1

Lake Superior lives up to its name

Image: Jacob Skowronek

Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, and coldest of the five. It holds more water than the other four lakes combined—enough to cover North and South America in a foot of water. At 31,700 square miles, it’s the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world.

2

Only one is fully American

Image: Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov

Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake entirely within the jurisdiction of the United States. It touches four states—Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan—and its shores are home to major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. As if this wasn’t enough, this lake also boasts the world’s largest freshwater sand dunes.

3

They create their own weather

Image: Srikanta H. U

The Great Lakes have a powerful influence on regional weather, especially through the phenomenon of "lake-effect snow." As cold air sweeps over the warmer lakes, it picks up moisture, resulting in heavy snowfall in cities like Buffalo, Cleveland, and Chicago. The lakes also generate localized storms that can rival oceanic tempests in intensity. Yet, not all is harsh; these unique conditions help create microclimates that are perfect for agriculture, supporting a range of crops across the region.

4

A shipwreck graveyard

Image: Vlad Tchompalov

Prone to stormy and unpredictable weather, the Great Lakes are home to over 6,000 shipwrecks. The most infamous of these, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, sank in Lake Superior during a violent storm in 1975, inspiring Gordon Lightfoot's iconic ballad. In fact, many of these wrecks are remarkably well-preserved, thanks to the cold freshwater, which slows down the decay process and keeps these sunken ships intact for decades.

5

They contain a fifth of the world’s freshwater

Image: Sime Basioli

The Great Lakes hold about 21% of the world's fresh surface water. That’s roughly six quadrillion gallons—enough to submerge the lower 48 states under about 10 feet of water. Given this staggering quantity, it's no surprise that the lakes are crucial to American drinking water, agriculture, and industry.

6

The Erie Canal’s role

Image: Lucy M

Opened in 1825, the Erie Canal linked the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River, transforming trade and settlement patterns. It played a pivotal role in making New York City an economic powerhouse and significantly accelerated the movement of goods between the Midwest and the East Coast. While most traffic now flows through the larger St. Lawrence Seaway, the Erie Canal remains a key chapter in U.S. history.

7

When the Niagara Falls stood still

Image: Vishwesh Jirgale

In 1969, engineers temporarily halted the flow of Niagara Falls due to concerns that erosion was progressing so rapidly the falls could disappear in a few years. After a thorough inspection by the Army Corps of Engineers, they concluded that no immediate maintenance was necessary. Despite this, the endeavor was far from futile—it provided valuable insights that would guide future preservation efforts for the iconic falls.

8

America’s forgotten "Third Coast"

Image: Richard Main

The Great Lakes coastline spans about 10,900 miles, which makes it longer than the U.S. East and West Coasts combined. This hidden "Third Coast" features sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and picturesque lighthouses, making it a popular destination for tourism and outdoor recreation.

9

Once an ancient ocean

Image: Andrzej Kryszpiniuk

Millions of years ago, the region now holding the Great Lakes was covered by an ancient sea. Over time, glaciers carved out the massive basins, which filled with meltwater after the Ice Age. The evidence of this transformation is still visible in the region’s fossils and rock formations.

10

Chicago River’s historic reversal

Image: Jake Leonard

In 1900, engineers reversed the flow of the Chicago River to prevent sewage from polluting Lake Michigan, the city’s drinking water source. Using a system of canals, the river was redirected toward the Mississippi River watershed, an astonishing feat of engineering that still works to this day.

11

Protected by an international treaty

Image: Hermes Rivera

The 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty between the U.S. and Canada governs the Great Lakes, ensuring cooperative water management. It led to the creation of the International Joint Commission, which helps both nations resolve disputes and protect this vital natural resource.

1

The "Dream Team"

Image: Markus Spiske

We’ll start with what many believe to be the greatest sports team ever assembled . Before the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona, the rules stated by the International Basketball Federation prevented professional players from competing in Olympic tournaments. However, once this rule was revoked, the United States saw this opportunity to summon the very best the NBA had to offer. And with that, the "Dream Team" was born.

The Dream Team roster included basketball legends like Michael Jordan , Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. Accordingly, their performance was flawless: The American team stampeded through every match, earning the gold medal in a 117–85 victory over Croatia.

2

Muhammad Ali

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

There’s no denying that Muhammad Ali’s nickname "The Greatest" is very well-deserved: Few boxers have left a mark as indelible in the history of this sport as Ali has. Bearing that in mind, it seems only fitting to take a look at the point in time at which his transformation into a sports legend began, and most boxing enthusiasts agree that this took place during his outstanding performance at the 1960 Olympics.

Before the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) was a promising but relatively unknown pugilist from Kentucky. However, that 18-year-old boxer showed the world who he was by winning the light-heavyweight gold medal, the first achievement in a career filled with nothing but greatness.

3

Michael Phelps

Image: Gentrit Sylejmani

Speaking of nicknames, American swimmer Michael Phelps has also earned his share of monikers, like "The Flying Fish" or "The Baltimore Bullet". Phelps’ achievements are not restricted to just one Olympics: This iconic athlete had incredible performances in five separate Olympics, becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time in the process.

Michael made his Olympic debut at the young age of 15, becoming the youngest male to make a U.S. Olympic swim team in 68 years. By the time he participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he was already an outstanding competitor: Phelps earned first place in eight different categories, breaking the record for most gold medals won in a single Olympics.

4

Simone Biles

Image: Eduardo Cano Photo Co.

During the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, American gymnast Simone Biles dazzled the world with her debut performance. She earned four gold medals, one as part of the U.S. gymnastic team known as the "Final Five". With an impressive total of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, Simone is the most decorated gymnast in history.

Nowadays, at age 27, Biles still competes professionally, earning her eighth U.S. Gymnastics title in 2023. Her determination and impressive skills made her the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.

5

Joan Benoit

Image: sporlab

In March 1984, American marathon runner Joan Benoit injured her knee while training for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. This forced Benoit to undergo surgery just 17 days before the trials. While this could have understandably been the end of her Olympic dream, Benoit was not daunted by this dreadful situation: Instead, she recovered much more quickly than expected and earned her place in the American team.

While this feat alone is remarkable, Benoit didn’t stop there . She went on to win the gold medal in the Los Angeles Olympics, becoming the first women's Olympic Games marathon champion in history.

6

The "Miracle on Ice"

Image: gerhard crous

Just like with the "Dream Team", the American ice hockey team's victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics was a team effort. However, while the Dream Team was fully expected to earn the gold medal, the American team’s win over the heavily favored Soviet Union was so unexpected that it is now known as "The Miracle on Ice".

The United States faced the Soviet Union in the first game in the medal round. The odds heavily favored the Soviet team, since it was a four-time defending gold medalist. Not only that, their players were more experienced and seasoned compared to the American team, the youngest team in the entire tournament. And yet, the underdog prevailed: the American team upset the Soviets and won the game 4-3. After this remarkable victory, the U.S. team defeated Finland in their final game and earned the gold medal.

7

Mary Lou Retton

Image: Vladyslav Melnyk

The 1984 Los Angeles Games introduced the world to the energetic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, who quickly and understandably gained the nickname "America’s Sweetheart" . Retton’s pleasant demeanor and unforgettable smile were only eclipsed by her amazing talent: She scored perfect tens and won the individual all-around gold medal, the first female gymnast from outside Eastern Europe to achieve this feat.

What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is the fact that Retton had just recovered from suffering a severe knee injury just five weeks before the Olympics. She was forced to undergo an operation, recovering just in time for the competition. Nevertheless, Retton’s outstanding performance secured her a place among the greatest Olympians of all time.

8

Carl Lewis

Image: Braden Collum

Track and field star Carl Lewis truly made a name for himself throughout his 17-year career: He set world records in three different disciplines and amassed a total of nine Olympic gold medals and 10 World Championships medals. Nevertheless, however fruitful his career was, Lewis is still most fondly remembered for his debut in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, considered one of the best Olympic debuts in history.

During his first Olympic games, Lewis won the gold medal in all four events he entered: 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100-meter relay, on which he set a world-record time of 37.83 seconds. This exceptional performance proved to be only the beginning of an outstanding athletic career.

9

The Williams Sisters

Image: Josephine Gasser

Venus and Serena Williams truly need no introduction: these sisters have earned 22 women’s doubles titles, as well as a combined total of 30 Grand Slam titles. Naturally, their outstanding careers include several achievements in the Olympics, both playing individually and as a team.

Perhaps the most iconic of these Olympic wins is the sisters’ first doubles championship win, which they achieved during the 2000 Olympics. While many gold medals would follow this first one, their triumph in Sydney showed the tennis world that they were truly a force to be reckoned with.

10

1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony

Image: Igor Lepilin

We’ll end this list with one of the most touching instances in Olympic history. Granted, this moment is not an athletic landmark, but rather a celebration of one of America’s most inspiring athletes. The Olympic opening ceremony is always an extraordinary display of energy and excitement, during which the entire world expectantly awaits that moment at which the cauldron is finally lit. In that regard, the opening of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics is still fondly remembered, thanks to the legend that officially inaugurated the games.

Muhammad Ali ’s declining health didn’t stop him from lighting the cauldron in the Atlanta Games. This spectacle was particularly moving not only because of Ali’s battle against Parkison’s Disease but also because it symbolized the passing of the torch from one of history’s most prominent sports legends to a new generation of American athletes.

1

Vanderbilt Mansion

Image: Michael Denning

The Vanderbilt Mansion was one of several homes owned by Frederick William Vanderbilt and his wife Louise Holmes Anthony. Built between 1896 and 1899, this 54-room marvel is an excellent example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style , characterized by its grandeur and ornate detailing. In addition, the mansion's interiors are representative of the American Renaissance.

Historically known as Hyde Park, the estate includes 211 acres and is built on a hilltop overlooking the Hudson River. It includes well-groomed flowerbeds, formal gardens, woodlands, and ancillary buildings. In 1940 the Vanderbilt Mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today it’s a historic house museum operated by the National Park Service.

2

Hildene Mansion

Image: sarahlawrence603

Hildene Mansion was built in 1905 by Robert Todd Lincoln, eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln. This Georgian Revival-style mansion is set on a 200-foot promontory, which offers a panoramic view of the Battenkill Valley. The name "Hildene" comes from Old English words meaning "hill" and "valley with stream".

Hildene Mansion remained in the possession of the Lincoln family until 1975. Then, in 1978, the property was acquired by a non-profit organization that restored it, preserving its historic integrity. Today this former summer home is one of Vermont's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can wander around the large estate and contemplate its opulence: from the grand entry staircase to the original furnishings.

3

Swan House

Image: Michael Starkie

Swan House, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a historic mansion built in 1928 by Edward and Emily Inman, heirs to a cotton fortune. The mansion's eclectic design combines neo-Renaissance styles with a classical approach. The 28-acre estate features terraced gardens and a cascading fountain on the hillside. Carved or painted swans are a recurring motif throughout the house and gardens.

In 1966, the Atlanta Historical Society acquired the house and grounds. Today, Swan House is part of the Atlanta History Center and operates as a museum documenting 1920s American history. Many of the Inmans' original furniture pieces are still on display, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

4

Hearst Castle

Image: Mike Hsieh

On the west coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, there’s a magnificent mansion, a combination of a medieval castle , a Spanish cathedral , and a Roman temple. Hearst Castle is the result of the feverish dreams of one of the greatest tycoons of the 20th century: William Randolph Hearst.

Facing the Pacific Ocean, this four-building palace has 175 rooms, 40 bathrooms, and gigantic extensions of gardens. An immense semicircular outdoor swimming pool, a private zoo, tennis courts, a huge Gothic-style library, a movie theater, and an airfield are also part of this estate that took almost thirty years to build. Once visited by the most prominent Hollywood stars and politicians of the time, today Hearst Castle is registered as a National Historic Landmark and functions as a museum.

5

Ca d’Zan

Image: Tessa Edmiston

This estate located on the shores of Sarasota Bay was once the exquisite winter residence of American circus magnate John Ringling and his wife Mable. The majestic Ca' d'Zan —Venetian for "John's House"— is an incredible Mediterranean-style architectural beauty built in 1926 to resemble a palace on the Grand Canal in Venice.

The extravagant 5-story building is adorned with stained glass, stucco, and terra cotta details. It features 56 rooms, an 82-foot observation tower, and an impressive marble terrace overlooking the ocean. This residence, an icon of the Florida Boom Years of the 1920s, was restored by the state and opened to the public in 2002.

6

Old Westbury Gardens

Image: Jialin Hu

Old Westbury Gardens, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located in Nassau County on New York's Long Island peninsula. The 23-room estate was once the home of businessman John S. Phipps, his wife Margarita Grace, and their four children.

Completed in 1906 by English designer George A. Crawley, the magnificent Charles II-style mansion is set amid 160 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, ponds, and lakes. This former private estate is now a museum that can be visited from April through October. It is also regularly used for cultural events, private parties, and as a film set for Hollywood productions.

7

Oheka Castle

Image: Peter Oswald

Believed to have inspired "The Great Gatsby," Oheka Castle is the largest private home in New York and the third largest in the United States. Although now it’s a hotel, this estate was once the country home of financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and his family. In fact, the name "Oheka" is an abbreviation derived from the first letters of his name.

The mansion, located on the North Shore of Long Island in West Hills, New York, was built between 1914 and 1919. In recent years Oheka Castle has gained popularity as a wedding venue for socialites and celebrities and was used for photo shoots , films , and television series. The castle also houses a bar and a restaurant and offers guided tours for regular visitors.

8

Lyndhurst Mansion

Image: Pixabay

Designed in 1838 by the famous American architect Alexander Jackson Davis, Lyndhurst Mansion is a remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture. This country house is located in Tarrytown, New York, along the Hudson River, and was owned by New York Mayor William Paulding Jr, merchant George Merritt, and railroad magnate Jay Gould.

In 1961, Gould's daughter, Anna Gould, donated it to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 1966, Lyndhurst was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a testament to its historical and architectural significance. Today, the house is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its unique features and learn about its rich history.

9

Villa Vizcaya

Image: Zoshua Colah

Between 1914 and 1923 philanthropist and conservationist James Deering built this sumptuous mansion as his winter home. Born in South Paris, Maine, Deering suffered from anemia, so his doctors recommended that he seek refuge in a sunny, warm climate. South Florida was the perfect place to recuperate. He lived in Miami until his death in 1925.

In the mid-20th century, the county took possession of the complex and its extensive Italian Renaissance gardens and began operating as a museum. Over the years Villa Vizcaya has hosted countless historic events, such as the meeting between Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, and the first Summit of the Americas. In 1994 it was designated a National Historic Landmark and today is open to the public for tours.

10

The Biltmore Estate

Image: Stephanie Klepacki

In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina stands a true architectural marvel: the Biltmore Estate. At more than 178,926 square feet, this legendary residence with 250 rooms, 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces is the largest privately owned house in the country . Biltmore Estate is also a monument that reflects the grandeur and luxury of the American Gilded Age.

Inspired by the landscape, George Washington Vanderbilt, grandson of industrial titan Cornelius Vanderbilt, set out to build an estate that would combine European elegance with American nature. Designed in the Châteauesque style, the mansion —which reportedly cost $5 million (equivalent to about $183 million today)— was finally inaugurated on Christmas Eve of 1895. Today, the Biltmore Estate attracts millions of visitors every year who are amazed by its architectural splendor and history.