The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is an 866-mile scenic driving route ringing Lake Michigan. It follows the shoreline of the lake, transitioning between four states – Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin – although travelers may add other states. For those looking to take their time and explore the many communities and attractions along the route, chances are a two-week or longer trip is the way to go – and so the long weekend road-tripper is just as welcome as the month-long journeyer.
When you’re planning a Circle Tour, consider that you might be driving on the roads and highways around the lake, and what the road conditions may be like. For example, on the western side of the lake, you’ll find two-lane roads with some hills and curves. More to the north, there are plenty of four-lane highways. As for the view of the lake, it can vary from views of wide-open beaches and rugged shorelines to industrial harbors.
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is, foremost, an opportunity to explore a region of natural beauty and some important historical sites. For example, in South Haven, Michigan, travelers will find a quaint harbor town with a strong maritime history. There’s also Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is home to the world’s first incorporated beer-brewing company, Miller Coors and still produces one of the country’s favorite beers.
There’s plenty more to explore along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, including winding roads, wild rivers and quaint communities. But beyond the sights and sounds, there’s also an opportunity to learn more about the culture of the region. From scenic fishing villages to bustling Pacific Northwest cities, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour shows how the region is diverse and unique.
No matter what your goals are – whether they’re exploration, education, or simply to relax – a Lake Michigan Circle Tour has something to offer. Along the way, you can experience a wide variety of cultures, environments, and attractions. Whether your journey takes you to charming harbor towns or bustling cities, you’re sure to discover something new and exciting.
Experience the Great Outdoors
On the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best outdoor activities in the country. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking the lake’s calm waters, or if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the rugged coastline by boat. You can also take part in some river fishing or explore the many hiking trails that border the lake. Or, if you’re in the mood to stay dry, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. And campers will find plenty of lakeside campgrounds, perfect for a peaceful stay.
Explore the Art and Music Scene
Those looking to experience the local art and music scene will enjoy the many galleries, performance halls, and nightclubs that dot the lake’s shores. Sample some of the region’s best blues and jazz music, seek out local sculptors’ work, or spend a day wandering the countless art galleries. For music lovers, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is home to a wide variety of venues and genres, from small jazz clubs to major music festivals.
Experience the Edible Treats
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour also offers a rich selection of culinary delights. From fresh seafood like Lake Michigan salmon and trout, to a diverse ethnic food scene, foodies will have plenty to explore. Many of the towns along the route are known for their traditional dishes like cheese curds, fish boils and cherry pie. The region also offers a great selection of trendy restaurants, wineries, microbreweries, and farmer’s markets.
Educational Opportunities
The Circle Tour also offers a variety of educational opportunities. There are multiple sites of historic significance, including Jonathan Bryant’s 1770s homestead that overlooks Lake Michigan and the Farnsworth House, a custom-built home designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The region also offers a great chance to learn more about the Great Lakes’ diverse ecology and industrial history. Explore the living history of the many Native American tribes who called the area home or take part in science, farming and agricultural programs dedicated to preserving the environment.
Shop for Unique Gifts
For shoppers, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is home to an array of interesting stores and boutiques. From iconic department stores like Marshall Field’s in Chicago, to boutiques and specialty shops, visitors will find something to remember their trip by. Craftspeople, booksellers, chocolatiers and jewelers can be found in virtually every town or city around Lake Michigan, making the search for a unique gift an adventure itself.
Quench Your Thirst for Adventure
For those who are looking for a thrill, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour has something for everyone. Go swimming in the lake’s clear waters, or rent a boat or kayak to explore the shoreline and its many bays and inlets. Go parasailing, windsurfing or even scuba diving to truly explore beneath the surface. Adrenaline junkies can even find paragliding, hang-gliding, and rock-climbing sites around the lake.
Relax and Unwind
No matter which way you turn, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Soak up the sun at one of the many public beaches, or sit back and watch the sunset at a tranquil cove. For the more adventurous, the lake offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing. Or treat yourself to a spa day and let your tensions slip away.
Make a Difference
When you’re on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, you’ll also be able to take part in a variety of causes and volunteer projects that help protect the lake. Take a day to volunteer with a beach clean-up, or take part in a research project that helps protect the lake’s environment. Or even just take some time out of your trip to learn more about the lake’s history and the people who have lived, worked, and played on its shores for centuries.
