifacts. Take a guided tour, have a private party and revel in all the castle has to offer. You will encounter a 5 story clock tower, a paneled library, a medieval entranceway, and a boathouse.
Tin Pan Gallery
Start your day at Tin Pan Gallery for an unforgettable brunch in Sackets Harbor, New York. its a cozy restaurant in a historic building and the neighborhood has just as much history. You can also find lunch, dinner, or just stop in for coffee and desserts.
White Pillars
In Canton, New York there is a lodge, vacation rentals, and waterfront properties available that fit families small and large. You can rent the Raquette Lodge that sleeps 19 people or the Sunset Cottage that sleeps 11. Both of these options have water access accompanied by paddle boats, kayaks, and other water toys and is a short drive to Lake Ontario.
View this post on InstagramThe Boathouse part II. #lifeloveleisure #sackettsharbor #upstatenewyork #lifeloveleisure
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Lake Michigan Activities
Plan a horseback riding adventure just off of Lake Michigan with Appy Orse Acres. Guests can ride with an experienced guide through trails in the countryside of Wisconsin and then return to Lake Michigan for an evening swim. Trail rides range from $35 to $60.
Hobnob
For the best steak and cocktails stop into Hobnob in Racine, Wisconsin. Enter the gorgeous dining room overlooking the water and delve into their extensive wine menu. Consider this an old fashioned experience with new wave flavors.
View this post on Instagramhappy Halloween from the haunted Hobnob and some cute 50s chicks #SERVinglooks
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Red Forest Bed and Breakfast
If you find yourself near Two Rivers, Wisconsin then book a room at this Inn and feel the hospitality. Enjoy a private room with an old town feel and wake up to a home-cooked breakfast. Rock on the porch swing with your morning coffee and take your time getting ready for the day.
Lake Erie Activities
On the west end of Lake Erie is Sandusky Ohio’s very own Cedar Point. The amusement park has its own island with tons of rollercoasters, rides, and games. Enjoy the water park next door to cool off and sit on the shore of Lake Erie. Tickets for the waterpark and amusement park can be purchased on their website. Ride on!
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Nautica Queen
Docked in the west bank flats of Cleveland Ohio, just outside of Lake Erie is a cruise ship dining experience. All cruises include an unlimited buffet meal, beverages, and musical entertainment. You can eat your meal and sightsee Lake Erie all in one sitting. Prices are more than reasonable and cruises run year round.
Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky
This lodge is fun for families of all sizes and ages. Inside you will find an indoor waterpark, an arcade, dining, and shopping. This lodge has slides, pools, lagoons, springs, hot tubs and much more. Stay in a themed room dubbed the Wolf Den Suite or opt for the premium Royal Bear Suite.
Lake Superior Activities
A day at this lake can be filled with all sorts of activities but here are the top three things to plan for. Kayaking is the first on the list. Travelers can bring their own or rent one from Caribou Expeditions or Apostle Islands Sea Cave Tours.
You can take a guided tour or venture out on your own. If you’d rather stay on dry land then plan for the Superior Hiking Trail. It is a 310-mile long trail that follows the ridgeline of Lake Superior. Visit the Trail Sections guide to pick a route. Fishing is another activity that brings in guests from all over.
The lake is home to some of the best trout, salmon, and perch and can be found inland or in tributaries. Book a boat tour through Daybreak Charters and experience a fishing adventure that will surely be memorable.
Grandma’s Saloon & Grill
Stop in at Grandma’s for lunch or dinner after a day on Superior – not your actual grandma’s but Grandma’s Saloon & Grille, of course. They have a pretty extensive menu, a big beer list, and an outdoor patio. The dining room is just as inviting as the patio and you can head to the gift shop after your meal.
Breezy Pointe Cabins Reserve a one bedroom, two bedrooms, or studio cabin that sits right at the edge of Lake Superior and then cozy up to the built-in fireplace. These cabins will feel like your home away from home. If you’re in the mood for a quick snack there are free s’ more kits available with a private fire pit next to the cabin.
H.O.M.E.S
Remember this acronym when planning your Great Lakes Road Trip so you don’t miss any of the fun and exciting stops. The Lakes are surrounded by communities with a variety of culture, food, and experience. Spend your day soaking up the sun on the beach and work your way inland for live music, dancing and the coziest Inns you will ever stumble upon.
