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Lake Michigan, Illinois

4.8
#1 of 76 in Nature in Illinois
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.
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Lake Michigan Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.5
1,845 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • 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 »
  • By sandien2019
    When I think of a lake I can see the other side. No way that is true. It is huge like an ocean. The water is beautiful!  more »
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Plans to Lake Michigan by other users

16 days in Midwest BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Slow & easy 3 days in Midwest BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, outdoors, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular & hidden gems Preferences: August, outdoors, historic sites, museums, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Medium 15 days in Midwest BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, outdoors, historic sites, wildlife, fast-paced, popular & hidden gems Preferences: September, outdoors, historic sites, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Fast-paced 15 days in Des Moines & Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 3 days in Illinois BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, relaxing, beaches, wildlife, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems Preferences: August, relaxing, beaches, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Slow & easy 11 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium
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