Activities & Events To Do During Your Visit To The Great Lakes

If you’re planning a trip to the Great Lakes Region in North America, you’ll want to prepare a long list of things to do beforehand.

Otherwise, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed with choosing between the many appealing activities and events here. From sporting/entertainment events to relaxing vacation spots to historical sites to recreational activities, the Great Lakes states and the Canadian Province of Ontario offer countless ways to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Here is a guide on what to do during your vacation to the Great Lakes.

Online/In-Person Gambling & Sporting Events

The states of Illinois, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan have emerged as world leaders in the in-person and online/mobile betting industry. Even just a year ago, Ontario became the first Canadian province to launch licensed sportsbooks.

Locally regulated Michigan Online gambling is one entertainment option that differentiates Michigan from most US states. The many available sportsbooks in Michigan allow residents and visitors to place sports bets and/or play their favorite online casino games (poker, blackjack, slots, roulette, etc.) through the simple taps of their phones.

There is no shortage of sporting events to enjoy around the Great Lakes Region in North America. At any given time of the year, there are multiple professional and prominent collegiate teams playing.

Take the city of Toronto, for example. The NHL’s Maple Leafs and NBA’s Raptors are winding down their respective 2022-23 regular seasons, but both clubs look poised to make the postseason.

Even if you don’t have a chance to check out a Maple Leafs or Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena, the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball will be playing throughout the summer and into fall.

Chicago sports fans won’t be able to celebrate the Blackhawks’ return to the postseason, and the Bulls will need a hot finish to sneak into the NBA play-in tournament. But the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball commence their 2023 seasons next month. And of course, the NFL’s Chicago Bears will commence their 2023 season in September.

The NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and NBA’s Pistons are winding down disappointing 2022-23 seasons, but there is some buzz around the MLB’s Tigers and the NFL’s Lions — who are coming off their first winning season in five years.

Ohio has MLB’s Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians, the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns as well as the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.

You don’t even have to be a passionate sports fan to enjoy the experience of a big-league game in the Great Lakes region.

Stay At Mackinac Island In Lake Huron

If you’re a lover of nature and relaxing vacation getaways, Mackinac Island on Lake Huron in Michigan is just for you.

Mackinac Island itself has a population of roughly 600 residents, but the location brings in close to one million visitors annually. Mackinac Island is on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the National Historic Landmark District.

Those who love boating and swimming can enjoy a day out on the inviting waters of Mackinac Island. Nature lovers will also want to check out the beautiful Arch Rock site and enjoy a walk through the Mackinac Island State Park.

For history fanatics, there is no shortage of exciting events to enjoy during your stay here. Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel Stable Carriage & Museum, the Stuart House Museum, and the Mission House are just a handful of the many prominent historic sites located on the island.

Visit Toronto’s CN Tower

If you’re an avid watcher of modern movies and television shows, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted Toronto’s CN Tower in the background.

From 1975 to 2007, the CN Tower held the record for the world’s tallest building at 1,815 feet. The Burf Khalifa in Dubai has since taken over the record as the world’s tallest building, measuring at 2,722 feet in height.

Located in downtown Toronto, the CN Tower gives patrons a beautiful view of the city and Lake Ontario from above.

The tower is home to the popular 360 Restaurant, a revolving restaurant that does a full rotation every 72 minutes. This is the ideal place to enjoy a quality meal while getting a breathtaking view of Canada’s biggest city, and you’ll always get your money’s worth here.