Vacation Rentals in Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is the third largest body of water in the Great Lakes District and the only lake that is entirely situated within the United States. The body of water touches four US states in the Midwest region including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. Some of the biggest ports along Lake Michigan include Chicago, Milwaukee, Greenbay, Gary, and Muskegon. Visitors can fly into the Chicago O'Hare International Airport and then transfer by car to one of many cities and beaches along Lake Michigan's shores.

Lake Michigan provides one of the most rewarding fishing experiences in the Midwest. Here you can find all kinds of fish including steelhead, coho salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and walleye. Some of the best spots to spend an afternoon fishing include Frankfort, Ludington, Southhaven, and Muskigow.

Turn your eyes from the lake to the sky and see why “Magic Hedge” at the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Chicago has become a famous bird watching destination. Since 2011, the urban city has gone to great lengths to protect natural areas so that people and wildlife can co-exist side by side. Over 300 recorded species of birds pass through the area on their way down south for the winter including Le Conte's sparrow, Northern Saw-whet, and the Lapland Longspur.

It's no surprise that the number one attraction on Lake Michigan is its miles of sandy beaches. Easily spend the afternoon working on your tan, reading a book, or splashing in the cool waves. If you're looking to spice up your traditional swimming routine, try deep swimming at 57th Street Beach near Promontory Point in Chicago.

Chicago, one of America's biggest Midwestern cities, lies right on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Lake Shore Drive hugs the coastline of Lake Michigan to the right in a scenic route through Chicago's bustling downtown district. In addition, most of the city's main attractions can be found just off of the main Lake Shore Drive thoroughfare including the Museum of Science and Industry, Shed Aquarium, and Navy Pier.

Ditch the rental car and take a ferry out to whimsical Mackinac Island in northern Michigan. Here you can enjoy the simple life without the rush of car traffic and ride bikes, horses, buggies, or take a walk through the unspoiled natural scenery. There are also a range of lodging options available on Mackinac Island from stately lodges to quaint bed and breakfasts.

Known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," this charismatic tourist city in Wisconsin features lighthouses, fruit orchards, historical architecture, a maritime museum, and several cozy seaside bed and breakfasts. Door County is surrounded by water on three sides and as such offers many fishing opportunities for visitors looking to spend some time on the lake without sacrificing city amenities.

Another big city located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is Wiscounsin's largest city and is unofficialy known as the "city of festivals." One of the most popular summer events is Summerfest which brings over 800 acts to the Henry Maier Festival Park for music, art, rides, and more. A trip to Milwaukee also wouldn't be complete without a tour of the Harley Davidson Museum which calls the city it's home. Every summer, the motorbike brand also holds a rally which attracts thousands of riders from across the country.

To avoid getting too waterlogged in Lake Michigan take a trip to nearby Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Indiana. Though the state only barely touches Lake Michigan - the landscape is varied with marshes, bogs, rivers, parries, and forests. Some of the recreational activities here include four-wheeling, horseback riding, hiking, or swimming.