The Great Lakes Circle Tour is a marked 6,500 mile tour around Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Superior. It includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin as well as the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes comprise approximately 22% of the fresh surface water in the world. They are connected by the Straits of Mackinac and a series of rivers including the Detroit River, the Niagara River, the St. Clair River, the St. Lawrence and the St. Mary’s River, The Great Lakes are a vital shipping area. They also supply a steady source of revenue to the adjacent states through tourism, sports and pleasure boating.
Each Lake Unique
Each of the Great Lakes has a history of its own that includes tales of shipwrecks, important settlements, and commerce. The circle tours allow one to discover the history and uniqueness of each of the Great Lakes. There are numerous museums, shipwrecks, lighthouses, national parks and historic sites along the entire tour.
Lake Huron
The Lake Huron Circle Tour includes several Michigan cities including Bay City, Mackinac City and Sault St. Marie. It also includes both Drummond Island and Mackinac Island, both of which are accessible by ferry boat.
Lake Ontario
The Lake Ontario Circle Tour includes the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, New York. Perhaps the most important destination on this tour is Niagara Falls.
Lake Michigan
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour includes the U.S. cities of Chicago (IL), Ludington (MI), Traverse City (MI), Green Bay (WI), and Milwaukee (WI). Two National Lakeshores are on this tour: Sleeping Bear in Michigan and Indiana Dunes in Indiana.
Lake Erie
The Lake Erie Circle Tour includes Buffalo (NY), Cleveland (OH), and Detroit (MI). Niagara Falls is also part of this circle tour.
Lake Superior
The Lake Superior Circle Tour includes cities such as Ashland (WI), Duluth (MN), Houghton (MI), Marquette (MI), and Sault St. Marie (MI). This circle tour includes several important parks include Isle Royale National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Another highlight on this tour is the Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point.
Activities and Destinations
The Great Lakes Circle Tour is an excellent way to become better acquainted with these important bodies of water and the states they border. Depending on the season, there are almost limitless opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities such as charter boat fishing, sailing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, golfing, and biking. Other popular activities include festivals, bird watching, fall color tours, lighthouses, shopping and staying in unique inns or bed and breakfasts.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
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