Michigan 3 Day Lakeshore Roadtrip
Michigan 3 Day Lakeshore Roadtrip
Emily Worden
Available for hire
Lake Michigan, one of the largest lakes in the world, offers beautiful beaches and quaint beach towns along its coastlines. This itinerary provides three days across the Lake Michigan coastline, highlighting a few of the best towns, food, and activities. This makes for a great summer vacation, but can also be a relaxing scenic trip in the fall.
Updated ago
1
Share
Day One
First stop on your roadtrip is Leland, Michigan to check out the historic Fish Town. Enjoy lunch in Leland before heading to Glen Arbor to spend the afternoon in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
Hotel Recommendations
The Mill Glen Arbor
@emilyworden
A renovated old flour mill from the 1800s. this is a relaxing little getaway, with incredible food and coffee just steps away in the building next door.
Add to
Details
The Homestead
@emilyworden
With a number of room options and amenities, this is a great option, located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Add to
Details
Food and Activities
Leland
@emilyworden
Fish shanties now filled with boutique shops, this is a fun stop for some photos, shopping and a bite to eat.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
@emilyworden
With bluffs towering 450 feet above Lake Michigan, exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is easily an all day event. Head out early for some cooler temperatures and pack a lunch for a beachside picnic.
Add to
Details
Art's Tavern
@emilyworden
Around since 1934, this bar is a neighborhood gathering place with great service and quality food.
Add to
Details
Day Two
On this day, head to Mackinaw City and take the ferry over to Mackinac Island. Enjoy two nights on the island, taking full advantage of the quieter mornings and evenings. On this first day, get your bearings by taking a bike ride around the city. If you have extra time, head up to Fort Mackinac to learn some of the military history of the island.
Hotel Recommendations
Lake View Hotel
@emilyworden
Centrally located and newly renovated, this hotel is a great value. Clean and comfortable rooms and an indoor pool for those rainy days.
Add to
Details
The Inn at Stonecliffe
@emilyworden
Tucked into the center of the island, this hotel is a great place to relax. Take the horse-drawn carriage to your hotel and enjoy the quieter side of the island. Also in walking distance of Woods restaurant.
Add to
Details
Food and Activities
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
@emilyworden
This ferry option is well organized with great customer service.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Murdicks Famous Fudge, Inc.
@emilyworden
Mackinac Island is known for their fudge, and Murdicks is one of the best and oldest fudge shops on the island.
Add to
Details
Mackinac Island Bike Shop
@emilyworden
Rent a bike from any of the bike shops around town and take a bike ride around the island. With no cars and beautiful views, this is one of the most relaxing activities to do.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Day Three
Start your day with a sunrise hike up to Arch Rock. Enjoy a great breakfast at Seabiscuit, walk along the largest front porch in the world at the Grand Hotel, and take a carriage tour around the island.
Food and Activities
Arch Rock
@emilyworden
With 207 steps up to the top, you'll want to take your time getting to the top. But the views are well worth it. Hiking trails are also in the area for some extra exploring.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
@emilyworden
Take a relaxing carriage tour around the island, learning some history and fun facts along the way.
Add to
Details
Grand Hotel
@emilyworden
This hotel is worth a visit just to walk around. Enjoy the world's largest front porch and walk around the beautiful gardens below.
Add to
Details
Woods Restaurant and Bobby's Bar
@emilyworden
Enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant in the woods. Offering classic Bavarian dishes, with the menu changing seasonally.
Add to
Details
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Worden
Available for hire
Hello, I'm Emily - hit hard by the Wanderlust bug, I devote all that I can to experiencing new adventures. In between trips, I spend my time researching and cultivating the perfect itineraries in order to optimize my vacation time. I want everyone to have the best trip possible so please feel free to check out my itineraries for inspiration and guidance. Happy traveling!
Send A Tip
Support Emily Worden’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Emily Worden 2024 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places