Spanning Four States

Lake Michigan spans 22,300 square miles, making it the third-largest great lake by surface area. It borders four states: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The bustling cities of Chicago and Milwaukee are located along the lake's shoreline.

The name is derived from the word "mishigami", which comes from the Ojibwa tribe of Native Americans. It means large lake and is also where the state's name is believed to have come from.

Life on a Great Lake

Lake Michigan's size makes it the perfect lake for just about any kind of water sport or recreation. Boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, diving, and more.

There are plenty of parks, hiking areas, and wildlife preservation areas along Lake Michigan, making it an excellent place for nature lovers. Boat cruises and fishing excursions are a great way to explore the clear waters of Lake Michigan.

Living on Lake Michigan is truly an angler's dream. Fishing Lake Michigan provides some of the best fishing for steelhead, coho salmon, perch, chinook salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and walleye in the Midwest.

Depending on where you live along the coast, there are many large cities that you can visit to enjoy new sights, attractions, and entertainment. Chicago is one of the more famous towns along Lake Michigan's coast. It has many tasty restaurants, fun music, parks, nightlife, and museums to explore.

Explore Chicago

Time flies when you’re having fun. That’s why a day trip to the windy city feels like a breeze! Chicago is an iconic American city that offers something fun for everyone.

The Navy Pier, which offers a view of Lake Michigan, is a top attraction, offering plenty of boutique shops, quality restaurants, and seasonal exhibits. This 100-year-old pier also sparkles in the summer with its frequent firework nights.

Millennium Park is another popular outdoor location where guests and residents can take a walk or catch a concert. While you are there, make sure to spot what the locals refer to as “The Bean,” an impressive sculpture crafted by the Indian-born artist Anish Kapoor.

You cannot leave Chicago without a visit to the famous Art Institute of Chicago, which features 300,000 different artifacts. You can truly spend hours here!

To shop and take it easy, stroll through the Magnificent Mile, spanning 13 blocks and boasting 275 restaurants, 460 stores, and 60 hotels.

For a bird’s eye view of this magnificent city, ascend the John Hancock Center, a 100-story building that provides a breathtaking experience. If you are looking for a more immersive view, head over to the Sears Tower, a 108-story tall building that contains a scary glass box, daredevils can step into to see straight down to the bustling city below.

Lastly, make sure to catch a game at the historic Wrigley Field and indulge in some delicious deep-dish pizza. A trip to Chicago isn’t complete without it!

For the Lover of Nature

Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway or a fun-filled day full of lake sports, Lake Michigan is the perfect choice for anyone and everyone to enjoy!