The images of Lakes Huron, Erie, Superior, Michigan and Ontario are pulled from submissions to the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest
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.
An unobstructed perch on the shores of Lake Superior is the perfect location to enjoy an aurora show.
Cameron Wilcox, Michigan, 2024
A lone duck stands peacefully on a concrete barrier, gazing out over Lake Ontario at the horizon.
Oleksii Derevianko, Canada, 2024
The Lutsen Lodge was once a landmark along the shores of Lake Superior.
Theodore Sadler, Minnesota, 2023
Scattered boulders break the still surface of Lake Michigan.
Valleri Ames, Michigan, 2025
Sunlight breaks through the clouds above Lake Superior, resulting in a fiery glow in the sky.
Evan Cooley, Michigan, 2021
A lightning bolt pierces the clouds, reaching into the water of Lake Erie.
Steven Easton, Canada, 2010
Various tree species thrive in the sandy, wet soil on Lake Michigan’s Foster Avenue Beach.
Kevin Dephillips, Illinois, 2025
Red-necked grebes nest on the shores of Lake Ontario, and one lays a pale blue egg.
Yan Zhang, Canada, 2024
Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada, is part of Lake Huron, half of which flows through Michigan. Water close to the shore freezes every winter, and when the ice eventually breaks up and melts, it forms floes.
Zhenhuan Zhou, Canada, 2022
The northern lights put on a spectacular show above Lake Erie.
Dawn Wilson, Ohio, 2024
Resembling lily pads, sheets of broken ice dot Lake Ontario’s frigid surface.
Sylvia Johnson, Canada, 2025
The evening sky above Lake Huron boasts gold, copper and bronze colors as the sunlight peeks through clouds before setting.
Kathy Canada, Michigan, 2024
The iridescent northern lights dance in the sky above Lake Michigan as a silhouetted figure takes in the view.
Cameron Wilcox, Michigan, 2024
A billowing cloud hovers above Lake Erie.
L.E. “Skip” Bradley, Ohio, 2008
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