Cruising Lake Michigan

Docking in the Chicago Loop offers cruisers the best that the third most populous city in the U.S. has to offer. Museums, parks, public art and a magnificent waterfront are just a shot walk from the marina. DuSable Harbor is adjacent to the Navy Pier, an iconic city landmark over 100 years old. Navy Pier has 50 acres of attractions for an authentic Chicago experience. Extending along the shoreline for 18 miles is the paved Lakefront Trail. Run, walk, bike or rollerblade with the waters of Lake Michigan on one side and green zones on the other. Go on an urban trek while traversing through several lakefront neighborhoods or just pick a spot off the trail to relax, picnic and enjoy the cityscape.

St. Joseph is nestled on the southern tip of what has been termed "The Riviera of the Midwest." This deepwater port town is a growing resort community, part of a "small town" chain stretching from the state line in a spectacular arc up along Lake Michigan. The lakeshore is peppered with remarkable sand dune formations and lined further inland with a lush countryside that produces some of the nation's finest orchards and vineyards. It is the largest non-citrus fruit growing region in the nation.

There's something very special about Saugatuck. It is home to Oval Beach, one of Conde' Nast Traveler's "Top 25 Beaches in the World" and recognized as USA Today's "Best Small Coastal Town”. Saugatuck is located along the Kalamazoo River. The best way to reach the beach is to cross the narrow river by the Chain Ferry, first built in 1838. It is hand cranked and the ride takes only five minutes. From there, climb the 282 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead, a forested sand dune with spectacular views. Descend the pleasant sloping western side of this large dune to experience the pleasures of Oval Beach on Lake Michigan.

South Manitou Island is part of an island chain that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac. This island features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of pebble beaches and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years. The Manitou Passage State Underwater Preserve was established in 1988 to conserve the historic and archeological value of over fifty known shipwreck sites, dating from 1835 to 1960. Just off South Manitou Island there are the five shipwrecks, in shallow water, easily accessible by scuba divers.

Fishtown is Leland’s major attraction. This old working waterfront for commercial fishing operations included net-mending sheds, icehouses, smoke houses, and storage. It has now been transformed into a tourist destination. Many of the original weathered fishing shanties now house small shops along the mouth of the Leland River, as it flows into Lake Michigan. A wonderful way to spend the day is exploring the unique shopping opportunities and restaurants of Fishtown.

The village of Suttons Bay lies midway up the eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has a quality all of its own, with nature trails and a historic shopping district. The Leelanau Peninsula is home to two dozen vineyards and wineries all open for tours and tastings. Follow the Peninsula Wine Trail and sample the fare to your heart’s content.

Golfing and bicycling are popular activities while visiting Harbor Springs, but it is the unparalleled shopping experience that is the biggest draw. Fine art galleries, unique apparel stores, intimate gift boutiques and local specialty shops abound along the waterfront and nearby streets.

In the mid-1850’s Irish fisherman from around the Great Lakes and as far away as County Donegal in Ireland, came to Beaver Island. As Irish immigration increased, Beaver Island became known as “America’s Emerald Isle”. Gaelic was spoken in church and even in everyday conversations. Today, the Shamrock Restaurant and Pub, Donegal Danny’s Pub, and McDonough’s Market help to reminisce about the island’s Irish heritage.

Located on the Garden Peninsula, the Fayette Historic Townsite harkens back to the mid-1800’s when iron ore was mined in the Upper Peninsula. It once was a bustling industrial community that manufactured charcoal pig iron for economical shipping to the Great Lakes steel companies. Today the blast furnaces, charcoal kilns and residences have been turned into an interpretive museum.

Washington Island is popular for its tranquil landscapes and laid-back way of life. Don’t miss a visit to the stunning wooden stavkirke church, constructed by hand by local craftsmen and based on a 12th-century Norwegian structure.

Founded by farmers, lumberjacks and fisherman, Fish Creek is a small, walkable village with tree-lined streets that’s a wonderful place to spend a few days. Since 1935, the Peninsula Players Theater Company has been bringing top-notch plays and performances to the area. It’s said to be the oldest professional resident summer theater in the country.

Sturgeon Bay is the regional hub and has a vibrant nautical heritage. Don't miss the Door County Maritime Museum, the 20,000-square-foot waterfront space features the John Purves, a restored 1919 red tug, plus exhibits about the Great Lakes’ haunted lighthouses and Sturgeon Bay’s World War II shipbuilding boom.

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is the main reason to visit Manitowoc. And the museum’s jewel in the crown is the USS Cobia, a World War II US Navy submarine. The Cobia has been fully restored from stem to stern. Take the tour and see the bunks where men slept above torpedoes, learn why most of the crew showered with their clothes on and hear why submariners were the best-fed members of the military.

Port Washington has one of the largest charter fishing fleets on the Great Lakes, and is the home of Fish Day, billed as the "World's Largest One Day Outdoor Fish Fry". Main Street is the port’s historic downtown district with the feel of New England. Ample dining, entertainment and shopping possibilities are available for the most tireless visitor.