Physical Distance
Lake Huron is situated in the heart of the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States. It rests on the border between Michigan and Ontario, making it roughly 2,100 miles from Las Vegas, the furthest western city in the United States. The physical distance from one’s home location can vary depending on where one lives and how close or far away they are from Lake Huron.
On the Canadian side, the city of Sarnia, Ontario, is closest to Lake Huron, and is approximately 213 miles away from Toronto. To the south, Detroit, Michigan, is the closest American city to the lake, at just 53 miles away. Chicago is 375 miles southeast of the lake.
Travel Options
Lake Huron is most easily accessible by plane. The closest international airport to Lake Huron is the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), located 80 miles south of the lake in Detroit, Michigan. Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is also within a 400-mile radius. Once travelers have arrived at their destination airport, they can rent a car and make the remaining journey by road.
Alternatively, the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train line runs between Chicago and the lake, connecting cities along the southern coast of the lake including Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo, Cleveland, and Buffalo. Beyond these cities, travelers could also explore Ontario cities such as Sarnia, London, and Windsor.
Weather
The months of June, July, and August announce the start of the warm season in the Great Lakes region. During this time, the average temperature of the lake can reach around 65°F (18°C). The winter months are much colder with average temperatures in the high-teens or low twenties. Faced with the risk of crazy winter weather, it’s important to always check the temperature and wind speed before heading out to the lake.
Lake Activities
The huge expanse of Lake Huron’s deep blue waters provide the perfect environment for swimming, fishing, and diving. Water temperatures during the summer months make for a pleasant swimming experience. The lake is also very popular with fishermen, who come from all over the region to take part in some serious deep-sea fishing. For those who enjoy the sun and sand, Lake Huron has plenty of breathtaking beach spots to explore.
Camping Trips
Campers have plenty of options when it comes to enjoying the Lake Huron region. There are hundreds of campsites located along the coastline and plenty of National and State Parks, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The town of Mackinaw City, located on the northern coast of the lake, is a great starting point for camping trips. The town is full of attractions, and interesting activities like Mackinaw Island Cruise and the Tahquamenon Falls. Nearby Wilderness State Park offers recreational opportunities such as bird-watching, biking, kayaking, and hiking.
Historic Sites
The shores of Lake Huron are home to numerous historic sites, such as Fort Michilimackinac, Fort de Buade, and the Mackinac Bridge. Fort Michilimackinac, in particular, is a major attraction for history buffs. Built by the French in 1715 as a fur trading post, the fort is one of the oldest in North America. It also offers a number of interactive exhibits and activities.
Great Lakes Beaches
Great Lakes beaches can be found all along the lake. Some of the most popular beaches include Grand Haven State Park in Michigan and Wasaga Beach Provincial Park in Ontario. These beaches offer a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Many of these beaches also have rental stores where visitors can rent kayaks and other water sports equipment.
Scenic Drives
The coastline of Lake Huron is a great place to explore by car. There are many scenic drives in the area, with plenty of stops along the way. The Heritage Route 3 drives from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, to the tip of the Saguenay River, Quebec, offers stunning views of the river and the Lake Huron coast. The beaches of Grand Bend, Ontario, and Port Austin, Michigan, provide beautiful vistas of the lake, with plenty of stops for swimming, fishing, and exploring.
Green Initiatives
Lake Huron is home to a number of environmentally conscious initiatives. Most notably, the Great Lakes Basin Compact is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the water quality and restoring habitats in the Great Lakes region.
The Great Lakes Commission is another organization working to protect the beauty and health of the Great Lakes by regulating shipping channels, promoting sustainable development, conducting research, and providing education and outreach. Some of their notable initiatives include the Great Lakes Shoreline Cleanup, which involves volunteers collecting and disposing of debris, and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Program, which supports research and initiatives that safeguard the water quality.
Wildlife Experiences
The Lake Huron region is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for wildlife watching. The area is home to several species of migratory birds, such as swans and geese, as well as raptors, owls, and shorebirds.
The lake is also a crucial habitat for fish, and is host to an annual run of chinook salmon that make their way up the lakeside rivers to spawn. Other popular species include walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
Fishing Charters
Fishing charters are available for those who would like to experience the Lake Huron region from the water. Visitors can charter boats for a number of activities, including troll and drift fishing for walleye, steelhead, and smallmouth bass. There are a number of charter boats available for hire and some offer special packages tailored to the needs of individuals and groups.
Cultural Attractions
The area around Lake Huron is home to many cultural attractions. The cities surrounding the lake, such as Sarnia, Ontario, and Fort Gratiot, Michigan, are home to a number of historical sites and cultural attractions.
The village of Mackinac Island, located on the lake’s Michigan side, is also a popular attraction. The island is car-free, and visitors can explore a variety of activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides and ferry trips to the nearby mainland.
The Canadian side of the lake is home to a number of cultural attractions. These include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Niagara-on-the-Lake, the second oldest city in Ontario. Music and theatre fans can visit the historic Shaw Festival, while art lovers can explore the Art Gallery of Ontario or take a trip to the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
Food Scene
Lake Huron is also home to a thriving food scene with a variety of local delicacies and cuisines from across the region. In Mackinaw City, visitors can explore local eateries and restaurants, specialising in seafood, burgers, and barbecue. Elsewhere on the lake, cities like London and Sarnia boast a selection of well-known chain restaurants, as well as a host of locally owned eateries.
Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include Red Knot in Sarnia, which serves up delicious seafood dishes, and Donz pizzeria in Fort Gratiot. These restaurants are just a few of the many eateries serving up fresh and delicious local delicacies in the Lake Huron region.
