Girls' 10-Day Road Trip to Mackinac Island: Lakes, Lighthouses & Tea Parties

Drive Chicago -> Holland -> Grand Rapids -> Ludington -> Traverse City -> Petoskey -> Mackinaw City -> Mackinac Island -> St. Ignace -> Marquette. Step-by-step route: follow I-94 to Holland, up US-31 to Ludington/Traverse City, US-31/US-23 to Petoskey and Mackinaw City, ferry to Mackinac Island, then loop along US-2 and M-28 to Marquette for return.

Day 1 — Chicago to Holland, MI

8:00AM: Depart Chicago

Drive north on I-94 to Holland, MI (toll-free, 2.5–3 hrs). Stop at Windmill Island Gardens and learn Dutch heritage before checking into the hotel. (Gas ~$35 per car, 3–4 hours driving + 2 hours exploring).

Hotel: CityFlatsHotel Holland or similar. Cost estimate: $140–$220/night. Time spent: 5–6 hours.

Lunch 12:30PM: Boatwerks (Casual lakeside dining, $15–25). Dinner 7:00PM: Butch's Dry Dock (Seafood, $20–40).

Day 2 — Holland to Grand Rapids

9:00AM: Explore Downtown Holland

Visit Holland State Park and the Big Red Lighthouse, then drive 45 mins to Grand Rapids for beer, art, and boutique shopping. (Park fee $8, drive 45–60 mins, 3–4 hours sightseeing).

Hotel: JW Marriott Grand Rapids or boutique downtown. Cost estimate: $160–$260/night. Time spent: 6–8 hours.

Lunch 1:00PM: San Chez (Tapas, $12–25). Dinner 7:30PM: Reserve or craft brewery crawl (Meals $20–45).

Day 3 — Grand Rapids to Ludington

8:30AM: Depart for Ludington

Drive US-31 to Ludington, check out Stearns Park Beach and the S.S. Badger Car Ferry (museum dock), then stroll the harbor. (Drive 1.5–2 hrs, beach/museum 3–4 hours).

Hotel: Shoreline Inn & Conference Center or cozy B&B. Cost estimate: $110–$180/night. Time spent: 5–7 hours.

Lunch 12:30PM: Harbor View Cafe (Casual, $10–20). Dinner 6:30PM: The Tavern at The Village (Pub fare, $15–30).

Day 4 — Ludington to Traverse City (via Sleeping Bear Dunes)

8:00AM: Head to Sleeping Bear Dunes

Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—scenic overlooks and dune climbs—then continue to Traverse City for wine and sunsets. (Drive total ~3–4 hrs, park pass $25, activities 4–5 hours).

Hotel: Park Place Hotel or downtown boutique. Cost estimate: $160–$260/night. Time spent: 6–8 hours.

Lunch 1:00PM: Picnic at dune overlook (groceries $10–20). Dinner 7:00PM: The Cooks' House (Farm-to-table, $25–50).

Day 5 — Traverse City: Wine & Water

10:00AM: Old Mission & Peninsula Wineries

Take a guided winery tour on the Old Mission Peninsula—tastings and lakeside views—followed by a Traverse City downtown walk and beach time at Clinch Park. (Tasting fees $10–20 each, tour half-day, 4–5 hours).

Hotel: Same as Night 4. Cost estimate: $160–$260/night. Time spent: 6–8 hours.

Lunch 2:00PM: Trattoria Stella (Regional Italian, $15–30). Dinner 8:00PM: Amical (Local favorites, $15–30).

Day 6 — Traverse City to Petoskey

9:00AM: Scenic Drive to Petoskey

Drive scenic US-31 to Petoskey, stop at Charlevoix for the Castle Park and waterfront, then enjoy Gaslight Shopping District and the Petoskey State Park beach. (Drive ~1.5–2.5 hrs, stops 3–4 hours).

Hotel: Stafford's Perry Hotel or local B&B. Cost estimate: $150–$230/night. Time spent: 5–7 hours.

Lunch 12:30PM: Tender Paws Cafe (Casual), Dinner 7:00PM: Stafford's Pier (Seafood & views, $20–40).

Day 7 — Petoskey to Mackinaw City; Ferry to Mackinac Island

8:30AM: Drive to Mackinaw City

Arrive Mackinaw City, park, and take the ferry to Mackinac Island (Shepler's or Star Line). Check into island hotel and take an evening carriage or bike tour. (Ferry roundtrip $20–30, park/day fees $10, driving 40–60 mins).

Hotel: Mission Point Resort, Grand Hotel (if booked early), or island inns. Cost estimate: $180–$450/night depending on hotel. Time spent: arrival day 4–6 hours.

Lunch 12:30PM: Joannie's (Island diner, $12–20). Dinner 7:00PM: The Yankee Rebel Tavern (Casual, $15–30).

Day 8 — Mackinac Island: Explore & Tea Party

9:00AM: Bike the 8.2-Mile Loop

Ride or carriage the island's perimeter to Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, and British Landing. Afternoon Grand Hotel porch tea (reservation recommended). (Bike rental $20–40, Fort admission ~$12, day activities 5–7 hours).

Hotel: Same as Night 7. Cost estimate: $180–$450/night. Time spent: full day 6–8 hours.

Lunch 1:00PM: Pink Pony (Harbor views, $15–30). Tea 3:30PM: Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea (Reservation, $30–60).

Day 9 — Mackinac Island to St. Ignace; Explore Upper Peninsula

9:30AM: Return Ferry to St. Ignace

Ferry back to St. Ignace, drive along Lake Huron to see lighthouses and the Kewadin Casino area or take a short trip to Tahquamenon Falls if time allows (longer drive). (Ferry $20–30, driving 1–3 hrs depending on route).

Hotel: Bayview Mackinaw or local U.P. lodging. Cost estimate: $120–$200/night. Time spent: 4–7 hours.

Lunch 12:30PM: MPI (Marina dining, $12–25). Dinner 7:00PM: Bakery & Deli or local fish fry ($10–25).

Day 10 — St. Ignace to Marquette (or return route)

8:00AM: Scenic Drive West to Marquette or Begin Return

Choose to continue along Lake Superior to Marquette (shoreline parks, Presque Isle Park) for a final UP day, or start the return drive toward Chicago depending on time. (Drive to Marquette ~3.5–4.5 hrs, sightseeing 3–5 hours).

Hotel: Landmark Inn (Marquette) or en route lodging. Cost estimate: $130–$220/night. Time spent: 6–10 hours depending on travel plan.

Lunch 1:00PM: Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery (Local craft & Great Lakes cuisine, $15–35). Dinner: Planning dependent on route back.

Cost summary estimates (per person, 4 sharing): Accommodation $1200–$3000 total, Food $350–$600, Fuel & ferries $200–$450, Activities/tours $150–$350. Adjust for group size and hotel choices.

Check hotel & flight prices on KAYAK

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Seek out offbeat stops: the small-town murals in Charlevoix, the Cup & Saucer tea room in Petoskey, quiet trails at Fisherman’s Island State Park, and the Mackinac Island fudge shops beyond Main Street. Locals recommend sunrise at Arch Rock, late-afternoon brewery patios in Traverse City, and the Tahquamenon Falls overlook for a crowd-free vista.