Lake Superior is the largest of North America’s Great Lakes, and the second largest freshwater lake in the world. This vast body of water stretches 385 miles from east to west and 160 miles from north to south. On a map, it appears as a teal blue almost oval in shape surrounded by several states and provinces. With a surface area of 31,700 square miles and shorelines of almost 2,000 miles, it’s no wonder why this lake is known as staggeringly beautiful. It’s often thought that the drive around Lake Superior would take a few days, but is this really the case? After speaking to experts and doing an extensive amount of research we’ve come up with an answer.
First and foremost, driving around the lake would depend on different factors. The most important factor would be the route taken. There isn’t one single route that encircles the lake because Lake Superior is surrounded by so many cities and towns along it’s shoreline. An average route around Lake Superior can range from 1,400 miles to 2,000 miles, depending which route is taken. The second factor would be the speed of the vehicle, as this could cause the trip to range from 17 hours to 48 hours. If a vehicle is going at a slow pace of 45 mph, then it would take close to two days to drive around the lake. However, if a vehicle were to drive at the speed limit or above, it would take closer to 17 hours.
If looking to take the most effective route around the lake, the best route would be driving along US highway 2. This route is the shortest and would be the quickest, and it spans just over 1,400 miles. Experts actually advise that it’s best to drive Highway 2 clockwise, as it offers better views of Lake Superior on the Wisconsin and Minnesota sides. It is believed that with this route, it would take close to 17 hours to drive around Lake Superior if going at the speed limit or driving faster.
Along the way, stopping at certain points of interest is something travelers can look forward to. The lake is surrounded by several parks, towns and villages that have something unique to offer. Among them are the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, and Relax Bay in Ontario. Making these stops and taking in the beauty of Lake Superior would of course add time to the overall trip.
When trying to calculate an estimate of how long it would take to drive around Lake Superior, it’s helpful to look at the amount of time it would take to drive the entire length of the lake. Driving the entire length of the lake is approximately 385 miles, and with a car going at the speed limit, it would take about 7.5 hours. This number of 7.5 hours could be used as a guideline when researching the overall journey.
Lake Superior’s Rich History
The area around Lake Superior has a long and complex history that dates back over 10,000 years. Evidence of ancient fishing among many other activities have been found in numerous archeological digs and studies. Ojibwe and Anishinaabeg Native American tribes have called the area home for centuries. Standing at the edge of the lake, it’s easy to understand why it’s so significant to the tribes and their culture.
For over 60 years during the 1800’s, steamships frequented the lake. The vessels carried homebound people, wagons, furniture, and livestock all of which were in search of a better life. Since then, the lake has become known as a place of refuge and adventure, creating a vibrant culture that’s still evident today.
Environmental Effects
The modern-day effects on the lake caused by human activity are intense. Unfortunately, pollution from industrial runoff and exhaust from cars takes away from the lake’s natural beauty. Over the years, Lake Superior has taken a hit from having toxic chemicals filter the water, leaving much of life around it under stress.
Thanks to groups and organizations such as the Lake Superior & Islands Association, human intervention is helping to put a stop to some of the destruction. There are campaigns in place to keep the lake clean or to restore it to its original glory. However, drastic measures are required to bring true change in the future.
The Impact of Changing Water Levels
In recent years the water levels in the lake have really changed dramatically. Warmer months cause the lake to rise and colder months to dramatically lower. Studies have found that the water levels have an effect on the fish and wildlife in the areas around Lake Superior. Changes in water levels can drastically affect the spawning of fish and lead to habitat destruction that can have a detrimental effect on the entire population of the lake.
The fault however is not completely on human activity, but also on natural forces such as climate change. Warmer temperatures are said to be a major factor influencing the changing of the water levels, as snow and ice melt into the lake faster than it can evaporate.
The Growth of Tourism
Although the lake poses major environmental issues, its beauty has still captivated many over the years. Nature lovers flock to the lake each year and hotels, campsites and resort towns dot the shoreline. Visitors often take pleasure in visiting the many islands, lighthouses, waterfalls and national parks. Hiking, biking, and boating are just a few of the activities enjoyed at Lake Superior that draw in so many people.
The lake wasn’t easily opened up to visitors however; in the past, the lake was more inaccessible. In more recent years, more roads have been made to connect towns and cities along the lake, making the lake more accessible to visitors who are interested in taking in the beauty of the Great Lake.
The Economic Effect of Tourism
With the increasing number of visitors to the lake each year, it has also brought in more money to the local economies and businesses around the lake. Towns and cities that once had little income now flourish with the tourism revenue. Businesses and attractions are starting to open up everywhere, offering tourists more and more reasons to stay or visit the area.
This influx of money is certainly advantageous for the local economies, but it also puts a strain on certain resources and infrastructure. In more recent years, issues such as overcrowding and traffic issues have become real problems in the area. This has caused people to come up with ways to manage visitors better and promote more responsible tourism.
The Cost of Visiting
Visiting Lake Superior can become quite costly if traveling from afar and staying in the area for an extended period of time. Fuel costs, lodging charges and food expenses can all add up quickly. Depending on the length and type of trip, visitors can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to upwards of $1000. Minimizing costs can be done, however, through planning and budgeting.
Using certain websites for discounts on tickets and accommodations, carpooling with friends or taking advantage of local deals and coupons can all help to lower overall costs. Booking the trip in advance is usually the best way to get the most bang for your buck.
Conclusion of the Journey
With all of the factors considered, it’s estimated that a round trip journey around Lake Superior would most likely take between 17 and 48 hours, depending on the route taken. If taking the most direct route on US-2 and sticking to the speed limit, it’s believed the entire journey would take around 17 hours. Experiencing all the area has to offer however, would take approximately one to two weeks. For most people, such a journey around the lake would be a lifetime experience, and one that would never be forgotten.
