The Great Lakes: A Rich Tapestry of Culture, History, and a Unique Ecosystem

As a Michigan native, I share a deep-rooted connection to the Great Lakes, the stunning five that stretch across two countries and eight states, from New York in the east to Minnesota in the west. Michigan, with its shores on four of these lakes, has always felt like the heart of it all while also being a secluded paradise. During high school, after my family relocated to a suburban Detroit house by a smaller lake linked to the Greats, I would drift off to sleep to the distant sounds of freighters' foghorns, the haunting melodies of vast waters unseen, like inland seas both familiar and mysterious.

Years later, these lakes continue to be a playground—perfect for wading in the gentle shallows during summer or tackling the waves by kayak. Winter transforms them into ephemeral ice caves, and adaptations like iceboats emerge, which are sailboats gliding on blades. The term 'Great' signifies not only their immense size but also their profound impact on culture, history, and our environmental future.

The lakes represent the largest freshwater system on Earth, and the world is increasingly recognizing their beauty. As the climate shifts, cities like Duluth, Minnesota, on Lake Superior are experiencing a renaissance, attracting newcomers drawn to abundant waters. Last summer, small-ship cruises began navigating these lakes, visiting serene bays, resort towns, and vibrant cities. New adventures in this relatively untouched part of the United States include offerings from American Queen Voyages, which has introduced two 202-passenger ships on the Great Lakes, alongside Viking’s 378-passenger Viking Octantis and its sister ship, Viking Polaris, both launched in 2022. Notable ports of call include Niagara Falls, Thunder Bay in Ontario, and Mackinac Island in Michigan.

The new Viking vessels embrace a scientific approach to the lake system, featuring onboard laboratories for data collection and monitoring fish populations, a method typically seen on Antarctic expedition ships. “We’re redefining what a ‘ship of opportunity’ means,” states Damon Stanwell-Smith, marine biologist and head of science and sustainability at Viking. Last summer, one ship launched a weather balloon daily, providing information to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assist with weather forecasts and climate research. “This ecosystem is among the most extraordinary in North America, and travel within the Great Lakes feels a bit overlooked,” he adds.

Long before European arrival, numerous Native American tribes navigated these lakes, founding communities like Green Bay and Chicago that were later colonized by Europeans. Trappers and explorers gained expertise in the waterways from the Indigenous peoples who had inhabited the region for millennia. The development of historic forts and industrial sites depended on these lakes as vital, albeit perilous, transportation routes, leading to an estimated 10,000 shipwrecks since the 17th century. As a maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Tamara Thomsen studies these wrecks. The lakes’ dark, anoxic conditions help preserve many of them, some of which are now included in the newly established Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Michigan.

Lost to fierce storms, fire, ice damage, or navigational errors, these wrecks “narrate the story of Wisconsin,” she explains, mentioning a 20th-century railroad ferry, a Nash automobile freighter, and a Christmas tree schooner. “Before roads existed, and even before trains, the easiest way to transport people and goods was by water.”

While the Great Lakes are often viewed as a single entity, each has its own unique character. Lake Ontario to the east features a mostly rural landscape on the U.S. side, contrasted by the lively atmosphere of Canada, where locals enjoy renting coastal cottages in charming Prince Edward County. Industrial Lake Erie is closely tied to Cleveland, once a hub for auto and steel production; it’s still a fantastic spot to watch freighters maneuver through the Cuyahoga River while relaxing at Alley Cat Oyster Bar or Merwin’s Wharf by the waterfront. Explore the glacial wonders of Lake Huron, which boasts over 30,000 islands and trilobite fossils along its shale shores, before taking a refreshing swim in a natural cave. Experience the towering sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes, soaring up to 450 feet, and then race down to the inviting waters of Lake Michigan, a true recreational haven. Finally, Lake Superior, the largest and most remote, is where adventurers can paddle along colorful sandstone cliffs or camp for days in the untouched bays of Isle Royale National Park.

Currently residing in Chicago, I find that Lake Michigan not only cools the city during summer but also provides warmth in winter, showcasing another magical aspect of these vast bodies of water. Beyond physical benefits, there are spiritual advantages as well. Ken Cole, a psychologist in Milwaukee who enjoys surfing Lake Michigan, often encourages his clients to visit the lakefront. “Ninety-five percent of surfing is just sitting on your board, gazing at the horizon, and immersing yourself in nature—the sunrises, the birds,” he shares. “Turning your back to the land helps clear your mind.”

Planning Your Trip: Essential Tips

• Getting There: Access the Great Lakes through gateway cities like Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Toronto, Buffalo, N.Y., and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
• Must-Try Foods: Be sure to enjoy lake-caught whitefish from a traditional “fish boil” in Wisconsin’s Door County or savor Cornish pasties from Lehto’s in St. Ignace, Michigan.
• Recommended Reading: The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas by Jerry Dennis (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2004)
• Memory Aid: Use the mnemonic Super Heroes Must Eat Oats to remember Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario.