Advice on trip itinerary---first trip

Question

We'll be driving up from the south and arriving late for the first night in Holland, MI on October 9th.

We will need an entire day of driving to get back home on October 16th.

(I know this is later planning, but we were booked for Asheville, NC and having to cancel due to the historic floods this week.) We understand it could be chilly up there in min-October.

I know that we want to hit Sleeping Bear Dunes, spend 2 or 3 nights at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, and take a boat tour through the Soo Locks.

We enjoy outdoor beauty and quaint towns....no interest in visiting the big cities on this trip.

Other than the above, I'm unsure what else to hit, as well as where to split up our stays. (For instance; looking for stones at Fishermans Island SP sounded interesting, but I assume that might just be an hour or two stop, and I do not know if coming home down the east side of the LP shore would be worth it, or better to go back down the beautiful western side.....or spend all of our time once we get to the northern peak and just use our last travel day to shoot down the middle to get home (near Owensboro, KY).

We'd really appreciate ideas and the timing of it all. Thanks!!

Answer

Planning a first-time trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula in mid-October is a fantastic choice for fall scenery and outdoor experiences. Since you enjoy quaint towns and outdoor beauty, here’s a detailed itinerary suggestion that balances driving time with sightseeing and allows you to enjoy the main highlights you mentioned.

October 9 – Arrival in Holland, MI:

Arrive late in Holland, MI, and stay overnight. Holland is charming with its Dutch-themed downtown and waterfront, but given the late arrival, it’s mainly a stopover.

October 10 – Holland to Sleeping Bear Dunes:

Drive from Holland to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area (approx. 3.5–4 hours).
Spend the afternoon driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for overlooks and stop for short hikes.
Optional short hikes: Empire Bluff Trail (1.5 miles round trip, great views) or Dune Climb for panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan.
Stay overnight in Glen Arbor or nearby Traverse City area for convenient access to the Dunes and charming small towns.

October 11 – Sleeping Bear Dunes / Traverse City:

Use the morning to explore more of Sleeping Bear Dunes if desired, or stroll downtown Glen Arbor.
Optionally, visit Leland and Fishtown for quaint historic fishing village charm.
Consider staying another night in the area or head toward Mackinaw City for early arrival the next day (approx. 5-hour drive).

October 12 – Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island:

Drive to Mackinaw City (if not already there) and catch the ferry to Mackinac Island.
Spend 2–3 nights at the Grand Hotel. Explore the island via horse-drawn carriage or bike; enjoy the historic charm and fall scenery.
Evening strolls are quiet and scenic, perfect for unwinding.

October 13–14 – Mackinac Island / Boat Tour:

Consider a morning boat tour through the Soo Locks, either from Sault Ste. Marie or arranged from Mackinaw City if timing allows.
Spend afternoons enjoying the island, exploring shops, and taking scenic walks.
Optional hikes or strolls on the island’s perimeter for lakeside views.

October 15 – Northern Michigan to Upper Peninsula / Fisherman’s Island SP:

Drive toward the Upper Peninsula for a taste of rugged shoreline.
Fisherman’s Island State Park is a worthwhile short stop for lakeshore views and light hiking, perfect for stretching legs.
Consider driving along the western Lake Michigan shoreline on the way south for scenic views, or take the interior route for a slightly faster drive.
Overnight stop could be near Munising, Marquette, or St. Ignace depending on route and timing.

October 16 – Return Home:

Plan a full day of driving back to Owensboro, KY. Taking the middle route through the interior of Michigan and Northern Indiana may save some time, with opportunities for quick stops at small towns or rest areas along the way.

Additional Tips:

October weather can be chilly and variable, so pack layers and rain gear.
Roads along Lake Michigan and northern areas can be windy and scenic; allow extra time for photo stops.
Hotels near main attractions in small towns often book quickly, even in October—reserve as early as possible.
If ferry tickets to Mackinac Island are needed, book in advance, especially if you want a specific time.
Fall foliage peak varies by location; Northern LP and Upper Peninsula may show brilliant colors in early to mid-October.

Overall, this itinerary balances your desire for quaint towns, hiking, scenic drives, and the key attractions: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island, and the Soo Locks, while minimizing backtracking and long driving stretches each day.

Advice on trip itinerary---first trip

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