Behold One Of The Midwest's Most Stunning Lakes On This Scenic Road Trip
Lake Superior, the biggest of the Great Lakes, is so large that it is called an inland sea and is startlingly clear. In some spots, it's possible to see 100 feet down into the water, letting you catch glimpses of the many fish that live in its depths. Depending on when and where you go, the surrounding area might be dotted with orchids or buried under fresh snowfall, or the sky might be full of hawks soaring down to pull prey out of the lake. There's no wrong choice regarding how to observe Lake Superior, but The Lake Superior Circle Tourmay be the best choice. This incredible road trip takes you around the greatest of the Great Lakes, letting you see everything Superior offers.
You can't pass up the Lake Superior Circle Tour if you're looking for a stunning route for your perfect U.S. road trip. After admiring the lake's Canadian side in Ontario, you'll see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Midwest while driving through Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. You can circumvent the lake in four days, but if you want to have a relaxing trip and make sure to take in all the incredible views, you might choose to give yourself two weeks on the road.
Breathtaking views of Lake Superior in Michigan
While in Michigan, consider checking out Whitefish Point, a long peninsula that extends into Lake Superior. You can walk on the beach, admire the waves, watch the boats go by, observe Superior's oldest lighthouse in operation, and learn about this magnificent lake's treacherous history at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. You'll encounter many beautiful birds at Whitefish Point year-round. Still, if you visit the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in the spring, you'll be able to enjoy incredible views of flocks, including migrating hawks and owls soaring over Lake Superior.
Just thirty minutes away from Whitefish Point, you can treat yourself to the unbelievable sights of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, home to the largest waterfalls in Michigan. This is an opportunity to park the car, get out, stretch your legs, and take a hike — just make sure to follow all the safety tips if you're going on a solo hike, and keep an eye out for moose and bears!
To the west, you can visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, famous for the sandstone cliffs towering over the water. If you can't bear the idea of getting back in the car right away, you might want to reserve a campsite at Pictured Rocks's Twelvemile Beach Campground, which is right on the water. There, you can watch the sunset over the lake and wake up to the sound of its waves lapping at the shore.
Lakeside adventures in Wisconsin and Minnesota
Road trips involve a lot of time in the car, but the Lake Superior Circle Tour offers plenty of opportunities to get out of the vehicle, take a break from sitting, and get your heart racing. While passing through Wisconsin, you'll have the chance to see Lake Superior from the road and the water. If you're looking for a kayaking adventure in one of the Midwest's best national parks, consider the Apostle Islands. You can navigate this collection of rocky islands and sea caves on the Great Lake. However, Lake Superior can be hazardous, so if you don't have much practice, you might opt for a kayaking tour from a company like Lost Creek Adventures or Trek & Trail, where a guide can take you to all the most beautiful spots.
When you reach Minnesota, park your car at Tettegouche State Park and take in the views from the tall cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. If you're looking for an adventure, this area is a favorite of rock climbers. Even if you don't have experience climbing, you can still hike along the cliffs and look out at the water while catching glimpses of climbers scaling the rocks below.