Pick whichever Great Lakes superlative you like—mine is that they collectively contain more than 20% of the world’s freshwater—but they all illustrate the grandeur and scale that make this region “great” in every sense of the word. One thing that can’t be measured in numbers is the memorable experiences that await group tours here. Even considering just the Upper Midwest states alone, your options are endless. (Another fact: Michigan has more freshwater coastline than any U.S. state.)
And why not start in Michigan? After all, it shares a name with a Great Lake, the only one entirely contained within U.S. borders. The reason the Great Lakes State is blessed with so much coastline is it consists of two huge peninsulas. There are even peninsulas on top of peninsulas, as the Keweenaw Peninsula juts out from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, forming a 65-mile-long oasis of Great Lakes scenery and adventure.
“You’re not going to find a destination with a stronger sense of outdoor, natural beauty; history; and cultural immersion,” says Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “We’re a peninsula that sticks out into the heart of Lake Superior, so we are abundantly surrounded by natural beauty.”
Credit: Visit Keweenaw
One of the unique characteristics of the Keweenaw is the presence of Keweenaw National Historical Park, which in essence encompasses the entire peninsula. That has helped preserve the unique history of the area, including the mining boom that made this region known as “Copper Country.” Located near Houghton, the peninsula’s largest city, the Quincy Mine allows groups to go underground and back in time to see what life was like for a 19th-century copper miner. Nearby, you’ll find the world’s only intact copper smelting site with buildings and machinery from the 1890s that processed nearly 1 billion pounds of copper over time.
The long-quiet mines have given way to an area of unspoiled natural beauty and unique culture. The town of Hancock is home to the largest concentration of people of Finnish descent, according to the U.S. census, and your group can feel Finnish for a day at an authentic sauna or local festival. Also there is Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, home to roughly 20 preserved buildings illustrating military life in the mid-1800s.
“I hope when people leave the Keweenaw they think, ‘Man, I had the opportunity to see a place I never thought I’d get to, and see some beautiful sights,’” continues Barnett, “and then learn a little bit about why the Keweenaw played a pivotal role in, really, the country’s history.”
Farther east down Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies a truly stunning stretch of landscape called Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Pictured Rocks is the first national lakeshore established in the country—“a highlight of the UP,” says Adonia Finendale of the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association. Guided kayak tours offer your group a chance to get out on the water, and more than 100 miles of hiking trails add to the opportunities to explore. It’s also the perfect place for scenic motorcoach drives with stunning views.
The Upper Peninsula as a whole makes a great “off the beaten path” destination for groups while still being reachable from major cities in the region. Learn the lore and mystery of the shipping industry at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. See one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, which is currently undergoing an improvement project to add a 900-foot boardwalk. Or, hunt for agates along the beaches of Lake Superior. It all adds up to “a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life,” says Finendale. “We hope groups experience a sense of peace and rejuvenation amidst the natural surroundings.”
Not very far as the crow flies, but in a different state, is a peninsula roughly parallel to the Keweenaw but out into Lake Michigan. Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, mostly covered by Door County, is known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” and it’s easy to see the comparison. This quaint and charming region includes 12 communities and more than 300 miles of shoreline. “We hope groups leave with a sense of connection,” says Elizabeth Charney, marketing and sales manager for Destination Door County. “Door County invites travelers to slow down, experience genuine hospitality, and create lasting memories.”
The wealth of dining experiences that are not only group-friendly but also culturally unique really makes Door County stand out. Groups can enjoy a classic Wisconsin fish boil, in which locally caught whitefish is boiled over an open bonfire in a giant kettle along with potatoes and onions for a true feast for the senses. Or, head to the world-famous Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant for a taste of the region’s Scandinavian heritage. Besides the food, your lasting memory is likely to be the goats, which—depending on the season—can be found grazing on the restaurant’s grass-covered roof.
Credit: Destination Door County
Other favorite attractions among groups include live performances at the Peninsula Players Theatre and exploring Peninsula State Park. The park features the iconic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, dating to 1868 and still guiding ships through the Strawberry Channel. “[With] five state parks, vibrant arts communities, and welcoming towns,” says Charney, “it’s a destination that appeals to a wide range of interests and activity levels.”
Swinging back across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Wisconsin’s northern shore of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands are a favorite for groups visiting northern Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota. While cruises to these scenic islands are a popular choice, groups also can enjoy camping, recreational activities, lighthouse tours, and more. The community of Bayfield on the mainland is a great access point to the islands.
Lake Superior comes to its western end at Duluth, Minnesota, a historic shipping and manufacturing town that today is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the North Star State. Duluth has a proud maritime heritage, from the massive bulk carriers that sail out of its harbor to the aquatic life below the waterline. Right on that harbor, you’ll find Great Lakes Aquarium, open in its current location for 25 years and unlike anything else in the region.
“The aquarium provides an authentic connection to the Great Lakes ecosystem that surrounds Duluth,” explains Emily Lind, who schedules group tours for the aquarium, “showcasing species found primarily in the Great Lakes alongside carefully curated exhibits from freshwater and saltwater habitats worldwide.”
Groups love the hands-on activities at the aquarium, including the opportunity to touch moon jellyfish. At the “Oceans Alive” exhibit, opened in 2024, guests can get up close with a giant Pacific octopus named Fitzgerald—a beloved local resident. And, when you’re done exploring, the aquarium’s convenient location in Canal Park leaves you within walking distance of many bars and restaurants. In the summer months, the aquarium also offers events on Thursday evenings featuring local musicians and craft brewers.
“Our primary goal,” says Lind, “is to create meaningful connections between visitors and Lake Superior’s unique environment through hands-on discovery and engagement with live animals.”
If it’s depth of experience you’re looking for, you’d do well to lead your group to the Great Lakes. The deepest point of Lake Superior is 1,330 feet (one more fun fact: deeper than the Empire State Building is tall), holding generations of history and stories.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Lake Michigan, Door County, Wisconsin; Credit: Unsplash/Dave Hoefler
