Whale Migration Season Officially Underway in Lake Michigan

There's really nothing more majestic than seeing a pod of whales swimming through the Straits of Mackinac. With the end of March in Michigan once again coinciding with their annual migration into the depths of the Great Lakes, many will be left slack-jawed and in awe for the first time watching whale tales splash into freshwater.

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Of course, none of this would be possible without the ever-vigilant workers at the 15 locks in the St. Lawrence Seaway's network. Despite poor visibility and without seeing the notoriously shy mammals, a near army-sized team shovels calamari nonstop until they think the last whale has made it into Lake Erie.

Michigan's Whale Watching Forecast

Of course, whale watching is a horrible term and doesn't accurately sum up the hobby as a whole. Whale 'spotting' or 'hoping' would be more accurate, considering how shy they become once they enter freshwater. Science has yet to discover why, nor have they ever tagged a whale in Michigan waters.

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Lake Michigan's Whale Migration Station Facebook Page (not updated since the 2022 season) shows a heavy presence of orcas. However, that isn't expected this year. Expect the more stealthy Humpbacks or Sperm whales this season.

Michigander's Best Whale Watching Location

Keep in mind that actually spotting a whale during their annual migration to Lake Michigan is an incredibly difficult task. However, I have some news for those genuinely looking to take in the eye candy that is one of the world's most enormous creatures!

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Where? Anywhere but Michigan. Whales thrive in salt water, and there has never been a confirmed sighting of a whale in the Great Lakes, but...Happy April Fools Day.