We did an 8 day road trip throughout Michigan, not including UP. Here are some of our favorite stops and stays! I was pleasantly surprised by beautiful this state is if you avoid the major cities.
Map
Sections
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Where to go/what to see
Where to stay
Where to go/what to see
Here are some highlights of what to see and do with children.
Charming Christmas town. We walked the river through the covered bridge, checked out the gnome trail and visited Bronnor's - the biggest Xmas tree store.
Frankenmuth Michigan
They have tours
Earl Young Mushroom Houses
This place is epic! We spent 2 days exploring. Highly recommend the Empire Bluff Trail and the Dune Climb
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This place is a fairytale. No cars are allowed so it's biking or horse back riding and so much fun! We spend an entire day here exploring in June. Season is short since it's so far north.
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau - Unique Mackinac Island, MI Vacation
We stopped here on our way to Charlevoix. Beautiful property! They have a boutique and barn to explore
Lavender Hill Farm
This was such a unique experience! You take the ski lifts to the top of the mountain and then slide down.
Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide
We took this ferry to Mackinac. They were fabulous! Sat on top to see all of the sites.
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
This was the biggest expense of being in the island for the day but so happy we wer able to cycle the entire perimeter of the island to site see
Mackinac Cycle
This was truly the only ‘city’ we stopped in because it's on your way to Sleep Bear dunes. We were there in June so about a month before their National cherry festival
Traverse City Tourism
While we didn't stop at any wineries with the kids, we need drive the peninsula and stopped at the cute farmstands.
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail: HOME
An absolutely beautiful town we went through on our way to Mackinac to catch the ferry.
Welcome to City Of Petoskey, MI
We took a tour and climbed to the top to see the view.
Point Betsie Lighthouse
Took a little break to play in the sand and water with the kids. It's one of the clearest lakes in the world!
North Higgins Lake State Park
Kids loved seeing the boats coming in and out here near Charlevoix
Bridge Park
Right on Michigan Beach Park, this was all walking distance from the earl, our hotel.
Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse
Where to stay
We mixed hotels and Airbnb’s to have a good mix of places during our road trip
Great hotel in Charlevoix and within walking distance to the beautiful town. Loved the breakfast, pool, and overall vibe.
Hotel Earl
We stayed here during our visit to the adorable Christmas village of Frankenmuth. Propert ly has since been remodeled with several upgrades!
Bavarian Inn
Highly recommend staying on one of their beautiful lakes. There are so many!
Vacation Homes near Glen Lake, Glen Arbor: House Rentals & More
While we didn't stay here since it's uber luxury, we need walk around to take pictures. It's truly remarkable!
