Will this itinerary work?

Question

This will be our 1st trip to MI, coming from east of Cincinnati. We are in our late 60's, good health, like to hike some (no more than 5 miles), drive along scenic views, would like to maybe bike (need rentals & no more than 10 miles), see dunes, some shopping in quaint towns, we are foodies and also love outstanding desserts :o). Tentative dates: 9/13-19. Drive 5 hours to Saugatuck on Friday, spend 2 nights, explore the area including Holland. Day 3, Sunday, drive to Grand Haven, explore the area & spend 1 night. Day 4, Monday, first half still in Grand Haven, then drive 2.5 hours to SBD later in the day. Spend Mon and Tues night there. Day 6, Wed, drive 30 mins to Traverse City, explore, spend the last night. Day 7, the 19th, drive back home, 7.5 hours. Originally wanted to include Mackinac Island, but feel that's too much for this trip. Any advice, best routes, must see or do activites is appreciated. Thanks!

Answer

Your tentative itinerary for Michigan from 9/13–19 looks very doable and balanced for a first trip, especially given your interests in hiking, scenic drives, biking, quaint towns, and food. You’ve allowed sufficient time in each location without overpacking your days, and avoiding Mackinac Island is wise for this timeframe since it would require a longer detour and at least a full day.

Here’s a breakdown with recommendations and adjustments to maximize your experience:

Friday-Saturday: Saugatuck/Holland – Saugatuck is a charming town with art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Holland is known for its Dutch heritage, particularly the Windmill Island Gardens and Holland State Park Beach. Hiking options: Allegan State Game Area nearby or the Saugatuck Dunes State Park trails (short, scenic walks).
Sunday: Drive to Grand Haven – Your drive is about 45–50 minutes. Grand Haven has a beautiful lakeshore, a pier, and the iconic lighthouse. Walk or bike along the lakeshore trail for a short ride under 10 miles. Consider a casual dinner downtown with local specialties or ice cream at a local shop.
Monday: Morning in Grand Haven, then drive to South Bend (SBD) – SBD is about 2.5 hours away. Depending on your interests, you could stop at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph for a stretch or short walk along Lake Michigan. In SBD, if you have time, you could visit the University of Notre Dame campus for a quick stroll or the Snite Museum of Art.
Tuesday: South Bend area exploration – Bike rentals are available at various spots in the region; consider a short ride along the Indiana Dunes National Park trails (though it’s slightly south, it’s worth it if you enjoy dunes and short hikes). Food options: check out downtown eateries or local bakeries for desserts.
Wednesday: Drive to Traverse City – The drive is about 30 minutes from SBD? Just to clarify, SBD to Traverse City is closer to 5–6 hours, so ensure your plan allows travel time if you’re referring to South Bend, IN. Traverse City is great for lakeside strolls, short hikes at nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and excellent dining. The 5-mile hikes and scenic overlooks here will match your interests perfectly.
Thursday-Friday: Optional exploration – If your last night is in Traverse City, you can explore the Old Mission Peninsula, local wineries, or the waterfront area for shopping and desserts before starting the 7.5-hour drive back home on the 19th.

Other tips and suggestions:

Consider scenic drives along M-22 near Lake Michigan shoreline (between Leland and Traverse City) for beautiful fall views and quaint towns like Suttons Bay and Leland.
Short hiking options abound at state parks along the way (Saugatuck Dunes, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Sleeping Bear Dunes). Aim for morning hikes to avoid crowds.
Biking: Saugatuck and Grand Haven have bike rental shops; plan routes along the lakeshore paths for easy, under 10-mile rides.
Food and dessert: Prioritize local bakeries, ice cream shops, and farm-to-table restaurants in Saugatuck, Holland, and Traverse City. The Traverse City area is particularly known for cherry-based desserts.
Drive back: Starting your 7.5-hour drive home early can allow a stop for lunch or a short scenic break along the way; consider a midpoint stop in Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids for a stretch and snack.

Overall, your itinerary balances scenic drives, active exploration, and food experiences. The only major note is verifying the South Bend to Traverse City drive timing so you aren’t underestimating travel time. Otherwise, it should be a very enjoyable first Michigan trip with a mix of lakes, dunes, hiking, biking, and charming towns.

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