With more than 200 million tons of cargo gliding across their surfaces every year, the Great Lakes are a place of commerce. And perhaps of tragedy, too, with thousands of ships lost since Le Griffon and its load of furs disappeared into Lake Michigan in 1679.
More than anything else, though, they are places of beauty.
The Earth's largest freshwater system touches eight states and one Canadian province. Ask a devoted laker, and they'll tell you that the USA 250 Most Treasured Views could start and end within reach of its boundaries – with maybe an exception for the Grand Canyon.
Arch Rock on Mackinac Island, in Lake Huron along the Straits of Mackinac, is said to be 4,000 years old. Contrast that to Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan, only 50 miles from Chicago, which became the 61st of our 63 national parks in 2019.
Explore more amazing locations that helped define American history with USA 250 Most Treasured Views.
