We might not have an ocean coastline here in the Midwest, but we do have the world's largest freshwater lake system, and some amazing beach towns that go with it. From Wisconsin to Michigan to Illinois and Indiana, we've rounded up a few of our favorite Great Lakes escapes...
For more information on each of the escapes shown above, click through the links:
• 1 Little Sugar River Farm in Albany, Wisconsin
• 2 Run Rabbit Inn: Green Getaway in Sawyer, Michigan
• 3 Stylish Chicago Hotels
• 4 Vintage Shopping Day Trips from Chicago
• 5 Tryon Farm Guest House in Michigan City, Indiana
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Comments (8)
The largest lake system in the world is located in North America, not the US, as they are shared with Canada.
Nevertheless that is still a lot of coastline.
I would also like to clarify that Albany, Wisconsin, is nowhere near either of the great lakes bordering the state (Superior or Michigan). The Little Sugar River Farm featured in the top photo is in southwestern Wisconsin. The closest large lakes would be those in Madison (Mendota, Monona, Kegonsa).
*that should be "Great Lakes"
Love the big lakes, and I frankly don't care if they're American or Canadian (although if I go over to the Ontario side, they do charge me a lot more for a fishing license). We're taking our summer vacation in Copper Harbor, MI, which I really think is the most beautiful spot in the world.
I'd like to nominate the charming and tiny Beaver Island MI, which is about an hour past Charlevoix MI by ferry. They only have one gas station! You can rent movies at the grocery store!
THANK YOU for this post. these places look fantastic. i've been looking for suggestions for the Wis/Mich area as we are complete novices.
Paperpusher,
There are SO many wonderful places in both Wisconsin and Michigan. Both sides of Lake Michigan are wonderful--around the area where emmabrown mentioned, Traverse City, Harbor Springs, and further down the coast toward Indiana. There's also Lake Huron, with Mackinac Island and many other pristine and charming places. In Wisconsin there is the always-popular and lovely Door County, plus Bayfield, the Apostle Islands, and other small towns along Lake Superior. I have lived in the Midwest for 25 years and never grow tired of our local attractions.
Sawyer is so beautiful!
Everyone should check out Saguatuck, it's right outside of Grand Haven. I was skeptical to tell people about it because it's become my family's getaway for a few years now, but oh well.
...it's a little hippie town on the Lake just around 4 hours out from the city. It has a big gay community, great Bed and Breakfasts, beautiful style and the best sunsets in the Midwest. Very arsty and great food. I'll be there in August!