Lake Michigan: what's nearby, how to get there and when to go · 2026

VPValeriia Platonovalera.platonova1998 · Dec 9, 2019Read

Two weeks later, I left Walker, leaving letters for all the people I had grown to love. Andrey and I took a bus to Minneapolis. On the day of my arrival, I arranged to meet a waiter from our restaurant to sit in a cafe and wander around the city. Coby showed me the outskirts of Minneapolis and St. Paul. We ate incredibly delicious ice cream, and the next day I spent with Ariel—a girl who agreed to host me at her place for free. We visited galleries in Minneapolis and walked through what felt like the entire city. By the way, on the first day, Ariel gave me the keys to her apartment and went to stay with her boyfriend so as not to 'make me feel awkward,' as she put it. Tip! Use the CouchSurfing service; you can save a huge amount of money and see the city through the eyes of a local, but choose your host carefully and thoughtfully, and pick a location that is convenient for you. Be sure to pay attention to the reviews that your chosen host already has. In the evening, I headed to Chicago, where another host, Omar, met me. At 6 a.m., we were sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan watching the sunrise. Then we walked around the city, and afterwards, we went to his apartment. I thought there wouldn't be anything better than Ariel's apartment, but this was something else: downtown Chicago, 17th floor, panoramic windows, a small balcony where we had breakfast. Three guys prepared breakfast, and I was just an observer. After breakfast, we watched a movie. Omar asked if I had a list of places I wanted to see; my list consisted of only two museums. He showed me Chicago, explained the location of all the shopping centers and museums, and then I went to explore Chicago on my own. Again, I ate unrealistically delicious ice cream, wandered around the city, and enjoyed the atmosphere. I didn't take any pictures; it all remained only in my memory. After my walk, I returned to Omar's apartment. He had already finished working by then and told me we needed to leave quickly because there would be a perfect sunset today. We went cycling along the waterfront. He was right; that sunset was perfect. We reached the place where the morning of that day had begun; now Chicago was completely different—familiar, bright, and dear. We danced barefoot in the lake to music and laughed loudly; it was simply unforgettable. In the evening, I lay alone on a double bed and recalled the moments of this summer. Outside the window was Chicago. In the morning, Omar was no longer in the apartment; his work started at 6 a.m. I packed my things, had breakfast, and set off for New York. In New York, I visited the 9/11 Memorial. I won't say anything about my feelings at this place; I think everyone should visit it. For every person, this monument carries a different meaning that is close to them personally. My flight was at 5 p.m. In my headphones, a song was playing that Michael and I used to listen to when we went out in the evenings to talk by the lake. Tears of happiness streamed down my cheeks. I had completed the brightest and most difficult quest of my life.

DUDaria Udalovaudalova.darya · Dec 9, 2019Read

Where I stayed: Holiday Jones Hostel It took me 8 hours by Greyhound bus to reach my dream city from Columbus, Ohio. I enjoyed traveling with them; the buses are comfortable, rarely full, the trip is cheap, and you can choose any seat, plus use the onboard restroom while moving. Definitely bring a jacket or a sweater, as it is very cold on the buses due to the air conditioning. In general, be prepared for the fact that in all public places, transport, and taxis, the air conditioning is often running at full power. I already wrote that you shouldn't take a large suitcase, and well, it was inconvenient for me to get around with my suitcase, a rolling bag, and a backpack because the subway is absolutely not designed for people with luggage: no elevators, no escalators, only stairs! If you are staying at the same hostel, keep in mind that there are no elevators. The receptionist helped me carry my suitcase (I didn't tip, I don't even know if I should have). The hostel is clean, the bathroom was shared per floor, but it locked from the inside. I was disappointed by the lack of a power outlet on the top bunk of the double bed. To say that I dreamed of visiting this city is an understatement. Since I was 12, I've had a photo in my memory of my friend's older sister who left for the States back in 2008 on the Work and Travel program, which I knew nothing about at the time. In the photo: her, skyscrapers, and a strange mirror object - a bean... At that moment, I felt a burning desire to visit that very city and that very place; I literally saw myself in the photo... All this time, I was sure that one day I would come to this city and see its strange futuristic symbol. First thing after checking in, I headed to Millennium Park; that's where the most popular attraction is located in the very center of Chicago - Cloud Gate. On the way, it seemed to me that very soon, the photo, already quite blurry in my memory, was about to become reality, only I would be in it. When I saw it in person, my smile knew no bounds; I couldn't believe it wasn't a dream. But it was, which made me shine and glow. Many might find such admiration for public sculpture strange, but for me at that moment, it meant only one thing - dreams come true! The next morning was foggy, and I thought it would prevent me from visiting the observation deck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, so I headed to Lake Michigan. On the way, I was surprised by the number of ducks and seagulls freely walking around in the parks near the lake, like pigeons in our cities. The lake turned out to be very clean and blue, which was unexpected for urban conditions. Chicago is a city with an illusion of crime. Why? Because when you hear about it, the persona of Al Capone pops into your head, and personally, I immediately remember the Russian film Brother-2, which takes place in Chicago. The music from the film was playing in my headphones and accompanied all my walks around this city, creating a special mood and the impression that I am here, in a completely unfamiliar city, not alone, like the main character, and Chicago is not a stranger to me. But that's a plot for another movie. Closer to noon, the fog cleared, and I accomplished what I had planned - I went up to the observation deck. The view from there is impressive; you don't even believe or feel that you are so high up, of course, if you are not afraid of heights. The windows with a glass floor protruding from the building are such a popular place for photos that visitors are given only 60-90 seconds depending on the number of people in the group. What I like about such tourist places are the good souvenirs: beautiful, original, high-quality, a little more expensive - so what?! On the evening of the next day, I went to Navy Pier. Admission is free, and the view from there is worth a million dollars - a beautiful night city shimmering in lights. Look at it from the Ferris wheel – the sensations are indescribable! Three days of endless

SSSaniya Shonbayevashonbaeva99 · Dec 6, 2019Read

Chicago is my love. Yes, it is my favorite city. A city I fell in love with at first sight. The city where my trips across America began. Chicago is an insanely beautiful city. I compare it to New York; they look very similar, probably because of the large number of skyscrapers, but it is much cleaner and not as hectic. When I said I wanted to stay and live in Chicago, everyone replied, "Come on, Chicago? Have you seen the winds there?" And you are saying this to a person who lived in Astana with its harsh frosts? Believe me, that doesn't stop me. In Chicago, I brought along a couple of my close friends, which made this trip unforgettable. But besides them, we met several other J-1 participants from Ukraine and Romania, with whom we had a blast. You know what you absolutely must do while in Chicago? Try deep-dish pizza and go up to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. This pizza is made only in Chicago, and it is incredibly delicious. By the way, it is one of the tastiest pizzas in my life. I am telling you this as a pizza connoisseur. There is one place that makes the most delicious pizza in Chicago; you must go there. Address: 130E Randolph Street Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago, and most likely in America. The ticket price is $23, but this is not something you should save money on. You know those pictures of skyscrapers from Pinterest? Well, you will see them with your own eyes and take such pictures yourself. And you will also have the opportunity to stand on a glass floor. I thought it wouldn't be that scary, but... Have you heard that among all the skyscrapers there is a prison skyscraper? I still can't understand how a prison can be in the city center. I was so curious about what was happening inside that building that I examined it from top to bottom. And suddenly, a prisoner started waving at me from a window on the 8th or 9th floor. It was the strangest and at the same time eerie feeling. I couldn't make out his face, but I saw his silhouette and hairstyle. When I walked past, I was left with an unpleasant feeling. But in my opinion, it is worth seeing and experiencing those emotions. And, of course, at night, don't miss the opportunity to walk around Chicago at night. Such a number of lights create a romantic atmosphere. Go to the waterfront, walk around Lake Michigan. Its size is impressive, and the water is crystal clear. Perhaps, after this, you will fall in love, just like I did.

KKKristina Krutovakkm1410 · Dec 15, 2018Read

Fact #5 - going to America with your bestie = laughing your head off 24/7. This is the stereotype that none of us ever intended to break. Just think about it! What could be better than going to America with your best friend for 4 months TOGETHER! When we were about 12, we could only dream of this, and in May 2018 we were confidently walking through Times Square, chatting with passersby, and eating that very New York cheesecake in the evenings. And even though that summer wasn't the easiest, it was definitely the most unforgettable. Why? Coming home from work 120% exhausted but still making something delicious; riding the waves of the Atlantic Ocean on a ferry and seeing 3 whales and a seal; waking up at 3 AM to catch the sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain, and then heading to that bakery to have a breakfast of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls (which, by the way, the islanders are just crazy about); swimming in the ocean at night; enjoying the views of the island where we lived all summer during a helicopter tour; trying more than 50 flavors of ice cream; meeting a couple of deer and a flock of wild turkeys at night. And all summer long, thinking about how we would plan those coveted two weeks after work ended. Usually incredibly cautious, we decided to completely forget about what we had planned and just let things take their course. The first city was Boston. Arriving there, we had a bunch of bags and a wild desire to spend this time in a way that no one would believe it happened to us. By a happy coincidence, it was in Boston that we met our acquaintances, with whom we tried oysters for the first time, went to Harvard and other city landmarks. Walking through the streets of a huge city you've heard so much about, next to your friends, is probably something we would wish for everyone. This is what it was worth flying 7,000 km from home for, what it was worth working for, and what we would definitely repeat. After seeing Boston, the two of us arrived at the airport, having no idea where we wanted to go next, and, relying only on the departure time, we bought tickets to Chicago. Chicago is turquoise canals that cleverly weave between skyscrapers, it's drawbridges, the subway right above pedestrian streets, almost brushing against mirrored buildings; it's the famous Bean, the most delicious deep-dish pizza, incredible rooftops, jazz bars, and views of Lake Michigan. In Chicago, we rode a double-decker bus through the night city, naively comparing it to Boston, walked the streets all night, went to the other end of the city for breakfast just for the beautiful tableware, and that's where we tried the spiciest pasta of our lives. The next destination was also chosen spontaneously, and 9 hours later we were checking into a hostel in Los Angeles. That was the first time we found ourselves in a room so small that we had to take turns throwing our suitcases onto the bed just to get our clothes, simply because there was no room for them on the floor. That was the first time we understood the meaning of a "3 by 3 meter room," a shared ceiling, and all the romance of hostels. Trying to leave our dwelling as quickly as possible, we set off to conquer the city. And standing not far from that very "Hollywood" sign, it felt like we were in the coolest American movie. We won't go into the details of the trip to this city; going there turned out not to be the best spontaneous decision, as it turned out this place wasn't for us. New York was the only city for which we bought tickets in advance. Waking up early in the morning, we called a taxi, sat happily in the back seat, anticipating a new city. But we couldn't have imagined that the traffic in LA is no less than in New York. And after spending a good 2.5 hours in the taxi, we were completely late for our flight. Upon arriving at the airport, we very diligently explained to the Virgin Airlines staff that we had missed our plane and that we just had to fly to New York. Then, without t

MPMariya Pantyukhinapantyuhina.mariya · Dec 15, 2018Read

Fact #5 - going to America with your best friend = laughing your head off 24/7. This is the stereotype that none of us ever intended to break. Just think about it! What could be better than going to America with your best friend for 4 months, just the two of you! When we were about 12, we could only dream of this, and in May 2018, we were confidently strolling through Times Square, chatting with passersby, and eating that iconic New York cheesecake in the evenings. And even though that summer wasn't the easiest, it was definitely the most unforgettable. Why? Coming home from work 120% exhausted but still making sure to cook something delicious; riding the waves of the Atlantic Ocean on a ferry and spotting 3 whales and a seal; waking up at 3 a.m. to catch the sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain, and then heading to that bakery for a breakfast of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls (which, by the way, the island locals are absolutely crazy about); swimming in the ocean at night; enjoying the views of the island where we lived all summer during a helicopter tour; trying over 50 flavors of ice cream; encountering a couple of deer and a flock of wild turkeys at night. And throughout the whole summer, thinking about how we would plan our coveted two weeks after work ended. Usually incredibly cautious, we decided to completely forget what we had planned and just let things flow. The first city was Boston. Arriving there, we had a bunch of bags and a wild desire to spend this time in a way that no one would believe it actually happened to us. By a happy coincidence, it was in Boston that we met our friends, with whom we tried oysters for the first time, made it to Harvard and other city landmarks. Walking through the streets of a huge city you've heard so much about, right next to your friends, is probably something we would wish for everyone. This is what it was worth flying 7,000 km from home for, what it was worth working for, and what we would definitely repeat. After seeing Boston, the two of us arrived at the airport, having absolutely no idea where we wanted to go next, and relying only on the departure time, we bought tickets to Chicago. Chicago is turquoise canals that cleverly weave between skyscrapers, it's drawbridges, the subway right above pedestrian streets, almost brushing against mirrored buildings; it's the famous Bean, the most delicious deep-dish pizza, incredible rooftops, jazz bars, and views of Lake Michigan. In Chicago, we rode a double-decker bus through the night city, naively comparing it to Boston, walked the streets all night, traveled to the other end of the city for breakfast just for the beautiful tableware, and that's where we tried the spiciest pasta of our lives. The next destination was chosen just as spontaneously, and 9 hours later we were checking into a hostel in Los Angeles. That was the first time we found ourselves in a room so small that we had to take turns throwing our suitcases onto the bed just to get our clothes, simply because there was no room for them on the floor. That was when we first understood the meaning of a "3 by 3 meter room," a shared ceiling, and all the romance of hostels. Trying to leave our dwelling as quickly as possible, we set off to conquer the city. And there, standing not far from that very "Hollywood" sign, it felt like we had ended up in the coolest American movie. We won't go into the details of the trip to this city; going there wasn't the best spontaneous decision, as it turned out, this place wasn't for us. New York was the only city for which we bought tickets in advance. Waking up early in the morning, we called a taxi, sat happily in the back seat, anticipating a new city. But we couldn't have imagined that the traffic in LA is no less intense than in New York. And after spending a good 2.5 hours in the taxi, we completely missed our flight. Upon arriving at the airport, we very diligently explained to the Virgin Airlines staff that we had missed ou

GIGera Iakuninajakunina.g · Nov 30, 2015Read

Part 2. Chicago. JFK again, everything is clear again. Departure, an hour of chatting with my neighbor in economy class, and I'm there. Chicago didn't welcome me with good weather... it was cold, a fine, terribly nasty rain was falling, and my rather large body was being blown away by gusts of wind. Well, that's understandable! Windy City, duh!)) And since Her Carefree Highness Hera didn't bother to check the weather in the arrival city beforehand and dressed in shorts and a tank top, she unpacked her suitcase right at the airport to get warmer clothes. In the Chicago subway, for some reason, I felt a pleasant sensation of traveling alone for the first time. That feeling when you realize you are alone on another continent, with not a single Russian speaker around you... it's an indescribable feeling. And yet, you feel completely safe. As one guy said later: "This is America! What is there to be afraid of?!" - and that's true! I only had one incomplete day in Chicago, and it was wet and cold. So I left my things at the bus station and quickly trotted to Lake Michigan and back, just to catch a glimpse of the great lake. At the station, I met some girls from Kazakhstan, and I spent the day with them. By the way, we are still in touch!) I returned here on my way back and fell head over heels in love with this beautiful city of skyscrapers, trains rumbling overhead, metal curbs, and a fresh breeze. When my bus arrived, and it was 5:40 AM, it was starting to get light... I, as a person not on friendly terms with common sense, tired, frozen, with all my belongings, firmly decided to watch the sunrise on the shore of Lake Michigan. And so, this frozen, homeless-looking girl drags herself across the entire Loop to watch the sunrise! I will never forget this sunrise!! It was probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! I watched as the sun slowly rolled out from behind the horizon, illuminating the coast with a reddish light, while the seagulls, in their characteristic manner, walked around with an impudent look and disturbed the dawn silence with their cries... it was delightful. Afterwards, I wandered to the hostel, finished all the formal business, and went for a walk again. I will say it again, and perhaps a thousand more times, THIS CITY IS MAG-NI-FI-CENT!!! With its architecture, its rhythm of life, its air!! People here have a spark in their eyes; they are different from New York residents! After watching the locals, I wanted to have lunch not in a cafe, but on the street, well, in a park, for example. I took my lunch and went to the coast, and just as I had settled on the lawn under a tree and started devouring my delicious meal, I was attacked by geese!!! GEESE, Karl!!! (Beautiful ones, black and white) A horde of geese surrounded me and filled me with fear! A minute later, miraculously not pecked by the birds, I was already running for my life to a safer place. Evening Chicago is a different story. The lights of the high-rises here replace the stars, which, like in any metropolis, are practically invisible. You can look at the coastline in the evening endlessly. Well, you'll see that in the attached photos. The whole next day I wandered around again, and in the evening I had a trip planned to probably the most famous landmark in Chicago - Willis Tower (Skydeck). You have to see it!! A panoramic view of this wonderful city from a height of 412 meters! The emotions there are just off the charts! I was very afraid that I would be sad and bored when I was going to Chicago, but this is not the kind of city where moments of sorrow can strike... here you enjoy every minute spent on these streets and every breath of always fresh air. So, let's get back to our sheep... that is, to my further journey to the workplace... I waited for my bus, loaded into it, and we headed towards Minneapolis, where my employers were supposed to pick me up in the morning.

ДГДиляра Гатиятуллинаdilyara.gatiyatullina · Feb 1, 2015Read

Leaving a place where everything has become so familiar and dear, heading into the unknown, is never easy. But everything, both good and bad, has a habit of coming to an end. It was hard for us to part with Rehoboth, which we had grown to love, with the friends and colleagues we met this summer, with the locals, the ocean, and so much more. Even with work! Although that was met with nothing but delight. Nevertheless, we had to hit the road. We planned to visit 3 cities in 9-10 days: Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York (since our flight was from there). In the end, we only visited Chicago and New York. I will just say significantly: "Always plan and book everything in advance.";) Having failed to realize our trip to Philadelphia, we reached New York to leave our suitcases with an acquaintance whose room we later rented, and traveled to Chicago light. Personally, it still seems to me that everything turned out for the best, despite our initial blunders. By not going to Philadelphia, we saved 2 days, which eventually went to the round trip to Chicago (yes, the bus ride from New York takes almost 20 hours). But it was clearly worth it! We liked this city more than any other we visited in the States. It is very unique: it surprisingly combines proximity to water (Lake Michigan), a huge number of parks, skyscrapers, and low-rise buildings. It is not overloaded with skyscrapers; it is clean and relatively calm, unlike, for example, New York. In short, we fell in love with Chicago once and for all. We spent our last days, like all Summer Work Travel students, in New York. Already quite tired from the travels themselves, we tried to spend most of our time in Central Park (a green miracle of this city, 4km by 800m), mentally preparing ourselves for saying goodbye to America and the soon-to-be meeting with our loved ones... I have described so little of what I really wanted to tell. So, my advice to you in the end: go for it, don't be afraid, and always look at the situation from its advantages. It will be scary, uncomfortable, unusual - especially the first month. But there is no getting away from that, because you have never lived like this before, right? Then, with each passing day, positive impressions and the experience gained will simply outweigh all the bad. Whether this summer becomes the best for you or not is up to you. But I don't think you should deprive yourself of such a chance;) P.S. I hope the mistakes and blunders I've mentioned here will help you avoid something similar in the future. Although no! I'd rather wish you a wonderful summer in America and to make your own.