Ultimate Lake Superior and Lake Michigan Rockhounding and Geological Wonders Road Trip from Columbus, Ohio

Day 1: Northward Start Rockhounding

Columbus, OH to Traverse City, MI on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Momo Ghar

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at Momo Ghar in Columbus, serving delicious Nepalese dishes with some vegetarian options to fuel your day.
USD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive north to Traverse City

Begin your scenic 5.5-hour drive from Columbus to Traverse City, Michigan, a hub for rockhounding and beautiful Lake Michigan views.
USD0, 5h30m

2:30pm

Rockhounding at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Beaches

Explore the beaches near Sleeping Bear Dunes for agates and interesting stones. The area is known for its pristine sands and occasional collectible rocks.
USD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Red Ginger

Enjoy fresh sushi at Red Ginger in Traverse City, a restaurant well-known for its sushi bar and all-you-can-eat sushi specials.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Pictured Rocks & Waterfalls

Traverse City to Munising, MI on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe

Fuel up with hearty omelets and breakfast classics before heading east toward Munising.
USD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Munising

Travel about 2 hours to Munising, the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, famous for colorful sandstone cliffs and rock formations.
USD0, 2h0m

11:00am

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Beach Rockhounding and Scenic Walk

Spend about 4 hours along the lakeshore collecting stones and agates, enjoying breathtaking cliffs and the clear waters of Lake Superior.
USD0, 4h0m

3:30pm

Visit Munising Falls and nearby waterfalls

Explore nearby waterfalls such as Munising Falls, Chapel Falls, and Wagner Falls, offering stunning geological sights and photographic opportunities.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Thai Orchid Restaurant

Try another all-you-can-eat sushi and Thai cuisine spot in Munising for a delicious end to the day.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Crossing to Thunder Bay

Munising, MI to Thunder Bay, ON on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gumbo's

Enjoy a classic American breakfast with local flair before starting the day's journey.
USD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to ferry at Copper Harbor / board ferry to Ontario

Drive north to ferry terminal around Copper Harbor (approx 1.5 hrs), then board ferry to Thunder Bay, Ontario (verify ferry times in advance).
CAD60 (ferry), 3h0m

12:00pm

Arrival and lunch at Mission Grille, Thunder Bay

Sample their fresh sushi and Canadian cuisine to refuel after the ferry trip.
CAD30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Agate and rock collecting at Thunder Bay beaches and Ouimet Canyon

Explore the rugged shorelines and visit Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park for stunning geological formations and rock hunting opportunities.
CAD15, 3h0m

4:30pm

Dinner at The Merchant Tavern

Enjoy dinner with some sushi options in a lively downtown atmosphere.
CAD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Thunder Bay to Duluth

Thunder Bay, ON to Duluth, MN on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hoito Restaurant

Try traditional pancakes and local specialties in this famous Finnish-style eatery before heading south.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Thunder Bay to Duluth

A scenic 3.5-hour drive following the Lake Superior shoreline, with river rapids view stops en route.
USD0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Buddha Asian Kitchen & Sushi

Enjoy popular all-you-can-eat sushi with excellent Lake Superior views in Duluth.
USD35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Enger Tower and Spirit Mountain

Enjoy panoramic views of Duluth and Lake Superior, and explore geological features at Spirit Mountain trails.
USD0, 3h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Park Point Beach for Rockhounding

Explore the beach for agates and smooth stones along this lengthy sandbar with excellent sunset views.
USD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bamboo Garden Sushi & Hibachi

End the day with delicious sushi and Japanese cuisine in Duluth.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Apostle Islands Adventure

Duluth, MN to Apostle Islands, WI on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Duluth Grill

Enjoy farm-fresh and hearty breakfast options before heading west to the Apostle Islands.
USD22, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Bayfield and board Apostle Islands boat tour

1.5-hour drive followed by a boat tour (book in advance) to explore sea caves, rock formations and collect stones from island beaches.
USD55, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Washburn Waterfront, Bayfield

Fresh sushi options near the harbor perfect for a midday meal.
USD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Beachcombing and Rockhounding at Big Bay State Park

Explore agates and other stones along Lake Superior beaches in Big Bay State Park.
USD0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at JJ Steakhouse & Pub

Try their sushi specials and American fare in Bayfield for a relaxed evening.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Southward to Ironwood

Bayfield, WI to Ironwood, MI on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Old Rittenhouse Inn

Buffet breakfast with several options before a leisurely drive toward Ironwood.
USD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Ironwood

Explore scenic northern Michigan drive for about 2 hours to Ironwood.
USD0, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Gogebic Iron Range Geological Park

Explore local iron ore deposits, learn about mining history and collect mineral specimens.
USD0, 3h0m

2:00pm

Drive southward towards Green Bay with stops

Begin heading south with planned stops at notable waterfalls and rockhounding locations en route.
USD0, 4h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fuji Sushi, Green Bay

Enjoy quality all-you-can-eat sushi to refuel after a day of driving and exploring.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Shore of Lake Michigan Loop

Green Bay, WI to Chicago, IL on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Jack’s American Café

Comfort food breakfast close to Green Bay waterfront to start the final Lake Michigan leg.
USD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive through Door County

Take the scenic route along Lake Michigan’s western shore with stops to hunt for agates on the beaches and visit Niagara Escarpment geological sites.
USD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Harbor Fish Market & Grille, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi options near the Lake Michigan shore.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive towards Milwaukee with stops at coastal rapids and parks

Explore popular rapids, geological parks and beaches on route to Milwaukee.
USD0, 3h0m

4:30pm

Dinner at Sushi Bar, Milwaukee

End your day with premium sushi and all-you-can-eat options in Milwaukee’s vibrant downtown.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Chicago to Columbus

Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Yolk, Chicago

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with numerous choices before the final leg home.
USD22, 1h0m

8:30am

Morning Rockhounding at Montrose Beach, Chicago

Collect Lake Michigan beach agates and enjoy the urban lakeshore park area.
USD0, 2h0m

10:30am

Drive back to Columbus

Long 6-hour drive returning to Columbus, with an optional stop for quick snacks and refreshments.
USD0, 6h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Fuji sushi Columbus

Welcome home sushi dinner at an all-you-can-eat favorite in Columbus to celebrate the journey’s end.
USD40, 1h30m
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