Road Trip Around Lake Michigan: Seven-Day Itinerary from Chicago

Before we went on our Lake Michigan Circle Tour road trip, I was disappointed that I couldn’t take Christopher on a “bigger” vacation this year. Once I started planning, I realized there was so much I wanted to do and wished we had more time. By the time the trip was over, Chris and I were discussing moving to the Midwest someday.

We visited wineries, enjoyed scenic hikes, had amazing meals, and saw three of the Great Lakes. Since we got home, all we can talk about is doing this trip again someday. Like with my California road trip post, I will be linking up the individual posts to this itinerary as I do them.

Day One: Chicago to Grand Haven, Michigan 

Highlights: Did a chocolate tasting at The Chocolate Garden in Coloma, visited the lighthouse in South Haven, drove through downtown Saugatauk, saw the Holland lighthouse, then spent the afternoon in Grand Haven, eating great food and enjoying the lighthouse and boardwalk. 

Spent the night in: Grand Haven

Day Two: Grand Haven to Traverse City 

Highlights: Had breakfast at Morning Star Café, drove to Ludington and hiked to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, then headed to Manistee to see the lighthouse. Next, we headed to the Arcadia Inspiration Point for stunning views of Lake Michigan. Spent the afternoon at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with three major stops: Glen Haven, the Pyramid Point Trail, and Pierce Stocking Drive. Finished a great day with an amazing dinner in Traverse City.

Spent the night in: Traverse City

Day Three: Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula

Highlights: Drove to Leland to see the historic fishing village, then headed to the Leelanau Peninsula for cider tasting at Tandem Ciders. Spent the rest of the day on the Old Mission Peninsula: saw the Old Mission Lighthouse and did wine tastings at two wineries: Chateau Chantal and 2 Lads Winery. Had dinner on Fleet Street and capped off our day with cherry products at the Cherry Republic.

Spent the night in: Traverse City

Day Four: Traverse City to Mackinaw City 

Highlights: Drove to Charlevoix to see the lighthouse, then headed to Petoskey to explore the Bayfront Park and the Gas Light District. Took the scenic drive through the Tunnel of Trees (M-22) and had lunch at the famous Legs Inn. Drove to Mackinaw City, dropped off our bags at the hotel, then headed to the beautiful Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Spent the night in: Mackinaw City

Day Five: Mackinac Island 

Highlights: Took a ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island with a special ride under the Mackinac Bridge. Took a carriage tour to get an overview of the island. Ended our tour at Fort Mackinac, then spent a few hours trying different fudge shops and exploring the island.

Spent the night in Mackinaw City

Day Six: Mackinaw City to Door County, Wisconsin 

Highlights: Visited the Seule Choix Lighthouse, saw Kitch-iti-Kipi, saw the Wagner Falls, and enjoyed a boat tour on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Spent the night in: Sturgeon Bay

Day Seven: Door County 

Highlights: Went on the Door County Trolley Tour, explored Door County, saw the waves crashing at Cave Point County Park, and capped off our day with a fish boil.

Spent the night in: Sturgeon Bay

Lake Michigan Circle Tour Road Trip Post Directory:

Quick Thoughts

Seven-Day Itinerary from Chicago
South Haven Lighthouse
Big Red Lighthouse
Grand Haven, Michigan Food Adventures
Grand Haven Lighthouse and Boardwalk
Hiking to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Arcadia Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook