Road Trip from Brandon, MB to St. Ignace, MI (October 3‑13, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & Winnipeg Exploration

Morning: Depart Brandon and enjoy a smooth two‑hour drive to Winnipeg. Stop at the historic Fort Whyte Alive for a quick nature walk.

Afternoon: Stroll through The Forks, sampling local treats and browsing artisan stalls. Visit the striking Canadian Museum for Human Rights for an inspiring experience.

Evening: Dine at a downtown restaurant and unwind with a walk along the Red River waterfront. Overnight in Winnipeg.

Day 2: Winnipeg → Grand Forks

Morning: Cross the Canada‑US border at Pembina and explore the Pembina State Museum showcasing pioneer history.

Afternoon: Arrive in Grand Forks; wander the scenic Riverwalk and visit the North Dakota Museum of Art.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring local bison or walleye, then relax at a cozy B&B.

Day 3: Grand Forks → Fargo

Morning: Take a short drive to Fargo, stopping at the historic Bonanzaville, USA pioneer village.

Afternoon: Explore the Fargo Air Museum with its impressive aircraft collection, then relax in the vibrant downtown area.

Evening: Savor a farm‑to‑table dinner and perhaps catch live music at the Fargo Theatre.

Day 4: Fargo → Minneapolis

Morning: Depart Fargo, driving south on I‑35 toward the Twin Cities. Make a quick photo stop at the picturesque St. Croix River Valley.

Afternoon: Arrive in Minneapolis; visit the iconic Minnehaha Falls and stroll through the surrounding park.

Evening: Dine in the lively North Loop district and spend the night at a downtown hotel.

Day 5: Minneapolis Highlights

Morning: Explore the expansive Mall of America, including its indoor amusement park and aquarium.

Afternoon: Visit the contemporary Walker Art Center and its adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the famous “Spoonbridge.”

Evening: Take a sunset cruise on the Mississippi River, then enjoy a nightcap at a rooftop bar.

Day 6: Minneapolis → Duluth

Morning: Head east on I‑94 toward Duluth, enjoying the scenic drive along the Lake Superior shoreline.

Afternoon: Arrive in Duluth; wander the historic Canal Park and climb the Aerial Lift Bridge for panoramic views.

Evening: Dine on fresh lake fish at a waterfront restaurant and stay overnight in Duluth.

Day 7: Duluth Exploration

Morning: Take the North Shore Scenic Drive to Gooseberry Falls State Park for short hikes and waterfall photography.

Afternoon: Return to Duluth and visit the Lake Superior Maritime Museum to learn about shipwrecks and lake history.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Lakewalk before heading back to your hotel.

Day 8: Duluth → Marquette (Upper Peninsula)

Morning: Cross into Michigan via the Lake Superior Circle Tour, stopping at the charming town of Grand Marais for coffee.

Afternoon: Continue to Marquette; explore the historic Presque Isle Park and its sweeping lake vistas.

Evening: Sample local brews at a craft brewery and relax at a lakeside inn.

Day 9: Marquette → Tahquamenon Falls → St Ignace

Morning: Drive south on US‑41, detouring to the spectacular Tahquamenon Falls State Park for a short hike to the Upper Falls.

Afternoon: Continue eastward, crossing the Mackinac Bridge into the Lower Peninsula and arriving in St Ignace.

Evening: Check into a waterfront hotel, enjoy dinner with views of the bridge, and prepare for a day on Mackinac Island.

Day 10: Mackinac Island Day Trip

Morning: Take a ferry to Mackinac Island and rent a bicycle to tour the historic Fort Mackinac.

Afternoon: Sample the famous Mackinac Island fudge and explore the island’s scenic shoreline and Arch Rock.

Evening: Return to St Ignace, enjoy a sunset walk along the harbor, and dine on fresh Great Lakes perch.

Day 11: Departure

Morning: Relax with a leisurely breakfast and a final stroll through downtown St Ignace.

Afternoon: Begin the drive back north toward Winnipeg, stopping at any missed attractions along the route.

Evening: Arrive back in Brandon, concluding the memorable road trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• The Forks (Winnipeg) – 2 hrs – $0 (free)
• Canadian Museum for Human Rights – 2 hrs – $20
• Pembina State Museum – 1 hr – $5
• North Dakota Museum of Art – 1.5 hrs – $5
• Bonanzaville, USA – 2 hrs – $12
• Fargo Air Museum – 2 hrs – $10
• St. Croix River Valley – 1 hr – $0
• Minnehaha Falls – 1 hr – $0
• Mall of America – 3 hrs – $0 (shopping optional)
• Walker Art Center & Sculpture Garden – 2 hrs – $15
• Aerial Lift Bridge (Duluth) – 1 hr – $5
• Gooseberry Falls State Park – 2 hrs – $5 (parking)
• Lake Superior Maritime Museum – 1.5 hrs – $8
• Grand Marais (coffee stop) – 1 hr – $10
• Presque Isle Park (Marquette) – 2 hrs – $0
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park – 2 hrs – $8 (parking)
• Fort Mackinac (Mackinac Island) – 2 hrs – $20
• Mackinac Island ferry (round‑trip) – 1 hr – $25
• Mackinac Island bike rental – 3 hrs – $30
• Fuel (approx. 2,200 mi @ $3.80/gal, 25 mpg) – 88 gal – $334
• Meals & lodging (average $120/day) – 11 days – $1,320
• Total Estimated Cost: $2,116

Tips

If you wish to shorten the trip, consider skipping the Grand Forks and Fargo legs and drive directly from Winnipeg to Minneapolis, saving two days. To extend the adventure, add an extra day in the Upper Peninsula to explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or spend a night on Mackinac Island for a more relaxed pace.