Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
USA - Chicago - Great Lakes
100% customisable for you
Your Midwest holiday kicks off today, so head to the airport for your just-under-nine-hour flight to Chicago. On arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city, where you’ll spend the next three nights.
After a long day of travelling – and depending on your energy levels – take a stroll around the neighbourhood to find a bite to eat, or settle in for dinner (and a well-earned rest) at your hotel, ahead of a full day exploring tomorrow.
Spend two days discovering Chicago, one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Whether on foot, by bike, subway or boat, there are plenty of ways to see the sights.
Wander through Millennium Park, dotted with famous sculptures (including Cloud Gate) and interactive fountains with giant screens. Marvel at magnificent architecture from the world's top architects on a boat tour, including Sullivan, Burnham and Frank Lloyd Wright. Embrace Mother Nature and stroll alongside Lake Michigan, lounge on its beaches and soak in the atmosphere along the riverwalk. For a dose of culture, visit the Art Institute of Chicago – one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world – or shop ‘til you drop on the Magnificent Mile.
In the evenings, see a stand-up show on Broadway or a sporting event at Wrigley Field, indulge in some delicious deep-dish pizza (sorry, pizza purists), and chill out in secluded blues or jazz bars.
After breakfast this morning, wave goodbye to the Windy City, collect your hire car and drive almost two hours to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You’ll spend two nights in this lively city set upon Lake Michigan, home to the Brewers baseball team, the breweries they were named after, and Harley-Davidsons.
Once you’ve settled in, why not explore the city? Peruse the shops and restaurants in the trendy Historic Third Ward neighbourhood, amble along the scenic riverwalk and sample delicious dishes at the Milwaukee Public Market.
Today is yours to discover more of Milwaukee’s delights. Whether you relax on Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches or enjoy a sailing trip on the waters, there’s plenty of nature to soak in. Hire bikes and explore on two wheels, visit the Milwaukee Art Museum and the opulent Pabst Mansion, or sample the city’s rich brewing history in one of its many beer gardens. We’ll also arrange tickets to the must-visit Harley-Davidson Museum, which tells the story of the legendary motorcycle company. Hundreds of models are on display, along with fascinating information about the engineering of racing cars, film extracts and temporary exhibitions.
Leave Milwaukee behind today and head north to your next exciting stop. Drive for around three hours along Lake Michigan to reach the charming village of Ephraim, located at the tip of the Door Peninsula. With its distinctive blend of Moravian culture and Norwegian heritage, Ephraim boasts a lively waterfront, art galleries and plenty of scenic beaches. You’ve got two nights to play with here, so why not spend your first exploring? Consult our handy Dossier for restaurant recommendations with great food and even better lake views.
The tiny village of Ephraim is the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Door Peninsula – an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Hike or bike your way around the peninsula’s parks, including Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park and Newport State Park. Follow the lighthouse trail (Door County is home to a dozen or so lighthouses) and sample the region’s quaffable produce along its wine trail. Visit neighbouring villages and Washington Island, explore dunes and beaches and enjoy boat trips or kayaking on the lake (if you hadn’t guessed yet, there’s plenty to do here).
Ephraim is also a great place to try a tasty 'fish boil', a traditional Scandinavian dish consisting of boiled fish and herbs, prepared in a huge cauldron. It’s a must-try while in the area.
Leave the shores of Lake Michigan behind and head north for around five hours to Marquette, a small city set on the banks of another lovely lake – Lake Superior. You’ll only spend one night here, so why not make the most of the beautiful natural surroundings?
Depending on your energy levels after the long drive, find a suitable swim spot (we like Black Rocks in Presque Isle Park), hike through the forests or kayak on the lake to your heart’s content. Or, make the short drive to the protected area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where colourful cliffs, sand dunes, waterfalls and wild shorelines complete this picturesque scene.
Another day, another lake. Today? The one and only Mackinac Island, tucked in the strait separating Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Drive east for around three hours towards St. Ignace, leave the hire car behind and hop on a 30-minute ferry to reach Mackinac. The island is famously car-free – vehicles have been banned here since 1898, with only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages allowed. This adds to the distinctive charm of the isle, which is best known for its historic sites, natural beauty and lakeside activities. You’ve the rest of today and tomorrow to enjoy island life, so we recommend kicking things off with a walking tour. Come evening, consult our Dossier for tried-and-tested eateries in the area.
Mackinac Island might cover just four square miles, but there’s no shortage of things to do. Cycle around the island on the M-185, a highway that runs alongside the lake’s crystal-clear waters, or traverse one of the island’s 70-plus miles of trails. Outdoor adventure lovers can spend plenty of time out on the water, whether kayaking, boating or swimming. Back on land, history enthusiasts can visit the beautifully preserved Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes, as well as a plethora of museums. Stroll through alleyways lined with Victorian homes, peruse the local boutiques and sample the island’s sweet speciality – fudge.
Leave island life behind and board the ferry back to St. Ignace, pick up your hire car again and drive around two-and-a-half hours south-west to Traverse City for the night. As Michigan's 'cherry capital', Traverse City is surrounded by vineyards and orchards (you can catch the Cherry Festival in July), as well as ample beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Explore the magnificent dunes and forests in nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, before sampling local wines at one of its many vineyards. Soak up the fun, laid-back vibe and stroll around the small city centre with its boutiques, food trucks and Warehouse MRKT, an indoor shopping area filled with interior design shops, a florist, cafes and restaurants – the perfect spot for a bite to eat.
Today, continue south for around three-and-a-half hours to Saugatuck. This small resort town – tucked between the sand dunes and Lake Michigan – promises two nights surrounded by natural beauty. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, why not explore the town? Wander down vibrant Butler Street with its art galleries, independent shops and restaurants, or lounge lakeside on the picturesque Oval Beach.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before discovering Saugatuck and its surroundings today. With its creative scene, boutiques, marinas and beaches, Saugatuck is a fantastic holiday spot for those seeking a spot of art and a whole lot of fresh air.
It's your choice how you spend the day in Saugatuck. In our opinion, whether kayaking, paddle boating, sailing or fishing, there’s no better place to be than out on the water. When you’re not splashing around, cycle or snowshoe (depending on the season) in Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or climb to the top of Mount Baldhead Park for panoramic views across the region. You can even catch an exhibition, concert or theatre performance at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Worked up a thirst? Enjoy wine tasting at a local cellar, or sip on local craft beer in a trendy bar (or two).
Sadly, your Midwest road trip comes to an end today. Say goodbye to Saugatuck and drive for around two hours back to Chicago. Arrive at the airport in good time to return your hire car, pick up any final souvenirs and catch your overnight flight home. Lasting just under nine hours, you’ll touch down on UK soil the next day, ready to book your next getaway…
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
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.
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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
