Family Vacation Ideas in the Great Lakes Area

This quaint little island between the upper and lower peninsulas is home to many historical features and activities for the entire family. The Grand Hotel---one of the oldest hotels in Michigan---overlooks the lovely Lake Michigan. Built in 1887, this 387-room hotel is home to one of the longest porches in the world. Guests can stay in on the Victorian-inspired rooms, where no two are exactly alike. Mackinac Island is also home to Fort Mackinac, the second national park in the United States. Here, guests can observe what life was like back in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Families will enjoy exploring the fort and watching the war re-enactments that take place throughout the day. The island is famous for its fudge, and this makes for a sweet treat while strolling downtown streets. The entire island is motor-free and can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by horse.

This diamond in the rough is located right on the border between New York and Ontario. Niagara Falls lies between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Niagara Falls consists of two falls---The American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. You can take a helicopter ride that goes over the falls called National Helicopters. The Maid of the Mist offers a tourist boat ride right under the thunder of the falls. The falls can be observed for no cost at many locations from the city park alongside. Staying at one of the Fallsview towering hotels, such as the Hilton Niagara Fallsview, will allows guests to wake up to a bird's eye view of the falls.

Nestled on Lake Erie, just a short ride on the Jet Express from Port Clinton, Ohio, takes tourists to a little island called Put-in-Bay. Often referred to as the "Key West of the North"---Put-in-Bay offers families a day full of relaxed fun and entertainment. Bike riding, walking and golf carts are the preferred method of transportation on the island. Attractions to see include Perry's Monument, Perry's Cave and Gemstone Mining. Guests can walk deep down into the cave mine and observe life underground. Take an elevator ride up the monument to an observation deck to get an overview of the island. Gemstone mining allows visitors to pan for faux gold or gemstones, so they have a souvenir to take home. Food is abundant on the island. A can't-miss is the Boardwalk Restaurant---where guests can relish the most popular dish on the island---lobster bisque in a bowl.

Cleveland, on the Lake Erie shoreline, is a great city for families to visit. There are several attractions in the area that everyone will love. One of the most popular attractions is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here, families can walk through some of the most historic musical memorabilia and history on the planet. The museum is full of colorful abstract art as well as room after room of endless icons of rock 'n' roll history. The Nautica Queen cruise tour offers tourists a chance to explore the city by boat. The cruise offers observation of the Cleveland downtown skyline and the many historic bridges in the area.

There really isn't anything too eerie about Erie, Pennsylvania---in fact, it is a popular vacation spot with visitors who have families. The Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark is a great escape for families any time of the year. Here, kids and parents can enjoy the thrills of waterslides, a lazy river and sprinkling water fountains. There are several hotels nearby that are affordable and clean. A good choice is the Holiday Inn Express. To finish off the trip, a visit to the Presque Isle State Park will satisfy nature and outdoor lovers. The 3,200-acre national park features over 15 miles of trails, nature observatories and a marina.