8 great reasons to visit the Great Lakes region this Summer

This year is set to be an exciting year for the Great Lakes region. From major anniversaries that will firmly put the region on the map, to some weird and wonderful attractions and exhibitions that will appeal to many an inner fandom. There really is something for everyone… here are 10 events to put in your diary. Tall Ships Challenge The Tall Ships Challenge is taking over the Great Lakes again this summer with a voyage across all five great lakes. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the military events of the War of 1812, the challenge will be promoting awareness of the Lakes’ ecosystems and fresh water conservation. The race will venture through Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio in July/August 2013 featuring point-to-point races with festivals, entertainment and celebrations at each port. Avatar – The Exhibition This exhibition dedicated to the highest-grossing film of all time, James Cameron’s AVATAR, will take visitors behind the scenes of the making of this inventive film. At the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis experience how the world of Pandora was created and displayed on the big screen. Have the chance to view props and costumes from the film, concept art, models, and other production tools at the world’s biggest and best children’s museum from 22nd June to 22nd September 2013. 75th anniversary of Great River Road The Great River Road, established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, turns 75 this year. Nearly 3,000 miles long and running through 10 states along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road offers a gateway to the river valley’s extraordinary history, the blending of cultures and a host of recreational options. The anniversary will be commemorated in a series of celebrations in river communities along the entire length of North America’s longest river. 110th anniversary of Harley-Davidson Motor Company Harley-Davidson Motor Company turns 110 years old in 2013. The rumbling of Harley-Davidson engines will be heard throughout the entire world in celebration as 12 anniversary experiences span 11 countries on six continents. As the birthplace of Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee will serve as the location for a four-day long celebration at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park on Labor Day weekend from 29th August to 1st September 2013. The Milwaukee 110th Anniversary Celebration will include a custom bike show, motorcycle display, special HOG 30th anniversary celebration, and live entertainment. Don’t miss the World’s Largest Bike Night on 29th August 2013 at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, presents an exclusive exhibition from the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” which will open on Memorial Day weekend on 24th May 2013 until March 2014. The exhibition will be the Museum’s first ever major exhibition capturing the band’s legendary career spanning more than 50 years. It will include personal items and extraordinary collections that have never been seen before by the public. Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination This exhibit will be on display from 5th May to 2nd September 2013 at the Indiana State Museum located in White River State Park area of Indianapolis. This incredible exhibit explores how the imaginative technologies of the series may someday become real in our world. The exhibit also features props and costumes from all six Star Wars films, and a chance to have a “jump to lightspeed” experience in a full sized replica of the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon from Episode IV. Star Wars fans worldwide will flock to this one-stop-shop Star Wars appreciation exhibit. Guitars! Roundups to Rockers From 9 March to 4 August, 2013 more than 100 guitars, owned by greats including Roy, Rogers, Charlie Christian, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Woody Guthrie, Buddy Holly, and Les Paul, will be displayed for the first time together at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. Guitars! is the only chance to see all of these amazing instruments together in one place, as many come from museums and private collections nation-wide! GateKeeper at Cedar Point Thrill seekers after a new adrenalin high should head to Cedar Point to experience the newest coaster at the Ohio-based mega theme park. Opening in May, the GateKeeper will redefine the park’s entrance and offer an exciting experience through rolling flyover manoeuvres that sweep riders over the entrance crowds while breaking records while you drop 164 feet—the longest drop of any winged roller coaster.