The Great Lakes are the lifeblood of our region. People often take them for granted because they are always there, but they are the historical foundation of our geography and our economy. From the drinking water in our taps to the shipping lanes that move our goods, these lakes are a practical necessity and source of entertainment that we often forget to acknowledge. They define the character of the Midwest, providing a sense of scale and a source of life that few other regions can claim.
If you are teaching someone about the region or just trying to keep the facts straight, there is a simple way to remember them. It is a mnemonic that most folks find useful because it is plain and easy to remember. Just think of the word HOMES. It covers the five great bodies of water that share our backyard. It is a small mental tool, but it works because it is grounded in the actual reality of our map.
Starting with the letters, you have Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. These are not just names on a map. They are massive bodies of water with their own distinct personalities. Lake Superior is the king of the group, cold and deep. Lake Michigan is our neighbor to the west, and Lake Huron is a massive expanse of history. These three are the pillars of the Midwest water system, providing a sense of place for millions of people.
Then you have Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. These two are smaller in scale but no less important. They sit at the southern end of the system, acting as the gateway to the Atlantic. They have shaped the industries and the communities of our southern states just as much as the bigger ones have shaped the north. They are the final pieces of the puzzle that complete the HOMES mnemonic.
H - Huron O - Ontario M - Michigan E - Erie S - Superior
Four of these five lakes border our Midwest states we. That makes them a core part of our local identity. Ontario is the one that sits outside of our specific region, belonging to our neighbors to the north. While it is outside our state lines, it still deserves our full respect as a vital part of the system. We do not need more political noise or international embarrassment from the highest office in the land. It is just common sense to recognize historical importance and present value regardless of where the border is drawn.
Whether you are fishing in a small bay or just looking at the horizon from a highway, the lakes are a constant reminder of our shared home. Using a simple tool like HOMES to remember them is just the start. The real goal is to understand the value they bring to our lives and to make sure we are doing our part to keep them healthy for the next generation. The Great Lakes are an internationally connected and shared resource, and that means we have a responsibility to protect them and not make them into a political pawn. We should also have decency and decorum with our northern neighbors. I am tired of the worst example coming from the “chief diplomat.”
