Follow the water on this journey along the Great Lakes of Michigan. Start in the area around Detroit, a place of great innovation and rich history, where America’s legacy of music, Motown, and machinery all took their first steps. It is the perfect launching point for discovery as you embark along the waterways that have defined the nation. You’ll visit shipwrecks, lighthouses, and waterfalls, while enjoying Michiganian hospitality along the way, from the home of the iconic Ford family to ancestral inns that have been housing visitors for generations. Take photos of incredible natural treasures, from lakeshore beaches, cliffs, and natural springs to the Black Rocks of Presque Isle. Explore villages and cities to feel the way they impacted the very soul of the Wolverine State, and do it all with sparkling water on the horizon.
Degree of Difficulty –
Arrive Detroit and head to Dearborn where you visit the Henry Ford. Experience nine acres of innovations in mobility, design, liberty, and justice, from the Rosa Parks bus and JFK limousine, to a working vintage diner, steam engines, and original Model Ts. At Greenfield Village experience firsthand the sights, sounds and sensations of America’s fascinating formation, where over 80 acres brim with resourcefulness and ingenuity. Step foot in the lab where Thomas Edison had his lightbulb moment, or the workshop where the Wright brothers taught us to reach for the sky. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at Ford’s Garage for the most delicious prime burgers and America’s comfort food. Next day, take a guided tour of Detroit, and visit the Motown Museum dedicated to the legacy of the record label, its artists, and music. At Grosse Pointe Shores, visit the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House which tells the story of the life of this prominent American family. DEARBORN INN.
(D; B,D)
Begin your exploration of the Great Lakes as you drive north to Alpena, and experience the rich history of the Great Lakes at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Explore the shipwrecks of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on the 65-foot glass-bottomed Lady Michigan. Continue to Mackinac Island and next day, go on a horse-drawn carriage tour to get acquainted with the Island’s history, geology, and ecology. There are no cars here, so come prepared with good walking shoes to enjoy the island to the fullest. Enjoy lunch at the historic Grand Hotel, which opened in 1887, and have the rest of the day at leisure to hike the trails, paddle a kayak or ride a bike all the way around the island. Try some Fudge, visit to the historic Fort Mackinac (founded in 1780), shop, and watch a stunning sunset. BICYCLE STREET INN &WATERFRONT SOUTH COLLECTION.
(B,D; B,L)
Take the ferry to Mackinaw City and depart for Paradise – a historic town on Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay, the hub for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, the Whitefish Point Lighthouse, Tahquamenon Falls and the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. After lunch on your own at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub, continue to the Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi with a drop a drop of nearly 50 feet and more than 200 feet across. Continue to Munising, and next day, venture off to Marquette, one of the Upper Peninsula’s tranquil lakeside towns, known as “Queen City of Lake Superior”. Enjoy a guided tour by a local Yooper and visit hot spots, off-the-beaten-path treasures and more (includes Presque Isle Park and the Black Rocks). The best way to see the pictured rocks, cliffs and sandstone formations is by boat, and that’s what you’ll do this afternoon. The Falls cruise takes you further down the shoreline to view the majestic Spray Falls, cascading 70 feet into Lake Superior. You won’t get wet, but you will get great photos. HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS.
(B,D; B)
Today visit Manistique, Palms Book State Park and Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest freshwater spring. You can ride the raft for a beautiful view across the spring. After a brief visit at Trader Bob’s gift shop, walk out to the point and see Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse. Continue to Gulliver and visit Seul Choix (pronounced locally, Sis-Shwa) Point Lighthouse & Museum. End your day in Charlevoix, and tonight, see Earl Young’s famed fireplace, and sample smoked whitefish and more on a walking history and food tour, exploring downtown Charlevoix. Next day, drive to Leland, to board a ferry to South Manitou Island to experience its great beauty and history. Cruise past the natural beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse standing 104 feet above the shoreline, known locally as “The Crib”. Explore the Valley of the Giant Cedars where many of the trees are 300-500 years old. One of the fallen trees showed 528 growth rings, dating its existence to before Columbus. EARL HOTEL.
(B,D; B, Boxed L)
Begin your day at the Sleeping Bear Dunes Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, located on the edge of the Village of Empire. Discover the life of the pioneers of the area and hear about wildlife, wildflowers, the forest and the dunes. Take the Pierce Stocking scenic route, a 7.4-mile drive that loops through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes. Then depart for Mears for a thrilling guided tour of the dunes with Mac Wood’s Dune Rides. End your day in Grand Rapids and next day take a guided city tour. Learn about a powerful businessman no one dared cross, the birth of the furniture industry, and the life and death of President Gerald and first lady Betty Ford. Visit the Fords’ final resting place overlooking the city they both loved, and the Gerald R. Ford Museum. Last stop is at the 125-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, featuring Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory. Tonight’s farewell dinner is at a local restaurant. AMWAY GRAND PLAZA DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS.
(B,D; B,D)
Transfer back to Detroit and fly home.
(B)
Start your Great Lakes exploration with this optional pre-extension to the iconic Niagara Falls, to experience the best this world-famous destination has to offer, from dining at the top of the waterfall to riding the Maid of the Mist. Next, head to Cleveland and find out why it “rocks,” at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Cruise down Lake Erie, while enjoying a delicious dinner on the water and spend the following day touring the city and the colorful botanical gardens.
Take in the offerings of America’s mid-western charm. In Milwaukee, get cheesy at the Clock Shadow Creamery and wash it down with Pabst straight from the historic brewery. Tuck into tacos and tequila on a unique night-time walking tour. Next, head to Green Bay for a deep dive into what makes Packers fans so devoted to their team. On the Packers Heritage Tour, you will have access to the stadium where they play and the local hall of fame. End with samples at a local brewery and dinner from a place the locals swear by.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 30 travelers.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Superior accommodation at hotels as indicated in the itinerary (or similar).
- Transfers between Airports and Hotels on the main trip and the extensions. (Please note one group transfer will be supplied each way. Anyone not arriving on group schedule, will require a personal transfer at additional cost.)
- Breakfast daily. All other meals as specified in itinerary.
- Services of driver/guide throughout the tour.
- Transportation in private minibuses or motorcoaches throughout the tour.
- All Park and admission fees.
- All applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- Complimentary baggage tags and water bottle.
Michigan’s weather pattern is freezing cold winters and warm summers. Snow effect from the Great Lakes is common in the winter. For this program we suggest travel between May and September.
