From New York to Wisconsin, the Great Lakes’ shoreline includes hundreds of family beach getaways for watersports, fishing and outdoor adventure.
The Great Lakes of the United States and Canada make up one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water. Between them all: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario (heading west to east), there are almost 11,000 miles of shoreline and some great family beaches, some perfect for tiny travelers.
Geologically, the impressive Great Lakes region developed from the glaciers that moved across North America during the Ice Age. The Seaway Trail, a National Scenic Byway along the coast of Lake Erie, is a prime example of a glacial landscape shaped by wind and water. In a typical Midwest winter, the Arctic-like frozen landscapes of Lake Michigan (where waves freeze into “ice shelves”) and Lake Huron welcome active families who are into ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Look, Boat, but Don’t Swim Beaches
In summer, the lakes come to life with beach-goers. Spring and fall belong to the anglers who come to catch the bass, trout and pike among the estimated 180 species of fish. From dense evergreen forests to cultivated plains, rocky shorelines and thousands of small lakes, these regions host more than 130 rare species and ecosystems. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, beaver, moose and a variety of birds. Yet it’s the shoreline, waterfront and sand dunes that attract most families.
Unfortunately, the combination of populous cities and over-development throughout the Great Lakes has had an adverse effect on the lakes’ cleanliness, especially on the warmest lakes used for swimming. The EPA and environmental groups work constantly to monitor the condition of these critical freshwater resources, which continue to be damaged by toxic waste, air pollution and the introduction of invasive species. Before you plan a visit, be sure to check with local tourist offices regarding water quality.
Favorite Great Lakes Beaches
Despite the pollution, the lakes are so large (they contain 95% of the United States’ fresh water) that they continue to support an unusual diversity of flora and fauna. That’s why the Great Lakes remain an attractive recreation area for families in the Midwest and south central Canada who enjoy watersports such as kayaking and canoeing, and biking, hiking and camping in the wilderness.
Here are some of our favorite Great Lakes beach getaways for the family in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, New York, and Wisconsin.
Ohio’s Put-In Bay & Lake Erie Islands
Generations of Ohio families have spent their summers on Put-In-Bay, a charming island of Victorian homes and B&Bs in Lake Erie. Many visitors, surprised that Erie is large enough to have waves, hop on a highspeed ferry for the day, rent a bike, and explore.
Put-in-Bay has a pretty town square with some restaurants, small dark sand beach coves for swimming, and excellent fishing, hiking and biking. Don’t miss Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, which commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, which established peace with Britain and Canada. Neighboring Kelleys Island, more distant, is much less developed. Visit the site of Discover Ohio for more information on these Lake Erie Islands.
New York’s Association Island & Lake Ontario
One FTF reader wrote us about happy summers spent on Association Island, a small Lake Ontario island near Watertown, New York. Although it’s only about 65 square-miles in size, the island has been at times a Native American meeting place and a French colony for traders from Canada. At the turn of the 20th century, it was bought by General Electric as a company retreat, and later sold to the YMCA.
A private owner turned the whole island into an RV park and campground and it recently became a KOA campground. Due to its isolated location in Henderson Harbor, NY, and windy climate, the island has been used by U.S. Olympic sailing teams for training, and is still popular for sailing and watersports. The KOA 1,000 Islands Campground has more than 300 RV sites, many on the water; tent sites, a marina, and five rustic, furnished cabins that sleep a family of four for less than $160 per night. It’s open annually from May to October.
Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan
Michiganders love to head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a beautiful quiet beach on Lake Michigan where the water is so gentle and shallow that it’s relatively warm — a perfect place to introduce tots to splashing in the water.
Lake Michigan is home to the world’s largest freshwater dunes. Newcomers should stop by the Hart Visitor Center in Empire for maps and information on the Great Dunes and where to climb them. Marching uphill in the sand is fun and guaranteed to tire out your kids quicker than anything.
Afterwards, pile into the car for a seven-mile drive along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Trail and admire the views of Lake Michigan and Lake Glen. Families with teens looking for action may prefer Traverse City, also on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but a much more developed tourist town, especially on summer weekends. Pure Michigan, the state’s travel division, will provide maps, itinerary suggestions and information about camping or hotels.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore & Lake Michigan
On the western coast of Lake Michigan in Indiana, look for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore where 15,000 acres of beach, sand dunes, bog and wetlands are used for recreation by more than 3 million visitors annually.
In Porter County around Chesterton, families flock to Indiana Dunes State Park, a subset of three miles along Lake Michigan’s south shore where unusual drifting sand hills make for a beautiful day at the beach.
You’ll find a beach pavilion with bathhouses and a snackbar, and lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This state park has campsites in use three seasons, since many visitors come for birding after the summer. In late fall, surfers come out to enjoy the waves whipped by falling temperatures. All year round, families can engage in the local Three Dune Challenge, a 1.5 mile climbing course that’s much harder than it sounds. For more information, visit Indiana Tourism.
Wisconsin’s Whitefish Dunes State Park & Lake Michigan
Warm and welcoming, Lake Michigan is also the source of much fun on the east side of Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula. Flanked by Green Bay to the west and protected by 10 lighthouses, Door County has a myriad of touristy activities, ranging from boating around Green Bay’s harbors, to beaching, five state parks and shopping for antiques, to satisfy all ages and interests.
Cherries and apricots are found at farm stands in summer, and celebrated at seasonal festivals.
The relatively small (865 acres) Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay is the busiest one in the state and the focus of many summer activities. Rimmed with a forest of beech trees, the dunes are a fine white sand ideal for sand castle building. The park has a boardwalk where power walkers and those pushing strollers can circle Clark Lake and watch the ducks, or watch for wildlife at Old Baldy or Whitefish Creek.
Year round programs for all ages include a tour of the remains of eight Native American villages within the park, and naturalist-led walks along the many trails. The Travel Wisconsin office has more information about accommodations and sightseeing.
For more information about the Great Lakes and other sights to see, check out the Great Lakes Information Network.
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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.