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12-Day Midwest & Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 84 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Peoria, IL

Morning: Arrive in Peoria and visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum to get an introduction to local culture and art.

Afternoon: Walk around the Peoria Riverfront and enjoy the scenic views of the Illinois River, followed by lunch at a local eatery.

Evening: Dine near downtown and relax at your hotel, such as the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette.

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Day 2: Peoria to Green Bay, WI

Morning: Depart Peoria and head north towards Green Bay, Wisconsin. Stop en route for a quick break and snacks.

Afternoon: Arrive in Green Bay and visit the iconic Lambeau Field for a stadium tour.

Evening: Enjoy dinner downtown and check into the Hotel Northland, Autograph Collection.

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Day 3: Explore Green Bay, WI

Morning: Visit the Green Bay Botanical Garden for a peaceful walk.

Afternoon: Explore the Meyer Theatre or the National Railroad Museum.

Evening: Try local cuisine at a Green Bay brewery and rest at your hotel.

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Day 4: Green Bay to Duluth, MN

Morning: Begin the drive toward Duluth, Minnesota, enjoying beautiful landscapes along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive in Duluth, visit the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center near the waterfront.

Evening: Check into Canal Park Lodge and have dinner overlooking Lake Superior.

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Day 5: Duluth Adventure

Morning: Hike part of the Superior Hiking Trail or visit Enger Tower for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Explore the Duluth Rose Garden and the historic Glensheen Mansion.

Evening: Enjoy a lakeside dinner and stroll the pier before returning to your hotel.

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Day 6: Duluth to Mackinaw City, MI

Morning: Depart Duluth and travel to Mackinaw City, Michigan.

Afternoon: Upon arrival, visit the Mackinac Bridge Visitor Center and explore local shops.

Evening: Stay at the Windjammer Motel and enjoy waterfront dining.

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Day 7: Mackinac Island Day Trip

Morning: Take the ferry to Mackinac Island and rent a bike or carriage to tour the island.

Afternoon: Visit Fort Mackinac and relax at Arch Rock.

Evening: Return to Mackinaw City and unwind at your motel.

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Day 8: Mackinaw City to St. Paul, MN

Morning: Start your drive to St. Paul, Minnesota, with a stop for lunch along the route.

Afternoon: Arrive in St. Paul, check in at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America.

Evening: Explore the Grand Avenue district for dinner and local shops.

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Day 9: Explore St. Paul

Morning: Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the nearby Science Museum of Minnesota.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Summit Avenue with its charming mansions and parks.

Evening: Dine at a local farm-to-table restaurant in downtown St. Paul.

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Day 10: Day Trip to Minneapolis

Morning: Head to Minneapolis and visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Afternoon: Explore Minnehaha Park and Falls for beautiful natural scenery.

Evening: Return to St. Paul for a quiet dinner and rest.

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Day 11: Leisure & Local Exploration in St. Paul

Morning: Visit the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for a relaxed morning.

Afternoon: Enjoy shopping or coffee at local cafes around downtown.

Evening: Take an evening walk along the Mississippi River and have a farewell dinner.

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Day 12: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Afternoon: Depart from St. Paul to return home or continue your journey.

Evening: Safe travels!

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Peoria Riverfront Museum – 2 hours, $12
  • Lambeau Field Tour – 1.5 hours, $25
  • Green Bay Botanical Garden – 2 hours, $10
  • National Railroad Museum – 2 hours, $15
  • Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center – 1 hour, Free
  • Enger Tower – 1 hour, Free
  • Glensheen Mansion – 2 hours, $18
  • Mackinac Bridge Visitor Center – 1 hour, Free
  • Mackinac Island Ferry & Bike Rental – 6 hours, $50
  • Cathedral of Saint Paul – 1 hour, Free
  • Science Museum of Minnesota – 2 hours, $20
  • Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – 1 hour, Free
  • Minnehaha Park and Falls – 2 hours, Free
  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – 2 hours, Free (donations suggested)

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $165 (not including lodging, meals, and transportation)

Tips

For travelers who prefer a faster-paced trip, consider reducing your stay in Green Bay and Duluth to 1 day each, and skip the Minneapolis day trip to focus more time in Mackinac Island and St. Paul. Conversely, to extend the trip, add an extra day in Duluth for more outdoor activities and another day on Mackinac Island to explore beyond the main sites with deeper nature hikes or additional guided tours.

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