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
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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
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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
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