Trip Planner:   USA  /  Illinois  /  Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, Illinois

4.8
#1 of 76 in Nature in Illinois
Must see · Water Body · Nature / Park
More like an inland sea than a lake, Lake Michigan boasts a shoreline 2,600 km (1,600 mi) long, making it the fifth largest lake in the world. Nearly 12 million people live along the lake's shores, most of them in the metropolitan areas of Chicago and Milwaukee. You can explore a seemingly endless network of beaches, orchards, historical sites, award-wining wineries, parks, camping areas, and recreational resorts located along the shoreline, or choose to see the giant lake from the comfort of a traditional schooner or modern tour boat. For an urban experience on the lake, explore Chicago's 15 beachfront areas and marinas. For travelers who use our custom trip planner, Racine holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Lake Michigan and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.
Create an itinerary including Lake Michigan
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Lake Michigan reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,848 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By Taylor B
    Over the years, my wife and I have experienced some of the most spectacular and beautiful sights in the world...like Pebble Beach and Carmel Bay in California, New York harbor and the Statue of...  more »
  • By CaptTrouble
    My husband and I took a long walk along the shore of Lake Michigan on a very hot day. It was along North Lake Shore Drive, so there was some traffic noise. There was a wonderful breeze off of the...  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Racine

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Racine

SC Johnson Headquarters ©
Architectural Building
SC Johnson Headquarters
4.8
Duration: 1h 30 min
Wind Point Lighthouse ©
Lighthouse
Wind Point Lighthouse
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
North Beach Park ©
Beach
North Beach Park
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Hot Shop Glass ©
Landmark
Hot Shop Glass
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Racine

Six Flags Great America ©
Water Park
Six Flags Great America
Gurnee
3.5
Duration: 8 hours
Geneva Lake Shore Path
Hiking Trail
Geneva Lake Shore Path
Lake Geneva
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Rotary Botanical Gardens ©
Garden
Rotary Botanical Gardens
Janesville
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Geneva Lake ©
Water Body
Geneva Lake
Lake Geneva
4.6
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in Racine

Wingspread ©
Architectural Building
Wingspread
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
River Bend Nature Center ©
Educational Site
River Bend Nature Center
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Racine Zoo ©
Zoo
Racine Zoo
3.6
Duration: 2 hours
Racine Heritage Museum ©
History Museum
Racine Heritage Museum
4.6
Duration: 2 hours

Historic Sites in Racine

Racine Masonic Center ©
Historic Site
Racine Masonic Center
3.5
Duration: 2 hours

Shopping in Racine

Regency Mall ©
Shopping Mall
Regency Mall
1.5
Duration: 2 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Lake Michigan by other users

5 days in Saint Joseph BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES St. Joseph Lighthouses · Silver Beach County Park · Silver Beach Carousel 59 days in United States BY A USER FROM THE NETHERLANDS Seattle · Portland · San Francisco 11 days in Grand Haven BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Hoffmaster State Park · Tri-Cities Historical Museum · Blueberry Haven 48 days in United States & Canada BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES New York City · Boston · Montreal 5 days in Milwaukee BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Milwaukee Art Museum · Basilica of St. Josaphat · Riverwalk 52 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES The 900 Shops Mall · 360 Chicago Observation Deck · Fourth Presbyterian Church