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    33 Activities

    Northwest Michigan Lighthouse and Lake Route

    Northwest Michigan Lighthouse and Lake Route
    Starts from

    Detroit

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    33

    Duration

    4 days

    Length

    596 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Detroit

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    4 days

    Length

    596 mi

    Natural AttractionsAdventureRelaxation
    Map preview
    Alana Valko

    Alana Valko

    Travel Expert

    • Hike lighthouses alongside Lake Michigan's shore.
    • Climb the Acadia and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
    • Take a winery tour overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City.
    • Visit a castle and hobbit-like homes in Charlevoix.
    Thanks to the Great Lakes, Michigan is known for its breathtaking beaches and abundant lighthouses. Though for those who live around the highly industrialized Detroit areas, beaches and sunset views are not the norm in day-to-day life. This four-day trip up the Lake Michigan coastline will show you that a little respite from daily life is not too far away in Michigan. This trip will bring you to some of the most beautiful beaches, dunes, and attractions in the state, and arguably the world. You will also spend the trip stopping in at some of Michigan’s iconic lighthouses, which offer picturesque coastal views for all to enjoy today, and once served as essential touchpoints for sailors navigating Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline.
    The first leg of your trip takes you on scenic hikes to lighthouses and through sand dunes, offering you rewarding views and beautiful scenery along the trails. You'll kick back too, taking time to rest and indulge in the region's famous cherry wines and snacks. You will venture on a winery tour up Traverse City's Old Mission Peninsula, a narrow landmass soaked with just the right amount of moisture to produce delicious wine varietals, thanks to the bays engulfing the region. At the end of your trip, you will stop off in Charlevoix to explore the town's fantastical idiosyncrasies, including houses resembling mushrooms and a French Normandy-inspired castle.
    It's recommended taking this trip during the summer months, May-September, to optimize your access to all the excursions. This trip can be modified for the winter months, just note some paths and treks may be closed off due to snow and ice.

    Categories

    Thanks to the Great Lakes, Michigan is known for its breathtaking beaches and abundant lighthouses. Though for those who live around the highly industrialized Detroit areas, beaches and sunset views are not the norm in day-to-day life. This four-day trip up the Lake Michigan coastline will show you that a little respite from daily life is not too far away in Michigan. This trip will bring you to some of the most beautiful beaches, dunes, and attractions in the state, and arguably the world. You will also spend the trip stopping in at some of Michigan’s iconic lighthouses, which offer picturesque coastal views for all to enjoy today, and once served as essential touchpoints for sailors navigating Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline.
    The first leg of your trip takes you on scenic hikes to lighthouses and through sand dunes, offering you rewarding views and beautiful scenery along the trails. You'll kick back too, taking time to rest and indulge in the region's famous cherry wines and snacks. You will venture on a winery tour up Traverse City's Old Mission Peninsula, a narrow landmass soaked with just the right amount of moisture to produce delicious wine varietals, thanks to the bays engulfing the region. At the end of your trip, you will stop off in Charlevoix to explore the town's fantastical idiosyncrasies, including houses resembling mushrooms and a French Normandy-inspired castle.
    It's recommended taking this trip during the summer months, May-September, to optimize your access to all the excursions. This trip can be modified for the winter months, just note some paths and treks may be closed off due to snow and ice.
    Alana Valko

    Alana Valko

    Travel Expert

    • Hike lighthouses alongside Lake Michigan's shore.
    • Climb the Acadia and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
    • Take a winery tour overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City.
    • Visit a castle and hobbit-like homes in Charlevoix.

    Travel itinerary

    Hike to the Lighthouses
    9 Activities

    Day 1

    349 mi2 mi

    Hike to the Lighthouses

    Drive up north and stop at craft coffeehouses on the way before beginning your journey through Lake Michigan's beautiful and historical northwestern coastline. View sweeping views of Lake Michigan and stop off at natural areas such as the Ludington State Park and the Arcadia Dunes. Watch the sunset and crashing waves at the nature reserve before staying the night near Crystal Lake.
    22:30
    Climb the Dunes and Enjoy the Views
    7 Activities

    Day 2

    45 mi

    Climb the Dunes and Enjoy the Views

    Take a scenic ride through the Sleeping Bear Dunes, finish with the Dune Climb, then end the day drinking cherry wine at Glen Arbor’s famous Cherry Republic. Stay the night at a traditional bed & breakfast.
    22:00
    Winery Tour in Traverse City
    10 Activities

    Day 3

    114 mi1 mi

    Winery Tour in Traverse City

    Explore an old fishing town and then head into Traverse City, also known as “the cherry capital of the world,” famous for its cherry farms, vineyards, freshwater beaches, and sprawling downtown area sitting just steps from the water. Spend the day stopping at the wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula.
    19:00
    Step Into a Storybook in Northern Michigan
    7 Activities

    Day 4

    88 mi

    Step Into a Storybook in Northern Michigan

    On the last day of your trip, drive north once more to the infamously crystal clear waters at Torch Lake, then step into the pages of a fairytale for the remainder of your day. Find the Mushroom Houses, tour a castle, and end in the coastal resort community of Petoskey.

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