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12-Day Midwest & Great Lakes Travel Itinerary

Viewed by 141 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Peoria Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Peoria, IL, settle into your accommodation, and visit the Pekin Theatre to catch a local vibe.

Afternoon: Explore the Pekin Zoo and enjoy a walk along the scenic Riverfront Park.

Evening: Dine in downtown Peoria and relax at the hotel or stroll the lit streets near the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

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Day 2: Peoria to Green Bay

Morning: Depart early for Green Bay, WI. On arrival, check in and visit the Museum of Wisconsin Art.

Afternoon: Head to the Lambeau Field tour to explore the iconic home of the Packers.

Evening: Try Green Bay’s local cuisine downtown and take a peaceful walk by the Fox River.

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Day 3: Green Bay Outdoor & Cultural Day

Morning: Spend time at the Bay Beach Amusement Park for some classic fun.

Afternoon: Visit the Green Bay Botanical Garden and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Evening: Attend a local music or theater event if available or dine at a farm-to-table restaurant.

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Day 4: Green Bay to Duluth

Morning: Travel north to Duluth, MN. On arrival, walk along the Duluth Lakewalk.

Afternoon: Visit the Great Lakes Aquarium and explore the maritime heritage.

Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a lakeside restaurant and watch the sunset over Lake Superior.

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Day 5: Duluth Adventures

Morning: Take a hike at Gooseberry Falls State Park, known for its beautiful waterfalls.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Glensheen Mansion and its gardens.

Evening: Relax downtown, visit some local breweries, or stroll along Canal Park.

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Day 6: Duluth to Mackinaw City

Morning: Early drive to Mackinaw City, MI. Begin your visit at the Mackinac Bridge Visitor Center.

Afternoon: Explore Mackinaw City Waterfront Park and prepare for the next day’s island visit.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local seafood spot and capture views of the bridge at night.

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Day 7: Mackinac Island Day Trip

Morning: Ferry to Mackinac Island. Rent a bike to tour the island and visit Fort Mackinac.

Afternoon: Walk through Arch Rock and relax at British Landing Beach.

Evening: Return to Mackinaw City and dine locally or enjoy a peaceful evening stroll.

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Day 8: Mackinaw City to St. Paul

Morning: Depart to St. Paul, MN. Check-in and take a relaxing walk at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Afternoon: Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota for interactive exhibits.

Evening: Explore the dining scene in downtown St. Paul and maybe catch some live music.

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Day 9: St. Paul Historical & Arts Exploration

Morning: Tour the Minnesota State Capitol and enjoy the architecture and history.

Afternoon: Visit the Historic Fort Snelling, learning about the region’s early history.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the vibrant Lowertown district and take an evening riverwalk.

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Day 10: Nature & Parks in St. Paul

Morning: Hike or bike the trails at Lake Phalen Regional Park.

Afternoon: Spend time at the Cathedral of Saint Paul and nearby landmark areas.

Evening: Attend a local theater production or enjoy a quiet dinner near your hotel.

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Day 11: Leisure & Shopping in St. Paul

Morning: Explore the Grand Avenue Shopping District for unique finds and cafes.

Afternoon: Relax at a local spa or park, preparing for your journey home.

Evening: Farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

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Day 12: Departure

Morning: Final morning stroll or breakfast at a cozy cafe.

Afternoon: Pack and depart for home, concluding your Midwest and Great Lakes adventure.

Evening: Travel home safely.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Pekin Theatre - 1.5 hours - $10
  • Pekin Zoo - 2 hours - $8
  • Lambeau Field Tour - 2 hours - $22
  • Bay Beach Amusement Park - 3 hours - $15 (rides included)
  • Green Bay Botanical Garden - 2 hours - $12
  • Great Lakes Aquarium - 2 hours - $14
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park - 3 hours - $7 (parking)
  • Glensheen Mansion - 2 hours - $14
  • Mackinac Bridge Visitor Center - 1 hour - Free
  • Mackinac Island Ferry - round trip - $26
  • Fort Mackinac - 2 hours - $12
  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - 2 hours - Free (donations accepted)
  • Science Museum of Minnesota - 3 hours - $19
  • Minnesota State Capitol Tour - 1 hour - Free
  • Historic Fort Snelling - 2 hours - Free
  • Lake Phalen Regional Park - 3 hours - Free
  • Cathedral of Saint Paul - 1 hour - Free
  • Grand Avenue Shopping District - 3 hours - Varies

Total Estimated Cost: approximately $176 plus meals, accommodations, and shopping expenses

Tips

For travelers wanting to extend the trip, consider adding a day on Mackinac Island to explore more of its historic sites or a day in Minneapolis to experience arts & culture. Those looking to shorten the itinerary can combine Peoria and Green Bay sightseeing into a single day each by focusing only on top highlights and skipping some smaller attractions.

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