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These 15 Majestic Photographs Showcase the Beauty of the Great Lakes and Will Make You Fall in Love With the Natural Wonders
Key takeaways
- The sun sets behind the hills of Duluth, Minnesota, creating a warm glow on the shimmering surface of Lake Superior.
- Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.
- A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs.
The sun sets behind the hills of Duluth, Minnesota, creating a warm glow on the shimmering surface of Lake Superior. Brittany Borgan, Minnesota, 2025 Not just any body of water can be deemed a great lake. The five Sweetwater Seas comprise the world's largest surface freshwater system. Like oceans, their salty counterparts, the lakes are known for their massive volume, deep basins and violent storm capabilities, yet they’re distinct from oceans because of their relatively low tides and reliance on land-based precipitation, not marine circulation. Clustered in the Midwest region of the United States and extending into parts of Canada, the Great Lakes and its surrounding basin are home to 30 million people. See for yourself.
Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.
A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.