Lighthouses of Michigan

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 Frederick Meijer Gardens, a five-story glass enclosure housing exotic plants from around the world. Also featured are over 70 bronze sculptures by 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 tulip 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, Michigan – 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. We 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 of Charlevoix past the famous Mushroom Houses built by architect Earl Young. These fairytale-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 history and maritime lore of shipwrecks, navigation methods, and fascinating historical accounts of these guardians of the Great Lakes. We overnight in Mackinaw City, Michigan.

Day 5 – Presque Isle Light Station – Frankenmuth, Michigan – 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 1870 Lighthouse is the tallest light on the Great Lakes that the public may climb. The 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: 5B, 1D