Every morning, when the sun’s rays begin to spill over the Great Lakes, the low growls and grumbles of foghorns and boat engines echo in the distance as fishermen set out to fill their nets. Aside from the means of propulsion shifting from oars, sails, and steam to engines, this scene has remained unchanged for centuries. Maritime culture extends beyond fishing and trading vessels, though, flooding the shores and breathing life into the region.

Nautical traditions run deep, offering residents and travelers unique opportunities to delve into the distinctive heritage engulfing the lands, lining 20% of the world’s freshwater ecosystem. From experiential fishing events to captivating shipwreck and lighthouse tours, port cities bustle with activities that aim to spawn a connection with the industry that has shaped the identities and economies of the region.

Fishing the Great Lakes
The cities surrounding the Great Lakes aren’t exactly known for their seafood dishes. Yet, whitefish, salmon, trout, and other fish inhabiting these waters have provided vital nourishment and financial means to Great Lakes residents. Whether for sustenance, tribal ceremonies, commercial ventures, or leisurely pursuits, fishing has been integral to the region.

Visitors can dive into this local heritage through a range of events and experiences. For those craving competition, participating in one of the annual fishing tournaments offers an exciting way to explore the shores and open waters of the Great Lakes. The Ludington Offshore Fishing Tournament on Lake Michigan, for instance, is the largest freshwater salmon fishing event in the U.S., attracting fishing enthusiasts far and wide.

For a more relaxed experience, numerous fishing charters provide guided trips where outfitters employ their Midwestern charm to reveal tales and techniques passed down through generations. Whether seeking the thrill of catching a trophy fish or simply wanting to revel in the beauty of the lakes, fishing adventures abound throughout the Great Lakes.

Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are known for rough, unpredictable waters, causing numerous shipwrecks spanning centuries. The skeletal remains of the vessels scattering lake floors are a fascinating aspect of the region’s maritime heritage. One of the most notable sites is Pictured Rocks near Munising, Michigan, an underwater preserve with shipwrecks to explore. These underwater ecosystems can be investigated by taking part in one of the area’s glass-bottom boat tours. The clear waters of Lake Superior provide ample opportunities for peering down to the wreckage sites of these sunken ships.

Lighthouses of the Great Lakes
With fishing and boating deeply intertwined into the history and culture of the Great Lakes, it’s no surprise that so too are lighthouses, having guided boats across the lakes and their tributaries through foggy days and dark nights for centuries. There are still more than 200 active lighthouses in the Great Lakes region today.

One such beacon is the Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed on The Lakes, and Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. Other lighthouses are retired but remain points of interest, several having been repurposed as museums. The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse near the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan is one such museum. Known as the “Castle of the Straits” for its eye-catching architecture, this lighthouse is a must-see. Visitors can step into history through captivating stories of sailors and ship captains navigating the treacherous waters of the Mackinac Straits.

Other lighthouses are retired but remain points of interest, several having been repurposed as museums. The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse near the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan is one such museum. Known as the “Castle of the Straits” for its eye-catching architecture, this lighthouse is a must-see. Visitors can step into history through captivating stories of sailors and ship captains navigating the treacherous waters of the Mackinac Straits.

Whether strolling shores and touring lighthouses, fishing the sea-like freshwaters, or viewing the remains of shipwrecks beneath the surface, the Great Lakes offer plenty of opportunities for immersing oneself in maritime history. Consider this your invitation to explore an unparalleled richness of culture shaped by the Great Lakes.