Michigan
Michigan offers a diverse tapestry of experiences, from the automotive heritage of Detroit to the rugged forests of the Upper Peninsula. That state’s most popular destination is Mackinac Island, a timeless gem where horse-drawn carriages replace cars. Visitors explore those charming streets and that iconic Grand Hotel to enjoy that peaceful atmosphere.
Thunder Bay Resort captures the spirit of Northern Michigan with that blend of natural beauty and hospitality. In the evening, a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride crosses the Thunder Bay River into those woods to encounter magnificent elk. This experience provides a glimpse into the magic that awaits those who visit this unique destination.
Michigan Itineraries
CircleMichigan.com is your one-stop shop for crafting the perfect Mackinac Island tour. With their comprehensive resources, you'll find everything you need to enhance your itinerary. However, planning a seamless experience can be a challenge. That's where our 54 years of experience come in. Let us help you weave together an unforgettable journey for your travelers.
This tour highlights the rustic charm of Northern Michigan, with a primary focus on the rugged splendor of the Upper Peninsula. The journey begins at Thunder Bay Resort with a horse-drawn carriage ride to view elk and a gourmet dinner, followed by a day exploring the car-free streets and Grand Hotel of Mackinac Island. The heart of the trip lies in the Upper Peninsula, where travelers experience the engineering feat of the Soo Locks and the haunting maritime history of the Edmund Fitzgerald at Whitefish Point. The adventure continues with a stunning cruise past the Pictured Rocks cliffs and an exploration of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s northernmost reaches. From the panoramic heights of Brockway Mountain to the unique offerings of the Jampot Bakery, this tour highlights those iconic landscapes and hidden gems that define the "Up North" spirit.
Begin with a relaxing stay at the Soaring Eagle Casino before exploring the history of the Anishinabek people at the Ziibwing Cultural Center. The journey continues through Charlevoix to view the famous mushroom houses and concludes with a sunset dinner at the historic Perry Hotel in Petoskey. After crossing the Mackinac Bridge, guests travel by horse-drawn carriage on Mackinac Island to dine at the Grand Hotel and explore the car-free streets. The itinerary then follows the Lake Huron coast to 40 Mile Point Lighthouse and Thunder Bay Resort for a horse-drawn elk-viewing carriage ride and a gourmet cabin dinner. The final day features a glass-bottom boat tour of the shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and a visit to the Maritime Heritage Center. The excursion concludes with a winery visit in West Branch and a scenic drive to Frankenmuth for the final overnight stay.
Circle Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, beginning along the Lake Michigan shoreline with a ride on the Silver Beach Carousel and a museum tour aboard the USS LST 393. The journey moves north for a schooner trek across the Silver Lake dunes and world-class vistas at Sleeping Bear Dunes. After a stop in Traverse City, travelers cross the Mackinac Bridge and take a ferry to Mackinac Island to enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours and famous local fudge. The return route heads south along the Lake Huron side, visiting the Cross in the Woods National Shrine and Thunder Bay Resort for a gourmet elk-viewing dinner. The itinerary concludes with an exploration of the Bavarian village of Frankenmuth and a trip to Dearborn to experience the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The loop finishes at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, celebrating the state's deep roots in craftsmanship and technological history.
This tour offers a delightful escape to Northern Michigan, combining natural beauty with culinary experiences. Guests will explore Mackinac Island with a horse-drawn carriage tour, learn about the region's maritime history at the Great Lakes Heritage Center, visit the Presque Isle Lighthouses, and take a scenic Elk Viewing Carriage tour. Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy the hospitality of Thunder Bay Resort, indulge in a gourmet dinner at the Elk Antler Log Cabin, and enjoy a cooking demonstration at Art in the Loft .
This captivating tour immerses travelers in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes region. Beginning on Lake Erie with a visit to Angelo's Northwoods Villa Supper Club, a notorious gambling spot during the Prohibition era, the journey delves into the maritime heritage of each lake. On Lake Superior, guests witness the Soo Locks in action and visit the poignant Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, where the bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of maritime transport. Lake Huron introduces travelers to the "Shipwreck Century" at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary with a glass-bottom boat tour and a visit to the historic Presque Isle Lighthouses. Crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridge, which spans the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, the tour explores Mackinac Island, including a visit to the historic Grand Hotel. On Lake Michigan, the journey features the awe-inspiring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a testament to the region's natural beauty, and a unique dining experience aboard the USS LST 393, a WWII landing ship. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to the Silver Beach Carousel, completing this unforgettable journey through the Great Lakes region.
This tour offers a captivating journey through the beauty and history of parts of both of Michigan’s peninsulas. It combines coastal visits along Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior with interesting stops like Castle Farms and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The itinerary includes scenic drives through the Tunnel of Trees, a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, and a relaxing cruise through the Soo Locks. Guests will also enjoy experiences such as learning about Petoskey's history, Charlevoix’s Earl Young houses, exploring Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage and an Elk Viewing Carriage ride through Michigan’s northern woods.
Experience the ultimate Michigan tour, moving from the roaring assembly lines of Detroit to the silent, horse-drawn streets of Mackinac Island. You’ll go behind the scenes of the F-150 factory and ride in vintage Packards before trading the city grit for the Sunrise side of Michigan and a rugged elk-viewing trek in the northern wilderness. After crossing the "Mighty Mac,” you’ll step back in time for a world-class feast at the Grand Hotel and end your journey surrounded by 400 of the greatest cars ever built at the Gilmore Museum. It’s a five-day adventure in American muscle and Victorian elegance that proves Michigan is as much about the journey as the destination.
This unforgettable tour weaves together a captivating blend of experiences. Explore the unique history of Castle Farms, including a tram tour through its beautifully landscaped gardens. Then, enjoy two memorable carriage rides: one on Mackinac Island where a carriage ride will transport you through picturesque landscapes and reveal the island's unique charm. and another at Thunder Bay Resort, where you'll journey over the river and through the woods to view some of Michigan's magnificent elk. This tour offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty.
