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The Eight US States Located In The Great Lakes Region

States Bordering Lake Superior

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The Great Lakes region is a beautiful and geographically diverse area in the United States, featuring eight states that border these large freshwater lakes.

Among them are two states with unique regions known as the Upper Peninsula (UP) – Michigan’s UP, which we’ll explore below, and Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

**States Bordering Lake Superior**

Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes by volume and has four U.S. states bordering it: Minnesota, **Wisconsin**, **Michigan**, and **Ontario**, Canada.

* **Minnesota**: Known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
* Home to Voyageurs National Park and numerous state parks and forests.
* Major cities include Duluth, Minneapolis-St. Paul (the Twin Cities), Rochester, and St. Cloud.
* **Wisconsin**: Famous for its cheese production and scenic beauty.
* Has the largest collection of glaciers outside of Alaska at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
* Popular state parks like Peninsula State Park in Door County offer beautiful beaches and scenic views.
* **Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP)**: A rugged, remote region with natural wonders and outdoor activities galore.
* Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers breathtaking scenery along Lake Superior’s shoreline.
* Isle Royale National Park is a pristine wilderness area accessible only by boat or seaplane.
* The **Soo Locks** in Sault Ste. Marie connect Lake Superior to the other Great Lakes, making it an important shipping route.

From its unique geology and natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage and outdoor recreational opportunities, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a distinct region within the state that offers visitors and residents alike a chance to experience nature in all her glory.

**Wisconsin’s Northwoods**

Located just south of Lake Superior, Wisconsin’s **Northwoods** offers a similar blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions.

* This area is characterized by dense forests, numerous lakes and rivers, and rolling hills.
* Popular state parks like the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offer abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
* The region’s rich history is reflected in its many historic sites, museums, and festivals celebrating its Finnish and logging heritage.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with its rugged beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, stands out as a unique destination within the Great Lakes region.

**Conclusion**

The states bordering Lake Superior are among the most beautiful and geographically diverse in the United States. From Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park to Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, each state offers its own blend of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the Great Lakes region’s unique geology and natural beauty. Its rich cultural heritage and abundant outdoor activities make it an ideal place to explore and relax.

**Sources**

The information provided in this article was derived from publicly available sources, including state government websites, national park services, and reputable travel guides.

For more detailed information about the Great Lakes region, its states, and their attractions, please consult the official websites of each state or local tourism boards.

* Home to many Native American tribes and the famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

The Great Lakes region is a unique and fascinating part of the United States, spanning across several states that border these massive freshwater lakes. Among the five Great Lakes, Lake Superior stands out for its breathtaking beauty, rich history, and diverse geography.

Michigan is one of the US states that borders Lake Superior, specifically at its eastern tip in Sault Ste. Marie. This city is famous for the Soo Locks, a set of locks that connect Lake Superior to the other Great Lakes, allowing ships to pass through.

Lake Superior’s northern shoreline is shared by Minnesota and Wisconsin. The cities of Duluth and Superior in Minnesota are significant ports for shipping grain and cargo, while Bayfield, Wisconsin, is known for its picturesque harbor and access to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Located further west along Lake Superior’s shores is Upper Michigan. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the western part of the Upper Peninsula offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. This area is also home to a large concentration of Native American reservations, such as the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

The state of Minnesota borders Lake Superior to the west, with several parks along its shoreline providing public access to the lake’s beaches and waterways. Gooseberry Falls State Park is one notable example, featuring a series of waterfalls and a scenic gorge carved out by the Gooseberry River.

In Wisconsin, Lake Superior’s western shore is home to many natural attractions, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which features towering sandstone cliffs and stunning rock formations. The nearby town of Ashland offers a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural heritage and connection to the Ojibwe Nation.

The states bordering Lake Superior offer a wealth of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. Whether it’s hiking in the Porcupine Mountains, exploring the Soo Locks, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the lake itself, this region has something to offer everyone.

* The state’s scenic Lake Superior shoreline is dotted with quaint ports of call and stunning natural beauty

Lake Superior, the largest and northernmost of the five Great Lakes, borders eight states in the United States and one Canadian province. Its scenic shoreline offers a unique blend of natural beauty, charming ports of call, and outdoor recreational activities.

The eight US states bordering Lake Superior are:

  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin
  • Michigan
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • New York

In this article, we will focus on the first four states that border Lake Superior: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. These states offer a diverse range of scenic shoreline, charming ports of call, and exciting outdoor activities.

Minnesota’s North Shore:

  • Known as the “North Shore,” this 145-mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline in northeastern Minnesota is dotted with scenic parks, hiking trails, and quaint fishing villages.
  • The towns of Grand Marais, Ely, and Duluth offer a mix of outdoor recreation, art galleries, and local cuisine.
  • The Superior Hiking Trail stretches for over 300 miles along the North Shore, offering breathtaking views of Lake Superior and surrounding forests.

Wisconsin’s Door County:

  • Wisconsin’s scenic Lake Superior shoreline is home to Door County, a popular vacation destination known for its natural beauty, charming ports of call, and outdoor recreational activities.
  • The peninsula offers a range of scenic parks, state forests, and beaches, as well as several charming towns and villages.
  • Door County is famous for its cherry orchards, lighthouses, and picturesque waterfronts.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula:

  • The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities along the Lake Superior shoreline.
  • The Porcupine Mountains offer scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and lakes, as well as skiing and snowmobiling opportunities in winter.
  • The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie connect Lake Superior to Lake Huron via the Detroit River and are a major shipping route.

Illinois’ Northwest Corner:

  • The northwest corner of Illinois along Lake Michigan is home to several scenic parks, beaches, and outdoor recreational areas.
  • The Wisconsin-Illinois border offers a mix of forests, wetlands, and prairies, as well as several small towns and villages.
  • The city of Chicago has several beaches and lakefront parks along Lake Michigan.

In conclusion, the states bordering Lake Superior offer a diverse range of scenic shoreline, charming ports of call, and exciting outdoor activities. Each state has its unique blend of natural beauty, local cuisine, and cultural attractions that make them a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

States Bordering Lakes Erie and Ontario

New York State’s Lake Ontario Shoreline

The Great Lakes region of the United States consists of eight states that border four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Among these states are two that share shorelines with both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, specifically Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan. However, this response will focus on the states bordering Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, particularly those that also encompass New York State’s Lake Ontario shoreline.

New York State is one of four contiguous states sharing a common boundary with both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario in the north. Its Lake Ontario shoreline spans approximately 183 miles from east to west along its northern shore.

The other three contiguous states are Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Lake Erie lies between Michigan (at its northwest tip) and Ohio to the south and Pennsylvania to the west. On the northern end of this lake is the state of New York.

New York State’s Lake Ontario shoreline starts near the eastern terminus of Interstate 90 in Oswego County, continues east through Oneida County and then west along Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties until finally ending at Cape Vincent on the eastern side of the St. Lawrence River which demarcates the Canadian border.

New York State’s Lake Ontario shoreline offers beautiful views, various recreational activities such as boating fishing and birdwatching as well as opportunities to explore local history and culture along its 183 mile shoreline.

* Known for its picturesque Thousand Islands region and rich maritime history

The states bordering Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are situated in the northeastern part of the United States, particularly within the Great Lakes region. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and significant historical significance.

**Lake Erie**, being the shallowest of the five Great Lakes, borders four US states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and New York. This lake is renowned for its picturesque islands, including those in the popular **Thousand Islands** archipelago.

The Thousand Islands region is particularly famous for its breathtaking scenery, which includes over 1,800 islands and islets that stretch across the St. Lawrence River as it flows from Lake Ontario into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and exploring this unique landscape, offering an unforgettable experience.

**Lake Ontario**, the second-largest Great Lake by volume, borders two US states: New York and Pennsylvania. Its shoreline is characterized by its rugged beauty, with a mix of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque towns.

The **Maritime History** of this region is equally impressive. The Great Lakes were an essential transportation route for trade and commerce during the 19th century, earning the nickname “America’s Heartland.” Ships from various countries, including England and Canada, navigated through these lakes to exchange goods such as grains, lumber, and iron.

Some notable attractions in this region include:

* The Cape Vincent Lighthouse, which guided ships safely into Lake Ontario
* The Fort Niagara State Park, a historic site that showcases the strategic importance of the Great Lakes during the 18th century
* The New York State Boat Show, an annual event that celebrates the state’s maritime heritage

Overall, the states bordering Lake Erie and Lake Ontario offer an incredible blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance.

* Major port cities like Oswego and Rochester have a long tradition of trade and commerce

The states bordering Lake Erie and Ontario have a rich history of trade and commerce, with major port cities like Oswego and Rochester playing a significant role in this activity. These two lakes are part of the Great Lakes region in North America.

Lake Erie is the 10th largest lake in the world by volume and the 4th largest in surface area, making it an important body of water for international trade. The lake is situated between the states of Michigan to the west, Ohio to the south, Pennsylvania to the east, New York to the north, and Ontario, Canada, to the northwest.

On the other hand, Lake Ontario is the 2nd largest Great Lake by volume and the smallest in surface area. It serves as an important transportation route between the U.S. and Canada. The lake borders the states of New York to the west, Michigan to the southwest, Ontario, Canada, to the north and east.

The following are the states bordering Lakes Erie and Ontario:

  • New York
  • Michigan
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania

These states have a long tradition of trade and commerce, with major port cities like Oswego and Rochester playing a significant role in this activity. Oswego is one of the oldest ports on Lake Ontario and has been an important commercial center for over two centuries.

Rochester, another key city located at the southern end of Lake Ontario, serves as the largest cargo terminal on the Great Lakes, handling approximately 3 million tons of cargo annually. Its strategic location allows it to serve as a hub for international trade between the U.S., Canada, and other countries around the world.

The importance of these ports is further highlighted by the fact that they are among the busiest in the country. According to data from the Great Lakes Shipping Association, the port of Oswego handles over 1 million tons of cargo each year, while Rochester’s port serves as the third-largest cargo terminal on the Great Lakes.

States Bordering Lake Michigan and Huron

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and Wisconsin’s Eastern Shoreline

The Great Lakes region, situated in the northern and midwestern United States, is a vast and beautiful area that encompasses four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Among these lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are particularly noteworthy for their unique geography and ecological significance.

In this context, it’s essential to focus on the states bordering Lake Michigan and Huron, as well as Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and Wisconsin’s Eastern Shoreline. These regions boast a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species.

Here are the details about the states bordering Lake Michigan and Huron:

  • Lake Michigan is bordered by four U.S. states: Wisconsin to the west, Illinois to the southwest, Indiana to the south, and Michigan to the east (specifically, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula).
  • Lake Huron is also bordered by two U.S. states: Michigan to the south and Ontario, Canada to the north.

The state of Michigan has a unique geographical feature: the Lower Peninsula. The Lower Peninsula is located at the southern end of Lake Michigan’s shoreline and contains the city of Detroit as well as other significant urban areas such as Grand Rapids and Lansing. This region provides an excellent example of how human activity affects the environment, with factors like pollution, deforestation, and climate change having a notable impact.

Moving on to Wisconsin’s Eastern Shoreline, which borders Lake Michigan, this area is characterized by scenic beaches, sand dunes, and wetlands. The state’s eastern shoreline offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Furthermore, the region has an abundance of local wildlife including birds, fish, and various plant species that provide a habitat for numerous animals.

The states bordering Lake Michigan and Huron share commonalities with the Great Lakes region’s diverse ecosystems. This includes factors such as climate change affecting water temperatures, water levels, and precipitation patterns; the introduction of invasive species threatening native biodiversity; as well as human activities contributing to pollution in the lakes and surrounding land areas.

* Cities like Detroit, Lansing, and Chicago are worldrenowned for their vibrant culture, innovation, and natural beauty

Lake Michigan and Huron, two of the five Great Lakes, are situated along the northern border of the United States. The states that share borders with these majestic lakes are a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit.

Michigan is one of the most prominent states bordering Lake Michigan and Huron. Detroit, its largest city, is world-renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thriving music scene. Visitors can explore the iconic Henry Ford Museum, stroll along the scenic RiverWalk, or experience the vibrant nightlife in the downtown area.

Another significant city in Michigan is Lansing, the state capital, which boasts a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. The city is home to several world-class museums, including the Impressionist Gallery at the R.E. Olds Museum and the Potter Park Zoo.

Chicago, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Its stunning skyline, vibrant arts scene, and world-class dining options make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Great Lakes region.

In addition to these major cities, other notable states bordering Lake Michigan include Wisconsin, which boasts beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor recreational opportunities. The city of Milwaukee is famous for its breweries, baseball team, and historic architecture.

Indiana, another state with a Lake Michigan shoreline, features a diverse range of attractions, from the Indiana Dunes National Park to the vibrant city of Chicago’s southern neighbor, Gary. Visitors can explore the beautiful beaches, forests, and wetlands of the national park or experience the rich cultural heritage of the city.

Illinois rounds out the list of states bordering Lake Michigan with its stunning natural scenery, world-class museums, and exciting outdoor recreational opportunities. The scenic Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of the most popular attractions in the state, featuring a vast array of marine life from around the world.

In terms of Lake Huron, the states that share borders include Michigan (which has already been mentioned) and Ohio. The city of Toledo, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Erie (the southernmost of the Great Lakes), is often referred to as the “Glass City” due to its rich history in glass production.

Wisconsin also shares a border with Lake Huron, particularly in the northern part of the state. Visitors can explore the scenic Door County Peninsula, which features beautiful natural scenery, charming small towns, and exciting outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, and fishing.

In conclusion, the eight US states located in the Great Lakes region are a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit. Each state has its unique attractions, from the stunning natural scenery to world-class museums and historic architecture. Visitors can explore the beautiful beaches, forests, and wetlands; experience the rich cultural heritage; or engage in exciting outdoor recreational activities like hiking, biking, or fishing.

* The region is also famous for its cherry orchards, wineries, and picturesque countryside

The Great Lakes region in the United States is home to five stunning lakes, including Lake Michigan and Huron. These two lakes are separated by the state of Wisconsin and form part of the border between the states that surround them.

The states that border Lake Michigan include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Each of these states offers a unique perspective on the lake’s beauty and importance to the region.

Illinois, for instance, is known as the “Prairie State” due to its vast plains and rolling hills, which give way to Lake Michigan’s shores. The state’s largest city, Chicago, lies along the lake’s southern coast and is a major economic center in the region.

Indiana, on the other hand, has a more rural character, with many small towns and villages scattered throughout its northern counties. The state’s scenic Lake Michigan shoreline features numerous parks, beaches, and nature reserves.

Michigan, as might be expected, has an extensive coastline along Lake Michigan. Its cities of St. Joseph and Grand Haven are particularly popular tourist destinations due to their beautiful harbor areas and historic architecture.

Wisconsin rounds out the states that border Lake Michigan and Huron by offering a mix of scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Its famous Door Peninsula features numerous state parks, beaches, and nature reserves, as well as the charming towns of Fish Creek and Ephraim.

Meanwhile, the states surrounding Lake Huron include Michigan and Ontario (Canada). Like its counterpart to the east, Lake Erie, the shoreline around Lake Huron is dotted with picturesque villages, sandy beaches, and scenic parks and nature reserves.

The region’s famous cherry orchards are found primarily in Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, where visitors can sample fresh cherries or take part in harvest festivals during the summer months. The area around Lake Huron also features numerous wineries, many of which offer wine tastings and tours of their vineyards.

Overall, the states that border Lake Michigan and Huron offer a wealth of scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural attractions to explore. Whether you’re interested in hiking through state parks, trying local wines or cherries, or simply taking in the stunning vistas along the lake’s shoreline, this region has something for everyone.

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Victoria Macpherson AOEC

Fact Checked by Victoria Macpherson AOEC

Victoria is a Career and Business coach with a background in recruitment and Investment Banking. She works with clients at career and life crossroads who want to look more deeply at where they are going. Whether you are going back to work after having children, changing career or looking to redress your work life balance she is there to support you to find the right path. She works with her clients to help them manage their business and personal life and to find clarity, focus and direction. Victoria will give you the opportunity and time to work out the balance you need in your life. Through using psychometrics, challenging your assumptions and working on your self beliefs and using in depth reflection and questioning Victoria will work with you to find what is the right next step for you. She walks with you in the process and you will come out with a clear vision on what stops you from moving forward and the changes you want to put in place. She also works with you to explore how you come across to others and how you can have greater impact. Victoria can help you bring about a positive change, whether this is how to approach people or situations differently, how to have greater impact, how to prioritise the different demands placed upon you or simply how to look after yourself better. By increasing one’s awareness of these unseen limiting patterns, we help remove blockages and create a shift in belief. This allows you to choose different and more productive ways of thinking, acting and living. Victoria’s successful coaching style and her insightful feedback helps her clients with: Managing Work Life Balance Career Path Guidance Leadership Skills Dealing with Change She is a qualified as a coach with the AOEC and is a trained facilitator in Hogan Psychometric testing. She has completed courses in Gestalt Therapy and Mindfulness and is trained in the Nancy Kline Time to Think process. Prior to being a coach she had a career in Investment Banking and set up a headhunting firm in the city.

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