From boardwalks to river bends and sparkling shores, come explore where nature greets you at every turn. Hear the thunder of majestic waterfalls and experience small-town charm and hospitality. This tour includes a 2-night stay on Mackinac Island with its serenity and quiet of a vehicle-free island.
Wisconsin-Michigan
June 14-23, 2024
Day 1: On this warm June morning we can almost feel the cooling effects of the Great Lakes as we start our tour heading northeast. We visit three of the five Great Lakes as we travel through the states of Wisconsin and Michigan. Enjoy getting acquainted with each other as we travel toward adventure and fun.
Day 2: Today a step-on guide joins us for a tour of a Cranberry farm. Learn how Wisconsin cranberries go from field to packaging. This afternoon relax as we cruise up the most scenic 7-mile stretch of the Wisconsin River viewing the Wisconsin Dells. Soak up the sun and the refreshing breeze, as the splendor of nature unfolds before you. There are spectacularly sculptured cliffs that rise more than 100 feet above the water. Enjoy the downtown area before retiring for the night in Wisconsin Dells. (B, L)
Day 3: Wisconsin makes more flavors, varieties, and styles of cheese than anywhere else in the world. We stop at one of those cheese stores before leaving the state. This afternoon our drive takes us into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through the beautiful woodlands. Our two-night stay is in Munising MI at a hotel with wonderful views of Lake Superior (B)
Day 4: Today we learn about Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. This morning we board a glass-bottom boat to view a couple of shipwrecks at the bottom of Lake Superior. This afternoon you have time to explore the cute town of Munising on the shores of the lake. This evening we cruise the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Experience the rays of the setting sun on the Pictured Rocks cliffs and a beautiful Lake Superior twilight, as we travel into and alongside a most visually stunning shoreline. (B, D)
Day 5: This morning we take a guided tour of Tahquamenon Falls. The Tahquamenon Upper Falls is over 200 feet wide and drops nearly 50 feet into the Tahquamenon River. After lunch, we visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. The Shipwreck Museum Campus features nine historic structures and the Whitefish Point Lighthouse. We overnight in Sault Ste. Marie which is next to the Soo Lock Visitor Center and Observation Decks. (B, L)
Day 6: We begin our day with a local guide showing us the highlights of Sault Ste Marie. Then we explore the waterway which leads ships into the Soo Locks from Lake Superior on a Boat Tour. Following lunch, we head south and cross one of the world’s leading suspension bridges over the Straits of Mackinac, the Mackinac Bridge. We have time for a picture stop before our ferry ride to Mackinac Island. We check into the Island House Hotel for our 2-night stay on the island. Dinner tonight is at the Island House (B, L, D)
Day 7: Since motor vehicles are not permitted to intrude on the natural beauty of Mackinac Island, there is no better way to see this historic isle and visit the legendary points of interest than by carriage. A horse-drawn carriage meets us at the hotel for the expertly narrated tour that acquaints us with the island. Our ride takes us past the fort and then to the Grand Hotel for an elegant buffet lunch. What a bountiful grand meal! The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Maybe stroll Main Street, shop, bike around the island, or just sit outside the hotel and enjoy the atmosphere. Be sure to sample the world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge! (B, L)
Day 8: This morning we bid farewell to this wonderful island as we catch the ferry back to the mainland. We visit Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum before overnighting in Grand Rapids. (B)
Day 9: Along Lake Michigan, the Sand Dunes rise to amazing heights. So hang on tight as we view these sights on our thrilling dune buggy ride. The rest of the day is mostly driving as we head south and west, arriving west of St Louis, MO for the night. (B, L)
Day 10: What a packed and enjoyable ten days! As we continue west toward home we can enjoy sharing the memories of those special events and sights that we have enjoyed together. (B)