Day 1 – Evansville, IN-Grand Rapids, MI Its autumn in Michigan when millions of acres of woods explode in a frenzy of color and there is no better place to see the dynamic colors aflame along the highways, country roads and coastlines of this great state. Today the miles roll by quickly as our deluxe motor coach head toward Grand Rapids for the night.
Day 2 –Grand Rapids, MI-Traverse City, MI This morning we visit the Gerald R Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Even though Ford was born in Omaha, Nebraska the family relocated to Michigan later in his childhood. Ford’s Museum now stands as an analytic approach to our past and our government, the museum provokes emotions that stimulate learning, reflection, and a sense of democratic citizenship. Mr. & Mrs. Ford’s are interred here at the Museum. Later this afternoon you’ll make your way to Traverse City for the next two nights where lake front accommodations await. This evening we enjoy included dinner along the lake in the Grand Traverse Bay.
Day 3 –Traverse City, MI-Glen Arbor-Traverse City, MI Today we travel west to Sleeping Bear Dunes national Lakeshore and see Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, an area shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. It has a diverse terrain and thriving ecological environment. One of the most beautiful natural areas in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and of course you can climb the dunes if you choose.
In fact, in August, the Lakeshore was voted the Most Beautiful Place in America by Good Morning America!!
We continue our drive up the coast to the quaint village of Glen Arbor… (Population 788) where you’ll have some time to explore, shop, and browse. A bustling town nestled between Sleeping Bear Bay on Lake Michigan and the Glen Lakes. We recommend you stop at Cherry Republic for dining and shopping. Also, a great place to purchase Cherry Wine only found in the Cherry capital of Michigan. Evening is free back in Traverse City.
Day 4 –Traverse City, MI-Mackinaw City, MI This morning we enjoy the drive up the coast of Lake Michigan and along Grand Traverse Bay to Mackinaw City. The Grand Hotel has always embraced its rich history, but kept up well with the times. Today you’ll enjoy modern amenities while the hotel’s original architecture, charm and relaxing ambiance have been well preserved. Contributing greatly to the hotel’s ambience is the relaxed atmosphere of Mackinac Island, where cars are not allowed and horse and carriage and bicycles are the favored modes of transportation.
Cross over on the ferry to Mackinac Island where we enjoy the day and evening on the island. Lunch is on your own today. This evening you’ll have a five course dinner at the historic Grand Hotel. (Bring your dress up clothes as it is required for dining). What a great way to end the day.
Day 5 – Mackinaw City, MI-Sault Ste. Marie, MI This morning we will depart for Paradise, Michigan, were we make a stop north at Whitefish Point Light Station and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The Light Station was established by Congress in 1849 and today it is the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. November 10, 1975, the mighty freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald lost its battle with a fierce winter storm. Here, some of the artifacts from the mighty ship are on display including the original bell which stands as memorial to the 29 men who lost their lives. Lunch is on our own in Paradise.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses close to 52,000 acres stretching over 13 miles. Most of this is undeveloped woodland without roads, buildings or power lines. Centerpiece of the park, and the very reason for its existence, is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls. View the falls with a .4 mile walk to the top of the falls. Enjoy the beauty of the foliage of autumn at the masterpiece of creation.
This afternoon we will journey back through the Hiawatha National Forest east towards Sault Ste. Marie, the most northern part of the state of Michigan before entering Canada. Just before an authentic wilderness cuisine you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Soo Locks (sometimes spelled Sault Locks, but pronounced “soo”) which are a set of parallel locks which enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, between the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Canadian province of Ontario. They bypass the rapids of the river where they fall 21 feet.
Day 6 – Sault Ste. Marie MI As if this fall foliage tour couldn’t get any better, visit Canada aboard the Agawa Canyon Train. This one-day wilderness excursion will transport you 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers and through the awesome granite rock formations and vast mixed forests of the Canadian Shield.
Through the large windows of their newly refurbished coaches the beauty of the region will unfold and you will experience the same rugged landscapes that inspired the Group of Seven to create some of Canada’s most notable landscape art. (PASS PORT REQUIRED)
Day 7 & 8 – Enjoy your included breakfast this morning then it’s back to where your journey started; HOME!! Memories and more fill your mind with an evening stop in Indianapolis. Perhaps one more lasting impression to an already wonderful scenic experience.
Indiana Departures: Jasper, Evansville all-points
Illinois Departures: Marion, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Salem, Effingham
