Family Fun Road Trip from Bristol to Traverse City and Frankenmuth, Michigan

Day 1: Travel to Traverse City

Bristol, VA to Traverse City, MI on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Departure from Bristol

Start your road trip early to Traverse City, Michigan. The drive will take approximately 9 hours, so plan stops along the way for meals and stretching.
0, 9h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Toledo, OH

Stop at Tony Packo's Cafe, open 11am-9pm, known for its famous Hungarian hot dogs and lively atmosphere to refuel before continuing north.
USD15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Check-in at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City

Arrive and check in to the family-friendly resort known for its indoor water park and kid activities, ideal for relaxation after the drive.
USD250, Rest of evening

8:00pm

Dinner at Loose Marbles

Enjoy casual dining at Loose Marbles located within Great Wolf Lodge offering pizza and American classics, convenient after your long drive.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 2: Traverse City Exploration

Traverse City, MI on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in Traverse City at this popular spot, open from 7am to 2pm, famous for omelets and fresh ingredients.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark

Enjoy a full morning of fun at the indoor waterpark within Great Wolf Lodge, open from 10am to 8pm, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Included with lodge stay, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Jolly Pumpkin

Head out to enjoy farm-to-table dining with craft beer at The Jolly Pumpkin, open from 11:30am, offering a unique Traverse City food experience.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Dennos Museum Center

Explore the art collections including Native American, Inuit, and contemporary art at this cultural museum open from 10am to 5pm.
USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Leisure walk at Clinch Park

Enjoy a relaxing evening walk by the Traverse City waterfront at Clinch Park, a beautiful spot to unwind and enjoy views of Grand Traverse Bay.
0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Stella

Savor authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients at Trattoria Stella in downtown Traverse City, open until 9pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Frankenmuth

Traverse City, MI to Frankenmuth, MI on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Great Wolf Lodge

Enjoy a convenient breakfast at the lodge before checkout, open from 7am to 10am, to fuel up for your road trip to Frankenmuth.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Frankenmuth

Depart Traverse City and drive about 1.5 hours southeast to Frankenmuth, known for its Bavarian-style architecture and festive charm.
0, 1h30m

11:00am

Arrive in Frankenmuth and check-in

Check into your hotel or accommodation in Frankenmuth and prepare to enjoy this charming Bavarian-themed town.
USD150, Short rest

12:00pm

Lunch at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth

Experience the famous Frankenmuth “Chicken Dinner” buffet at Zehnder’s, open for lunch from 11am to 2pm, showcasing German specialties.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Downtown Frankenmuth

Walk around the quaint downtown area filled with shops, Bavarian architecture, and the Glockenspiel, perfect for sightseeing and shopping.
0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit the Bavarian Belle Riverboat

Take a scenic 50-minute cruise on the Cass River aboard the Bavarian Belle, operating daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
USD17, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at the hotel

Unwind after your riverboat tour with some downtime at your hotel.
0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at the Michigan's Famous Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Enjoy authentic German cuisine and live entertainment in an authentic setting, open till 9pm, a perfect end to your day in Frankenmuth.
USD35, 1h30m
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