Optimized Road Trip Itinerary from Bristol to Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City and Frankenmuth, Michigan

Day 1: Travel to Traverse City

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

7:00am

Departure from Bristol

Begin your trip early to maximize daylight for the approximately 9-hour drive via I-75 N and US-23 N, the shortest route by distance and driving time.
0, 9h0m

11:30am

Lunch in Dayton, OH

Stop for a quick lunch at The Pine Club, open from 11am to 10pm, renowned for its excellent steaks and fast service, ideal for refueling on the route north.
USD25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Rest Stop in Ann Arbor, MI

Take a short break to stretch and grab refreshments in Ann Arbor to refresh for the final leg of your journey to Traverse City.
0, 30m

7:30pm

Check-in at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City

Arrive and check in at the family-friendly indoor waterpark resort where you can relax after your drive and start your Michgan adventure.
USD250, Evening

8:00pm

Dinner at Loose Marbles

Enjoy a casual dinner with great pizza and American classics at the lodge’s on-site restaurant, open until 9pm, convenient for a late meal after traveling.
USD20, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Traverse City Activities

Traverse City, MI on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe

Feast on a delicious breakfast at this popular spot open from 7am to 2pm, known for hearty omelets and fresh local produce.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark

Spend your morning enjoying water rides and attractions inside the lodge’s extensive indoor waterpark, open from 10am to 8pm.
Included with lodging, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Jolly Pumpkin

Savor lunch at The Jolly Pumpkin, a brewery and restaurant offering farm-fresh dishes, open from 11:30am to 9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Dennos Museum Center Visit

Visit this art museum showcasing Native American and Inuit art, among other exhibits, open 10am to 5pm, giving cultural insight to the region.
USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll by Clinch Park

Visit Clinch Park Waterfront for a relaxing sunset walk and views of Grand Traverse Bay with peaceful surroundings.
0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Stella

Have an elegant dinner featuring Italian cuisine made with local ingredients, open till 9pm, perfect for ending your active day.
USD35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Frankenmuth

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Great Wolf Lodge

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the lodge before departure, open from 7am to 10am, fueling up for your 1.5-hour journey to Frankenmuth.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Frankenmuth via M-37 S and I-75 S

Take the shortest and fastest route approximately 1hr 30min, allowing more time to explore Frankenmuth upon arrival.
0, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in and settle in Frankenmuth

Arrive at your accommodation in Frankenmuth to relax briefly before exploring this charming Bavarian town.
USD150, Short rest

11:00am

Explore Downtown Frankenmuth

Enjoy walking through the Bavarian-style shops and sights, including the Glockenspiel, perfect to experience local specialty crafts.
0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth

Relish the famous all-you-can-eat chicken dinner buffet, open from 11am to 2pm, a quintessential Frankenmuth culinary experience.
USD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bavarian Belle Riverboat Cruise

Take a scenic 50-minute cruise on the Cass River aboard the Bavarian Belle, with afternoon cruises at 3pm, offering charming river views and narration.
USD17, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at the hotel

Rest briefly to refresh yourself ahead of dinner and evening activities.
0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Dine on authentic German cuisine at this iconic restaurant, open till 9pm, offering a great way to conclude your trip with Bavarian flair.
USD35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability