I have always been called to water. The ocean, a lake, the pool, a puddle, the bathtub- all bring me a calming energy. I am a Pisces, the fish, also a water sign. It is very on brand then that I find solace in and near water. I can swim, soak in a tub, or sit on the shore for hours. And I will always come out of or away from the water feeling restored.

One of the greatest parts of moving to Michigan is close access to some amazing bodies of water, specifically the Great Lakes. (It is the Great Lake state for a reason). A lot of people are surprised by the magnitude of the Great Lakes; they are more sea-like than typical inland lakes. There is something specifically about them that calls to my soul, even though they are massive and can be deadly. I actually like them more for their aggressive beauty. You have to respect them to safely appreciate them.

I could not tell you when my love affair with the Great Lakes began. I grew up in Toledo on the shore of Lake Erie (although we didn’t swim in it then, iykyk). I visited Lake Michigan and Lake Huron on my childhood trips up north. There were many years in adulthood when I lived in central Ohio that I planned trips back up to Lake Erie. I often announced to friends, “I need to go sit in a Great Lake” and soon we headed north. There is usually a feeling that comes about early July that I either need to sit in or near a Great Lake. 

Last summer I felt this urge early on. I wanted to do some exploring of Michigan (I am still a baby Michigander) and came up with the idea of doing a “Great Lake” day. I would select a Great Lake to visit and take a day trip to sit on the beach, read a book, maybe swim if the water was warm enough. From my house in Detroit, I live within three-ish hours of four of the five Great Lakes, so I had some choices. 

Ultimately, I decided to visit Lake Michigan. At first, I was just excited to plan a beach day on the western part of the state. I looked at a variety of towns, taking into consideration beach access, parks, and other touristy destinations. It wasn’t until I saw ‘The Wizard of Oz’ displays in Holland that I knew I found the perfect place to go. I love ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and have ever since I was a small child. I have pieces inspired by the movie in my house, because as the saying goes “there is no place like home.” Clearly, I could not pass up a visit to Holland!

I created a summer playlist for the drive and headed west. I stopped first at the Holland library where there are statues of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ characters. Across the street at the city park is a live plant display in the shape of an open book. I loved it! From there I made my way to the lake with the windows rolled down and a steady breeze flowing through the car. I spent the day near the water’s edge, reading a book, and enjoying bursts of sun. It was June, so the lake was still pretty cold. I didn’t swim but ventured a few walk-ins when I got warm. After the beach, I went back into Holland for ice cream and checked out some local shops.

I had such an amazing day that on the drive back to Detroit, I decided other Great Lake days were needed throughout the summer season, and I came up with a plan. I would also visit Lake Huron and Lake Erie, do a similar itinerary but the main goal was to spend the day next to the water, reading and relaxing. It wasn’t until I planned a vacation to the Upper Peninsula for late August that I realized- I could visit all five Great Lakes in one summer! 

And that is exactly what I did. 

I had a simple day at Lake Huron in Lexington. My best friend met me in Port Clinton for a day of chatting and sitting in Lake Erie. I spent a week on the shores of Lake Superior. Finally, I crossed an international border to spend time on Lake Ontario in Canada. The Canadian and American border agents thought my summer mission to visit all five Great Lakes was really cool when I told them I was headed to and coming back from Lake Ontario, the fifth and last Great Lake I had to visit.

By the middle of September, I experienced five Great Lake days. Each one brought more clarity and calm into my life, which was desperately needed last year as I recovered from the horrors of 2024. I felt both restored AND the urge to plan a return trip to the lakeshore each drive back to real life.

This summer, I haven’t visited a Great Lake yet. But you bet, I am going to. I hope someday soon to plan a day trip to one of the lakes and sit in the sand, read, swim, and recharge. Throughout the day, I’ll dream of life near one of the lakes in the distant future. Last summer, I got a taste of life near the lakes, and that is definitely where I see myself going next.

So, if you care to find me, look to the northern sky. I’ll be somewhere by a Great Lake.