If you’re planning a trip to the Great Lakes region, you won’t have a problem picking out beautiful cities, historic sites, tourist attractions, and entertainment /events to experience.
The Great Lakes region covers the Canadian province of Ontario as well as the following eight U.S. states: Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota.
There is so much to enjoy during a trip to the Great Lakes. Here are several of the top cities, locations, activities, and events to prioritize for your vacation to the beautiful region.
Mackinac Island
It is estimated that about 500 to 1,000 people live permanently on Mackinac Island, which sits on Lake Huron. According to the official Mackinac Island website, more than one million visitors come to the destination annually.
While you are in the Great Lakes, don’t forget that Michigan online gambling is legal and regulated locally. “The Wolverine State” launched legalized sports betting in January 2021, and there are several special offers to new customers upon signing up.
This includes a 100 percent deposit match of up to $1,000 from WynnBET, a 100 percent deposit match of up to $2,000 from DraftKings, and a 100 percent first deposit match of up to $600 from PokerStars.
Mackinac Island is on the list of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as well as the U.S. National Historic Landmark District. This beautiful location offers breathtaking scenery, historic sites, and recreational activities of all sorts.
History lovers will love the long list of different venues to check out here. This includes Fort Holmes, Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel Stable & Carriage Museum, the Stuart House Museum, and the Horse in History Museum.
If you wish to spend a day or two on the waters, you can book ferry rides, cruise trips, kayaking tours, or even your own parasailing adventure. Outdoor activity enthusiasts can also enjoy golfing, walking tours, biking, and much more.
Sporting Events In Major Great Lakes Cities
If you’re a sports fanatic, you certainly won’t find a shortage of exciting events to check out in major cities around the Great Lakes.
The cities of Detroit and Chicago, for example, each have at least one franchise in the “big four” North American professional sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL). The Motor City has the NFL’s Lions, the NHL’s Red Wings, the NBA’s Pistons, and the Tigers of Major League Baseball.
Chicago is home to the NFL’s Bears, the NHL’s Blackhawks, the NBA’s Bulls, and two MLB teams the White Sox and Cubs. In fact, the White Sox’ home venue of Guaranteed Rate Field is only about a half-hour drive from the Cubs’ legendary venue of Wrigley Field.
The city of Cleveland is a short flight from Chicago and Detroit, and only about a three-hour drive from the Motor City. Cleveland has the NBA’s Cavaliers, the NFL’s Browns, and the Guardians of MLB. Staying in Ohio, there are also the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and the Reds of MLB as well as the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.
Up north in Toronto, you won’t want to miss the experience of a Blue Jays (MLB), Raptors (NBA), or Maple Leafs (NHL) home game. The CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, Canada’s most storied football team, is also a team to check out if you’re in town during the summer or fall seasons.
An ultra-passionate sports fan can pack in plenty of sporting events around the Great Lakes region. Cities like Toronto, Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland love their sports teams, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy several unforgettable experiences.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most beautiful locations and nature sites. The falls are located in southern Ontario and the Buffalo area in northern New York, and they consist of three different waterfalls the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls.
According to Niagara Falls Tourism, around 12 million people visit Niagara Falls each year. Visitors can check out the falls via boat, a cruise trip, or even by booking a private helicopter ride.
Ziplining above the falls is a long-standing popular tradition in Niagara Falls as well. If you’re an adventurist, you may also want to book a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car, the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, the White Water Walk, and/or river rafting and tubing.
Niagara Falls is also home to some of Ontario’s most highly-regarded hotels and resorts, including the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, the Embassy Suites, the Marriott, the Casino Niagara as well as the Fallsview Casino Resort.
