The Perfect Northern Michigan Vacation Itinerary For 2024
Looking for a Northern Michigan vacation itinerary? This 7-day itinerary shows you the best that Northern Michigan has to offer, as well as the best places to stay and things to do along the way.
Northern Michigan is home to miles of distinct, untouched wilderness; small towns, wineries, coal mines and so much more. Because of the variety of things to see and do, having a Northern Michigan vacation itinerary for your next trip is the best way to make the most of your time and see everything you hope to see on a Michigan road trip.
Spanning two different peninsulas and covering over one-third of the total landmass of Michigan, there are beaches, waterfalls, cliff lookouts and an abundance of serene nature in Northern Michigan. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, there’s so much to do, and we’re going to tell you how you can fit flexibly into a 7-day Northern Michigan vacation itinerary.
As a Michigan-born and raised, and someone who has traveled extensively throughout the northern state, I have created this Michigan road trip itinerary that allows you to see the best of what the northern part underrated state has to offer in 7 days and allows enough legroom for you to truly connect with nature – which is what many people come here to do!
I will include hidden gems that are mainly known by locals, and helpful tidbits to make your trip a success. This way, you’re sure to maximize your one week on the road and not miss any of the best sights.
So, let’s jump in – your 7-day Northern Michigan vacation itinerary!
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How Many Days Do You Need In Northern Michigan?
If you want to see both peninsulas (north and south) then you will need the bare minimum of five days to see some of the main highlights in Northern Michigan. However, I find that this timeframe can leave you pretty rushed as there is a lot of driving between many of the attractions.
Five days over two peninsulas would not leave a lot of room for relaxation or a chance to explore some of the attractions more deeply.
In order to have enough time to truly take in the stunning beauty, I recommend at least 7 days (one week) to see everything in Northern Michigan. This will leave you with enough time to see everything without feeling rushed.
Northern Michigan Vacation Itinerary
Detroit is the closest major airport to Northern Michigan, so it makes for a natural starting point on a Northern Michigan road trip itinerary. If you have a day or two to spend in Detroit, I recommend 2 to 3 nights to see everything there is to see in the city.
Day 1: Detroit to Traverse City
The first half of today will be spent making your way out to Traverse City which will be the first destination on your Northern Michigan road trip. Driving from Detroit to Traverse City will take approximately 4 hours.
Optionally, there are also direct flights that fly from Detroit to Traverse City. (Fly from Detroit Metro Airport – DTW to Cherry Capital Airport – TVC.)
If you choose to fly to Traverse City, from Detroit or elsewhere, there are car-rental companies in Traverse City where you can pick up a vehicle to use for your Northern Michigan road trip.
Traverse City is the largest city in Northern Michigan with a population of 15,000 people. It is known as “the cherry capital of the world,” and is surrounded by wine country, freshwater beaches, and a quaint downtown core.

When you get to Traverse City by the early afternoon; spend some time in the downtown core which is becoming known for its foodie scene. You don’t need a car downtown, you can get to shopping, breweries, and beaches all on foot.
Front Street is the main shopping street in Traverse City; it is lined with boutique stores, pubs and places to eat. Check out boutique stores like Cali’s, or stop into Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery for mouthwatering pastries like strawberry scones and cappuccino muffins.
If wineries and breweries are your thing, consider going on a Brew Tour Bus. They leave at 4 p.m. each day.
For dinner in Traverse City, I recommend Firefly Restaurant if you like creative, unique dishes – it has windows with views of the main street and the river. For staying overnight in Traverse City, I recommend:
- The Grand Beach Resort Hotel – Has its own private beach and swimming pool, and offers breakfast each morning.
- The Cherry Tree Inn and Suites – Right on the waterfront with balconies, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Features an indoor swimming pool and a deluxe continental breakfast
Day 2: Sleeping Dunes National Park and the Leela Peninsula
Today will be spent exploring the Southern Peninsula of Northern Michigan. You’ll only be doing approximately 2 hours of driving, but it will be very broken up as there’s a lot to see in this area of Northern Michigan.
I recommend being awake by 7:30 or 8 a.m. in order to have enough time to grab breakfast and have as much time at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as possible.
The first leg of your trip is only a 30-minute drive from Traverse City to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. According to Good Morning America, it is one of the most beautiful places in America.
Keep in mind that regardless of which activities you choose in Sleeping Bear Dunes, you’ll likely be coming into contact with the sand, so be sure to wear appropriate (closed-toe) footwear.
Important: You must have a pass in order to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The cost for the pass is $25.00 for a private vehicle, and this goes back into conserving the park. If you have a National Park Pass, then this is valid too. Passes to Sleeping Bear Dunes can be bought at the Philip A Hart Visitor Center, so this is the first place you want to head. It opens at 9:00 a.m., 7 days a week.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is a beautiful scenic drive, with lots of worthwhile stops to make. There are lakes, sand dunes, and lush vegetation. I recommend spending a good chunk of the day driving through, and taking in the beauty.

One of the most popular things to do is the famous Dune Climb, from the top of which you get a beautiful view of Glen Lake from the top. Climbing the dune is physically demanding, and takes most folks 3-4 hours to complete.
If you’re not up for that kind of physical challenge today, there’s a trail called the Sleeping Bear Point Trail which is much less strenuous; it’s a 2.8-mile loop which will take you across terrain of sand dunes and beautiful views of the lake. It takes just over an hour to complete.
After seeing enough of Sleeping Bear Dunes, drive on to Leland, which is another half an hour away. Leland is a picturesque little coastal town between Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan.
Check out the Historic Fishtown in the center of Leland. This fishing village is functioning similarly today as it did hundreds of years ago, which makes it a really interesting place to walk through. It’s one of the last fishing towns on the Great Lakes and designated as a Michigan State Historic Sight.
The downtown of Leland is very walkable, so you can park your car on a side street, and walk to the Fishtown area. There are a few old shops to get some cheese, candy or fish sausage in and around the Historic Fishtown as well.
Nearby, there are some great places to grab dinner with a view of the cove. The Cove restaurant is one of the best spots for this – it has a wooden rustic interior that matches the Fishtown ambiance and serves gourmet seafood and steaks. Other options are Bogey’s 19th Hole if you’re in the mood for a more casual affair, or The Riverside Inn for a fine dining experience.
After dinner in Leland, head back to Traverse City for a second (and final) night.
Optionally, instead of driving yourself through the South Peninsula, you can opt for a guided tour of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with roundtrip transportation provided from Traverse City. (This would not include the trek to Leland, however.)
Day 3: Traverse City to Mackinaw City
It only takes a couple of hours to drive from Traverse City to Mackinaw City, but there are a number of worthwhile stops to make along the way, so you should give yourself the full morning to account for stops, and a lunch break.
Leave Traverse City in the morning. Grab breakfast at your hotel, or at the Omelette Shoppe, which opens at 7 a.m.
Stop in a town called Charlevoix, which you’ll reach after an hour of driving from Traverse City. Charlevoix is one of the best Lake Michigan Beach towns, and is about halfway between Traverse City and Mackinaw City.

Charlevoix is known for its scenic natural beauty and unique mushroom homes.
Charlevoix’s famous “Mushroom Houses” are unique thatched houses built by artist Earl Young over several decades. Since the Mushroom Houses are now private homes, you won’t be able to go inside, but you can observe them from a respectful distance. See a map of where to find the mushroom homes here.
Also, while in Charlevoix, you can visit Castle Farms, which was a modern castle built in 1918. Self-guided tours can be done here to explore the grounds and the landscape and is suitable for all ages. A self-guided tour takes about an hour and a half to complete.
If you’re hungry, grab lunch in Charlevoix. Stratford’s Weathervine Restaurant serves classic American dishes. If you’re here in the summer months, there’s an outdoor deck to eat outside.
Afterwards, continue on to Mackinaw City. If you didn’t eat in Charlevoix, there are some good restaurant options here too.
Be sure to stop at the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse for one last view of the Mackinac Bridge before you cross over to enter the Upper Peninsula of Northern Michigan.

After you cross the bridge, continue on to Mantistique, a small town of 3,000. It’s about 1.5 hours from Mackinaw City. By the time you arrive, you should be able to check into your accommodation.
Here are some places I recommend staying in Mantistique for 1 night:
- Comfort Inn – right on Lake Michigan, and only a 3-minute drive into the town centre
- Quality Inn & Suites – views of Lake Michigan, and a short drive into town
- Mantistique Log Cabin -If you’re looking for a more rustic option; this cabin is a
short drive to Kitch-iti-Kipi
Day 4: Kitch-ti-Kipi
Try to leave in the morning to give yourself plenty of time to see the Kitch-iti-Kipi before heading up north to the Keweenaw Peninsula.
You’ll be spending the morning at Kitch-iti-Kipi, which is the largest freshwater spring in Michigan. Its name, Kitch-iti-Kipi, means “large spring” in Ojibwe. The spring is 40 feet deep and 200 feet across. The water in the spring is so clear that you can see all the way down to the bottom.
A typical visit to Kitch-iti-Kipi is usually 1-2 hours, and it’s an absolute must on your Northern Michigan Vacation Itinerary.
One of the best ways to get a good look at the crystal clear water is by going on the Kitch-iti-Kipi observation raft that will take you across the bubbling turquoise spring.
The raft is free, and you can ride it as many times as you’d like. It requires some group effort to operate, so I encourage you to take turns with other travelers so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the experience of the water.
In the afternoon, you’re going to leave Kitch-iti-Kipi and drive to the Keweenaw Peninsula, which takes about 3.5 hours. This will be a long afternoon of driving, but well worth the journey. It will be a very scenic drive.
You’ll be staying overnight in Calmut, which is an old mining town. There are some great places to eat in the area, such as Michigan House Cafe and Brew Pub, or Calumet Pizza Works if you’re craving Italian.
You’ll be spending the next two nights in Calumet, so I recommend choosing somewhere where you’ll be comfortable. Here are my recommendations for places to stay in Calumet.
- Woodland Retreat which is located in a forest near Calumet, if you want a rustic, outdoorsy experience
- Calumet Township Cottage – very close to Keeneenaw State Park, and Lake Superior
- AmericInnby Wyndham Calumet – only a 10-minute walk to the Calumet downtown core
Day 5: Keweenaw Peninsula
Grab a hearty breakfast at Keweenaw Coffee Works, or Miner’s Cafe in town before starting your day.
Afterwards, stop by the Calumet Visitor Center to learn the basics about the history of the area. People have been mining and using copper in this part of the Keweenaw Peninsula for roughly 7,000 years so you can imagine the depths of the history here.
Today, the Keweenaw Peninsula is primarily a tourist attraction, and there are a number of options for different mines to visit. I wouldn’t recommend visiting them all, as your whole day would be spent underground! However, spend a couple of hours visiting at least one mine.
Quincy Mine Tours is just 15 minutes away in a town called Hancock. The tours are 2 hours and 15 minutes long, and take you on a 15-minute underground walk. Click here to read information about what to wear, and to book.
Since it will be early to mid-afternoon by the time you’re done with your mine tour, take some time to see the nature in the area. There are waterfalls called Hungarian Falls, which are near Torch Lake.

Hungarian Falls isn’t a single waterfall, but a group of three waterfalls, plus a smaller mini waterfall. Each waterfall is beautiful in its own way, some with drops of 40-50 feet.
There are two different parking spots from where you can hike to see all the waterfalls – Upper Parking and Lower Parking.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, then consider parking at the Lower Parking lot. It only takes 15 minutes to get to the first waterfall, but it is quite a steep climb, so be sure to wear proper footwear! If you want a more easygoing walk, then the Upper Parking leads to a shorter and easier hike to the first set of waterfalls.
If you want to see all four of the waterfalls, then you should expect to be hiking for 45 minutes to an hour in total.
Return to Calumet (approximately 15 minutes away from Hungarian Falls) and grab dinner before heading back to your accommodation for a second night.
Day 6: Brockway Mountain Drive to Copper Harbor
After checking out of your hotel and grabbing breakfast at the Keweenaw Coffee Works, or Miner’s Cafe, get ready for another scenic day on the road.
Today’s the day to drive up the tip of the peninsula. I highly recommend taking Brockway Mountain Drive which connects Copper Harbor to Eagle Harbor. It’s a 9-mile drive and is known for being the most scenic drive in Northern Michigan.
The top of Brockway Drive is 735 feet above the surface of Lake Superior, and on a clear day, you can see Isle Royale over 50 miles away.
There are several pull-offs along the drive, so be prepared to get out of the car with your camera to take photos and marvel at the scenery.
At the end of the drive, you’ll be in Copper Harbor, which is the northernmost community in Michigan and one of the best small towns to visit in the state.
If you enjoyed the mine tour, there is a self-guided mine tour that you can do in Copper Harbor. There are also two very scenic trails at Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary.
This afternoon will be spent heading back east, so I’d recommend grabbing lunch in Copper Harbor. Harbor Haus Restaurant has beautiful views of Lake Superior and the Mariner North Restaurant has a cozy setting and serves hearty comfort foods.
This afternoon, you’ll be heading towards a village called Ontonogan. You can either take Brockway Drive back or take Highway 41, which would get you there a few minutes quicker.
Regardless of which route you take, it will take around 2 hours to get to the area where
you need to be to be close to the Porcupine Mountains.
There are a lot of small towns in the area that will allow you to be near the final destination for your Northern Michigan road trip itinerary.
Here are some suggestions of places to stay near the Porcupine Mountains:
- AmericInn by Wyndham -in Silver City – just a 1-minute drive from the park
- Charming Century Home -a block away from Lake Superior, and a 15-minute drive to the park
- Cedars Motel Cozy – motel with everything you need in Ironwood; 35-minute drive from the park
Day 7: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
There are a few quaint places to grab breakfast before heading into the state park – Up North Cafe, and Syl’s Cafe in Ontonagan both serve hearty plates with a variety of options and are very popular with both tourists and locals.
Today will be spent exploring Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (nicknamed “the Porkies”) which is the largest state park in Michigan.
Important: A Michigan State Recreation Pass is needed in order to enter the park. If you live outside of Michigan, then a daily vehicle pass is only $11. Details can be found here.
The park was established in 1945 and is pretty much unchanged since then. In fact, it is one of the last remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest, spanning 60,000 acres of rugged terrain, forests, lakes and streams.
I recommend making a stop at the Visitor’s Center (open 8 am – 8 pm) where you can learn about the history of the land, and learn about the wildlife that lives in the park.
From there, decide whether you want to drive through the park, stop at lookouts, or do some hiking.
If you’re up for a physical challenge today, I recommend the Porcupine Mts-Escarpment Trail, which takes you to an incredible view of the Lake of the Clouds. It takes just over 4 hours to complete.

Want to see Lake of Clouds but looking for a more easy-going route? Try the Lake of Clouds Trail which is 1.8 miles and takes just under an hour. It is very accessible, and there are multiple benches along the way in case you need a break.
There are over 70 waterfalls throughout the Porcupine Mountains, so whether you drive through or hike, you’re sure to be spoiled if you love waterfalls!
A few of the most popular waterfalls are Agate Falls, Bond Falls, and O-Kun-de-Kun Falls. Agate and Bond waterfalls both have 40 and 50-foot drops, while O-Kun-de-Kun is 30 feet wide.
After your day in the Porcupine Mountains, you have now spent a week touring and seeing some of the most beautiful places that Michigan has to offer.
The closest commercial airport to the Porcupine Mountains is Houghton, which is just under an hour away. From there you can catch a flight back to Detroit, and leave your rental car there as well.
If you have an extra day or two to spare at the end of your Northern Michigan Vacation, I recommend taking the ferry or seaplane to Isle Royale. Ferries can be taken from Houghton or Copper Harbor. Read my post on how to get to Isle Royale from Michigan for more information.
Where To Stay During A Northern Michigan Vacation
Here are some of the destinations that you’ll be making stops at during your Northern
Michigan Vacation Itinerary, and suggestions of places to stay nearby.
Traverse City
While traveling through the lower peninsula, I recommend staying in the charming Traverse City, which has a walkable downtown and is only 30 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here are some recommended hotels in Traverse City:
The Grand Beach Resort Hotel – private beach, swimming pool, and free breakfast
The Cherry Tree Inn and Suites – waterfront balconies, and an outdoor swimming pool
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – indoor swimming pool, and a delicious breakfast
Calumet
Calumet brings you close to nature, as well as thousands of years of history. From Calumet, you’re close to the famous Brockway Mountain Drive, copper mines, waterfalls, and state parks.
Woodland Retreat – in a forest close to Calumet
Calumet Township Cottage – a short drive from the Keeneenaw State Park, and Lake Superior
AmericInnby Wyndham Calumet -a 10-minute walk from the center of Calumet
Mantistique
The town of Mantistque is close to the Kitch-iti-Kipi, the largest spring in Michigan, as well as Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, and Palms Brook State Park.
Comfort Inn & Quality Inn & Suites – both options located right on Lake Michigan, and only a 3-minute drive into the town center
Mantistique Log Cabin – located steps away from Indian Lake, and a quick drive to the
Kitch-iti-Kipi
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Porcupine Mountains is the largest state park in Michigan, and home to over 60,000 acres of unspoiled, rugged terrain.
AmericInn by Wyndham -only a one-minute drive to the park
Charming Century Home – in Ontonogan, just 15 minutes from the park
Cedars Motel in the town of Ironwood, near lots of places to eat and shop, and only 35 minutes from the park
Things to Do During A Northern Michigan Vacation
To sum it up, here are the things that you want to add to your Northern Michigan road trip planner.
Kitch-ti-kipi
Kitch-ti-Kipi, a freshwater spring, is the largest of its kind in Michigan. With a diameter of 300 feet, the depths of its crystal clear, bubbling turquoise water reach up to 40 feet. Visitors can take a free raft across the spring to observe the spring.
Mushroom Houses in Charlevoix
Created by artist and architect Earl Young, the mushroom houses look like they’re straight out of a storybook.
Castle Farms in Charlevoix
Historic castle built in 1918, which has now transformed into a popular tourist attraction where you can do self-guided tours of the gardens, landscape and interior of the castle.
Copper Mine Tour
The Keweenaw Peninsula has a history of copper mining that dates back to 7,000 ago and is likely the earliest known metallurgy in North America. There are several mine tours that you can do.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes are the largest freshwater dunes in the world. The park is made up of sand beaches and sand hills that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, lush forests and lakes.
Porcupine Mountains State Park
Known as the most beautiful state park in the United States, Porcupine Mountain covers 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, mountains, rivers and lakes.
Historic Fishtown in Leland
Leland’s Historic Fishtown is one of the last remaining fishing villages in the state and functions similarly now as it did hundreds of years ago
Drive Along the Brockway Mountain Drive
Brockway Mountain Drive is the most scenic drive in Northern Michigan. It’s the highest above sea-level drive between the Rockies and the Alleghenies, and offers 9 1/2 miles of Lake Superior views and thousands of acres of the Keweenaw.
Isle Royale
Isle Royale is an International Biosphere Reserve with a unique ecosystem that can only be visited from late spring to early fall.

Northern Michigan Vacation Itinerary: FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Northern Michigan, and Northern Michigan road trip itineraries.
Northern Michigan is definitely worth a visit. It has unique, breathtaking beauty and sights that can’t be found anywhere else. The area is scarcely populated, but there are a number of quaint, small villages, waterfalls, scenic hikes and lots of history that dates back thousands of years. I would recommend Northern Michigan to all nature lovers.
Detroit is a good starting point for a North Michigan road trip, since its the closest major airport. From there, you can drive to Traverse City to explore the Lower Peninsula; Sleeping Bear Dunes and Leland. Afterwards, cross the bridge in Mackinaw to enter the Northern Peninsula. You will need at least 5 days to see everything in the Northern Peninsula.
Northern Michigan is famous for its breathtaking, scenic beauty. With its national forests, lakes, sand dunes, copper mines, and rich history of indigenous and European settlement heritage, there is a lot to be explored in Northern Michigan.
The length of time it takes to drive around the lower peninsula of Michigan depends on how much time you want to spend enjoying the sights. But overall, you will need at least 3 days to drive around everything on the lower peninsula. This would give you a day in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, another in Leland, and some additional time to see Traverse City, Charlevoix and Mackinaw City.
Conclusion: Northern Michigan Vacation Itinerary
Northern Michigan has just about everything that you could ask for in a vacation – from wineries and copper mines to lush forests, vast lakes and beautiful beaches – there is something for everyone in Northern Michigan, whether you’re traveling solo, as a family or a couple.
Northern Michigan in the fall is especially stunning with the colorful foliage, but summer and winter are good times to visit as well. By following this itinerary step by step, you’re sure to see the most majestic and scenic sights on your Northern Michigan road trip.
I hope that this Northern Michigan roadrip itinerary has been helpful in planning an unforgettable vacation, where you’ll experience some of the most breathtaking sights, fill your camera full of pictures make amazing memories.
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