The Great Lakes Trail Self-Drive

Spend a day exploring the car manufacturing city of Detroit which is enjoying rapid rejuvenation. Don't miss a visit to the fascinating nearby Henry Ford Museum.

Collect your hire car and drive through the heart of Michigan to the little town of Whitehall on Lake Michigan's east coast.

Drive along the coast of Lake Michigan to Traverse City. There are some delightful state parks to visit on the way, many of which offer glorious coastal views.

Spend a full day exploring the amazing, and huge, sand dunes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You may wish to take the ferry to the little islands of North and South Manitou or take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Other options include a visit to Grand Traverse Lighthouse or go wine tasting at some of the nearby wineries.

Enjoy another scenic lake-edge drive today as you make your way to Mackinac Island. This coastline is dotted with small villages and pretty state parks. Park your car at Mackinaw City and then take the foot passenger ferry over to Mackinac Island. The afternoon is free to explore this car-free island.

Mackinac Island is a delightful natural retreat, with plenty of lovely walking and cycling paths affording magical sea views. Most of the island is a state park and transportation is confined to horse and carriage. Visit historic Fort Mackinac and the island's lovely limestone bluffs and emerald green forests.

Return to your car and drive across the Straits of Mackinac to Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This is a delightfully scenic drive through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and past Munising Falls and Rock River Falls Canyon.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is lightly populated and full of picturesque forests, lakes and mountains. Its many state parks are a haven for wildlife including black bears, wolves, and birdlife. Moose in particular thrive in large numbers here. There is also a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy including wonderful walking trails, fishing, kayaking and mountain biking. Marquette itself offers two lake-side beaches and is a diving hotspot.

Your drive takes you inland today, past the Huron Mountains, Baraga State Park and along the shore of Keweenaw Bay. Park your car and then take a thrilling seaplane flight from Houghton to Isle Royale National Park.

Isle Royale National Park is the largest island in Lake Superior. Largely forested, this beautiful and isolated place is known for significant populations of wolves and moose, and is a haven for walkers, kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts. Enjoy a day breathing in the pure air and discovering this natural island gem.

Return by seaplane to Houghton and then take the scenic drive past the Porcupine Mountains into Wisconsin. Your base for the next two nights is the village of Bayfield, ideally located for exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Take a scenic cruise to the Apostle Islands that consist of 21 islands at the northern tip of Wisconsin. See extraordinary standing rocks, sea caves and lighthouses whilst also keeping a look out for deer, eagles and bears.

Leaving behind the shores of Lake Superior, head inland to the twin cities of Minneapolis - St. Paul.

Spend a full day in Minneapolis - St. Paul. The cities are known for excellent shopping, restaurants and nightlife, but there are also great museums and sports venues to visit.

Drop off your hire car prior to boarding your onward flight.