3-Day Family Trip from Buffalo Grove, IL to Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Day 1: Drive and Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, Michigan on July 1, 2024

6:00AM

Begin Road Trip from Buffalo Grove

Depart early from Buffalo Grove, IL to maximize your time on Mackinac Island—the drive approximately 7 hours with breaks.
Fuel costs approx $60, 7h

1:30PM

Lunch in St. Ignace

Stop for a quick, family-friendly lunch at Taco Joe’s in St. Ignace before boarding the ferry.
$40, 1h

3:00PM

Ferry Ride to Mackinac Island

Take the Shepler's Ferry from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. Enjoy scenic views crossing the Straits of Mackinac.
$25 per adult, $15 per child, 20m

3:30PM

Check-in and Bike Rental

Check into your family-friendly accommodations, then rent bikes to explore the island’s famous carriage roads.
$25 per bike, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at The Yankee Rebel Tavern

Dine early at this kid-friendly tavern with casual American fare, located near the island's downtown area.
$50, 1.5h
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Day 2: Mackinac Island & Travel to Munising

Mackinac Island, Michigan / Munising, Michigan on July 2, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Joany's Lean Cuisine

Enjoy homey breakfast classics to fuel your day on the island before exploring.
$40, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Fort Mackinac

Tour this historic military post which offers interactive exhibits perfect for kids interested in history and the outdoors.
$15 per person, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at The Pink Pony

Casual waterfront dining with great seafood and kid-friendly dishes.
$50, 1h

1:30PM

Head back ferry to St. Ignace and drive to Munising

Take the ferry back to St. Ignace then drive approximately 2.5 hours to Munising to prepare for the next day's Pictured Rocks tour.
Ferry $25 per adult, $15 per child; Drive fuel approx $20, 4h30m

6:30PM

Dinner at Colonel's Coffee House in Munising

Relax over dinner with simple American fare and local favorites in Munising’s downtown.
$40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Pictured Rocks & Return

Munising, Michigan / Buffalo Grove, Illinois on July 3, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Muldoon's Pasties

Taste authentic Upper Peninsula pasties to begin your day full of adventure.
$20, 1h

8:30AM

Pictured Rocks Boat Tour

Take a family-friendly 2-hour narrated boat tour highlighting the colorful cliffs, waterfalls, and caves of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
$50 per adult, $25 per child, 2h

11:00AM

Explore Miners Castle Overlook

Short drive and quick hike to the iconic Miners Castle offering panoramic views of Lake Superior.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Dogpatch Restaurant

Enjoy a casual, kid-friendly lunch with burgers and sandwiches.
$30, 1h

1:30PM

Begin drive back to Buffalo Grove

Start the 9-hour drive back home, with necessary breaks for safety and comfort.
Fuel approx $80, 9h

10:30PM

Arrival in Buffalo Grove

End your fun-packed family trip safely at home with great memories.
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