The Great Lakes Trail Self-Drive
Member Savings
Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)
Overview
What's this trip about?
Compare to similar trips
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Detroit. Arrive in Detroit and make your own way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey.
Spend a day exploring the car manufacturing city of Detroit which is enjoying rapid rejuvenation. Don't miss a visit to the fascinating nearby Henry Ford Museum.
Collect your hire car and drive through the heart of Michigan to the little town of Whitehall on Lake Michigan's east coast.
Drive along the coast of Lake Michigan to Traverse City. There are some delightful state parks to visit on the way, many of which offer glorious coastal views.
Spend a full day exploring the amazing, and huge, sand dunes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You may wish to take the ferry to the little islands of North and South Manitou or take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Other options include a visit to Grand Traverse Lighthouse or go wine tasting at some of the nearby wineries.
Enjoy another scenic lake-edge drive today as you make your way to Mackinac Island. This coastline is dotted with small villages and pretty state parks. Park your car at Mackinaw City and then take the foot passenger ferry over to Mackinac Island. The afternoon is free to explore this car-free island.
Mackinac Island is a delightful natural retreat, with plenty of lovely walking and cycling paths affording magical sea views. Most of the island is a state park and transportation is confined to horse and carriage. Visit historic Fort Mackinac and the island's lovely limestone bluffs and emerald green forests.
Return to your car and drive across the Straits of Mackinac to Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This is a delightfully scenic drive through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and past Munising Falls and Rock River Falls Canyon.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is lightly populated and full of picturesque forests, lakes and mountains. Its many state parks are a haven for wildlife including black bears, wolves, and birdlife. Moose in particular thrive in large numbers here. There is also a wide vari...
Your drive takes you inland today, past the Huron Mountains, Baraga State Park and along the shore of Keweenaw Bay. Park your car and then take a thrilling seaplane flight from Houghton to Isle Royale National Park.
Isle Royale National Park is the largest island in Lake Superior. Largely forested, this beautiful and isolated place is known for significant populations of wolves and moose, and is a haven for walkers, kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts. Enjoy a day breathing in the pure air and discovering this natural island gem.
Return by seaplane to Houghton and then take the scenic drive past the Porcupine Mountains into Wisconsin. Your base for the next two nights is the village of Bayfield, ideally located for exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Take a scenic cruise to the Apostle Islands that consist of 21 islands at the northern tip of Wisconsin. See extraordinary standing rocks, sea caves and lighthouses whilst also keeping a look out for deer, eagles and bears.
Leaving behind the shores of Lake Superior, head inland to the twin cities of Minneapolis - St. Paul.
Spend a full day in Minneapolis - St. Paul. The cities are known for excellent shopping, restaurants and nightlife, but there are also great museums and sports venues to visit.
Drop off your hire car prior to boarding your onward flight.
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Audley Travel Reviews & Ratings
Other Audley Travel Reviews
Trip of a lifetime to Mexico!
Absolutely amazing two week trip to Mexico. Phoebe was very knowledgeable and helped us plan a fabulous itinerary. The hotels she'd recommended were perfect and in e...
10/10 to Audley travel
10/10 to Audley travel. Louise and Robyn put together a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar for us. The whole experience was amazing from start to finish. We did an 8 day ...
Exceptional company that listened…
Exceptional company that listened carefully to our ideas and formulated an amazing itinerary as a result. Every detail was thought of resulting in an extraordinary t...
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations