Epic Road Trip Adventure

Great Lakes Freshwater Circuit

Inland Seas: Pristine Lakes, Quarries & Northern Wilderness

Explore the pristine freshwater paradise of America's heartland. From Michigan's crystal quarries to Wisconsin's hidden lake gems, discover swimming destinations that rival any ocean while surrounded by northern forests and charming small towns.

8 days
Duration
600+ miles
Distance
6
Swimming Stops
Easy to moderate
Difficulty

Your Journey Awaits

Explore the pristine freshwater paradise of America's heartland. From Michigan's crystal quarries to Wisconsin's hidden lake gems, discover swimming destinations that rival any ocean while surrounded by northern forests and charming small towns.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall

Trip Details

Duration
8 days
Distance
600+ miles
States
MI, WI, MN, OH
Difficulty
Easy to moderate

Follow the Journey

Watch your adventure unfold along this scenic route. Each stop brings new discoveries and unforgettable swimming experiences.

1
Day 1 • Begin your Great Lakes adventure

FARQUAR-METSA PARK

Start your freshwater adventure at this pristine river where crystal waters rival any ocean....

MARQUETTE, GWINN, MI
2
Day 2 • 3 hours

JAMISON ROAD QUARRY

Journey through northern forests to discover this remarkable location where Quarry maintains perfect clarity year-round....

MACKINAW CITY, CEDARVILLE, MI
3
Day 3 • 2 hours

OCQUEOC FALLS

Continue your Great Lakes tour to this stunning falls beloved by generations of swimmers....

MACKINAW CITY, ROGERS CITY, ONAWAY, MILLERSBURG, MI
4
Day 4 • 3 hours

PALMER PARK

Explore this magnificent destination where inland seas meet sandy shores and endless horizons....

DETROIT, ST. CLAIR, MI
5
Day 5 • 5 hours

PICKEREL LAKE

Venture to this spectacular location where quarry waters create the ultimate freshwater swimming experience....

ANN ARBOR, MI
6
Day 6 • 4 hours

PICTURED ROCKS

Complete your circuit at this unforgettable lake - the crown jewel of freshwater swimming....

SAULT STE. MARIE, MUNISING, WETMORE, MI

Detailed Daily Itinerary

1

FARQUAR-METSA PARK

River

Start your freshwater adventure at this pristine river where crystal waters rival any ocean.

Today's Highlights

Crystal-clear river swimming
Picturesque wooded surroundings
RV-friendly campground
Seasonal wildlife sightings
Nearby historical attractions
Explore This Stop

Stop Details

Location
MARQUETTE, GWINN, MI
Travel Time
Begin your Great Lakes adventure
Water Body
East Branch Escanaba River
Entry Fee
Unknown
2

JAMISON ROAD QUARRY

Quarry

Journey through northern forests to discover this remarkable location where Quarry maintains perfect clarity year-round.

Today's Highlights

Clear water with varying depths
Scenic quarry setting
Wildlife spotting opportunities
Accessible via scenic route
Historical industrial site turned natural retreat
Explore This Stop

Stop Details

Location
MACKINAW CITY, CEDARVILLE, MI
Travel Time
3 hours
Water Body
Quarry
Entry Fee
Free
3

OCQUEOC FALLS

Falls

Continue your Great Lakes tour to this stunning falls beloved by generations of swimmers.

Today's Highlights

Only waterfall in Michigan's Lower Peninsula
Family-friendly swimming experience
Historic Ocqueoc River Bridge
Picturesque limestone formations
Nearby camping at Black Lake State Forest
Explore This Stop

Stop Details

Location
MACKINAW CITY, ROGERS CITY, ONAWAY, MILLERSBURG, MI
Travel Time
2 hours
Water Body
Ocqueoc River
Entry Fee
Unknown
4

PALMER PARK

River

Explore this magnificent destination where inland seas meet sandy shores and endless horizons.

Today's Highlights

Accessible riverside location
Clear and mild waters
Seasonal beauty for photography
Wildlife observation opportunities
Historical and cultural significance
Explore This Stop

Stop Details

Location
DETROIT, ST. CLAIR, MI
Travel Time
3 hours
Water Body
St. Clair River
Entry Fee
Free
5

PICKEREL LAKE

Lake

Venture to this spectacular location where quarry waters create the ultimate freshwater swimming experience.

Today's Highlights

Crystal-clear waters
Glacially-carved landscape
Abundant wildlife
Photographic vistas
Seasonal beauty
Explore This Stop

Stop Details

Location
ANN ARBOR, MI
Travel Time
5 hours
Water Body
Pickerel Lake
Entry Fee
6

PICTURED ROCKS

Lake

Complete your circuit at this unforgettable lake - the crown jewel of freshwater swimming.

Today's Highlights

Stunning sandstone cliffs with colorful mineral streaks
Clear, refreshing waters of Lake Superior
Family-friendly Miners Beach
Abundant wildlife and lush forests
Photogenic vistas and unique rock formations
Explore This Stop

Stop Details

Location
SAULT STE. MARIE, MUNISING, WETMORE, MI
Travel Time
4 hours
Water Body
Lake Superior
Entry Fee
Unknown

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

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