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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.

The five lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario — were carved out by retreating glaciers some 10,000 years ago and are connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River. They have long been a major transportation route for industrial materials such as iron ore, coal and limestone.

However, in stark contrast, the lakes also provide crucial wildlife habitats and are a scenic backdrop for a wide range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, diving, boating and fishing.

Visitors are struck by the clarity of these pristine waters, the silence of the forested wilderness and the variety of wildlife to be seen, from moose, deer and migratory birds to bears and eagles.

It's easy to explore some of the thousands of tranquil lighthouse-peppered islands while the quaint towns and resurgent cities provide vibrant nightlife and dynamic museums, and are greatly influenced by the lakes themselves.

Best time to visit the Great Lakes

The climate of the Great Lakes region ranges from extremely cold winter temperatures, regularly as low as minus 30°C (minus 20°F), to pleasantly hot, humid and sunny summers.

The best time to travel is during the spring and autumn (May, June, September, October) but be aware of mosquitoes during June.

Our Great Lakes highlights

Explore Chicago

Explore the superb beaches, architecture, shopping and nightlife of the beautiful city of Chicago.

Go to Milwaukee

Explore this revitalized city of Milwaukee, try some craft beers and visit the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Enjoy the hiking and walking trails of the Door Peninsula

Scenic coastal hiking trails await on the rugged Lake Michigan Door Peninsula.

Experience Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Take a guided tour of the 122 meter-high coastal Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan.

Discover Mackinac Island

Turn the clock back and discover the pretty traffic-free Mackinac Island.

Spend time in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Explore the scenery, walking trails and wildlife in this unspoilt peninsula.

Look for wildlife in Isle Royale National Park

Get back to nature and look for bears and moose in the little-visited Isle Royale National Park.

Take a cruise around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Take a leisurely boat trip around Wisconsin’s pretty lighthouse-studded islands.

Visit the Henry Ford Museum

Devoted to the motor car and American inventions, this is a fascinating Detroit museum.

Some of our favorite places in the Great Lakes

Great places to stay in the Great Lakes