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Lake Michigan Cruises

About Lake Michigan

lake michigan great lakes cruises
Lake Michigan is the second largest of America’s Great Lakes, and the only Great Lake that isn’t split between the Canadian and the U.S. territories. This lake is surrounded by the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This means it’s location is entirely under the U.S. territory. This body of water is a part of the world’s largest freshwater group of lakes, holding up to 1,180 cubic miles of water. Its surface area is 22,404 square miles (with an average depth of 279 ft), including the area of the small bay attached to the lake across the Strait of Mackinac. Its primary inflows include the Grand River, Fox River, and Menominee River. Water residence of Lake Michigan goes up to 99 years, then water travels through Chicago River and Calumet River to continue its journey. The water trajectory flow goes as follows: from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan, to Lake Huron, all the way to Lake Erie, then Lake Ontario, and finally ends up in the Atlantic Ocean. Lake Michigan is home to many iconic ports of call for Great Lakes Cruises and famous islands.

Lake Michigan’s History

lake michigan cruises to chicago il
Lake Michigan was formed about 1.2 billion years ago as a result of the separation of two tectonic plates that caused the Mid-Continental Rift. It was home to the Hopewell Indians, then the Late Woodland Indians. The word “Michigan” means “michi-gami” in the Objiwe language, which means “great water.” The lake was then discovered around 1634 by the European explorer Jean Nicolet. Lake Michigan and the Strait of Mackinac was an important fur trade route. Multiple forts were also reconstructed around the area, as well as an important military base (Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island). The lake has played a major role in the development of the cities around it, such as Chicago. 

Lake Michigan’s Economy

lake michigan cruise destinations
Commercial and sports fishing are two of the strongest economic activities from the area. The prime commercial fish of Lake Michigan is lake whitefish. Lake Michigan is also a primary hub for shipping bulk goods. Tourism has detonated over the past years, with a big boost from Great Lakes cruising and small ship excursions. The lake is home to some of the most popular ports of call, with all kinds of scenery and options for a various number of activities. Each port offers rich culture and history, breathtaking nature, must-see landmarks, unique beaches, and beautiful sunsets. 

Lake Michigan’s Ecosystems

lake michigan cruises nature
Lake Michigan’s fauna has gone through several changes throughout the years. It was originally home to lake whitefish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and lake trout. Multiple invasive species were introduced into the lake during the Welland Canal alterations. These species were reproducing at a faster rate than the original species. As a result, several predator species of fish were introduced to solve this issue and it turned out really well. Lake Michigan is also home to lots of migratory birds. 

Lake Michigan’s flora is made up of coastal fens and harbors, sand prairies, boreal forests, and oak savannas. Lake Michigan’s large surface area and perimeter allows all these different ecosystems to grow due to location and climate conditions. The biodiversity around this lake is rich and unique, and authorities are trying to preserve it by regulating the industrial activity of the region to avoid over polluting this magnificent body of water.

Cruise Lines with Lake Michigan Itineraries

  • Victory Cruise Lines
  • Viking Expedition Cruises
  • Pearl Seas Cruises​

Great Lakes Library

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​To explore more of the Great Lakes, from their histories to their myths and mysteries, visit our hand-curated Great Lakes Cruise Library.
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  • Imperial
  • Metric
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Lake Michigan
​By the Numbers

Elevation
578 ft
Surface Area
22,300 mi²
Drainage Area
45,600 mi²
Volume of Water
1,180 mi³
Avg Depth
279 ft
Max Depth
925 ft
Length (N-S)
307 mi
Length (E-W)
118 mi
Length of Shoreline
1,638 mi
Avg Surface Temp
46º F
Retention Time
191 years
Avg Outflow
71,000 ft³/s
Read more on the "Physical Features of the Great Lakes" from the EPA ​.

Lake Michigan
By the Numbers

Elevation
176 m
Surface Area
57,800 km²
Drainage Area
118,000 km²
Volume of Water
4,920 km³
Avg Depth
85 m
Max Depth
282 m
Length (N-S)
494 km
Length (E-W)
190 km
Length of Shoreline
2,633 km
Avg Surface Temp
8º C
Retention Time
191 years
Avg Outflow
2000 m³/s
Read more on the "Physical Features of the Great Lakes" from the EPA ​.

Ports of Call in Lake Michigan

Green Bay, WI
Green Bay has a lot of rich history to offer. Visit the National Railroad Museum, and the Heritage Hill State Historical Park. Stop by the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, and the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary to immerse yourself into nature. 

Milwaukee, WI
Visit the Great Lakes Distillery, one of the top attractions in the area. While in Milwaukee, make sure you stop at some of the most iconic museums in America: The Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Public Museum. The North Point Lighthouse is also a landmark you can’t miss while in town!

Chicago, IL
With a mix of urbanity, nature, and adventure, Chicago offers some of the most spectacular experiences around the Great Lakes. This port of call is home to the world-known Chicago Bean, the Navy Pier, and the Millenium Park. Other attractions include the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. It is such a wholesome port of call to experience.

Muskegon, MI
Experience this lovely port of call with its picturesque beaches, and calm atmosphere. You won’t want to miss the Lakeshore Museum Center while you’re in town. Muskegon is home to the Pere Marquette Beach, which is popular among surfers, cyclists, and runners (Lakeshore Trail). 

Grand Haven/Holland, MI
Get to know the historic Downtown of Holland, and if you’re lucky enough to be around during the Tulip Time Festival (May), this is a must! Visit the Windmill Island Gardens, which are also iconic from the area, or visit the State Park Beach. Holland’s Dutch cultural identity will amaze you.

Mackinac Island, MI
Mackinac Island, located right between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, is a tourist favorite. Over 80% of this charming island is a State Park, filled with nature and trails to discover. A fun fact about this port of call is that automotive transportation is banned. Also, some buildings have been restored to their original 1800s appearance. This gives Mackinac Island a unique, old school feel. Take a Carriage Tour and explore all the many historic sites and museums in the area.

Traverse City, MI
Discover the “Cherry Capital of the World,” and taste some award winning wines. Discover the sand dunes, beaches, and clear waters of this magical city. Hike the Sleeping Bear Dunes or the Pyramid Point. Don’t forget to stop by the restaurants in town, Traverse City is well-known for its emerging culinary scene.

Explore All Our Destinations on Lake Michigan

Chicago, Illinois Cruises
Green Bay, Wisconsin Cruises
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  • Cruise the Great Lakes
    • Lake Erie Cruises
    • Lake Huron Cruises
    • Lake Michigan Cruises
    • Lake Superior Cruises
    • Lake Ontario Cruises
    • St. Lawrence Seaway Cruises
    • New England Cruises
    • Great Lakes Attractions
  • Great Lakes Cruise Lines
    • American Queen Voyages
    • Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
    • Pearl Seas Cruises
    • Ponant Explorers Cruises
    • Seabourn Cruises
    • Silversea Cruises
    • St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
    • Viking Expedition Cruises
    • Windstar Cruises
  • Cruise Itineraries
    • Great Lakes Cruise Itineraries >
      • American Queen Itineraries >
        • American Queen 16 Day - Chicago Roundtrip (2023-2024)
        • American Queen 13 Day - Montreal to Chicago (2023-2024)
        • American Queen 11 Day - Montreal to Detroit (2023)
        • American Queen 11 Day - Toronto to Chicago (2023-2024)
      • Pearl Seas Itineraries >
        • Pearl Seas 12 Day - Great Lakes & Georgian Bay (2022-2023)
        • Pearl Seas 8 Day - Great Lakes Cruise (2022-2023)
      • Ponant Itineraries >
        • Ponant 8 Day - Voyage Along the Great Lakes with Smithsonian Journeys (2022-2023
        • Ponant 8 Day - Great Lakes of North America (2022-2023)
      • Viking Itineraries >
        • Viking 15 Day - Great Lakes Collection Cruise (2023)
        • Viking 8 Day - Great Lakes Explorer Cruise (2022)
        • Viking 8 Day - Niagara & the Great Lakes Cruise (2022)
        • Viking 8 Day - Undiscovered Great Lakes Cruise (2022)
    • Canada & St. Lawrence Cruise Itineraries >
      • Pearl Seas 16 Day - Canadian Maritime & St Lawrence Seaway (2022-2023)
      • Pearl Seas 11 Day - Canada & New England Fall Foliage (2022-2023)
      • Ponant 13 Day - St Lawrence River to the American East Coast
      • Viking 16 Day - Canada & the Atlantic Coastline (2023)
      • Viking 13 Day - Canadian Discovery Cruise (2022)
      • Windstar 12 Day - Southeast Canadian Explorations (2022-2023)
    • Canada & New England Cruise Itineraries >
      • American Queen 11 Day - Montreal to Boston (2022-2024)
      • American Queen 9 Day - Boston to St John (2022-2023)
  • Engage an Expert
  • Great Lakes Cruise Ships
    • American Queen | Ocean Voyager & Ocean Navigator
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    • Viking | Expedition Cruise Ships
  • Destinations
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