Title: Things to Do in Great Lakes in 2026 | Expedia.com [Great Lakes Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Great-Lakes.dx6212870)[Hotels in Great Lakes](https://expedia.com/Great-Lakes-Hotels.d6212870.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Great Lakes](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Great-Lakes.d6212870.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Great Lakes](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Great-Lakes.d6212870.Car-Rental-Guide)[Great Lakes Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Great-Lakes.d6212870.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Things to do in Great Lakes ## Find and book activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Great Lakes Types of activities Where to stay [Great Lakes Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Great-Lakes.dx6212870) ![My hometown, one of the best living and most multicultural cities in the world! Reflection pool at Nathan Philips Square, near Toronto City Hall. #Toronto #Canada #Ontario #reflection #CityHall #Patterns #architecture #pool #nightscape #night #NorthAmerica #arch #TroveOnTuesday #Hometown #UrbanJungle #perspectives](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/4089/d972af62-8cc4-45b7-acc2-7d3d8f8eda5b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Lakes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/4089/f92b8fc7-4205-454a-8055-bba486c288a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![This is an image from back in September when I was in upstate New York visiting family. This image is of Rainbow Falls in the Watkins Glen State Park near Ithaca. It is a very popular location - tourists throng here in their hundreds to walk the various trails. As such, best advised to visit very early in the mornings. Preferably start while it's still dark. The gorge that runs along the park is extremely beautiful. At one point in time, this area was all under water and the gorge has been formed as a result of erosion of the softer layers of soil and rock. Even today, the gorge is ever changing due to the action of water. There's loads of compositions possible all along the trail but Rainbow Falls is perhaps the most well known and most photographed location in the gorge. This location truly is stunning - you have to see it with your own eyes to take in the beauty of the place. The cascading waterfall, the stone bridges, the varying colors of the water due to the reflections from the canyon walls - it all adds up to make this a truly remarkable place. Watkins Glen also used to have a street circuit for Formula 1 races. The roads are lined with flags to mark the course. In addition there's the marina and many good eating joints around town. Ithaca and Cornell are close by too. Owing to where I was staying, I had to start driving at 3 AM to make it to this place before the crowds descended. At the end of it, it was well worth it. Thank you for stopping by. #waterfall #NY #USA #WatkinsGlen #RainbowFalls #Gorge #Canyon #waterfalls #roadtrips #colorful #hiking #weekend #waterlust #roadtrip #blue #bestof5 #green #springfun #banksyNY](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183731/a451d457-b63a-4fd1-b3b9-28b3f4d02ba0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![A helicopter view of Canada's Parliament. Canada's Aviation and Space Museum offers helicopter rides over downtown Ottawa and the Gatineau Park. Definitely worth the splurge! #architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/4025/b80d82b9-daab-4a71-9af8-e9b54f5e8bad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Lakes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/4089/719aa05c-5ca6-4021-b0ec-23c6e6083206.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ### Great Lakes Attractions Discover the best sights in Great Lakes with some popular [tours & day trips](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=6212870&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent&categories=ToursDayTrips), or try out our list of {151 fun activities in Great Lakes [fun activities in Great Lakes](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=6212870&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent)}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and focus on planning an unforgettable vacation. --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.com/welcome-one-key) --- ## Great Lakes must see attractions ### 1\. Wrigley Field Fans of baseball know Wrigley Field as the long-time home of the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, this is one of the oldest and best-known ballparks in the US. Some of the most memorable moments in baseball history have been played out here, including Babe Ruth’s now famous “called shot” in 1932 during the World Series. He allegedly pointed to the bleachers, predicting that he’d hit a home run, and then did. Legendary Cubs player Ernie Banks nicknamed the stadium "The Friendly Confines" because fans were wild about their team and ballpark. Catch a game and mingle with the passionate locals if you’re in town March through September. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Wrigley-Field-Lakeview.d6034754.Vacation-Attraction) ![Wrigley Field showing a city and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6034754/7e4dd8d1-ab93-4796-8cf1-197bcdfe18f6.jpg) ### 2\. Rogers Centre The Rogers Centre is a multipurpose stadium located in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District. Visit the stadium to watch baseball and football teams in action, to go behind-the-scenes on a stadium tour and to enjoy concerts and family shows. Opened in 1989 as the SkyDome, it became the Rogers Centre in 2005. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Rogers-Centre-Downtown-Toronto.d503145.Vacation-Attraction) ![View of city in winter](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/503145/b62bee4c-4ba1-418d-91cf-4de963a469ed.jpg) ### 3\. CN Tower When the CN Tower opened in 1976 it was the world’s tallest free-standing structure. Today, the 1,815-foot (553-meter) communications tower and lookout is Toronto’s most iconic landmark and a very popular attraction. Glass-fronted, high-speed elevators transport you to a series of observation decks and panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/CN-Tower-Downtown-Toronto.d503147.Vacation-Attraction) ![CN Tower showing a ferry, skyline and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/503147/9f0ea8e3-0ca9-486c-871c-be1fef44f231.jpg) ### 4\. McCormick Place McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/McCormick-Place-Near-South-Side.d6069191.Vacation-Attraction) ![McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069191/6dd1da52-961b-4d36-a030-f105009f678b.jpg) ### 5\. Navy Pier Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Navy-Pier-Downtown-Chicago.d6069215.Vacation-Attraction) ![Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069215/a6173fc5-04f4-4a58-b70a-61c78e1b648e.jpg) ### 6\. Millennium Park Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Millennium-Park-Downtown-Chicago.d6069201.Vacation-Attraction) ![Reflection of a Chicago buildings in a mirror of Chicago Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago city, USA., Shutterstock ID 1129809965, Purchase Order: SP-2109, Order Number: SP-2109 Qantas AU US Sale New Ads](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069201/dce58962-e3d4-4c61-b924-2acc9b980313.jpg) ### 7\. Canada's Wonderland Ride the fastest roller coaster in the country, float down a lazy river, learn about dinosaurs and race your kids in Canada’s Wonderland. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Canadas-Wonderland-Toronto.d503121.Vacation-Attraction) ![CN Tower which includes rides](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/503147/45106b6e-7ab1-4d65-90ae-4ca9de82c4b3.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Great Lakes | Number of things to do | 151 | | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Atlanta: Unlimited Georgia Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan](/things-to-do/atlanta-unlimited-georgia-internet-with-esim-mobile-data-plan.a49480987.activity-details): $4 | | Top 5 things to do | [Atlanta CityPASS® : Admission to Top 5 Atlanta Attractions](/things-to-do/atlanta-citypass-admission-to-top-5-atlanta-attractions.a177918.activity-details)[World of Coca-Cola General Admission Ticket](/things-to-do/world-of-coca-cola-general-admission-ticket.a670739.activity-details)[Illuminarium Atlanta](/things-to-do/illuminarium-atlanta.a4251536.activity-details)[Atlanta: SkyView Ferris Wheel Ticket](/things-to-do/atlanta-skyview-ferris-wheel-ticket.a48171938.activity-details)[Atlanta: Sloomoo Institute Admission Ticket](/things-to-do/atlanta-sloomoo-institute-admission-ticket.a46349570.activity-details) | | Under $25 | [Atlanta: SkyView Ferris Wheel Ticket](/things-to-do/atlanta-skyview-ferris-wheel-ticket.a48171938.activity-details)[Atlanta: Center for Puppetry Arts, Worlds of Puppetry Museum](/things-to-do/atlanta-center-for-puppetry-arts-worlds-of-puppetry-museum.a4550877.activity-details)[Selma in Atlanta Tour](/things-to-do/selma-in-atlanta-tour.a50716330.activity-details)[Open Throw Lane in Atlanta](/things-to-do/open-throw-lane-in-atlanta.a51537334.activity-details)[Atlanta: Unlimited Georgia Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan](/things-to-do/atlanta-unlimited-georgia-internet-with-esim-mobile-data-plan.a49480987.activity-details) | | With kids | [Atlanta CityPASS® : Admission to Top 5 Atlanta Attractions](/things-to-do/atlanta-citypass-admission-to-top-5-atlanta-attractions.a177918.activity-details)[World of Coca-Cola General Admission Ticket](/things-to-do/world-of-coca-cola-general-admission-ticket.a670739.activity-details)[Atlanta: SkyView Ferris Wheel Ticket](/things-to-do/atlanta-skyview-ferris-wheel-ticket.a48171938.activity-details)[Atlanta: Sloomoo Institute Admission Ticket](/things-to-do/atlanta-sloomoo-institute-admission-ticket.a46349570.activity-details)[Atlanta: Center for Puppetry Arts, Worlds of Puppetry Museum](/things-to-do/atlanta-center-for-puppetry-arts-worlds-of-puppetry-museum.a4550877.activity-details) | ## What to do in Great Lakes - For free - With kids ### Free Things to Do in Great Lakes There's no need to max out your credit card in Great Lakes. The following won't even cost a cent. **Beaver Lake** \- Close your eyes and draw a deep breath — there's nothing like being close to the water for some rest and restoration. **Mich-e-ke-wis Park** \- Refresh your mind and soul by spending a bit of time in nature. ### Things to Do in Great Lakes with Kids There's fun for all the family wherever you wander in Great Lakes. Here are a few [family friendly experiences](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=6212870&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent&categories=Family%20Friendly) to do together that will make your break a blast: - [Half-Day Fun Pass! Kayak, Bike and SUP Rental in Traverse City](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/half-day-kayak-bike-and-sup-rentals.a2258003.activity-details) - [SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/sea-life-michigan-aquarium.a252421.activity-details) - [LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/legoland-discovery-center-michigan.a415091.activity-details) - [Windsor City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/windsor-city-scavenger-hunt-excursion-by-operation-city-quest.a1031511.activity-details) --- Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Great Lakes? [Search event tickets](https://www.expedia.com/event-tickets/) to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! --- --- ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Great Lakes ![Wrigley Field featuring cbd, a sporting event and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6034754/d10ea4fa-9a61-425f-b749-3325e9303223.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Wrigley Field Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium. [](https://expedia.com/Wrigley-Field-Lakeview.d6034754.Vacation-Attraction) ![Rogers Centre which includes signage and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/503145/313416f5-8428-4bc2-9431-595a8720ecb8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Rogers Centre Come to this multipurpose stadium to watch baseball matches and football games, listen to concerts of famous bands, see family shows or simply tour this central entertainment complex. [](https://expedia.com/Rogers-Centre-Downtown-Toronto.d503145.Vacation-Attraction) ![Scene of Chicago street bridge with traffic among modern buildings of Downtown Chicago at Michigan avenue in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Business and Modern Transportation concept](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6156167/9a44be22-322b-4187-8844-e2aa99b46184.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Michigan Avenue You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.com/Michigan-Avenue-Downtown-Chicago.d6156167.Vacation-Attraction) ![CN Tower showing skyline, a city and modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/503147/4ca84b92-bd79-41e3-b090-4a72ff68e5b8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### CN Tower Take the glass elevator to the lookout points on Toronto’s iconic landmark to enjoy views as far as Niagara Falls or have dinner in high style. [](https://expedia.com/CN-Tower-Downtown-Toronto.d503147.Vacation-Attraction) ![Cedar Point Ferris Wheel](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6066389/fb8b6f07-4949-4950-8ec3-8635b2a47c9d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cedar Point Have a fun-filled day at Cedar Point and see why people love this theme park in Sandusky. Wander the lakeside and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area. [](https://expedia.com/Cedar-Point-Sandusky.d6066389.Vacation-Attraction) ![McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069191/6dd1da52-961b-4d36-a030-f105009f678b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### McCormick Place Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges. [](https://expedia.com/McCormick-Place-Near-South-Side.d6069191.Vacation-Attraction) ![Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069215/a6173fc5-04f4-4a58-b70a-61c78e1b648e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Navy Pier A Ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district. [](https://expedia.com/Navy-Pier-Downtown-Chicago.d6069215.Vacation-Attraction) ![Beautiful autumn colors surround modern architecture in Millennium Park, Chicago during a sunny day](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069201/87d76a1e-e63f-48a2-8892-fb54ee86f8e1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Millennium Park A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape. [](https://expedia.com/Millennium-Park-Downtown-Chicago.d6069201.Vacation-Attraction) ![CN Tower which includes rides](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/503147/45106b6e-7ab1-4d65-90ae-4ca9de82c4b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Canada's Wonderland The highlight at this amusement park is the super-fast Leviathan ride, but there are 15 other roller coasters and more than 200 attractions to explore. [](https://expedia.com/Canadas-Wonderland-Toronto.d503121.Vacation-Attraction) ### Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Great Lakes ![Downtown Chicago showing a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6350699/f8ae2db6-94cc-4898-aa46-e275588c3787.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Chicago The heart of the Midwest’s glittering metropolis has many offerings, from shopping and dining to parks, museums and exciting contemporary public art. [](https://expedia.com/Chicago-Downtown-Chicago.dx6350699) ![Downtown Toronto featuring a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6057934/e520f17e-2a63-42d4-877b-bd52a52a1271.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Toronto 4.5/5(4,700 area reviews) Dive into the bustling Entertainment District with its lively restaurants, nightclubs, and live theatre, or explore the upscale Yorkville area, boasting designer boutiques and world-class galleries. Don't miss the iconic Royal Ontario Museum and the revitalized Harbourfront area. [](https://expedia.com/Toronto-Downtown-Toronto.dx6057934) ![United States of America featuring a bay or harbor, landscape views and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059250/a5cab50d-e43a-4ba6-a5d6-7fae9c3bf321.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Detroit 4/5(1,947 area reviews) Central business district meets residential area, Downtown Detroit boasts historic architecture, skyscrapers, and parks. Explore attractions like Campus Martius Park, Fox Theatre, and Detroit Riverwalk, with convenient transport options nearby. [](https://expedia.com/Detroit-Downtown-Detroit.dx6059250) ![Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing a city, a church or cathedral and religious elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6229019/f3dc1879-0491-4f64-87e4-255a3e47f589.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Ottawa 4.5/5(617 area reviews) Central to Ottawa's financial district and government buildings, this area boasts a vibrant restaurant district on Elgin Street and shopping on Bank Street. Explore heritage sites like Château Laurier and Sparks Street's pedestrian mall. [](https://expedia.com/Ottawa-Downtown-Ottawa.dx6057857) ![Magnificent Mile illuminated at night showcasing vibrant lights and cultural attractions in Chicago, Illinois](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/800025/2f4bc1ac-f370-4b72-8a89-0aa7dcb93f0c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Magnificent Mile Upscale shopping district with luxury department stores, boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants, featuring landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Chicago Water Tower. The Magnificent Mile is easily accessible by public transit and seasonal trolley service. [](https://expedia.com/Chicago-Magnificent-Mile.dx800025) ![The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/800024/9e323a45-98da-4519-b5ca-71275e70174f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### The Loop 4.5/5(9,481 area reviews) Chicago's central business district boasts numerous global businesses, retail establishments, and theaters. Explore the Loop Retail Historic District, Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District, and visit iconic attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago. [](https://expedia.com/Chicago-The-Loop.dx800024) [See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Great-Lakes.dx6212870.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP..Neighborhoods) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What to do in Great Lakes on a sunny day? > - [Green Bay Packer Heritage Trail Segway Tour](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/green-bay-packer-heritage-trail-segway-tour.a806167.activity-details) > - [The Heart of Green Bay Segway Tour](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/the-heart-of-green-bay-segway-tour.a806116.activity-details) > - [Best of Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/best-of-niagara-falls-day-tour-from-toronto.a587533.activity-details) > - [Green Bay Stadium District Segway Tour](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/green-bay-stadium-district-segway-tour.a806176.activity-details) ### What to do in Great Lakes on a rainy day? > - [SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/sea-life-michigan-aquarium.a252421.activity-details) > - [Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Admission](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/ford-piquette-avenue-plant-admission.a973857.activity-details) > - [Plaza Premium Lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/plaza-premium-lounge-at-toronto-pearson-international-airport-yyz.a304930.activity-details) > - [90 Minutes Epic Archery Tag Experience](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/90-minutes-epic-archery-tag-experience.a590574.activity-details) ### What is Great Lakes famous for? > - CN Tower > - Wrigley Field > - McCormick Place > - Millennium Park ### What should I not miss in Great Lakes? > - Navy Pier > - Soldier Field > - Rogers Centre > - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ### Are there cheap things to do in Great Lakes? > - [Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/toronto-canadas-metropolis.a1245219.activity-details) > - [Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/skip-the-line-museum-admission-ticket-grohmann-museum.a1014613.activity-details) > - [Skip the Line: Waco Air Museum General Admission Ticket](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/skip-the-line-waco-air-museum-general-admission-ticket.a1368668.activity-details) > - [Skip the Line: North Point Lighthouse Admission Ticket](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/skip-the-line-north-point-lighthouse-admission-ticket.a674469.activity-details) ### What can you do in Great Lakes for free? > - Millennium Park > - University of Chicago > - Northwestern University > - John Hancock Center ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app