Family Adventure in Michigan: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: History and Fun in Detroit

Detroit, Michigan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hudson Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Hudson Cafe, known for its creative dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Hudson Cafe is located in downtown Detroit, easily accessible by car or public transportation.
$15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore the Henry Ford Museum

Step back in time at the Henry Ford Museum, where you can see historic vehicles, exhibits on innovation, and more.
The museum is in Dearborn, a short drive from Detroit.
$25, 2-3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Green Dot Stables

Enjoy a variety of sliders and sides at Green Dot Stables, a unique dining experience loved by locals and visitors.
Located in Detroit, Green Dot Stables is a great spot for lunch.
$10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Belle Isle Park

Spend the afternoon at Belle Isle Park, exploring the gardens, aquarium, and taking in the views of the Detroit River.
Belle Isle is a short drive from downtown Detroit and offers free entry.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Apparatus Room

Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at The Apparatus Room, located in the Detroit Foundation Hotel.
The restaurant is in downtown Detroit, perfect for a relaxing dinner.
$30, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Bavarian Charm in Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth, Michigan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Zehnder's Restaurant

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Zehnder's, known for its famous family-style chicken dinners and delicious pancakes.
Zehnder's is a popular spot in Frankenmuth, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
$20, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

Get into the holiday spirit at Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store, where you can find decorations, ornaments, and more.
Bronner's is a short drive from downtown Frankenmuth and offers free admission.
Free, 1-2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Enjoy authentic German cuisine at Bavarian Inn, a cozy restaurant with a charming Bavarian atmosphere.
Located in Frankenmuth, Bavarian Inn Restaurant is a great place for lunch.
$15, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit River Place Shops

Shop for souvenirs and unique gifts at River Place Shops, a collection of boutiques and stores in Frankenmuth.
River Place Shops are within walking distance from downtown Frankenmuth.
Varies, 1-2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie

End your day with a wine and charcuterie tasting at Prost, a cozy spot with a selection of wines and artisanal meats and cheeses.
Prost Wine Bar is a relaxing evening option in Frankenmuth.
$25, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Beach and Wine in Traverse City

Traverse City, Michigan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe, a popular spot for omelettes, pancakes, and more.
The Omelette Shoppe is a cozy breakfast place in Traverse City.
$15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes

Explore the stunning sand dunes and crystal-clear waters of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a short drive from Traverse City and offers various hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
$25, 3-4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Little Fleet

Grab lunch at The Little Fleet, a food truck park with a diverse selection of cuisines and local craft beers.
The Little Fleet is a fun and casual dining spot in Traverse City.
$10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Wine Tasting in Old Mission Peninsula

Spend the afternoon wine tasting at the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula, known for its scenic vineyards and award-winning wines.
Old Mission Peninsula is a short drive from Traverse City and offers several wineries open for tastings.
$20, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Stella

Enjoy a farm-to-table Italian dinner at Trattoria Stella, a cozy restaurant in Traverse City with a focus on local ingredients.
Trattoria Stella offers a warm and inviting dining experience in the heart of Traverse City.
$30, 1-2 hours
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Day 4: Island Adventure in Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, Michigan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pancake House

Indulge in a stack of fluffy pancakes at Pancake House, a cozy breakfast spot known for its delicious breakfast options.
Pancake House is a popular breakfast spot on Mackinac Island.
$15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Fort Mackinac

Step back in time at Fort Mackinac, a historic military outpost with sweeping views of the island and the Straits of Mackinac.
Fort Mackinac is a short walk from downtown Mackinac Island and offers guided tours.
$12, 2-3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pink Pony

Grab lunch at Pink Pony, a waterfront restaurant known for its casual atmosphere and fresh seafood dishes.
Pink Pony is a popular lunch spot with views of the marina and Lake Huron.
$20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Bike Around Mackinac Island

Rent a bike and explore the scenic trails and car-free roads of Mackinac Island, taking in the stunning views and historic landmarks.
Rent bikes from one of the many rental shops on the island for a fun and active way to explore.
$10, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Woods Restaurant

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Woods Restaurant, known for its seasonal menu and sustainable practices.
Woods Restaurant offers a cozy dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
$30, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Nature and Adventure in Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Patisserie Amie

Start your day with a French-inspired breakfast at Patisserie Amie, a charming bakery with delicious pastries and coffee.
Patisserie Amie is a cozy breakfast spot in downtown Traverse City.
$15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Hike the Empire Bluff Trail

Embark on a scenic hike along the Empire Bluff Trail, offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the dunes below.
The trailhead for Empire Bluff is within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a short drive from Traverse City.
Free, 2-3 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch on the Beach

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, listening to the waves and soaking in the natural beauty.
There are picnic areas available along the beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
$10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Canoeing on Crystal River

Experience the serenity of Crystal River with a guided canoe trip, paddling through the crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings.
Book a guided canoe tour for a peaceful afternoon on Crystal River.
$30, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Blu

Enjoy a gourmet dinner at Blu, a fine dining restaurant in Glen Arbor with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and seasonal fare.
Blu offers an upscale dining experience with beautiful views of Glen Lake.
$40, 1-2 hours
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