Road Trip & Full Exploration: Bristol to Traverse City and Two Days in Frankenmuth, Michigan

Day 1: Travel to Traverse City

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

7:00am

Departure from Bristol

Start your trip early for the approximately 9-hour drive via I-75 N and US-23 N, the most efficient route north.
0, 9h0m

11:30am

Lunch at The Pine Club, Dayton, OH

Enjoy a renowned steakhouse lunch open 11am-10pm, perfect for stretching your legs and recharging.
USD25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Rest stop in Ann Arbor, MI

Brief stop to stretch and grab refreshments before the final travel leg to Traverse City.
0, 30m

7:30pm

Check-in at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City

Arrive and settle into the indoor waterpark resort for relaxation after your drive.
USD250, Evening

8:00pm

Dinner at Loose Marbles

Casual dinner with pizzas and American classics at the lodge’s on-site restaurant open until 9pm.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 2: Traverse City Fun

Traverse City, MI on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe

Start the day with hearty omelets and fresh ingredients, open 7am-2pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Indoor Waterpark Fun

Enjoy rides and pools at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark (10am-8pm) for a morning of excitement.
Included with lodging, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Jolly Pumpkin

Farm-fresh food and craft beer in a cozy setting, open 11:30am-9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Dennos Museum Center

Explore Native American, Inuit, and contemporary art in exhibits available from 10am to 5pm.
USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Clinch Park Waterfront Walk

Unwind with sunset views on Grand Traverse Bay at this scenic park.
0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Stella

Enjoy refined Italian cuisine made with local ingredients till 9pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Frankenmuth & Explore

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Great Wolf Lodge

Breakfast at the lodge before hitting the road, open 7am-10am.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Frankenmuth

Drive approximately 1.5 hours via M-37 S and I-75 S to the charming Bavarian-style town of Frankenmuth.
0, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in and settle in Frankenmuth

Get settled at your accommodation before exploration.
USD150, Short rest

11:00am

Explore Downtown Frankenmuth

Shop artisanal stores, see the famous Glockenspiel, and enjoy the Bavarian architecture.
0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth

Sample their famous chicken dinner buffet, open 11am-2pm, a Frankenmuth staple.
USD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bavarian Belle Riverboat Cruise

Take the 50-minute cruise on the Cass River starting at 3pm to see scenic views and learn about local history.
USD17, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and freshen up before evening activities.
0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Enjoy authentic German cuisine featuring schnitzel and sausages, open till 9pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Frankenmuth Full Day

Frankenmuth, MI on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Sugar High Bakery

Treat yourself to freshly baked pastries and coffee, perfect to start the day, open 7am-3pm.
USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Frankenmuth Historical Museum

Learn about the rich heritage of Frankenmuth and Bavarian culture at the museum, open 10am-5pm.
USD6, 1h0m

11:00am

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

Explore the world’s largest Christmas store open daily 9am-9pm, offering seasonal decorations and gifts year-round.
0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The River Place Shops

Dine among quaint shops offering a variety of casual dining options amid a charming riverside setting.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Horse-drawn Carriage Tour

Take a 45-minute guided carriage tour around Frankenmuth for a relaxing introduction to the town’s charm.
USD15, 45m

3:00pm

Explore St. Lorenz Lutheran Church

Visit this beautiful historic church known for its Bavarian architecture and stunning stained glass, open for visitors in the afternoon.
0, 30m

4:00pm

Free time to explore or shop

Enjoy time for souvenir shopping, relaxing by the river, or visiting additional shops and bakeries.
Variable, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Rooster's Downtown

Casual dining featuring American comfort food with a fun atmosphere, open till 9pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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