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North America’s Great Lakes region holds a fifth of the world’s freshwater and spreads over eight states - this itinerary will take you to four of them. There are five lakes and they are very much like inland seas fringed with golden beaches and surrounded by historic lighthouses, car-free islands and scenic highways.
Life on the lakes is laid-back and casual. If off the beaten path drives; mooching farmer's markets and antique shops; beach walks and wineries sounds like you - here's your next holiday!
Price per person includes:
We can highly recommend spending a day at the Field Museum, located at Chicago's Museum Campus or combining the Field and the Adler Planetarium into one day. The Field was incorporated in 1893 as the Columbian Museum of Chicago with the purpose of accumulation and dissemination of knowledge, and the preservation and exhibition of objects illustrating art, archaeology, science and history. In 1905, the Museum's name was changed to Field Museum of Natural History to honour the Museum's first major benefactor, Marshall Field, and to better reflect its focus on the natural sciences.
Distance: 196 miles
Wisconsin Dells became a tourism destination 150 years ago as visitors came to see the spectacular glacially-formed gorge of sandstone formations along the banks of the Wisconsin River. Walking among the enormous stone formations is awesome. The best way to see the river banks is by boat. In addition to the natural beauty, The Dells is also surrounded with every type of visitor entertainment imaginable.Distance: 216 miles
Minneapolis has received every accolade a city can get. The New York Times calls it an increasingly cool city and Frommer’s describes its gorgeous layout. Television viewers know it as the very Midwestern home of Mary Richards of Mary Tyler Moore Show fame. It’s really all three of these. In warm weather, it’s a really wonderful place to visit. See cutting edge art at the Walker Art Centre, a blockbuster at the Guthrie Theatre, where the building is as good as the performances. Later, dine at one of many ethnic restaurants.Today is all about retail therapy at it's finest!
Mall of America® is THE number one shopping and entertainment centre in North America. Every single member of the family will be happy spending the day here. With 500 stores to choose from, if you can't find it here - it doesn't exist! Beyond shopping there are options galore including an escape room venue, FlyOver America simulation ride, Sea Life Aquarium and much, much more. Dining choices are truly endless with anything from food court staples to sit down eateries and cocktails.
Distance: 153 miles
Duluth was founded and claimed by the French travelling through the Great Lakes in 1676, 100 years before the Declaration of Independence. It continued to serve as the port at the Head of the Lakes for 300 years before it began transforming into a visitor destination. And transform it has, currently welcoming 3.5 million visitors each year. Tour the William A. Irvin, former flagship of the US Steel Great Lakes fleet and Glensheen, the estate of one of the most powerful lumber barons in the upper Midwest. Leave some time to drive a bit of the National Scenic Byway that hugs the lakeshore to Two Harbours. The views are incredible.Distance: 85 miles
The only way to go from Duluth to Bayfield is to take the road less travelled along the pristine, quiet lakeshore. Along the way, rock cliffs give way to gently lapping waves on rock beaches. Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands. Madeline Island is only reached by boat. Always a maritime town, Bayfield has transformed itself into a quality arts destination with great historic preservation of the former homes of lumber barons, galleries and even its own Chautauqua, which most every night during the summer, features headliner entertainment.Distance: 205 miles
One of the hidden treasures of the upper Midwest, Marquette was in the top ten All American City competition and was named one of the Most Livable Cities in America. Visit all or any of Marquette’s six lighthouses and nine waterfalls. You can also expect to see moose which are being repopulated in the area. They are most likely viewed in the early morning and evening and found in areas around water.Distance: 166 miles
Approximately 3 hours along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you’ll reach Sault Ste. Marie on the northeastern end. Right on the Canadian border, separated from its twin city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, by the St. Marys River, you can opt to stay in the US or venture across the International Bridge and spend a few nights in Ontario, Canada.Distance: 294 miles
It's a beautiful drive today over the 'Mighty Mac' bridge through the heart of Michigan. With a wealth of state parks and lakes, take your time and stop to enjoy the scenery along the way. Once in Grand Rapids, you'll be delighted with the options that await. World-class attractions, including the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. It's also a haven for artists and art lovers and home to one of the world's most visited art museums, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Grand Rapids is also known as America’s Best Beer City with a host of craft breweries and the eating isn't bad either. Two unique factors contribute to Grand Rapids foodie status - the city is located in the middle of one of the world's best growing regions. And, they are home to one of America's finest culinary schools. Prepare for an astonishing variety of fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
Distance: 30 miles
It's a short drive today to ensure enough time to stop and smell the tulips! It won't surprise you to know that Holland that was settled in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists. Still very much a part of the city's cultural identity, various events celebrate the heritage.
The Tulip Time Festival, held annually in May, is an eight day festival with over six million tulips blooming throughout the city. The Holland Museum tells the story of the city and Cappon House, built in 1874, is a historic museum that once housed the first mayor of Holland. Holland's downtown is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and you'll want to be sure to catch of glimpse and photo of Big Red - the Holland Harbor Lighthouse played an integral role in the history of Holland.
Call the travel experts at Bon Voyage to discuss your dream Great Lakes Adventure.