Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Detroit - Saugatuck - Glen Arbor - Mackinac Island - Marquette - Bayfield - Minneapolis
100% customisable for you
Your Great Lakes adventure begins today, so head to the airport, chill out in the lounge and hop on a direct nine-hour flight to Detroit, the largest city on the USA-Canada border.
Touching down late afternoon, take a private transfer to your hotel and home for the next two nights. Once you’ve settled in and freshened up, head to your hotel’s restaurant or a neighbourhood eatery for dinner. If you’ve got the energy, find a nearby bar (or the hotel lounge) for a nightcap before hitting the hay.
Music lovers, you’re in for a treat today, as you discover the legacy of Motown on a guided tour of the Motown Museum. Learn the story of Motown Records (where artists like Marvin Gaye recorded their famous hits), tracing the iconic label from humble beginnings to worldwide fame through artefacts, photographs, apparel and memorabilia.
Spend the rest of the day however you please. For a culture fix, visit the Detroit Institute of Art, which ranks within the top six galleries in the country. Or head to the Henry Ford Museum, which chronicles the United States’ innovation and ingenuity with exhibits including the first steam locomotive. In the mood for shopping? Hunt for treasures at the Detroit Antique Mall or the lively Eastern Market.
Come evening, consult our Dossier for tried-and-tested eateries in the city, before heading back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Savour your last morning in Detroit, then collect a rental car (which is yours for the remainder of the trip). Your first pit stop is Saugatuck, located about a three-hour drive west of Detroit, in a curve of the Kalamazoo River just before you reach Lake Michigan. This small town is scattered with art galleries, shops, marinas and beaches, providing a sweet contrast to city life. You’ll spend the next two nights in a charming hotel, so all that’s left to do is unpack and settle in.
Fuel up with breakfast this morning before setting off to explore Saugatuck. There’s so much to see and do in this picturesque holiday town, but visiting Dune State Park is non-negotiable. Discover over two miles of shoreline and scrub-covered sand as you hike or ride (yes, ride) the dunes – some reaching up to an impressive height of 200ft.
Other activities include taking the historic chain ferry (the last vessel of its kind in the USA), climbing to Mount Baldhead for beautiful views across the shoreline, enjoying a local wine tasting, cruising the Kalamazoo River and lounging on Oval Beach. Soak up the atmosphere in the bustling riverside town this evening, as you drink and eat your way around Saugatuck. Then return to your hotel for the night, well-fed and watered after a jam-packed day.
After breakfast this morning, wave goodbye to splendid Saugatuck and head to the next stop on your itinerary. This leg of the journey takes around three-and-a-half hours, as you drive north towards the lakeside town of Glen Arbor. Check into your accommodation for the next three nights, find a spot to watch the sunset over the lake, then enjoy dinner at one of the town’s excellent restaurants.
Spend the next two days exploring gorgeous Glen Arbor and its surroundings. After breakfast, venture out to soak up the scenery; we’re talking thick forests, steep sand dunes and turquoise waters to rival the Caribbean. Hike and bike in the Sleeping Bear Dunes or simply settle on the sand for the day. Nearby, the beautiful Crystal River calls to kayakers, or you can take to the tranquil waters of Big Glen and Little Glen Lakes by boat. For a peaceful pit stop, catch a ferry over to the serene Manitou Islands.
Alongside abundant natural wonders, there’s also a charming downtown area to explore. Visit the quirky Cherry Republic for cherry-related goods: think cherry wine, jam, pie and ice creams, made from Michigan’s Montmorency tart cherry. Come dinnertime, consult our Dossier for our pick of local eateries (if you aren’t too full of cherry pie).
This morning, bid Glen Arbor farewell as you travel north to your next destination: Mackinac Island. You’ll be on the road for around three hours to reach Saint-Ignace, where you’ll leave your car behind and board a 20-minute ferry to Mackinac Island. Likened to Cape Cod, this dinky car-free island is nestled in the strait between stunning Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
You’re on the island for two nights, so settle into your scenically situated accommodation where you’ll be in good hands for the next couple of days. Enjoy a sunset stroll by the water, then either dine at the hotel this evening, or venture into town to sample one of the island’s other excellent establishments.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading out for the day. There’s plenty to fill your time, from horse carriage, boat and bicycle rides to shopping and strolling the downtown. A must-do is cycling along the lakeshores of the island’s perimeter, admiring the picturesque vistas and feeling the lake breeze on your face.
If you prefer to explore on foot, take one of the many hiking trails which showcase Mackinac’s outstanding natural beauty. History buffs can learn about the island’s role in the fur trade at one of its museums and marvel at the iconic forts captured by the British during the war of 1812. Get a taste of the island’s art and culture at the Richard & Jane Manoogian Art Museum and Biddle House Native American Museum, and don’t leave without sampling the island’s world-famous fudge. Just make sure to leave room for dinner in one of our recommended restaurants...
Hop on a ferry back to the mainland today and pick up your trusty rental car ready for the next leg of your trip. Your destination is the small town of Marquette, which sits pretty on the shores of Lake Superior around a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette boasts a plethora of beautiful hiking and biking trails through the dense surrounding forest. You’ll spend two nights here in one of the town’s charming hotels.
For the rest of the day, explore the buzzing downtown area’s shops, galleries and museums, before getting out into nature. Hike up to Sugarloaf Mountain for spectacular views over the forest and lake, and after working up an appetite, head to one of the town’s independent eateries or dine in your hotel’s lovely restaurant.
Wake up early to make the most of your day in Marquette. The wild landscapes of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore beckon, boasting sandstone cliffs, miles of beach, rushing waterfalls and huge sand dunes. Pick one of the trails winding through the thick green forests, and you can’t go wrong. Lake Superior certainly lives up to its name, offering vast vistas and ample water-based activities. Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding or fishing, and seek out Lake Superior’s picturesque lighthouses dotted along the shores.
For unrivalled views across the lake, head to the 323-acre Presque Isle Park, a forested peninsula filled with miles of trails. Stop at Sunset Point to watch the sun sinking below the horizon, then head back to your hotel to put your feet up after a fun-filled day. Consult our Dossier for our recommended restaurants to end the day on a delicious note.
Moving on from the marvellous town of Marquette, it’s time to head to your next destination: Bayfield, Wisconsin. While you might be crossing state borders, you’re not leaving the shores of Lake Superior just yet. Hit the road for around four hours to reach the little lakeside town of Bayfield just in time for lunch. Spend the next three nights here in a charming hotel just a stone’s throw away from the lake.
Once you’ve settled in and had a bite to eat, we recommend sampling some of Bayfield’s cultural attractions, including the Maritime Museum (which boasts exhibits on local shipwrecks and lighthouses) and an enticing selection of independent galleries and boutiques. Find a spot for a delicious dinner and enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere before heading back to your hotel.
Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands, a gorgeous group of 22 coastal islands. The best way to discover their beauty is from the water, so hop on a boat cruise to see the red sandstone sea caves and historic lighthouses up close, or get your blood pumping with active pursuits like sailing or kayaking (make sure to keep your eyes peeled for birds, including bald eagles). Back on dry land, hike or cycle along lovely lakeside trails.
In Bayfield, look out for seasonal theatre performances, or catch some live music. Bayfield is the ‘Berry Capital of Wisconsin’ – its distinct microclimate allows fruit to flourish – so enjoy a delightful day trip to one of the area’s 14 farms and orchards. If you’re travelling in autumn, you can also catch October’s Apple Festival. Otherwise, enjoy spectacular sunsets across the lake, dine on fresh seafood and quench your thirst with some local brews.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to the Great Lakes, as you journey inland towards Minneapolis. It’s about a four-hour drive to the city, so buckle up and enjoy our destination-specific playlist. You’ll spend the next three nights in Minneapolis, so when you arrive, settle into your comfortable, contemporary hotel room.
This afternoon, get your first taste of this energetic, bustling metropolis. Don’t miss the epicentre of the city’s art scene, the Warehouse District, where warehouses have been converted into eclectic shops, art galleries and restaurants. There are plenty of other cultural activities to enjoy, too, like visiting the Walker Art Centre and Minneapolis Institute of Art. Come evening, use our Dossier to decide where to eat and drink in the city. Then head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep, ready to make the most of the final two days of your trip.
Spend two days seeing vibrant Minneapolis. The aptly nicknamed ‘City of Lakes’ is on the Mississippi River and encompasses lakes, wetlands, creeks and waterfalls. From world-class museums, countless parks and art fairs to theatre shows and sporting events, you’ll never be bored in this fabulous city. Make sure to bring a hearty appetite, too, as Minneapolis boasts an enviable gastronomic scene. The Sculpture Garden is also a must-see, and the buzzing nightlife is not to be missed.
Your trip started with Motown, and it ends with more music. On your final day, visit Paisley Park, the former home and studios of musical icon, Prince. A 20-minute drive from the city, it celebrates the art, music, fashion and culture of this creative visionary. Afterwards, continue the musical theme by catching a live band in one of Minneapolis’ many bars (just don’t forget your dancing shoes).
Sadly, your Great Lakes adventure comes to an end today, so pack your bags and purchase any final souvenirs. Fit in some last sightseeing and revisit your favourite spots, before heading to the airport this afternoon. You’ll be catching an eight-hour evening flight back to the UK, so try to get some shut-eye as you fly through the night.
Arrive back on UK soil bright and early the next morning, full of tales from your trip to tell friends and family.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
