Lake Erie offers a charming vacation destination for those looking for a Great Lakes experience with a smaller, warmer watershed. This small but mighty lake is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes and a favorite of sport fishers. There is much to see and do, so don’t be fooled by its size.
Lake Erie is young in comparison to its Great Lake counterparts. Formed by the movement of rocks less than 4,000 years ago, this basin is little more than a divot formed over centuries. Nevertheless, its shallow waters provide an excellent fishery. The waters enter from the Detroit River and exit at the Niagara River, eventually spilling over as Niagara Falls and plunging into Lake Ontario.
The shores of Lake Erie border Ontario, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. There is no shortage of fun and fabulous things to do and see in this area, making this Great Lake a highly sought-after vacation destination. With shipwrecks, lighthouses, and islands to explore, the possibility for adventure is limitless.
Write Your Own Story About Lake Erie
The bustle of large cities seems far away when reclining along the shores of Lake Erie. You can plan the outdoor adventure of a lifetime without leaving the United States. Write your own story with a Lake Erie vacation but leave out the part about seeing a sea monster in the shallows – the story of South Bay Bessie has already been told!
Where to Stay Near Lake Erie
When going on vacation, the whole point of the trip is to “vacate” your life! Take a break from the day-to-day and spend a few days luxuriating in your “home away from home” while soaking up the local culture.
Whether your idea of luxury is lake art in a lakefront cabin or the master suite of a posh B&B, the accommodations near Lake Erie will keep you quite comfortable.
Unique Places to Stay Near Lake Erie
The variety of lodging available is sure to snuggle you in and keep you feeling quite cozy. However, don’t spend your vacation hidden away in your room, studying the lake art decorating the walls. Lake Erie is renowned for its sports fishing and other outdoor adventure. You won’t have to look far to get the opportunity to breathe some fresh air. So, take a few deep breaths and get ready to fully schedule your day with fun.
What to Do Near Lake Erie
There are many ways to make your trip to Lake Erie memorable. If you have a few days and want to get the complete picture of the lake, consider the Lake Erie Circle Tour. This driving route will follow the shoreline around the entire perimeter of Lake Erie, offering the most comprehensive experience of the surrounding beauty. There are plenty of places to stop and savor the sites if you want to slow down and take it slower. Snap photos for one-of-a-kind lake art that you will treasure forever!
Memorable Things to Do Near Lake Erie
- Kayaking
- Take a dinner cruise
- Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
- Laurentia Vineyard & Winery
With 870 miles of shoreline, there are so many things to see and do. There are acres of state parks with hiking trails, biking trails, and relaxation space. If you want to drop a line and spend some time communing with nature, Lake Erie has an impressive array of fish species, including:
Fish in Lake Erie
- Walleye
- Yellow perch
- Rainbow trout
- Smallmouth bass
For most anglers, steelhead is the top game fish in Lake Erie. The good news is fish are always in season in this lake. So, no matter when you time your trip, there will be plenty of opportunities to write your tall fish tale.
Where to Eat Near Lake Erie
The eateries around Lake Erie are as ambitious as they are delectable. From food trucks to high-end bistros, seafood to tacos, and lakefront to downtown dining, the fare of Lake Erie is unmatched. So, take a drive through Lake Erie Wine Country and ask yourself which is better – the food or the wine?
Delicious Dining Near Lake Erie
There is certainly no shortage of great places to eat, drink, and be merry! Plan to spend your lunchtime deciding where you will eat for dinner – the options are just that good. If bar food and craft beer are your kinds of happy, check out the Lake Erie Ale Trail.
Where to Shop Near Lake Erie
Bring home the nautical gift of lake art and local décor to commemorate your vacation at Lake Erie. Jewelry, candles, and lake-themed throw pillows made by local artisans make perfect souvenirs.
Love the lake art at your B&B? Find the same piece and bring it home! Support a local small business and bring home a high-quality keepsake to keep Lake Erie close at heart and top of mind for your next vacation.
Shop Small Businesses Near Lake Erie
The friendly nautical vibes of the people of Lake Erie will stay with you long after you have left the breezy shores. The perfect ending to this memorable Lake Erie vacation is a high-quality Lake Erie wood map. The exquisitely etched details and points of interest on this lake art reflect the roadmap you followed as you wandered the Lake Erie Circle or explored islands and lighthouses.
The wood map can be the centerpiece of your lake art collection. This piece elevates any room and recalls the wonderful memories made with friends and family on the shores of this small lake.
While the waters may not run deep, your fondness for Lake Erie, its history, and the people who gather at her shores will remain deep in your heart for years to come. There’s so much joy in Lake Erie, and it makes perfect sense that the joy overflows into Lake Ontario in the form of Niagara Falls!