Top 10 Must-See Great Lakes Destinations
Explore the Region with Our Expertly Guided Tours
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step onto Mackinac Island, one of the most charming Great Lakes destinations, where Victorian storefronts line tidy streets, horse-drawn carriages clip-clop by, and there are no cars to be seen. Beyond the old-fashioned feel, the island is famous as the “Fudge Capital of the World.”
On our Mackinac Fudge Crawl, you’ll visit four well-known fudge shops to sample their sweet treats. Discover how family recipes have been handed down through generations and hear the story behind the island’s fudge tradition. You might even find yourself loving unexpected flavors like maple-bacon or lavender fudge. If you want more history and nature, try our Natural Wonders by Bike Tour. You’ll ride past Sugar Loaf Mountain, follow the shoreline, and enjoy fresh lake breezes. Or, if you prefer walking, the Mackinac by Foot tour reveals hidden gardens, historic forts, and peaceful lakeside paths at a relaxed pace.
2. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is a standout Great Lakes destination, where shoreline cliffs overlook drifting sailboats and orchards hang heavy with cherries. On our Highlights of the Door Peninsula tour, you’ll get a chance to explore nature, culture, and get a taste of the region’s delicacies. You’ll wander a working cherry orchard, snack on sun‑warmed fruit, and discover why this slice of Wisconsin is a fruit‑lover’s paradise.
Climb the Cana Island Lighthouse — its spiral staircase leads to 360‑degree lake views, perfect for a postcard snapshot. Next, sip award‑winning vintage wines at a local winery where each glass comes with beautiful views of the thriving agricultural landscape.
For something more adrenaline‑fueled, hop on an e‑bike for the Cave Point & Whitefish Dunes adventure. Zip along the shoreline, feel the wind, then hop off to explore underwater caves carved by centuries of waves. Stroll through white sand dunes, dig your toes in, and soak in the expansive Lake Michigan panorama.
3. Duluth, Minnesota
All aboard for one of our premier Great Lakes cities experiences! The North Shore Scenic Railroad winds along Lake Superior’s edge, passing stands of white birch and maple forests one moment and open lake views the next. Climb into a vintage dining car for a steam‑engine moment, or take a look at some of the largest steam engines ever built at the rail museum.
Can’t decide between hops and cacao? The Beer & Chocolate Tour marries craft brewery culture with gourmet chocolate – a mashup that sounds unlikely but tastes legendary. Stroll Duluth’s historic downtown, sip a stout, then bite into a truffle as your guide shares stories about Pioneer days and modern microbreweries.
History buffs, grab your notebook for the Maritime Tales Lakefront Walk. Learn how Duluth’s Canal Park evolved from a shipping hub to a leisure promenade. Hear firsthand about stormy nights on the big lake and the crews who braved gale‑force winds to keep commerce rolling.
4. Cleveland, Ohio
From Rock & Roll legends to Gilded Age mansions, Cleveland stands tall among Great Lakes cities for Midwest flair and cultural depth. Our Cleveland Highlights Bus Tour hits the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where you’ll see guitars and memorabilia from legends like Hendrix, Springsteen, and The Beatles, and visit Millionaire’s Row, where historic mansions offer a glimpse into the lives of oil barons and steel magnates.
Music still in your soul? Catch a performance at Severance Hall, renowned for its ornate decor and crystal‑clear acoustics. Then, follow your nose to West Side Market, Cleveland’s foodie mecca. Sample pierogis, Polish sausages, and artisanal cheeses on our Taste of Cleveland walk.
Looking for a quieter counterpoint? Our Ohio Amish Community day trip takes you down country lanes. See traditional farms, shop handmade quilts, and savor homemade apple butter in a covered‑bridge setting that feels lifted from a storybook.
5. Marquette, Michigan
Marquette sits on the Lake Superior shore and is a rugged Great Lakes destination with deep mining roots. On our Mining Heritage of the U.P. tour, you’ll explore the story of how iron from Michigan helped build America’s cities. While you won’t go underground, you’ll follow the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and visit key sites that bring the region’s mining history to life – from ore docks to historic towns.
Back in town, the Magnificent Marquette tour shows off the city’s standout architecture, including Victorian homes and the red-roofed Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since the 1850s. You’ll also visit the Peter White Public Library, home to one of the largest wooden domes in the country and a striking example of local craftsmanship.
For something a little different, head to Lakenenland, a sculpture park tucked into the forest just outside town. Created by local artist Tom Lakenen, the park is filled with large-scale metal sculptures (some playful, some political) all made from scrap iron. It’s a quirky, creative stop that adds a fun twist to the Marquette experience.
6. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is one of the most energetic and diverse Great Lakes cities, known for its mix of cultures, architecture, and food. Our Highlights of Toronto tour gives you a taste of it all. Start off at the whimsical Dog Fountain in Berczy Park (yes, it’s real, and dogs love it), then head to the Royal Ontario Museum, where you’ll find everything from Indigenous art to dinosaur skeletons.
Next, you’ll explore the Distillery District, a historic area with cobblestone streets and old Victorian industrial buildings now filled with shops, galleries, and cafés. It’s a great place to pick up handmade chocolate, browse local design, or just enjoy the creative atmosphere and murals that line the walls.
Want to take it all in from above? Add the CN Tower edge walk to your day. You’ll walk along a secure platform outside the tower, over 1,100 feet up, with unbeatable views of the skyline and Lake Ontario. Whether you’re snapping photos or just observing it all, it’s a thrill you won’t forget.
7. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
As one of the oldest Great Lakes cities, Sault Ste. Marie is where history, water, and ingenuity come together. On the Soo Locks & Valley Camp Ship Tour, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the famous locks and watch giant freighters rise and fall as they pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, then step aboard the Valley Camp, a retired ore freighter now filled with exhibits on shipping, storms, and shipwrecks.
Back on land, the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Walk brings the past to life. Visit four National Historic Sites, see a totem pole carved by Ojibwe artists, and take in sweeping views from the Tower of History, which rises more than 200 feet above the riverfront. End the day by strolling along the waterfront path, where you can spot Canada just across the St. Marys River.
8. Thunder Bay, Ontario
Set on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is both a gateway Great Lakes destination and a hub for hands-on discovery. On the Amethyst Mining in the Great North tour, head into the hills to dig for your own semi-precious stones. You’ll learn about Ontario’s official gemstone and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir – no two pieces are alike.
Pay tribute to national hero Terry Fox at his inspiring monument, which overlooks the lake and marks the spot where his Marathon of Hope came to an end. It’s a moving reminder of determination and courage.
Round out your visit with a walk through the Thunder Bay Botanical Conservatory, where native plants and Indigenous art installations highlight the region’s deep-rooted cultural and ecological heritage.
9. Escanaba, Michigan
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc, Escanaba is a quaint Great Lakes town that combines small-town warmth with rich heritage and sweet surprises. On the Steeples & Sweets walking tour, you’ll stroll past historic church steeples and stop into local bakeries for pastries and chocolates, each paired with stories of community traditions and cherished family recipes.
To uncover the region’s industrial roots, take the Fayette Historic Townsite Day Trip. This preserved 19th-century iron-smelting village offers a glimpse into life during Michigan’s boom years. Walk through company homes, explore towering furnace ruins, and imagine the clang of industry in what now feels like a peaceful ghost town.
The tour wraps up with a hearty lunch at a restored general store café, where small-town hospitality is alive and well. Escanaba may be quiet – but it’s full of character.
10. Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
Tahquamenon Falls is one of the top Great Lakes destinations for nature lovers and waterfall chasers. On our Hiking Tahquamenon Falls excursion, you’ll walk along boardwalks above the amber-colored waters, feel the spray from the powerful Upper Falls, and continue on to the peaceful Lower Falls.
Along the way, your guide will explain why the water has a distinctive copper tint (tannins from nearby cedar swamps) and share stories of fur traders who once navigated these rivers. In summer, wildflowers brighten the trails, while autumn brings a vibrant display of changing leaves.
Tour the Great Lakes with Us
Planning a trip to the Great Lakes can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the region – that’s where Tour the Great Lakes comes in. As your trusted in-market receptive tour operator, we take care of every detail so you can focus on creating unforgettable experiences for your groups. With passionate local experts across more than 20 port cities, we offer tailored tours packed with history, flavor, and fun. Need a knowledgeable step-on guide? Our professional guides bring insider stories and flexible service, perfectly matching your itinerary and group’s interests. Partner with us today to deliver the most memorable Great Lakes journey your guests will talk about long after the trip ends.