Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Chicago's history and economy are closely tied to its proximity to Lake Michigan. While the Chicago River historically handled much of the region's maritime cargo, today's huge lake freighters use the city's far south Lake Calumet Harbor. The Lake also moderates Chicago's climate, making it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Lake Shore Drive runs adjacent to a large portion of Chicago's lakefront. Parks along the lakeshore include Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park and Jackson Park; 29 public beaches are found all along the shore. Near downtown, landfills extend into the Lake, providing space for the Jardine Water Purification Plant, Navy Pier, the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and large portions of the McCormick Place Convention Center. Most of the city's high-rise commercial and residential buildings can be found within a few blocks of the Lake.

Lake Michigan is the only one of the five Great Lakes entirely located within the borders of the United States. The other four share borders with Canada. That makes it the largest freshwater lake in the country. Its shores along the western coast of Michigan are a huge draw for tourism, due largely in part to its scenic beauty and the number of recreational options it offers. Some of the best Michigan hiking and Michigan camping can be found around the lake, fishing charters are popular from Spring to early Fall as anglers look to draw off the charter companies’ knowledge of the waters. Lake Michigan offers some of the best chances to catch steelhead, coho and chinook salmon, perch, rainbow, lake and brown trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and the occasional walleye. Lake Michigan jet ski rental companies abound up the Michigan coast, and give vacationers a great way to have fun on the open waters. Families, tourists, and locals alike flock to the Lake Michigan beaches in the summer for their white, crystal sand, picturesque dunes and charming beachtowns. A great getaway idea is staying at a Michigan bed and breakfast in one of these towns.

Lake Michigan charters are a fisherman’s dream, and you’ll find a number of quality charter companies to help you add this Michigan fishing experience to your vacation agenda. Just pack some dramamine if you are not sure about motion sickness. Other than that, you can leave the rest to the captain and his crew. Even if you have your own boat and want to go out on your own, it’s wise to hire one of the many Lake Michigan Charters for at least ½ a day. These guys spend a ton of time on the water and know where the best spots are, as well as what equipment to use. Also, make sure you hire a licensed charter, and you can check with The Michigan Charter Boat Association for a list of licensed charters. If charter fishing on your Michigan vacation is just part of the plan, you might consider companies near charming vacation towns, like Muskegon, or Traverse City, where you can combine your fishing adventure with the other options for things to do. Lake Michigan charter fishing is a great idea for your family vacation, group party, or corporate outing.