Michigan
5
Day Itinerary •
USA
Five days in Michigan lets you explore the full extraordinary breadth of the Great Lakes State, from the multicolored sandstone cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior to the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan, the car-free Victorian island of Mackinac and the remarkable Porcupine Mountains wilderness. This route covers the complete Michigan experience. The extraordinary sea caves and Chapel Falls of Pictured Rocks, the Porcupine Mountains old-growth forest and Lake of the Clouds, the magnificent Mackinac Island and bridge, the extraordinary Sleeping Bear Dunes voted America's most beautiful place and the vibrant Traverse City food scene.
Best Time To Visit
June to October for ice-free boat tours and warmest conditions
Getting There
Fly into Traverse City (TVC) or Detroit (DTW) and drive
Getting Around
Rental car essential on mainland. Bikes on Mackinac Island.
Budget Per Day
Approx $110 to $190 per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, some UP wilderness hiking
DAY 1
PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
MORNING
PICTURED ROCKS BOAT TOUR AND SEA CAVE KAYAKING
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the most extraordinary sea cliff coastline in the Great Lakes, its extraordinary multicolored sandstone cliffs rising 200 feet above Lake Superior stained red, orange, brown and white by iron, manganese and copper minerals seeping through the rock. The boat tour gives the finest close-range view of Miners Castle, Chapel Rock and Battleship Row. The Northern Waters sea cave kayak tour gives the most extraordinary close-range experience of the caves. Boat tour approx $38. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
MINERS BEACH AND MINERS CASTLE OVERLOOK
Miners Beach is the most extraordinary freshwater beach in the Upper Peninsula, its extraordinary clear Lake Superior water and the extraordinary sandstone Miners Castle arch rising from the lake visible from the overlook above. The short 0.4-mile trail to Miners Castle gives the finest land-based view of the Pictured Rocks cliffs. The extraordinary Miners River waterfall where Miners Creek enters Lake Superior is unmissable. Both free with national lakeshore entry. Drive: 15 min drive
AFTERNOON
CHAPEL FALLS AND GRAND SABLE DUNES
Chapel Falls is the most extraordinary waterfall in the Upper Peninsula, its extraordinary 60-foot plunge accessible by a 10-mile round trip trail giving the finest wilderness hiking in Pictured Rocks. The Grand Sable Dunes at the park's eastern end rise 275 feet above Lake Superior in the most extraordinary perched dune system on the Great Lakes. The Grand Sable Banks and Log Slide overlook give the most extraordinary aerial view of the lakeshore. Both free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Miners Castle arch in Pictured Rocks at sunset gives the most extraordinary golden light experience in the park, the low sun turning the sandstone bands from orange to deep red in a display entirely free from the boat tour crowds. Free. The most extraordinary hidden viewpoint in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Eh! Burger, Munising The finest breakfast in Munising. Extraordinary local Michigan ingredients and strong UP coffee. | Lunch: Dogpatch Restaurant, Munising Outstanding UP lunch. Extraordinary pasties, lake trout and Michigan craft beer. | Dinner: Tracey's Restaurant, Munising The finest restaurant in Munising. Extraordinary local Lake Superior trout and whitefish.
DAY 2
PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS
MORNING
PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK, LAKE OF THE CLOUDS
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the most extraordinary state park in Michigan, its extraordinary 60,000 acres of old-growth northern hardwood and hemlock forest, the largest stand of old-growth forest in the Midwest, surrounding the extraordinary Lake of the Clouds, a pristine wilderness lake cradled in ancient ridges 1,400 feet above Lake Superior. The Escarpment Trail viewpoint above the lake gives the most extraordinary panoramic view in the UP. Entry $17 per vehicle. Drive: 2.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
PRESQUE ISLE RIVER WATERFALLS AND LAKE SUPERIOR
The Presque Isle River in the western Porcupine Mountains gives the most extraordinary waterfall cascade in Michigan, its extraordinary series of five named waterfalls within a mile of the Lake Superior shoreline giving the finest waterfall hiking in the UP. Manido Falls, Manabezho Falls and the extraordinary Presque Isle River mouth emptying into Lake Superior through a gorge of ancient greywacke are all unmissable. Entry included with park pass. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
LAKE SUPERIOR NORTH SHORE AND ONTONAGON
The Lake Superior north shore of the western UP gives the most extraordinary freshwater coastline in Michigan, its extraordinary rocky shore of ancient Precambrian basalt and the remarkable copper-mining heritage of the Keweenaw Peninsula giving a landscape of extraordinary geological interest. The extraordinary Ontonagon Boulder, a 3,708-pound float copper nugget now in the Smithsonian, was found nearby. The extraordinary Porcupine Mountains ski hill gives the finest UP viewpoint. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Government Peak Trail in the Porcupine Mountains gives the finest hidden ridge hike in Michigan, its extraordinary 4-mile route along the Escarpment giving continuous views of Lake of the Clouds and the Lake Superior watershed in the most extraordinary old-growth forest in the Midwest. Free with park entry.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Porcupine Mountains Lodge dining room Extraordinary UP breakfast before Lake of the Clouds. Local Michigan eggs and strong coffee. | Lunch: Picnic at Lake of the Clouds Pack lunch from the lodge. The extraordinary lakeside picnic with the finest UP wilderness view. | Dinner: Konteka Restaurant, White Pine The finest restaurant near the Porcupine Mountains. Extraordinary local UP cuisine and craft beer.
DAY 3
MACKINAC ISLAND
MORNING
MACKINAC ISLAND CAR-FREE VICTORIAN RESORT
Mackinac Island is the most extraordinary car-free resort in America, its extraordinary Victorian hotels, horse-drawn carriages and fudge shops on an island where motorized vehicles have been banned since 1898 giving a time-capsule experience unlike any other. The Grand Hotel with its extraordinary 660-foot porch, Fort Mackinac above the harbor and the extraordinary Arch Rock limestone natural arch are all unmissable. Ferry from Mackinaw City approx $30. Fort entry approx $14. Drive: 2 hr drive + ferry
MIDDAY
FORT MACKINAC AND THE ISLAND BIKE TRAIL
Fort Mackinac is the most extraordinary historic fort in the Great Lakes, its extraordinary 1780 British limestone fortification giving the finest view of the Straits of Mackinac and Lake Huron from any point on the island. The island interior 8-mile bike trail through cedar and birch forest past Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf limestone pillar and Skull Cave gives the finest cycling experience in Michigan. Bike rental approx $10 per hour. Trail free. Drive: 15 min bike
AFTERNOON
MACKINAC BRIDGE AND THE STRAITS OF MACKINAC
The Mackinac Bridge is the most extraordinary suspension bridge in Michigan, its extraordinary 5-mile span across the Straits of Mackinac connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas in a bridge that was the world's longest when completed in 1957. The view of the bridge from St Ignace on the UP side and from Mackinaw City on the LP side gives the finest bridge panorama in the Great Lakes. The remarkable Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point is extraordinary. Bridge toll $4.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary British Landing beach on the western shore of Mackinac Island is the finest hidden beach on the island, its extraordinary pebble cove giving the most extraordinary view of the Mackinac Bridge from any beach accessible by bike. Free. The most extraordinary hidden gem on Mackinac Island.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Bogan Lane Inn, Mackinac Island Extraordinary island breakfast before the ferry. Local Michigan eggs and fresh pastries. | Lunch: Horn's Bar, Mackinac Island The most legendary bar on the island since 1933. Outstanding lake whitefish sandwich and cold beer. | Dinner: Grand Hotel Dining Room The most extraordinary dinner setting in Michigan. Outstanding local Great Lakes cuisine on the world's longest porch.
DAY 4
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
MORNING
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, AMERICA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was voted America's most beautiful place, its extraordinary 35-mile Lake Michigan shoreline of towering perched dunes rising 450 feet above the lake, crystal-clear lake water and the remarkable Sleeping Bear Dune itself giving the finest dune landscape in the Great Lakes. The Dune Climb gives the finest exhilarating ascent. The Empire Bluff Trail at 1.5 miles round trip gives the finest lake view. Entry $25 per vehicle. Drive: 2.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
PIERCE STOCKING SCENIC DRIVE AND CRYSTAL RIVER KAYAKING
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive gives the most extraordinary 7-mile loop through Sleeping Bear Dunes, its extraordinary Lake Michigan Overlook at 450 feet above the lake and the extraordinary Sleeping Bear Point at the northern end of the dune giving the finest coastal views in the Great Lakes. The Crystal River kayaking from the Sleeping Bear Canoe Rental gives the most extraordinary 4-mile float through cedar forest to Lake Michigan. Kayak rental approx $30. Drive: 15 min drive
AFTERNOON
GLEN ARBOR AND THE LEELANAU PENINSULA
Glen Arbor is the most extraordinary small village near Sleeping Bear Dunes, its extraordinary Art's Tavern, Grocer's Daughter Chocolate and the remarkable Cherry Republic giving the finest village experience in northern Michigan. The Leelanau Peninsula wine trail west of Traverse City produces the finest Pinot Noir and Riesling in Michigan at wineries including L. Mawby, Black Star Farms and Shady Lane Cellars. Tastings approx $10 to $15.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Glen Haven Historic Village in Sleeping Bear Dunes is the finest hidden historic site in the national lakeshore, its extraordinary restored 1920s Coast Guard station and cannery buildings giving the most extraordinary Great Lakes maritime heritage experience in Michigan. Free. The most extraordinary hidden gem in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Boone's Prime Time Pub, Traverse City The finest breakfast pub in Traverse City. Extraordinary local Michigan eggs and strong coffee. | Lunch: Art's Tavern, Glen Arbor The most legendary bar near Sleeping Bear. Extraordinary lake trout sandwich and Michigan craft beer. | Dinner: Trattoria Stella, Traverse City The finest restaurant in Traverse City. Extraordinary local Michigan produce in a historic building.
DAY 5
TRAVERSE CITY AND LEELANAU
MORNING
OLD MISSION PENINSULA CHERRY ORCHARDS AND LIGHTHOUSE
Old Mission Peninsula is the most extraordinary agricultural landscape in Michigan, its extraordinary 18-mile finger of land jutting into Grand Traverse Bay through the finest cherry orchards in America giving the finest drive in northern Michigan. The Old Mission Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula stands exactly on the 45th parallel, exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. The extraordinary bay views from both sides of the peninsula are unmissable. Peninsula drive free. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
LEELANAU PENINSULA WINE TRAIL AND SUTTONS BAY
The Leelanau Peninsula wine trail gives the most extraordinary Michigan wine country experience, its extraordinary glacially formed peninsula with Lake Michigan on three sides producing exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Riesling and sparkling wine at over 25 wineries. Black Star Farms, L. Mawby and Brys Estate give the finest tasting experiences. The extraordinary Suttons Bay village on the east shore of the peninsula gives the finest Leelanau waterfront dining. Tastings approx $10 to $15. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
TRAVERSE CITY DOWNTOWN AND THE CHERRY CAPITAL
Traverse City is the most extraordinary food city in northern Michigan, its extraordinary Front Street of independent restaurants, the remarkable Traverse City Film Festival and the extraordinary National Cherry Festival in July giving the finest cultural experience in the northern Lower Peninsula. The Traverse City Whiskey Company and Right Brain Brewery give the finest craft spirits in northern Michigan. The extraordinary West Bay sunset from Clinch Park Beach is free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Pyramid Point Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes gives the finest hidden overlook in the national lakeshore, its extraordinary 2.7-mile loop to a bluff 200 feet above Lake Michigan giving the most extraordinary aerial perspective of the Manitou Islands and the open lake entirely unknown to visitors at the Dune Climb. Free with park entry.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Cooks' House, Traverse City The finest breakfast in Traverse City. Extraordinary local Michigan produce and strong northern Michigan coffee. | Lunch: Suttons Bay Cider Company Outstanding Michigan hard cider and local food on the Leelanau Peninsula waterfront. | Dinner: The Franklin, Traverse City The finest new restaurant in Traverse City. Extraordinary local northern Michigan produce and craft cocktails.
Where To Stay
Munising and Porcupine Mts, Nights 1 to 2 Dogpatch Hotel or Porcupine Mountains Lodge. Approx $80 to $150. Mackinac Island, Night 3 Grand Hotel or Mission Point Resort. Approx $150 to $400 per night. Sleeping Bear and Traverse City, Nights 4 to 2 Glen Arbor cabins or Park Place Hotel TC. Approx $120 to $220.
Top Tips
1. Book Pictured Rocks boat tours weeks ahead at picturedrocks.com. Sunset cruise gives the finest cliff light.
2. Porcupine Mountains Lake of the Clouds at dawn before any other visitors is the most extraordinary view in Michigan.
3. Mackinac Island fudge: Murdick's Original is the finest. Made in copper kettles visible from the street since
1887.
4. Leelanau Peninsula wine trail near Traverse City produces the finest Pinot Noir and Riesling in Michigan.
5. Grand Sable Dunes in Pictured Rocks: climb to the top of the 275-foot dune for the most extraordinary Lake Superior view.
6. Traverse City cherry season in July: the roadside stands on M-37 have the finest fresh cherries in America.
Total Budget
$110 to $190/day