Itinerary Suggestions

Question

Hi! I've already received some helpful feedback for a July trip I'm planning and Ive been able to make more of an itinerary. Looking for feedback/ problems/Suggestions. TIA!

Arrive in Detroit with car. 2 nights in Detroit. Ford museum, tigers game, walking tour?

Drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes for 4 nights (camping-) Day trip to Silver Lake (Dune buggies) and any cute towns along the way. Leland, Leelanau state park, hiking the dunes on the other days.

Hotel in St. Ignace or nearby (1 night) for day trip to Macinac- rent bikes to ride around island

Pictured Rocks - camping- 4 nights with day trips to Taquamenon Falls, whitefish, kitch-it-kipi, kayak tour

Porcupine Mts -camping 3 nights- hikes during the day. Then sadly, start the drive back home.

Please let me know your thoughts. I had originally planned on also visiting the Keenenaw Peninsula, but it just made too many days and I couldn't seem to fit it in. Does this seem doable? Should I extend any parts/ shorten parts? Thank you!!! I can't wait to see Michigan!

Answer

Your planned Michigan itinerary looks very well thought out and balanced, with a nice mix of city, nature, and outdoor adventure. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to help optimize your trip:

Detroit (2 nights)

Two nights in Detroit should be sufficient to hit your main goals:

Ford Museum: A must-see for car enthusiasts and history fans; allow at least 3-4 hours.
Tigers game: Check the game schedule in advance to ensure it fits your stay.
Walking tour: Detroit has several good walking tours downtown or in Midtown; pick one that matches your interests (architecture, music, or history).
Tip: Factor in traffic for getting to and from Comerica Park.

Sleeping Bear Dunes (4 nights, camping)

Four nights here is ideal for exploring the dunes, nearby towns, and day trips:

Silver Lake: Dune buggy rentals are popular; book in advance if possible.
Nearby towns: Leland is charming with the historic Fishtown district; Glen Arbor is also cute with shops and cafes.
Leelanau State Park & hiking: Plan for at least one full day of dune hikes and maybe a beach day. Sleeping Bear Dunes can get crowded in July, so arrive early.

St. Ignace / Mackinac Island (1 night)

One night is doable if you arrive early and plan your activities carefully:

Rent bikes to explore the island; it’s a great way to see the main sights.
Consider an early ferry to maximize your time on Mackinac Island.
Note: With only one night, dining and relaxation time may be limited; an early evening stay or a breakfast on the island might enhance the experience.

Pictured Rocks (4 nights, camping)

Four nights gives you flexibility for day trips and outdoor activities:

Taquamenon Falls: Plan a half-day trip; the upper and lower falls are beautiful.
Whitefish Point: Consider visiting the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum if interested in maritime history.
Kitch-iti-kipi: The spring boardwalk is short but scenic; can combine with other activities.
Kayak tour: Book ahead for guided tours; Pictured Rocks kayaking can be a highlight.

Porcupine Mountains (3 nights, camping)

Three nights is good for hiking, nature walks, and enjoying the remote wilderness.
Plan hikes according to difficulty and daylight; summer sunsets are late, so you have extra time.
Wildlife spotting is possible; keep binoculars handy.

General Observations:

Your itinerary is ambitious but doable if you stick to the timeframes, especially with camping logistics.
If you want a more relaxed pace, consider adding an extra night at Sleeping Bear Dunes or Pictured Rocks to reduce travel fatigue.
Keweenaw Peninsula is beautiful but quite far; skipping it keeps your trip manageable.
Plan for gas stops, grocery runs, and some flexibility; Upper Peninsula can have fewer amenities.

Overall, your itinerary offers a fantastic mix of urban and natural experiences in Michigan. Booking activities like dune buggies, Mackinac bikes, and kayaking tours ahead of time will help ensure smooth execution. Get ready for a memorable summer adventure!

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