Calling all lighthouse enthusiasts! Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any state in the nation, and we’re heading north to explore them. More than 250 lighthouses used to dot the Michigan coastline, and those that remain cast a nostalgic light on days gone by, with each having a unique look and fascinating history.

Day 1 – Holland, Michigan – Our coach heads north into the “Great Lakes State” of Michigan to overnight in Holland.

Day 2 – Frederick Meijer Gardens – Windmill Island – After an included breakfast, we visit Frederik Meijer Gardens, one of the most visited art museums in the US. The gardens and park include a five-story tropical conservatory housing exotic plants from around the world. Also featured are bronze sculptures from international artists, including Leonardo da Vinci’s 24-foot horse. This afternoon, we visit Windmill Island, which features canals, a drawbridge, and a miniature Dutch village. Extensive gardens surround the park’s main feature, De Zwaan, a 1780’s operating windmill from the Netherlands. Overnight same hotel.

Day 3 – White River Light Station – Silver Lake Dune Buggy – Traverse City, MI – After an included breakfast, we travel the shores of Lake Michigan and see the historic White River Light Station. Built in 1875, the lighthouse has been converted into a museum containing artifacts of Great Lakes nautical history. We continue to Silver Lake, where we will take a thrilling dune buggy ride across the Sahara Desert-like sand dunes created by the Ice Age that formed the Great Lakes. Overnight in Traverse City.

Day 4 – Charlevoix Mushroom Houses – Michigan Lighthouse Cruise – After an included breakfast, we depart for a scenic drive to Charlevoix in Northern Michigan. We meet our local step on guide for a tour that takes us through the city and past the famous Mushroom Houses built by architect Earl Young. These fairy-tale like “Hobbit houses” are known world-wide and can only be seen in the town of Charlevoix. After lunch on our own, we’ll take a captivating Lighthouse Cruise. We’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of five Lake Michigan lighthouses, while taking in the stunning coastline views. Our expert guide will share with us the history and maritime lore of shipwrecks, navigation methods, and fascinating historical accounts of these guardians of the Great Lakes. Overnight in Mackinaw City, MI.

Day 5 – Presque Isle Light Station – Frankenmuth, MI – After an included breakfast, we drive along Michigan’s eastern border to view Presque Isle Light Station. The 1840 Lighthouse is one of the oldest on the Great Lakes and the tallest that the public may climb. The 1905 Keeper’s House has been restored as a visitors’ center, gift shop, and museum. We continue to Frankenmuth to overnight. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 6 – Home – After an included breakfast, we journey back home with memories of Northern Michigan’s natural beauty and historic lighthouses.

Meals Included: 5 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner