Happy New Year! As we embark on the adventure that is to be the year 2025, I find myself leaning into my coastal obsession even more than usual. I tend to do this at the start of each new year. I think the chaos and overstimulation of the back to school rush in the fall followed by the holidays has me feeling exhausted and anxious. But returning to my love of all things coastal helps to ground, center, and rejuvenate me.
Just a few days ago Ohio experienced a rare 60 degree day in December. Rob and I had a day date already planned and it was a no brainer that we were heading to our favorite beach to enjoy the warm, sunny day. We decided to explore a beach that we’ve never walked before and wow was a it a thrill! It’s actually a beach that’s a little treacherous to get to so I’m glad the kids weren’t with us. For the majority of the time it was just us and the water. But what was most exciting was discovering these huge rocks of coral and fossils! It really reminded me how remarkable the Great Lakes are and how lucky we are to live so close to one of them (and in all actuality Lake Michigan isn’t that far away from us either!).
I thought it would be fun to share a post with five reasons why I think the Great Lakes are great. But do note that there are probably hundreds more reasons why the Great Lakes are absolute wonders.
5 Reasons Why the Great Lakes are Great
The Waters are Clean and Fresh
The Great Lakes are the largest fresh water lakes in the world! This means they supply drinking water to over 30 million people in the United States and Canada. That is crazy!
Recreational Activities
The Great Lakes have a thriving recreational and tourism industry, especially in the warm months. The lakes attract millions of visitors each year. Water recreational activities include sailing, boating, water skiing, birding, beaching, fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, cycling and more.
Clean Water = Opportunities for Craft Beer
Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois are ranked in the top ten states for brewing the best beer. Want to know why? It’s because these states have access to clean, fresh water: aka the Great Lakes! Beer requires a lot of water to make and the Great Lakes provide plenty of it. One of our favorite beers ever is from a brewery on Catawba Island on Lake Erie called Twin Oast. Every single beer we’ve sampled has been delicious!
Swimming without Fear of Sharks
This one might seem silly, but as much as I love the ocean and the sea, I do get anxious swimming around sharks! Typically sharks do not migrate up to the Great Lakes and that reason alone makes the lakes pretty awesome for swimming and other recreational activities. (There is a legend that a giant lake monster named Bessie lives at the bottom of Lake Erie but that’s a story for another day!)
Rich Ecosystem
The Great Lakes are home to more than 3500 species of plants and wildlife, making it incredibly diverse. Fishing is huge on the Great Lakes, with lake trout, walleye and perch being some of the most popular. The lakes also provide a unique bird watching experience. Every spring thousands visit Northwest Ohio for a 10-day festival, also known as the “Biggest Week in American Birding.”
In all seriousness, beyond the reasons I mentioned above, the Great Lakes have a huge economic impact on the region and serve as a vast network of shipping routes to transport goods such as coal, iron ore, and grain. Additionally, the Great Lakes have played a critical role in the history of the United States. One example is the Battle of Lake Erie of 1812, which was crucial in ensuring the United States remained in control of the lake from the British Army. And last but not least, the Great Lakes were once home to many Indigenous cultures which helped shaped the region. The National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo has some fascinating information about the history of the Great Lakes and if you live nearby I encourage you to spend a day exploring this gem!
The Great Lakes are a national treasure and we should all do our part to help protect and maintain them. And also enjoy them!
Be sure to follow along on my Instagram for more Lake Erie and coastal living!
Slainte,
Shannon
A Dash of Solt 