Come summer time, there’s no place better to vacation than the Great Lakes. With a soft breeze and water for as far as the eye can see, these lakes constitute a little piece of heaven nestled between what would otherwise be a very land-locked area.
But after the vacationers leave, the Great Lakes begin to take on a life of their own. Replacing a calm and peaceful scene is a cold front to stir up the waters. Anything that isn’t frozen over turns to chaos, with massive waves that look like something from the stormy Atlantic. The following photographs show insight into a world that most people don’t see.
Beginning Mid-October, the beautiful waters of the Great Lakes transform into a different world altogether. The region where these lakes are located represents one of the coldest on the continent, and it’s no surprise that the water is affected as well.
Noxi./flickr Photographed above: Lake Ontario as seen from New York.
When gusting winds so characteristic of the midwest meet with a rebound wave from the lake’s shore, the effect is extraordinary.
Tom Gill/flickr Photographed above: the St. Joseph lighthouse in Michigan.
Seeing these photographs, you might assume they were taken at sea. A closer look will reveal a different wave pattern, though.
Conrad Kuiper/flickr Photographed above: Lake Huron.
Rather than the predictable rhythm of ocean waves, the winter waves of the Great Lakes are sporadic.
mikethefifth/flickr Photographed above: Lake Erie.
In fact, with such a strong undertow, these waves are even more dangerous than their salt-water counterparts.
Greg Kretovic/flickr Photographed above: Lake Superior.
mikethefifth/flickr Photographed above: Lake Erie.
For anyone who’s grown up near the Great Lakes, this phenomenon is nothing new. Winters are exceedingly harsh with such turbulence in an otherwise scenic place.
Jolene/flickr Photographed above: Lake Superior as seen from Minnesota.
And anywhere there’s not raging waves, ice is sure to develop. Relentless winds from the north create walls of ice along any structures of the lakes.
Tom Gill/flickr Photographed above: Lake Michigan.
These shark tooth-like formations are a sharp contrast to what’s known as pancake ice floating at the water’s surface
Tom Gill/flickr Photographed above: Lake Michigan.
The South Haven Lighthouse along Lake Michigan shows the sheer magnitude of 14-ft waves. Winds of this force cause temperatures to drop to below 0.
Paladin27/flickr
But even with such violent waves, there are moments where the winterscape is simply breathtaking.
Jen Goellnitz/flickr Photographed above is an Ohio perspective of Lake Erie at sunset.
It won’t be long before the harsh winter winds die down and the lakes - and vacationers - can rest again.
Day Trips Canada/flickr Photographed above: Lake Huron.
Noxi./flickr
Photographed above: Lake Ontario as seen from New York.
Tom Gill/flickr
Photographed above: the St. Joseph lighthouse in Michigan.
Conrad Kuiper/flickr
Photographed above: Lake Huron.
mikethefifth/flickr
Photographed above: Lake Erie.
Greg Kretovic/flickr
Photographed above: Lake Superior.
Jolene/flickr
Photographed above: Lake Superior as seen from Minnesota.
Photographed above: Lake Michigan.
Paladin27/flickr
Jen Goellnitz/flickr
Photographed above is an Ohio perspective of Lake Erie at sunset.
Day Trips Canada/flickr
What memories do you have, if any, of the Great Lakes during the winter? Be sure to share your experiences with us!
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