7-Day Michigan Itinerary

A mix of coastal beauty, outdoor adventures, charming small towns, and Great Lakes exploration across Michigan.

The Ultimate Michigan Family Vacation: Great Lakes, Outdoor Adventures & Kid-Friendly Fun

Day1

Arrive in Detroit & Explore

Fly into Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

Top Things to Do in Detroit

  • Visit The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield VillageA must-see for history lovers.
  • Tour the Motown MuseumBirthplace of legendary Motown music.
  • Explore the Detroit Institute of ArtsHome to Diego Rivera's famous murals.
  • Dinner at Lafayette or American Coney IslandTry Detroit-style coney dogs!

Overnight in Detroit.

Day2

Ann Arbor & Drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes

Drive from Detroit to Ann Arbor (45 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Ann Arbor

  • Walk Through the University of Michigan Campus.
  • Explore the Iconic Literati Bookstore.
  • Try a Slice at Mani Osteria or Zingerman's Deli.

Drive from Ann Arbor to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (4 hours).

Overnight in Glen Arbor or Traverse City.

Day3

Sleeping Bear Dunes & Traverse City

Top Things to Do in Sleeping Bear Dunes

  • Climb the Dune ClimbA challenging but rewarding trek with stunning views.
  • Drive Pierce Stocking Scenic DriveIncredible overlooks of Lake Michigan.
  • Relax at Empire Beach or Glen Haven Beach.
  • Kayak on Crystal River in Glen Arbor.
  • Explore Traverse City (30 minutes from the dunes).

Top Things to Do in Traverse City

  • Wine Tasting on Old Mission Peninsula.
  • Try Cherry Pie at Grand Traverse Pie Company.
  • Bike Along the TART Trail.

Overnight in Traverse City.

Day4

Drive to Mackinac Island - A Step Back in Time

Drive from Traverse City to Mackinaw City (3 hours).

Take the Ferry to Mackinac Island (20 minutes).

Top Things to Do on Mackinac Island

  • Bike the 8-Mile Mackinac Island LoopNo cars allowed!
  • Tour Fort MackinacA Revolutionary War-era fort.
  • Try Fudge from Murdick's or Ryba'sA Mackinac tradition!
  • Explore the Grand HotelA famous historic hotel with epic lake views.

Overnight on Mackinac Island.

Day5

Upper Peninsula - Tahquamenon Falls & Pictured Rocks

Take the Ferry back to Mackinaw City & Drive into the U.P.

Drive from Mackinaw City to Tahquamenon Falls State Park (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do at Tahquamenon Falls

  • See the Upper & Lower FallsThe largest waterfalls in Michigan.
  • Hike Along the River Trail.
  • Stop at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery for a Local Beer.

Drive from Tahquamenon Falls to Munising (2 hours).

Overnight in Munising (Gateway to Pictured Rocks).

Day6

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Top Things to Do at Pictured Rocks

  • Take a Pictured Rocks Boat CruiseThe best way to see the colorful cliffs.
  • Hike to Miners Castle Overlook.
  • Go Kayaking Along the Cliffs (Optional Adventure).
  • Relax at Sand Point Beach.

Overnight in Munising.

Day7

Drive Back to Detroit & Depart

Drive from Munising to Detroit (6.5 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way

  • Stop in MarquetteA charming town on Lake Superior.
  • Visit Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's Largest Spring.

Fly out of Detroit (DTW).

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Header photo: Hdeon1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.