Grand Michigan
Breathe in the fresh Lake Michigan air as you journey through northern Michigan’s scenic lakeshore towns, rolling dunes, cherry orchards, and sparkling waterfronts. This seven-day Lake Michigan and Mackinac Island tour combines the region’s relaxed pace with distinctive experiences, comfortable hotel stays, and time to enjoy each destination.
Along the way, you’ll ride across the Silver Lake Sand Dunes with Mac Woods Dune Rides, explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Old Mission Peninsula, and spend two nights overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. You’ll also savor cherry-inspired treats, explore charming downtowns, and take in the lake views.
Your journey culminates on Mackinac Island, where horse-drawn carriages, inviting shops, and an overnight stay at the iconic Grand Hotel capture the island’s timeless character. You’ll enjoy a five-course dinner and more time to explore the next morning before continuing to Ludington and crossing Lake Michigan aboard the historic S.S. Badger.
Highlights of Grand Michigan
- Spend the night at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
- Ride through the Silver Lake Sand Dunes with Mac Woods Dune Rides
- Cross Lake Michigan aboard the historic S.S. Badger
- Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Old Mission Peninsula
- Enjoy a relaxing two-night stay overlooking Grand Traverse Bay
- Experience Mackinac Island’s horse-drawn pace and Victorian surroundings
- Sample cherry-inspired treats at Cherry Republic
DAY 1: WELCOME TO MILWAUKEE!
Your journey begins with an opportunity to meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. D
DAY 2: INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK/GRAND HAVEN
Begin your morning with a stop at Lehmann’s Bakery in Sturtevant, known for more than 80 years as the home of the original Danish Kringle. Then travel to Indiana Dunes National Park, where towering sand dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline create one of the Midwest’s most striking natural landscapes. Later, continue to the lakeside town of Grand Haven for dinner and an overnight stay. B, D
DAY 3: GRAND TRAVERSE BAY
Experience the towering Silver Lake Sand Dunes during a ride with Mac Woods Dune Rides, a longtime Michigan tradition. Learn about the area’s shifting dunes, local history, and natural environment as you travel through this remarkable landscape. Tonight, arrive in Traverse City and settle into your lakefront hotel overlooking Grand Traverse Bay for a relaxing two-night stay. Enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the evening. B, D
DAY 4: SLEEPING BEAR DUNES/CHERRY REPUBLIC
Travel through the scenic cherry orchards of Old Mission Peninsula with a local guide before taking in sweeping views along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Later, sample cherry-inspired treats at Cherry Republic and enjoy lunch on the Leelanau Peninsula. Continue to the historic 1870 Mission Point Lighthouse before returning to Traverse City for a relaxing evening along the lake. B, D
DAY 5: MACKINAC ISLAND/GRAND HOTEL
Board a ferry for a scenic ride across Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island, where horse-drawn carriages and Victorian charm welcome you to a slower pace of life. Spend free time strolling Main Street, browsing local shops, enjoying the island’s famous fudge, or simply taking in the lake views. Later, travel by horse- drawn carriage to the iconic Grand Hotel. Relax on the world’s longest front porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac before enjoying a five-course dinner in the hotel’s elegant dining room. B, D
DAY 6: MACKINAC ISLAND
Wake up at the Grand Hotel and enjoy breakfast before spending the morning at your leisure. Relax at the hotel, explore Mackinac Island on foot or by bicycle, visit Fort Mackinac, or stroll through the carriage museum and stables. Before departing the island, enjoy the Grand Hotel’s renowned lunch buffet. Then board Shepler’s Ferry and continue to the lakeside town of Ludington for the evening. B, L
DAY 7: LAKE MICHIGAN CROSSING
Board the S.S. Badger, the last coal-fired steamship operating on the Great Lakes, for a scenic cruise back to Wisconsin. Relax on the open-air decks, browse the onboard Boatique, or join in a game of Badger Bingo as you cross Lake Michigan. Later, stop in Sheboygan to visit the Kohler Art Preserve, home to immersive artist-built environments and sculptural works created by self-taught artists. Explore the museum’s striking exhibits before returning to Milwaukee with lasting memories of your time in Michigan. B, L
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Hampton Inn Milwaukee/Franklin, Milwaukee, WI
Night 2: Best Western Beacon Inn, Grand Haven, MI (or similar)
Nights 3-4: Bayshore Resort, Traverse City, MI
Night 5: The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
Night 6: Holiday Inn Express, Ludington, MI
Dates:
Jun 18-24, 2027
Sep 19-25, 2027
Price Per Person:
Double: $2,697
Single: $3,675
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$178 per night
Depart/Return:
Milwaukee, WI
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Hampton Inn Milwaukee/Franklin, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport any time after 5:30 p.m. on Day 7. If you need to book a post night, please schedule flights out after 8:00 a.m. if you wish to use the complimentary hotel shuttle in the morning.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.
Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
June/September – high of 75°, low of 65°
Time Zone
Wisconsin – Central
Michigan - Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual except at the Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel has guidelines for dress after 5:30 pm throughout the hotel and dining room. Because every evening at Grand Hotel is a special occasion, after 6:30 pm in main areas of the hotel and after 5:30 p.m. the Main Dining Room, dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, and dress slacks for ladies are preferred, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit coat, necktie, and dress pants (no denim or shorts). This applies for all areas inside the hotel including the Parlor, Lobby, Terrace, and Main Dining Room, with the exception of the Cupola Bar.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
