Things to do in Great Lakes Region
Discover the best attractions and experiences Great Lakes Region has to offer
Historic Monuments
Iconic historic sites and landmarks that tell the story of the Great Lakes region.
Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
A towering monument in downtown Indianapolis honoring Hoosier veterans, a landmark of civic pride and architecture.
The Rookery Building
Chicago's famed early skyscraper known for its light court and Burnham-era design influence.
Union Station (Chicago)
A grand Beaux-Arts railroad terminal that serves as a historic gateway to the city.
Museums
A curated set of must-visit museums spanning art, industry, and culture across the Great Lakes.
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class collection with Impressionist masterpieces and iconic architecture in downtown Chicago.
The Henry Ford
A vast complex in Dearborn featuring the Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland's landmark museum celebrating the history and impact of rock music.
Milwaukee Public Museum
Dynamic natural and cultural history exhibits showcasing regional and global stories.
Religious Monuments
Architectural gems and sacred spaces that anchor communities across the region.
Basilica of Saint Mary (Minneapolis)
A striking downtown Minneapolis Catholic basilica renowned for its architecture and liturgy.
Basilica of St. Josaphat (Milwaukee)
An opulent 19th-century church with ornate interiors and candlelit ambience.
Cathedral of Saint Paul (St. Paul)
Majestic Mississippi River–adjacent cathedral offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
National & Theme Parks
National parks and classic theme parks that define outdoor and adrenaline-minded fun in the region.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Coastal dunes, beaches, and diverse habitats along Lake Michigan with easy hikes.
Isle Royale National Park
Remote island wilderness in Lake Superior ideal for hiking, boating, and stargazing.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Dramatic sand dunes and shoreline scenery along Lake Michigan's northwestern coast.
Cedar Point
Iconic Sandusky theme park famous for world-class roller coasters and entertainment.
Neighborhoods
Vibrant districts that showcase local flavor, architecture, and culture across major cities.
The Loop (Chicago)
Downtown Chicago’s business and cultural hub with striking skylines and iconic architecture.
Lincoln Park (Chicago)
Lush residential area by the lake with parks, zoos, and charming streets.
Wicker Park (Chicago)
Trendy, artsy neighborhood known for cafes, boutiques, and live music venues.
University Circle (Cleveland)
Cultural district home to museums, universities, and distinctive 19th-century architecture.
Free Things to Do
No-entry-fee adventures and scenic experiences across the Great Lakes region.
Millennium Park (Chicago)
Public art, open spaces, and free performances in a centerpiece of the city.
Chicago Riverwalk
A scenic along-the-river promenade with great views, walking, and people-watching.
Public Square (Cleveland)
Historic central square with green spaces, events, and easy city strolling.
Milwaukee Lakefront Trail
Paved lakeside path offering breezy walks and superb views of Lake Michigan.
Gastronomy
Regional favorites that define Great Lakes dining from deep-dish to iconic regional beats.
Chicago deep-dish pizza
A thick, cheese-forward pie with a buttery crust and generous toppings.
Detroit-style pizza
Rectangular, square-cut slices with a crispy, caramelized crust and feta-like cheese blend.
Wisconsin cheese curds
Squeaky, bite-sized cheese bites—great as a snack or appetizer tradition.
Cincinnati chili
Spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti with unique toppings and presentation.
Nightlife
Vibrant districts and venues offering nightlife across cities along the lakes.
River North (Chicago)
Lively loft-bar scene with cocktails, live music, and late-night spots.
Greektown (Detroit)
Bustling district with Mediterranean eateries, casinos, and nightlife energy.
Water Street (Milwaukee)
Historic waterfront district with bars, breweries, and evening entertainment.
The Flats (Cleveland)
Historic riverfront district offering bars, live music, and a downtown vibe.
Entertainment
Theaters and performance hubs where the region’s arts scene shines.
The Chicago Theatre
Iconic venue hosting concerts, shows, and special events in a landmark setting.
Playhouse Square (Cleveland)
America’s largest performing arts center outside of New York, with multiple theaters.
Fox Theatre (Detroit)
Historic venue offering Broadway shows, concerts, and live performances.
Pabst Theater (Milwaukee)
Elegant late-19th-century venue for live music and performances.
Sports
Iconic stadiums and team traditions that fuel the region’s sports culture.
Wrigley Field (Chicago)
Historic home of the Chicago Cubs, famous for its ivy-covered outfield walls.
Lambeau Field (Green Bay)
Iconic football stadium and spiritual home of Packers fans worldwide.
Progressive Field (Cleveland)
Modern ballpark with great lake views and a long baseball tradition.
Target Field (Minneapolis)
Sunlit ballpark on the Mississippi with a vibrant Twins atmosphere.
Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor)
The largest stadium in the U.S., home to the Michigan Wolverines and big college crowds.
Off the Track
Quirky and unforgettable experiences off the beaten path in the Great Lakes region.
Mackinac Island car-free streets
Explore a timeless island where bikes and horse-drawn carriages replace cars.
Soo Locks (Sault Ste. Marie)
Watch massive ships pass through one of the world's busiest traffic chokepoints on the Great Lakes.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore boat cruise (Munising, MI)
Water-based exploration of dramatic cliff faces, waterfalls, and blue-green waters.
Door County Lighthouse Trail
Scenic lighthouse route along Wisconsin's peninsula—great for a dreamy shoreline day.