10 day itinerary
Lake Michigan Circle Tour
Itinerary
A Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the Great Lakes, and I love that you’re looking for offbeat spots. Let’s dive into a 10-day itinerary that will take you through some hidden gems while still enjoying the stunning scenery. Grab your camera and let’s hit the road!
Day 1: , IL to
Morning: Start your adventure in ! Before you leave, grab a coffee and a pastry at a local café. Then, head to (about an hour away).
Afternoon: Explore the lesser-known trails like the , which leads you through wetlands and forests. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful dunes along the shore!
Evening: Settle in at a cozy B&B in , IN. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery like the “Porterhouse” for some hearty Midwestern fare.
Day 2: , IN to , MI
Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive along the Lake Michigan shoreline to (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Explore the charming downtown area and visit the . The trails here are less crowded, and the views of the dunes are breathtaking.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local favorite, “The Southerner,” known for its Southern-inspired dishes. Spend the night in a quaint inn or a lakeside cottage.
Day 3: , MI to , MI
Morning: Head to (about 30 minutes away). Start your day with a visit to the , where you can see a real Dutch windmill!
Afternoon: Explore the offbeat side of by visiting the for some wildlife spotting.
Evening: Have dinner at “New Brewing,” where you can sample local craft beers. Stay overnight in a unique Airbnb or a local inn.
Day 4: , MI to , MI
Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Start your day with a stroll along the .
Afternoon: Visit the less-traveled for a peaceful hike through the woods and dunes.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset at the , then have dinner at “The Kirby House.” Spend the night in a charming bed and breakfast.
Day 5: , MI to , MI
Morning: Head to (about 20 minutes). Visit the , which often features local artists.
Afternoon: Explore the offbeat , a hidden gem showcasing Victorian architecture.
Evening: Dine at “The Lake House,” which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. Stay overnight in a lakeside hotel.
Day 6: , MI to , MI
Morning: Drive to (about 45 minutes). Start with a visit to , where you can hike to the .
Afternoon: Spend some time at the less-crowded .
Evening: Enjoy dinner at “The Blu Moon,” known for its fresh seafood. Spend the night in a cozy cabin or a local inn.
Day 7: , MI to , MI
Morning: Head to (about 30 minutes). Visit the for a scenic stroll along the river.
Afternoon: Explore the offbeat , where you can find hidden trails and beautiful landscapes.
Evening: Dine at “The Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar” for a delightful meal. Stay overnight in a charming hotel or a lakeside cottage.
Day 8: , MI to , MI
Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour). Start your day with a visit to the local farmers market if it’s a Saturday!
Afternoon: Explore the offbeat , visiting wineries and enjoying the stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Evening: Have dinner at “The Cook’s House,” known for its farm-to-table cuisine. Spend the night in a cozy inn or a lakeside resort.
Day 9: , MI to , MI
Morning: Head to (about 1 hour). Stop by the charming town of on the way to explore its unique architecture.
Afternoon: Visit the offbeat for some hiking and beach time. Look for stones along the shore!
Evening: Dine at “The Rowe Inn,” a hidden gem with a lovely atmosphere. Spend the night in a quaint B&B.
Day 10: , MI to , MI
Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Visit the historic for a taste of history.
Afternoon: Take a ferry to (if time allows) and explore the car-free island. Rent a bike or a horse-drawn carriage to see the sights.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at “,” known for its local cuisine. Spend your last night in a charming hotel with views of the Straits of Mackinac.
And there you have it! A delightful 10-day itinerary around Lake Michigan, filled with offbeat adventures and stunning scenery. Make sure to take your time, soak in the views, and enjoy the local flavors along the way. Safe travels! 🌊🚗✨