When it comes to small-ship cruises, the top destination choice of travelers is the Great Lakes region. These include a series of interlinked freshwater deep lakes in east-central North America. The Great Lakes of North America include Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. The voyages to and along these lakes in North America offer a wonderful alternative to the pricey river and ocean cruises.
A Great Lakes cruise offers countless enticing adventures with alluring destinations, exquisite landscapes, luxurious on-board experiences, and beautifully designed littoral experiences that are just as good as large ship cruises across the Atlantic Ocean. The best part about these cruises is that you get to explore the beautiful countryside and small towns near the lakes. If a person cruises the Great Lakes, they will get to see several of the following scenic villages and towns.
Kalkaska, Michigan
Kalkaska is a calm and quaint village located on an extensive plateau in Northern Michigan. The village is home to exquisite farmland and flat hills. With the Boardman River running through the village, the region has warm and humid summers and severely cold winters. The village is widely known for the craft show it conducts in winter known as the Kalkaska Winterfest. The show exhibits local talent of northern Michigian.
Long Point National Wildlife Area, Canada
The northern side of Lake Erie is home to a sandy peninsula called the Long Point National Wildlife Area. Though the region is very undeveloped, the natural treasures it houses take your breath away. With more than 300 distinct bird species, the area is a sanctuary for migratory birds. Additionally, it is one of the most prominent staging grounds for waterfowl on the continent.
Kincardine, Canada
Kincardine is located on the eastern coast of Lake Huron. Known for its Scottish heritage, the town hosts a parade and concert by Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band every Saturday during the summer. It is a perfect getaway to the Bruce Peninsula, the Sunshine Coast, and the Cottage Country. It offers a multitude of recreational activities including boating, skating, swimming etc. It is a paradise for beach lovers with a lighthouse that perches beautifully on the coast. Kincardine is home to over 40 parks, 21 playgrounds, and multi-use trails for strolling, hiking, cycling etc.
Copper Harbor
Copper Harbor is a scenic beach town nestled on the northernmost shores of Lake Superior at the American side. It is mostly known for its historic locations, scenic drives, natural wonders, and lightning shows. As the Upper Peninsula is more famous for its mountainous terrains than for its beach towns, the region offers exceptional riding experience of all levels. It offers a wide range of trails and terrains suited for hiking, biking, and skiing. If you get enough time to spend an entire afternoon in the town, you can make a 30-minute drive to Eagle River for Fitzgerald’s, a restaurant located on the shores of Lake Superior. At the Fitz’s, you can enjoy a perfect smokehouse barbecue and rare craft beers and whiskeys.
