Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Great Lakes
Why Go?
Don't be fooled by all the corn. Behind it lurk surfing beaches and Tibetan temples, car-
free islands and the green-draped night-lights of the aurora borealis. The Midwest takes its
knocks for being middle-of-nowhere boring; so consider the moose-filled national parks,
urban five-ways and Hemingway, Dylan and Vonnegut sites to be its little secret.
Roll call for the Midwest's cities starts with Chicago, which unfurls what is arguably
the country's mightiest skyline. Milwaukee keeps the beer-and-Harley flame burning,
while Minneapolis shines a hipster beacon out over the fields. Detroit rocks, plain and
simple.
The Great Lakes themselves are huge, like inland seas, offering beaches, dunes, resort
towns and lots of lighthouse-dotted scenery. Dairy farms and fruit orchards blanket the re-
gion, meaning that fresh pie and ice cream await road trippers.
When to Go
Jan & Feb
Skiers and snowmobilers hit the trails.
Jul & Aug
Finally, it's warm! Beer gardens hop, beaches splash, and festivals rock most
weekends.
