When it comes to dream summer cruising itineraries, the Great Lakes are sure to appear at the top of many boaters’ lists — and for good reason! Together, the five bodies of water (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior, or HOMES) form an iconic slice of American culture — a vibrant outdoor expanse that’s played host to everyone from presidents, to beloved actors, to many everyday families who found (and continue to find) solace in the natural, splashing playground.

With all that being said, if you’ve ever been to the Great Lakes on your Monterey sport boat, you know that each of the five boasts a truly unique character — with Lake Michigan, in particular, being known for its blend of big-city views and cozy lakefront hideaways. In the latter camp, you’ll find the neighborhood of Bay Harbor: a charming, five-mile stretch of beautiful beaches, breezy shopping and dining, and, of course, a lake-loving culture that is all about aquatic fun. It’s no surprise, then, that the community will be hosting an in-water boat show to kick off the summer season!

The Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show begins on June 14, and the beloved event — now in its 22^nd year — is a treat for locals and visitors alike.

Naturally, you’ll begin boat show weekend by checking out the latest lineup of Monterey Boats that will take your summer cruising to the next level! But the fun doesn’t stop after you’ve learned about the newest models — after all, Lake Michigan beckons to be explored! Take a look below as we do just that.

Take A Stroll Down Main Street

Bay Harbor’s quaint Main Street is the perfect place to begin your Lake Michigan adventure. The charming facades of local residences, shops, and restaurants — lit by chic strings of lights from above — serve as a portal to this one-of-a-kind enclave of the Great Lakes. There’s an almost European flair to the breezy, al fresco environment — that is until you spot a glimpse of the lake at the end of the street, surrounded by rolling green hills that are distinctly Lake Michigan territory.

Speaking of which...

Venture Out From Little Traverse Bay

The main waterway you’ll explore on your Bay Harbor outing is Little Traverse Bay, a charming corner of Lake Michigan located at the northern end of the state. (You know how Michigan is shaped like a mitten? Its fingertips point to Little Traverse Bay!)

Nestled into the corner of the greater, aptly named Grand Traverse Bay, Little Traverse is known for its picturesque shoreline — a vibrant green waterfront that pops against the Caribbean-esque H2O beyond the beach. It’s easy to feel like you’re in some remote paradise here — even though the thrills of greater Lake Michigan are just a ride away on your Monterey Boat.

On that note, options for wakeboarding and other water sports throughout Lake Michigan — so you can easily pair a breezy beach getaway with a thrilling afternoon of putting your skills to the test.

Cruise Past Lake Michigan’s Islands

Island-hopping isn’t just for the Caribbean or the tropical paradise of Hawaii! Lake Michigan is home to several eye-catching islands, several of them within easy cruising distance from Bay Harbor. The largest of these is Beaver Island, which serves as home to a community of private residents but also provides a fun place to retreat to during your Lake Michigan excursion — offering fun events, gorgeous inns, and plenty of natural splendor to take in. Part of Beaver Island is actually considered an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the very first in Michigan! This means it's a great place to observe the sky, stars, and planets in unique clarity.

Be sure to enjoy the daylight, too, though! Beaver Island has the nickname of America’s Emerald Isle thanks to its lush, striking environment that is just as beautiful to observe on foot as it is by boat.

Explore The Smaller Great Lakes

Even after you’ve thoroughly explored Lake Michigan’s myriad attractions, your on-the-water fun doesn’t have to come to an end. In addition to the “main event” that is Lake Michigan, there are several smaller bodies of water near the Bay Harbor that are worth checking out while you’re in town!

These include Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake, which will both give you a chance to expand your Great Lakes adventure in a meaningful way. After all, even though they may not match the core Great Lakes in size, they more than make up for it with unique character and personality — not to mention seriously stunning boating vistas for those times when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the more populated lakes.

Without further ado, we can’t wait to see you at this year’s Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show! After all, there’s nowhere quite like the Great Lakes to christen a truly thrilling summer on the water — and from the idyllic surroundings of Bay Harbor, you’ve got a pretty perfect head-start.