Michigan road trip in early September 2025

Question

GREAT LAKES, MI road trip. We are open to suggestions. We have Holiday Inn points so we want to try to stay at Holiday Inns to save money. We are open to suggestions on the itinerary. We are trying to see as much of Michigan as we can on a road trip while also visiting with friends at the end of the trip in Port Huron for 2 nights. Here is my itinerary so far:

Fly into Grand Rapids (early September) for 10 nights

visit Holland; stay first night in Ludington, Holiday Inn Express, 1 night

Hotel Indigo Traverse city 2 nights (anniversary night, 45 years!); visit Sleeping Bear; have a nice anniversary dinner (open to suggestions; I don't like fancy but want to go to a restaurant with charm, maybe eat outside along the water)

Munsing, Holiday Inn Express, 2 nights; boat ride of Pictured Rocks; SOO locks

Mackinaw City, Holiday Inn Express, 2 nights; spend a day in Mackinac Island

Frankenmuth, Holiday Inn Express, 1 night; tour the quaint town

Port Huron: Double tree by Hilton (with friends); 2 nights

Fly home from Detroit

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Answer

Your planned early September 2025 Michigan road trip looks like a wonderful mix of scenic drives, charming towns, and natural attractions, while maximizing your Holiday Inn points. Here’s a detailed look at your itinerary with suggestions for activities, dining, and local experiences along the way.

Day 1: Grand Rapids to Holland / Ludington

After flying into Grand Rapids, head west to Holland, known for its Dutch heritage and charming downtown. Consider visiting Windmill Island Gardens and the beach along Lake Michigan. Continue north to Ludington and stay at the Holiday Inn Express. Ludington is perfect for a short evening stroll along the Ludington State Park beach or downtown waterfront.

Windmill Island Gardens in Holland for scenic walks and Dutch architecture.
Ludington State Park for a short sunset hike or beach visit.
Dinner suggestion: Try a local casual restaurant along the Ludington waterfront for fresh lake fish or classic American fare.

Day 2-3: Traverse City

Travel north to Traverse City for your anniversary celebration. Stay at Hotel Indigo for 2 nights. Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hike the dunes, and enjoy the views. For a memorable anniversary dinner, consider a restaurant along the bay or within downtown Traverse City with outdoor seating to enjoy the lake breeze.

Sleeping Bear Dunes: scenic drives, dune climbs, and lookout points.
Downtown Traverse City: local shops, coffee shops, and walking along Front Street.
Anniversary dinner suggestions: a charming lakeside restaurant or a bistro in downtown Traverse City with outdoor seating.

Day 4-5: Munising

Drive to Munising and check into the Holiday Inn Express for 2 nights. Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with a boat tour to see the colorful cliffs and waterfalls. Take the time to visit nearby waterfalls like Munising Falls or Wagner Falls. Plan a visit to the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie for a fascinating engineering and maritime experience.

Pictured Rocks boat tour for breathtaking views of cliffs, caves, and waterfalls.
Munising Falls and Wagner Falls for easy hikes and photo opportunities.
Soo Locks: watch ships pass through and learn about Great Lakes shipping.

Day 6-7: Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island

Stay 2 nights at Holiday Inn Express in Mackinaw City. Take a day trip to Mackinac Island via ferry. Explore Fort Mackinac, rent bikes, and enjoy the charming streets. Try the famous Mackinac Island fudge and relax by the waterfront. Consider evening walks along the harbor in Mackinaw City for quieter views.

Mackinac Island ferry: book tickets in advance for smooth access.
Bike rentals on Mackinac Island to explore without cars.
Fort Mackinac for history and scenic views.
Evening strolls along Mackinaw City harbor.

Day 8: Frankenmuth

Stay 1 night at the Holiday Inn Express in Frankenmuth. Explore the quaint Bavarian-themed town, visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, and enjoy the shops along Main Street. Try a local restaurant for the famous Frankenmuth chicken dinner.

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland: largest Christmas store in the world.
Frankenmuth Main Street for shopping and strolling.
Local dining: Bavarian-style chicken dinner at Zehnder’s or Bavarian Inn.

Day 9-10: Port Huron

End your trip in Port Huron with 2 nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton to visit friends. Enjoy local walks along the St. Clair River, explore the historic waterfront, and take a short drive to Blue Water Bridge. Port Huron is a relaxing way to conclude your journey before flying out of Detroit.

Walks along the St. Clair River waterfront.
Blue Water Bridge for scenic views and photos.
Explore local dining and cafes with your friends in the downtown area.

Tips for the trip:

Book Holiday Inn and other accommodations early, especially in Traverse City and Mackinac Island, as September is still popular.
Plan ferry tickets for Mackinac Island in advance.
Allow flexibility in timing for scenic drives, especially along Lake Michigan’s shoreline and Pictured Rocks.
Pack layers for variable early September weather, especially near the Great Lakes.

This itinerary balances scenic beauty, charming small towns, lake views, and historic sites, ensuring a memorable Michigan road trip while making good use of your Holiday Inn points.