Category: Great Lakes

Scenic sandstone cliffs rising above the Wisconsin River in the Upper Dells on a sunny summer day
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, wisconsin

Great Lakes Loop Road Trip: Days 4–5 – Exploring Wisconsin Dells and Mirror Lake State Park

MeghanH

Canyons, crowds, and concession stands... Wisconsin Dells reminded me that sometimes even the “must-see” spots are better seen once. Wisconsin Dells had all the makings of a highlight — sculpted sandstone cliffs, winding river canyons, and the promise of adventure. But reality checked in fast. Two days of overpriced everything, endless crowds, and a campground… Continue reading Great Lakes Loop Road Trip: Days 4–5 – Exploring Wisconsin Dells and Mirror Lake State Park

Dessert display case at Milwaukee Public Market with chocolate mousse cakes and pastries.
Destinations, Great Lakes

Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan – Day 3 – Milwaukee, WI’s Lakefront & Historic Third Ward

MeghanH

Day 3 brought us north into Milwaukee, and it didn’t take long for us to realize this was our kind of city. The pace felt relaxed, the people were welcoming, and there was a balance of creativity and comfort that just clicked. Milwaukee reminded me a lot of Cleveland, which instantly made it feel like… Continue reading Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan – Day 3 – Milwaukee, WI’s Lakefront & Historic Third Ward

The Bean sculpture in Chicago’s Millennium Park reflecting the city skyline and a group of visitors gathered beneath it on a sunny day.
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, illinois

Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan – Day 2: Chicago, IL Big City Icons & Butterbeer Dreams

MeghanH

A Big City Adventure Day 2 of our Great Lakes road trip was all about embracing the bustle. We landed in downtown Chicago early and crammed a lot into the day - iconic landmarks, a little fandom magic, overrated food, and topped it off with a perfect view of the lake a top the Navy… Continue reading Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan – Day 2: Chicago, IL Big City Icons & Butterbeer Dreams

Sandy trail flanked by dune grasses under a pastel orange and pink sunset sky.
Destinations, Great Lakes, Hiking, Indiana, National Parks

Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan – Day 1: Dunes, Wildflowers & an Epic Sunset

MeghanH

We kicked off our Great Lakes Loop with soft sand, sunset skies, and the perfect blend of peace and adventure. Indiana Dunes National Park gave us winding trails, wildflowers, and lake breezes that melted the stress of daily life right off. We ended the day with live music, ice cream, and a private view of the sun sinking into Lake Michigan. Not a bad start.