Five magnificent bodies of water, the Great Lakes make up the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth! Nothing short of enchanting, these lakes transform during the seasons and between sunrise and sunset to create a world unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Proving the theory that we’re always happier by the water, you’ll fall in love with these bodies of water all over again after you check out these beautiful photos of the Great Lakes.

1. You'll never forget watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan at Cave Point County Park in Wisconsin. This may be one of our favorite photos of the Great Lakes.
Cave Point County Park, 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA
Elvis Kennedy/Flickr
2. With Chicago's skyline off in the distance, Lake Michigan steals the show with all its beauty.
Chicago, IL, USA
Yulin Lu/Flickr
3. Like entering a scene from Frozen, Lake Michigan's winter scenery is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
olsonj/Flickr
4. Captured in Wisconsin, Lake Michigan looks like paradise while the sun sets. You can see why it's among the best Great Lakes to visit.
Lake Michigan, United States
Wisconsin, USA
Elvis Kennedy/Flickr
5. Even when the weather gets unpleasantly cold, Lake Michigan's beauty never ceases to bring a smile to our faces.
MA1216/Flickr
6. Breathtaking views in Minnesota await you as the early morning light hits Lake Superior.
Theodore Sadler/Moment via Getty Images
7. The sunrise's gorgeous colors reflect on Lake Superior in Wisconsin.
Michael Leland/Flickr
8. Waves crash into winter's ice on a beautiful day on Lake Superior in Minnesota.
Derek Griggs/500px Prime via Getty Images
9. Scenery you could look at all day long, here's a winter sunrise over Lake Superior in Minnesota.
Minnesota, USA
Susan Dykstra/Design Pics via Getty Images
10. A warm summer morning full of beautiful views captured on Lake Superior.
Nick Olejniczak/Flickr

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11. A view that's worth waking up early for, the sun rising over Lake Huron is nothing short of dreamy.
Lake Huron, Lake Huron
Cathy/Flickr
12. One more reason to look forward to summer; Lake Huron looks stunning on a beautiful August day in Michigan.
George Thomas/Flickr
13. One of the many charming lighthouses you'll find along the Great Lakes, Round Island Lighthouse is located on Lake Huron.
Round Island Light, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA
James Hatcher/Flickr
14. Captured beautifully from above in Michigan, Lake Huron's endless views never disappoint.
Charles Dawley/Flickr
15. Like liquid cotton candy, Lake Erie looks unreal with the sun setting over Ohio.
Lake Erie, Lake Erie
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
14. Where winter meets spring, Lake Erie looks heavenly in March when all the ice begins to melt away.
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr
15. Taken in New York, Lake Erie looks magical from above. This is certainly one of the most beautiful photos of the Great Lakes.
Ryan Hallock/Flickr
16. Captured at Ohio's Huntington Beach, Lake Erie transforms into another world when the sun sets.
Huntington Beach, 28492-28648 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
blimoco/Flickr
17. Another lighthouse of the Great Lakes, the Buffalo Main Light adds even more beauty to Lake Erie.
Buffalo Main Light, 1 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
Philipp Volmer/Flickr
18. Taken at Hamlin Beach in New York, the summer sun shines down on lovely Lake Ontario.
Hamlin Beach State Park, 1 Hamlin Beach State Park, Hamlin, NY 14464, USA
The Explorographer™/Flickr
19. One of the many reasons to love Oswego, New York, the views of Lake Ontario are surreal.
Oswego, NY, USA
Michael Levine-Clark/Flickr
Check out some of the prettiest lakes in the US:

What do you think of these beautiful photos of the Great Lakes? Out of all the Great Lakes, which beautiful body of water is your favorite? Be sure to share with us in the comments where you love to view these natural wonders!

Planning a hike near any of the Great Lakes anytime soon? Check out AllTrails+ for the best hiking trails anywhere you go.

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More to Explore

The Beautiful Great Lakes

Melissa M. | September 01, 2023

What are some facts and stats about the Great Lakes?

The following are some interesting stats about the Great Lakes: 

  • The Great Lakes encompasses over 94,000 square miles.
  • The Great Lakes are all in the top 15 biggest lakes in the world.
  • They are part of both the US and Canada.
  • Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world.
  • The lakes contain over 3,500 species of plants and animals.
  • The deepest Great Lake is Lake Superior.
  • The Great Lakes contain the highest percentage of the world’s surface freshwater at 20%!

 

What are the best Great Lakes to visit?

Each of the Great Lakes has its own unique beauty and attributes along with plenty of reasons why you should visit. Here are a few reasons to visit each of the Great Lakes:

  • Lake Michigan: You can visit this Great Lake while visiting Chicago or head to one of the beaches along a quieter part of the lake’s coast.
  • Lake Eerie: There are beautiful beaches along this lake including the ones at Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania. You can also view the lake while visiting Cleveland.
  • Lake Superior: The largest lake of the bunch also has some of the cleanest and clearest water. Isle Royale National Park is an ideal place to explore the shoreline of this lake.
  • Lake Huron: There’s no better place to enjoy Lake Huron than from Michigan’s Mackinac Island.
  • Lake Ontario: Check out beaches at Sodus Point Beach Park and Ontario Beach Park in New York, among others. 

 

 

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