Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the U.S. Measuring over 300 miles long, in excess of 100 miles wide and with a shoreline just under 1,650 miles, it is hardly surprising that I struggle to remember that it is a lake due to its sheer scale. It doesn’t help that when enjoying the views or taking photographs there is never any sign of the other side!

In the 19th century, Lake Michigan played a major role in the development of Chicago and the Midwestern US, west of the lake. Over 90% of the grain shipped from Chicago traveled east over Lake Michigan only falling after the Civil War and the expansion of the railroads.

Today, some 12 million people live along Lake Michigan’s shores, mainly in the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. The economy of many communities in northern Michigan are heavily supported by tourism, with large seasonal populations attracted by the lake. Seasonal residents often own summer homes along the waterfront and return home for winter.

Although we have only been here since Monday evening, we are already very smitten with what we have seen. In chatting to locals we believe that we are now in a pretty under-developed area compared to some of the other locations to the north where we will stay in the coming weeks.

Unsalted! All the Great Lakes are fresh water.

Mike and I enjoyed the day taking in the views on our scenic drive.