When I first heard that the Great Lakes have nearly 11,000 miles of shoreline—longer than the entire Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the U.S.—I knew this was an outdoor adventure paradise. As a travel blogger who loves adrenaline and nature, I’ve tried numerous outdoor activities in the Great Lakes region, from hiking and cliff jumping to kayaking and camping. Today, I’m sharing my top outdoor adventures that let you experience the Great Lakes’ wild and wonderful side.
First on the list is hiking the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. Located on Lake Superior’s southern shore, Pictured Rocks is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and quiet beaches. I did the 27.32-mile hike from the Pictured Rocks Shore to Au Sable Lighthouse, a point-to-point trail that offers stunning views at every turn. The cliffs are painted with vibrant colors—reds, oranges, and greens—from minerals in the rock and algae in the water. I stopped at Chapel Beach, a secluded beach with soft sand and crystal-clear water, and took a quick dip (even though the water was cold!). The highlight of the hike was the sea caves; I climbed down to the shore and explored the caves, with the waves crashing against the rocks outside. Pro tip: Bring a waterproof camera—you’ll want to capture every moment.
For those who love water sports, kayaking the Apostle Islands Sea Caves is a must. Located near Bayfield, Wisconsin, these sea caves are carved into the sandstone cliffs of the Apostle Islands by the waves of Lake Superior. I rented a sea kayak and joined a guided tour—navigation can be tricky due to changing winds and waves, so a guide is recommended. As I paddled through the caves, I was amazed by the intricate rock formations and the way the light filters through the water. Some caves have small waterfalls, and others have hidden beaches. The tour ended at a secluded cove, where we stopped for a picnic and swam in the clear water. It’s an unforgettable experience that lets you get up close and personal with Lake Superior’s power and beauty.
Cliff jumping at The Grotto in Tobermory, Canada (just a short drive from the U.S. border) is perfect for adrenaline junkies. The Grotto is a natural cave with a pool of crystal-clear water, surrounded by 70-foot cliffs. I hiked the 3.6-mile out-and-back trail to reach The Grotto, and the hike itself was beautiful, with views of Lake Huron along the way. When I arrived, I was nervous but excited—jumping off the cliff into the cold water was a thrill! The water is so clear that you can see the bottom, which makes the jump less intimidating. Even if you don’t want to jump, The Grotto is worth visiting for its stunning scenery; the sunlight reflecting off the water creates a magical blue glow.
Camping on South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan is a great way to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in nature. South Manitou Island is accessible only by ferry, and there are no cars or electricity on the island—pure wilderness. I camped at one of the island’s primitive campsites, which are located along the shoreline. The most recommended hike on the island is the 10-mile shoreline loop, which takes you past shipwrecks, 100-foot sand dunes, and stunning beaches. I hiked the loop at sunrise, and the views were incredible—golden light over the lake, and no one else around. At night, I sat by the campfire, listening to the waves and gazing at the stars. It’s a peaceful and humbling experience that reminds you of the beauty of nature.
Last but not least is sandboarding at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. Located on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, Sleeping Bear Dunes has massive sand dunes that rise up to 450 feet above the lake. I rented a sandboard and climbed to the top of the dunes—let me tell you, the climb is worth the view! From the top, I could see Lake Michigan stretching to the horizon. Sandboarding down the dunes was so much fun—fast, thrilling, and a little messy (I ended up covered in sand!). After sandboarding, I relaxed on the beach, watching the sunset over the lake. It’s a great activity for families and anyone who loves a little adventure.
The Great Lakes are more than just beautiful scenery—they’re an outdoor adventure playground. Whether you’re hiking through cliffs, kayaking in sea caves, jumping off cliffs, camping in the wilderness, or sandboarding down dunes, there’s something for every adventure lover. So grab your gear, step out of your comfort zone, and experience the thrill of the Great Lakes.
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