Combine dynamic cities with sandy beaches, lakeside towns with peaceful shores, America’s Great Lakes are waiting to be explored.

America’s five Great Lakes are the largest system of freshwater on Earth. They are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Not only are they wonderful to behold, they are also easily reachable by car or motorbike. This article will guide you on the best route to take to explore America’s Great Lakes.

Guest / Sponsored post:
 

 

Preparation: International Driving Permit and Document Requirements

In order to travel to the States, you will need an ESTA for the USA. This is a mandatory travel authorisation which allows you to stay in the USA for up to 90 days per visit. An is also valid for two years, so you can also choose to split up your road trip to the USA over two visits.

It removes the requirements to go through the cumbersome visa application process. An ESTA does not require you to visit the embassy, but is instead applied for online via a digital application form.
 

 
You will also need a valid driving licence if driving in the USA. In addition, depending on the state, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Before packing your bags and heading out the door, you’ll need to apply for an IDP in your country of residence – you can’t obtain one once you arrive in the U.S. 
 

 

Discover America’s Great Lakes:

Lake Superior:

This is the largest of America’s Great Lakes, and it ranks as the second-largest lake in the world. Its area measures 563 kilometres long, 257 kilometres wide, and 149 metres to 406 metres deep. 
 

 
Let’s begin our road trip adventure in Duluth, Minnesota. This is a charming city is situated on the shore of Lake Superior. You can take in the pretty lake scenery while walking near the lake.

The seasons are particularly beautiful here. Experience summer boat trips,  Autumnal leaves, or large quantities of snow in the winter time.
 

 

Lake Michigan:

This is the third largest of America’s Great Lakes. Its area measures 494 km long, 190 km wide, and 85 metres to 281 metres deep. This is the only Great Lake that is located completely in the U.S.

After Duluth, let’s travel to Chicago, Illinois.
 

 
Chicago is a dynamic and interesting city. It is called the windy city, after all, so make you pack properly – a windbreaker jacket is always a good idea. There are many places to visit around the city, and of course there are many beachfront parks to enjoy Lake Michigan.
 

 

Lake Huron:

This is the second largest of the Great Lakes. Its area measures 332 km long, 295 km wide, and 59 metres to 295 metres deep. Next, we can make our way to Bay City, Michigan. While taking a stroll on the riverwalk piers overlooking Lake Huron, you can be enticed by many other activities, such as visiting the historic district and many parks throughout the city. 
 

 

Lake Erie:

This is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes. Its area measures 388 km long, 92 km wide, and 19-64 metres deep. Next up is Cleveland, Ohio.

You can enjoy visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and you can’t afford to miss the Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront. Here, you will experience peace and serenity along the Lake Erie shore.
 

 

Lake Ontario:

This is the fifth largest of the Great Lakes. Its area measures 311 km long, 85 km wide, and 86-244 metres deep. Finally, let’s end our trip in Rochester, New York. Between parks and museums, you will discover a plethora of activities to do here! Don’t forget to check out Ontario beach park to enjoy the lovely lake view.
 

 

Top Tip for visiting America’s great lakes:

The weather in the U.S. can vary significantly between different states, so make sure to check local weather and pack accordingly.

Exploring America’s Great Lakes will surely be an unforgettable experience. Combining a road trip with city stops is a fantastic way to discover them.

Make sure you don’t forget to apply for your ESTA before you go. This guest post was sponsored by E-Visa.
 

 

Like holidays in America? – See more here