The cities surrounding the Great Lakes can be exciting places to explore. Whether you want to hit the hiking trails or enjoy the water, these can be epic spots to visit.

If you’re having trouble deciding where to go for your next traveling adventure, these may be options worth considering. You can make priceless memories and have an unforgettable time.

Today, we’re sharing the best cities on the Great Lakes. Ready to dive into the waters?

Let’s get started!

The Great Lakes are five connected freshwater lakes in North America. They combine to form the world’s largest group of freshwater lakes by surface area. They’re a natural border between the United States and Canada throughout some sections of the border.

Many refer to them as the acronym H.O.M.E.S. The acronym stands for Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. They’re an incredible natural spectacle that you need to see. Not only are they easy on the eyes, but they provide habitats for plants and animals, as well as the fishing industry. People flock to their beaches each summer to soak in the sun and cool off.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to hit up some of the Great Lakes this summer, be sure to check out These Campgrounds in Wisconsin!

Deciding when to visit the Great Lakes can be a tough choice. Visiting during the summer months can be a great option, especially if you enjoy aquatic activities. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. However, it’s also the busiest time of year for these lakes.

Another solid option to consider is during the fall. Seeing the fall foliage in this neck of the woods is spectacular. In some places, the leaves reflect off the surface of the water. If you’ve never experienced fall foliage, prepare yourself. It’s a thing of beauty that can leave you speechless.

So, what cities should you visit to experience the Great Lakes? We’ve found 10 fantastic options worth considering. Let’s take a look!

The first of our ten Great Lake cities you need to experience is Traverse City, Michigan. This Northern Michigan city is approximately two hours south of the famous Mackinac Island. Traverse City is an excellent spot for anyone looking to spend time outdoors.

One of its biggest attractions is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. These breathtaking dunes are perfect for sledding, sandboarding, and working out. The views from atop these dunes are phenomenal.

If you can plan your trip right, Traverse City hosts the National Cherry Festival each summer. It flexes its muscles and shows why it’s the World’s Cherry Capital. Although, there’s more than dunes and cherries in Traverse City.

Over the years, the area has also grown its reputation for wineries. The Old Mission Peninsula has some of the best wineries in the region. There’s no better way to enjoy a sunset than atop a dune with a glass of local wine.

Door County, Wisconsin, is one of the most picture-perfect spots in the country. Its more than 300 miles of shoreline sit on the western shore of Lake Michigan. If you’re a water lover, you’ll want to add Door County to your travel plans.

Kayaking, fishing, and boat tours are popular, with easy access to the lake. You can explore Peninsula State Park, its lush forests, and impressive hiking trails. Head to Eagle Bluff and sit and get lost in its epic view.

As with many great lake cities on our list, Fall in Door County is out of this world. Many flock to the region in late summer for the cherry festival and in autumn for the bright colors of the leaves. This spot is hard to capture in words or pictures. You have to see it in person.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is slightly over three hours south of Door County, Wisconsin. This is another city that sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Being on the water makes it a hub for activities, especially during the summer.

The city is home to the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Milwaukee Public Market. These are two iconic places in the city and are always a fun experience. The Historic Third Ward district of the city combines history and contemporary art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a perfect combination of the old and new coming together.

If any Midwest city knows how to do beer, it’s Milwaukee. The city takes pride in its German heritage and hosts an annual Oktoberfest. In addition, you’ll find many historic breweries with facilities in the area. As a result, it developed the nickname “beer city.” A nickname like that says all you need to know about this city. We’ll see you there!

While you can drive to all other cities on our list, that’s impossible with Mackinac Island. You must trade your motor vehicle for a horse-drawn carriage or bicycle. Despite this, this island, surrounded by Lake Huron, is incredibly luxurious.

No trip to Mackinac Island is complete without visiting the Grand Hotel. This majestic hotel has 388 uniquely decorated rooms. It’s hosted multiple presidents, famous author Mark Twain, and inventor Thomas Edison.

You can explore the island and appreciate the Victorian architecture in the buildings and shops. Don’t miss your chance to stop and try Mackinac Island fudge. It’s one of the most popular treats on the entire island. Take the opportunity to step back and treat your tastebuds to some of the best fudge you’ll ever taste.

Approximately 50 miles south of Mackinac Island is the Great Lake city of Petoskey, Michigan. This charming city is most notable for the stones found along its beaches. These remarkable fossilized coral rocks are highly coveted and are unique keepsakes for visitors.

While in town, visit the Gaslight District. It’s a hub of boutique shops, galleries, and some of the best dining spots in town. The entire district has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. There’s a good chance you’ll feel right at home and want to extend your stay.

If you want to get out and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities. Petoskey State Park has some incredible beaches, dunes, and crystal-clear waters. You’ll find many opportunities to hike, bike, and enjoy the views.

One of the main attractions for Petoskey is the famous Tunnel of Trees. This scenic drive is breathtaking, especially in the fall. The road winds from Harbor Springs just north of Petoskey to Cross Village. It takes approximately an hour to complete, but longer if you stop or encounter traffic. Do yourself a favor and allow plenty of time so you’re not in a hurry.

Copper Harbor is about as far north as you can get in Michigan. It sits near the tip of the Upper Peninsula (UP). It’s a remote and rugged city that’s ripe for exploring. With such rough terrain, it’s perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.

Many visitors flock to the Copper Harbor Trail System. This is approximately 40 miles of rugged trails. Exploring these backcountry trails can be an exhilarating experience, whether you’re on two wheels or feet.

The Brockway Mountain Drive is your best option if you’re looking for less adventure. This scenic drive is approximately 9.5 miles long and is the highest point above sea level between the Rockies and Alleghenies. It’s one of the best views in the entire state. If you time it right, you can hit the jackpot and catch an unforgettable sunset.

Cleveland, Ohio, sits on the southern shore of Lake Erie. It’s a diverse city with an electric reputation. It’s the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year. See some of the most iconic memorabilia from the biggest names in rock music.

If you’re looking for fewer guitar or drum solos, the Cleveland Museum of Art is the place to go. Additionally, the city offers the West Side Market, where you can experience flavors from around the world. 

Many visitors enjoy soaking in the sights and sounds at the Cleveland Flats East Bank. Edgewater Park makes it easy to grab a bite to eat, go for a stroll, and enjoy activities along the edge of the lake.

Other great spots are the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and the Playhouse Square theater district. These are great options for family-friendly attractions. To attract visitors, the city does a great job blending its history, culture, and lakefront access.

Approximately 200 miles eastward along I-90 is another of the best Great Lake cities, Buffalo, New York. Most people think of the famous Niagara Falls when they think of this city. You can take a boat tour and get an up-close look at the impressive forces generated by these incredible falls. On the other hand, Niagara Falls isn’t all Buffalo has to see or do.

The city sits along the eastern shore of Lake Erie. It combines history, architecture, and waterfront charm to appeal to visitors. The canalside district is full of maritime heritage and offers a variety of boat tours. Concerts and other outdoor activities are typical along the Buffalo River, especially in the summer.

Sault Ste. Marie, often called “the Soo,” sits on the border between Ontario, Canada, and Michigan. One of the biggest reasons to visit this city is to witness the Soo Locks.

It’s a marvel of engineering that allows ships to bypass the St. Mary’s River safely and efficiently travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. You can watch as massive boats navigate these locks.

You can visit the city’s Tower of History and learn about its incredible heritage. It offers information on the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the land for generations before Europeans came to settle it. 

Want to take your adventures across the border? Toronto is one of the best Great Lake cities on the Canadian side. It’s a lively city with various cultures, cuisines, and traditions. People from all over the world are moving to Toronto to call it home.

If you enjoy cultural experiences, visit Chinatown. It’s one of the largest and oldest of its kind in North America. You’ll find colorful storefronts, street vendors, and numerous restaurants, shops, and markets. With many people moving from China to Toronto, you can get authentic-tasting food without the long flight.

Now that you’ve discovered 10 of the best cities to visit in the Great Lakes, which ones will you see first? Unfortunately, to experience all of them, it’s going to take some time. Regardless, they’re all worth visiting. Take your time exploring them and enjoying time on the lakes. There’s so much to see and do in these cities that you’ll likely want to return again and again.