Natural Wonders of the Great Lakes
Get to know the natural wonders of the Great Lakes and cruise through the breathtaking landmarks in North America. It took over 14,00 years of receding glaciers to create the deep fresh water Great Lakes of today. The lakes expand from the northern shores of Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence Seaway. Listed below are some of the most unique destinations you can experience while cruising the Great Lakes.
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
- Bruce Peninsula's Georgian Bay Lakeshore, Ontario
- Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan
- Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Kitch-iti-kipi Sleeping Bear Dunes Niagara Falls
APOSTLE ISLANDS NATIONAL LAKESIDE
Just off the Bayfield Peninsula in Northern Wisconsin you will find 22 Lake Superior islands known as the Apostle Islands. Over the years weather has turned this rock formation into a vast system of caves and trails across the islands allowing much to be explored.
BRUCE PENINSULA'S GEORGIAN BAY LAKESHORE
In between the Georgian Bay and Lake Superior you will find a 60 mile stretch of land known as the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. Hers is where you will find on the northeast side of the shore a distinct feature of the Bruce Peninsula, the world famous Grotto. This wonderfully preserved park offers a Yurt Experience that allows travelers to spend the night in these spacious retreats, comfortably accommodating 6 guests.
KITCH-ITI-KIPI
Also known as the Big Spring due to the chilly 45 degree chilly water that pumps over a 10,000 gallons of water each minute from the various crevices in the limestone rock. In the Chippewa language this spring has many meanings: The Great Water, The Roaring, The Blue Sky I See, Mirror of Heaven, Bubbling Spring and Big Cold Water. Located in the southern side of the Upper Peninsula you can find this fresh spring in the Palms Book State Park, Michigan.
NIAGARA FALLS
One of the largest waterfalls on the planet is located on the border of New York and Canada. Water rushes down from the four great Lakes to the west and then travels through the Niagara River towards Lake Ontario. Some of our Great Lakes Cruise Itineraries include a Hornblower Cruise experience, see our Victory Cruise Lines options itineraries that stop in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Here is a complete Map of Niagara Falls.
PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Michigan's Pictured Rocks is a 42 mile of Lake Superior coastline that features a remarkable trail system, known as the North Country Trail. For the adventurers at heart you can hike the trail, or view the coast on a kayak outing. There are also several cruise expeditions that will take you out on the water to view this beautiful Lake Superior shoreline.
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the Sleeping Bear hugs the northeast shore and includes the north and south Manitou islands. The park is known for its huge climbable dunes. You can also enjoy the beaches where the river meets the lake at Platte River Point. The Heritage Trails in the Sleeping Bear will take you through 19th century farmsteads and the forests in Port Oneida, Michigan.
Updates 11/18/20 - lls
