national trust tours great lakes

FIVE GREAT LAKES

One grand adventure.

Cruise the Great Lakes on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to experience the unparalleled majesty of the Great Lakes with luxury small-ship cruises complete with personalized service, world-class dining, dynamic activities, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Choose from dozens of itineraries as you explore iconic destinations along the Great Lakes. From the rich history of Mackinac Island and French Canadian villages to the breathtaking shoreline of Lake Superior and the cultural epicenters of iconic cities such as Detroit and Chicago, you can create memories to last a lifetime.

CRUISE LINES

These ships offer intimate experiences combined with crewmembers who anticipate your every want and need. It’s everything you desire on a larger cruise ship, minus everything you wish you could cast away. Adventure is on the itinerary. We invite you aboard one of our participating cruise lines.

Pearl Seas Cruises

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Great lakes cruise benefits, enjoy a more intimate cruising experience, visit multiple u.s. and canadian ports, experience excursions rich with culture and history, traverse along a safe and secure border, featured ports.

Experience unique ports of call in the surrounding states and provinces as you cruise through the magnificent Great Lakes. Discover hard-to-reach destinations, thriving cities, and breathtaking landscapes.

Bay City, Michigan

Buffalo-Niagara, New York

Cleveland, Ohio

Detroit, Michigan

Duluth, Minnesota

Holland, Michigan

Houghton, Michigan

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Muskegon, Michigan

Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Program Overview

To see more about day, click on any of the Day by Day buttons

• Eight-day, seven-night voyage from Toronto to Milwaukee, featuring a cruise of all five Great Lakes, including a call at Mackinac Island.
• In Toronto, cruise through eight locks of the Welland Canal, one of North America’s most important economic lifelines, linking Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.   
• Full-day excursion to Niagara Falls, with a cruise to Horseshoe Falls and lunch overlooking the falls.  
• Discover the Sir Adam Beck Power Station, the world’s first large- scale hydroelectric generation project, and Niagara’s famous Floral Clock, intricately filled with 20,000 plants and flowers.  
• Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts and see Diego Rivera’s monumental Detroit Industry mural, as well as masterworks by Auguste Rodin, Michelangelo, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Paul Cézanne.  
• Explore the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Mansion.  
• Private, glass-bottom boat cruise through Big and Little Tub Harbors and around Flowerpot Island in Tobermory, Ontario.  
• Visit the SS Valley Camp , a retired lake freighter that is now a museum featuring exhibits of faithfully restored living quarters.  
• Transit the Soo Locks from Lake Huron to Lake Superior.  
• Watch colossal freighters lower 21 feet from Lake Superior to enter Lake Huron at the Soo Locks Interpretation Center.  
• Horse-drawn carriage tour of Victorian Mackinac Island and clifftop Fort Mackinac with lunch at the historic Grand Hotel .  

Dates & Rates

Deluxe stateroom with a picture window, single door onto private, partial-wall balcony.  Deck 3.  (limited availability)

Prestige stateroom with a picture window, single door onto private, partial-wall balcony.  Deck 4.

Prestige stateroom with expansive sliding glass door,  private balcony.   Deck 5.

Prestige stateroom with expansive sliding glass door,  private balcony.   Deck 6.

Deluxe suite with sliding glass door,  private balcony.   Deck 3.  (limited availability)

Deluxe suite with sliding glass door,  private balcony.   Deck 4, midship.  (limited availability)

Deluxe suite with expansive sliding glass door,  private balcony.   Deck 5.

Deluxe suite with expansive sliding glass door,  private balcony.   Deck 6.

Two-room Suite, expansive sliding glass door,  larger  private balcony,  two bathrooms, two closets, large sitting area with sofa.  Deck 5.  (limited availability)

Two-room Suite, expansive sliding glass door,  larger  private balcony,  two bathrooms, two closets, large sitting area with sofa.  Deck 6.  (limited availability).

Large Suite with expansive sliding glass door,  larger  private balcony,  sitting area with sofa.  Deck 5 and 6.  (limited availability).

Extra-large, one bedroom suite and separate sitting room with sofa, expansive sliding glass door,  spacious private terrace,  full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bath.  Deck 6.  (limited availability).

Extra-large, one bedroom Suite and separate sitting room with sofa, expansive sliding glass door,  spacious private terrace,  with outdoor Jacuzzi, full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bath.  Deck 5.  (limited availability)

Pre / Post - Program

Toronto pre-program option.

Milwaukee Post-Program Option

Rich in architectural treasures and world‑class institutions, vibrant Milwaukee is the perfect extension to your Great Lakes cruise. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic North Point neighborhood — home to one of the finest collections of Victorian mansions in the Midwest — and tour the expansive Milwaukee Art Museum, an impressive addition to Milwaukee’s revitalized waterfront. Visit the striking Pabst Mansion, built in Flemish style by Pabst Brewing Company president Frederick Pabst. Accommodations for two nights are in the centrally located Pfister Hotel.

The Pre- and Post-Program Options are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.  

The Pre- and Post-Program Options are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Guest Speaker

Maritime historian, journalist and author Ric Mixter is one of the most requested speakers on the Great Lakes. He has dived over 100 wrecks in the Great Lakes, served as cameraman on underwater expeditions to the SS  Edmund Fitzgerald and  SS  Carl D. Bradley and interviewed survivors connected to the SS   Novadoc , James H. Reed and SS  Cedarville shipwrecks as well as other wrecks in lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie.

Driven by his passion for storytelling, Ric's impressive work includes over 30 programs for PBS and the Outdoor Channel, and he has been featured as a shipwreck expert on the History and Discovery Channels.

Ric has been awarded by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society and the Association for Great Lakes Maritime Historians. He served as president of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and is a board member of the prestigious Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.

When he’s not underwater exploring vessels that once sailed the Great Lakes, Ric can be found flying single‑engine planes as well as spending time in F-16s, B-52s and the Goodyear Blimp.

Accommodations

Le Bellot , launched in 2020, ushers in a new generation of five-star small ships, combining revolutionary design and a new standard of luxury for unparalleled cruising. Dock in smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships, where authentic cultural experiences and majestic scenery await you.

View Le Bellot Ship Sheet >

Learn more about The PONANT Fleet >

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Cruising the Great Lakes: Milwaukee to Toronto on Le Dumont d'Urville

September 17 - 24, 2022

Group Size: Up to 150 guests Price: Starting from $5,540 per person double occupancy Co-sponsored with:  Commonwealth Club, Indiana, Mills, National Trust, Vermont, Miami Ohio

Trip Overview

Trace North America’s passion for innovation, admire magnificent coastal scenery and visit places rich in maritime history during this seven-night, exclusively chartered cruise featuring all five Great Lakes. Cruise from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Toronto, Ontario, aboard the Five-Star, small ship  Le Dumont d’Urville  featuring only 92 Suites and Staterooms. Experience the Victorian charm of Mackinac Island and the biodiversity of Ontario’s UNESCO-inscribed Niagara Escarpment, including a visit to quaint Tobermory. Transit the Soo Locks and Welland Canal—Victorian-era engineering marvels—and visit the Museum Ship  SS Valley Camp  in historic Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Discover the spirit of invention and cultural largesse that defines Detroit with guided tours of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House and the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation. Feel the awe-inspiring force of Niagara Falls during a full-day excursion, featuring an unforgettable cruise toward the base of powerful Horseshoe Falls. 

Schedule by Day

• Sep   17:  Depart / Arrive in Milwaukee, Wisconsin / Embark  Le Dumont d’Urville
• Sep 18:  Mackinac Island, Michigan / Cruising Lake Huron
• Sep 19:  Cruising Lake Superior / Whitefish Point / Sault Ste. Marie
• Sep 20:  Cruising Lake Huron / Tobermory, Ontario
• Sep 21:  Detroit, Michigan
• Sep 22:  Detroit for Dearborn / Cruising Lake Erie
• Sep 23:  Port Colborne (Welland Canal) for Niagara Falls / St. Catharines, Ontario / Toronto, Ontario / Cruising Lake Ontario
• Sep 24:  Toronto, Ontario / Return to home city

Per person double occupancy:

• Category 8: $5,540
• Category 7: $6,040
• Category 6: $6,540
• Category 5: $6,940
• Category 4: $7,540
• Category 3: $7,940
• Category 2: $8,540
• Category 1: $9,440
• Deluxe Suite: $10,940
• Prestige Suite: $12,240
• Privilege Suite: $12,540
• Grand Deluxe Suite: $13,740
• Owner’s Suite: $14,040

Single occupancy:

• Category 8: $8,864
• Category 7: $9,664
• Category 6: $10,464
• Category 5: $11,106
• Category 4: $12,064
• Category 3: $12,706

Accommodations

• Seven nights aboard  Le Dumont d’Urville  

Optional Extensions

OPTIONAL PRE-EXTENSION: Milwaukee Sep 15–17, 2022 $1,095 per person double occupancy / $1,295 single occupancy OPTIONAL POST-EXTENSION: Toronto Sep 24–26, 2022 $845 per person double occupancy / $1,095 single occupancy

What to Expect

My walking shoes are laced up tight and I’m ready to keep up with my traveling companions. I look forward to getting to know them on the drives and/or flights we’ll take between cities. I enjoy getting around in Zodiac rafts and 4x4 vehicles for short durations. A little mental and physical stimulation will do me good!

Study Leader(s)

Mode of Travel

Related Trips

For more information.

Please email [email protected] or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.

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• See Chicago’s stunning skyline
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• Visit Willis Tower in Chicago
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All Five Great Lakes

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Great Lakes - Wilderness and History on vast Lake Backdrops

• Experience all five lakes
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Great Lakes Explorer

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• Explore Mackinac Island
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• Cruise through St Lawrence River
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• Admire Milwaukee's architecture
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• Explore Portland
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• Enjoy whale watching near Tadoussac

Voyage Along the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys

• Visit Quebec's old town
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• Observe unique marine mammals
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Algonquin Winter Log Cabin Adventure

Algonquin log cabin 3-day canoe and hike adventure, niagara falls toronto & 1000 islands – 3 days, canada, niagara and new york, ontario & french canada (6 destinations), best of eastern canada (end montreal, 9 days), 3 - day niagara falls usa & canada combo tour, chicago, niagara and new york end washington, niagara falls & 1000 islands 3d/2n (from new york), usa & canada - niagara falls, toronto and a thousand islands.

• Christmas & New Year

• Kayak & Canoe

“The accommodations were even better than I expected. The food was wonderful.”

“Perfectly organized. 1 h 15 min. for an outlet shopping trip was definitely too short.”

“I enjoyed the tour and the guide was knowledgeable.”

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

“This Ontario and French Canada tour was amazing. Everything was well organized and enough time were spent at each attraction.”

“Optional excursions were reasonably priced. Suggest you put together other places in each city as a walking guide.”

• Experience the power of Niagara Falls aboard Maid of the Mist.
• Cruise through 1000 Islands, marveling at Boldt Castle.
• Explore Toronto's landmarks, including HTO Park and Brookfield Place.

• In-depth Cultural

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Visit 7 National Park Sites On This Great Lakes Road Trip

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• Explore the Great Lakes region on an epic road trip to witness the majestic natural wonders of seven national park sites.
• Start your journey at Isle Royale, a remote island in Lake Superior accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private watercraft for a unique experience.
• Discover stunning landscapes at Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Indiana Dunes, and end at Perry's Victory & Peace Memorial.

There are plenty of bucket list national road trips in the US , but not all of them cover the stunning region known as the Great Lakes. Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario are five large freshwater lakes in east-central North America that connect to the Atlantic Ocean. These are the Great Lakes, also called the Great Lakes of North America ! Interconnected, together, they hold 21% of the world's surface fresh water.

The Great Lakes are a majestic natural wonder; the best way to fully explore and experience this natural treasure is on a road trip. Beautiful towns that come alive in summer dot the shores of the Great Lakes and are superb destinations for any road trip. From the rocky shores to the sandy dunes, summer vacations in the Great Lakes of the Midwest are genuinely 'great.'

The Great Lakes region is not just about the lakes themselves. It's also home to seven national parks, lakeshores, monuments, and memorials, each with its own unique beauty and grandeur. Imagine the thrill of a single road trip itinerary that covers multiple national park sites in the Great Lakes region!

This epic adventure across seven such sites will leave travelers in awe of the natural wonders of the Great Lakes.

10-Day California National Park Road Trip Itinerary

With national parks in the mountains, forests, and seashores, a California road trip is the best way to see the most of these natural beauties.

1 Isle Royale National Park

1st stop - the fourth-largest lake island in the world is the best place to start this epic trip..

A remote island cluster in Lake Superior, near Michigan’s border with Canada, Isle Royale National Park is a US national park consisting of Isle Royale and more than 400 small adjacent islands. It is a rugged, isolated island cut off from all civilized communities.

Thunder Bay, in Ontario, Canada, is the closest city, about 75 miles from the nearest ferry point to Isle Royale (crossing the country's border into the US).

Isle Royale National Park is an isolated and remote island wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior. It is only accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private watercraft.

A ferry service is offered aboard Ranger III from late May through early September , and it takes approximately 6 hours to cross Lake Superior each way. Fares start at $80 per person .

Entrance fees for Isle Royal National Park cannot be paid in cash .

2 Grand Portage National Monument

2nd stop - 6 hours by ferry from isle royale national park.

Part of a historic fur trade route, the Grand Portage is an 8.5-mile footpath that bypasses a set of waterfalls and rapids on the Pigeon River before it flows into Lake Superior. The area in Minnesota became one of the British Empire's four main fur trading centers in North America.

Today, the portage trail exists in the exact location and condition of historic times, and visitors can hike all 8.5 miles from Lake Superior to the Pigeon River. It is surreal to experience the sights and smells of a bustling depot reconstructed in its historic location.

During the second weekend of August, the Grand Portage National Monument hosts a rendezvous re-enactment, which is free and open to the public . Also, the Grand Portage Indian Reservation holds a pow wow , attracting many Native American visitors. The Rendezvous and Pow Wow coincide with the Perseid meteor shower . Ranger III brings visitors back from Isle Royale National Park in the same way as taking them there on the way up.

3 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

3rd stop - 230 miles from grand portage national monument (plus a 25-minute boat ride).

Formed by the glaciers that once covered North America, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore archipelago consists of 21 islands spread over 750 square miles of Lake Superior along 12 miles of the mainland coast. It has incredible views, sandstone sea caves, a few old-growth remnant forests, and historic lighthouses.

Fishing and camping are popular activities for both boaters and non-boaters. Camping is allowed on 18 of the 21 islands on the national lakeshore, and permits are required from the National Park Service in advance ( starting at $15 per person ).

For a more immersive experience, kayaking is a thrilling way to discover the Apostle Islands ' thriving wildlife and secret sea caves, with or without a tour. Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with boat tours to the islands starting at $52 per person .

Route 89: The Most Scenic Road Trip In The U.S.

Route 89 is a breathtakingly scenic road trip across the US with national parks, state parks, and more to see and explore.

4 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

4th stop - 250 miles from apostle islands national lakeshore.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of four national park sites in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is known for its stunning and colorful sandstone cliffs, numerous trails, and plentiful boating and kayaking opportunities.

The wild shoreline, deep forest, and sheer cliffs beckon visitors to Pictured Rocks and explore its extensive views and variety of shallow caves, arches, and formations. Unusual sandstone formations like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock define the park's headlands. Paved highways penetrate the Lakeshore from both ends, while the rest of the shoreline can be seen from land only by hiking.

Boat companies offer daily trips to explore the Lakeshore. Sea kayaking is another popular way to explore the park from Miner's Beach or the harbor at Munising, the nearest city to Pictured Rocks.

5 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

5th stop - 260 miles pictured rocks national lakeshore.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore protects 71,200 acres of the shoreline of Lake Michigan. With miles of sand beach, lush forests, clear inland lakes, and unique flora and fauna, the area won the title of "The Most Beautiful Place in America" from Good Morning America in 2011.

The park is known for the enormous scalable dunes of the Dune Climb, forests, beaches, and ancient glacial phenomena. Sleeping Bear Dunes, with its epic views and sprawling sandscapes, is a hiker's paradise with approximately 100 miles of trails to explore .

The 1871 South Manitou Island Lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, and coastal villages bear testimony to the park's rich maritime history. Scenic highways M-22 and M-109 operate within the park, located about 20 miles west of Traverse City, the nearest city.

6 Indiana Dunes National Park

6th stop - 280 miles from sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore.

Indiana Dunes National Park is an area of sand dunes, woodlands, and wetlands on the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwestern Indiana. It is an unparalleled destination for outdoor adventurers with the most beautiful dune beaches in Indiana for a fantastic summer getaway.

Indiana Dunes National Park is a true gem, boasting a rich variety of natural resources in a bustling urban setting. The Park is crisscrossed by 16 miles of hiking trails , some of which lead up and over the dunes. These trails offer a diverse range of experiences, culminating in awe-inspiring views of Lake Michigan for those who conquer the summit.

The Park is spread over 2,000 acres and includes a swimming beach, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic areas, and a campground. Porter, Indiana, is a small town in the Indiana Dunes ecosystem and has the easiest access to various parts of the park.

Hit Multiple National Parks With These 7 Road Trip Itineraries

Love national parks? Consider taking one of these national park road trip routes, featuring multiple national parks and dramatic natural scenery.

7 Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Final stop - 240 miles from indiana dunes national park.

Towering 352 feet in the air, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is a powerful testament to everlasting peace and friendship between Britain, Canada, and the United States. Sweeping views of Lake Erie from the lookout platform of this tall monument are only added incentives to visit this piece of American history.

Located on South Bass Island in the Village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, the Memorial is most commonly reached by the Jet Express or Miller Boat Line ferries. From carronade weekends to celebrations of art and history, the park always has special events for visitors , like the 109th Anniversary of the Memorial's Opening on June 13th, 2024.

Put-in-Bay, a little resort village on South Bass Island, is great to spend the last hours or day of this road trip. Victorian-era buildings, resort community amenities, and exciting nightlife with dozens of restaurants and pubs make it an ideal place to wind down after an epic and extensive adventure.

A 6-Week Great Lakes National Parks Itinerary

Last Updated on May 5, 2024 by Bonnie

We spent six weeks on the road, exploring all of the National Parks of Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan and put together this comprehensive Great Lakes National Parks itinerary.

In 2016, we established a mission to visit all 50 states before our 10th anniversary in 2020. And, of course, as many national park sites as we could along the way! After trips to New England and the Pacific Northwest, the time finally came to visit the Great Lakes National Parks in 2019. This was a trip we had been looking forward to for quite a while and, thankfully, it did not disappoint!

In all, we visited 20 national park sites in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. We spent almost 6 weeks in June and July on our Great Lakes road trip with our RV. Unfortunately, we did not make it to all of the sites that we wanted to as we had to return home early to get some much-needed repairs on the camper.

I have to say, the Great Lakes region sure does have variety. Here you’ll find historic sites, battlefields, lakeshores and even a remote island. There really is something for everyone!

If you’re looking to visit the Great Lakes National Parks, along with a few additional sites, this road trip itinerary will get you there.

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Nashville, TN – 1 night

Since we live just outside of Atlanta getting to the Great Lakes area takes some time. We chose to break it up a bit and stayed in Nashville for our first night. This also gave us a chance to hook up the camper to electricity, cool the refrigerator, buy some groceries and otherwise prepare the camper for a summer on the road.

Read all of our campground reviews here.

This process would be a lot easier if we didn’t live in a condo in a downtown area. Still, an easy start to a long summer road trip is not a bad thing.

We stayed at the Nashville I-24 Campground just south of the city and that was a good spot for one night. The campground itself is reasonably nice, though there did seem to be a good number of long-term or permanent residents. Overall, there did not seem to be too much junk piled up, though, so it really wasn’t too bad.

This was good for an overnight stay and we would certainly stay here again. I doubt it is anywhere we would stay for more than a night or two, though. If you are looking for a place to stay for several nights in Nashville, we recommend Nashville Shores .

Read more about things to do in Nashville.

Lincoln City, IN – 3 nights

For our visit to the two national park sites in southern Indiana, we camped at Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City. Other than some very uneven campsites and oddly placed water hookups, it is a nice campground. We would have preferred a place with sewer hookups, but options were extremely limited in this area. Despite having to drive about 30 minutes to Walmart to get a longer water hose, we enjoyed our stay, especially its proximity to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial .

From the state park, it’s an easy one-mile hike to the national memorial across the street. We spent the morning touring the visitor center, the historical farm and hiking a few trails. About half a day is enough for the Lincoln Boyhood NM.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is located in Vincennes, which is a little more than an hour’s drive from Lincoln City. The site sits on the Wabash River and includes a small visitor center, a towering memorial with an exhibit inside and a good-sized park. You’ll need an hour or two to watch the introductory film, tour the memorial and enjoy the park. 

If you have more time in Vincennes, I’d suggest you check out Grouseland, the home of President William Henry Harrison . 

Read more about the Indiana National Parks.

Lebanon, OH – 4 nights

From southern Indiana, we headed to Ohio, which is home to 8 National Parks sites and 2 affiliated sites. We spent 3 days in the Dayton/Cincinnati area visiting 4 of these sites. We based ourselves at the Lebanon/Cincinnati KOA . The campground was a typical KOA with plenty of campers and activities on the weekend. Thankfully, the weeknights were a bit more peaceful.

In Cincinnati, you’ll learn more about the 27th President and the 10th Chief Justice at the William Taft National Historic Site . There’s plenty more to do in Cincinnati if you have the time. Alas, our summer was packed with just visiting the park sites so we did not have time for any additional stops.

In Dayton, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park remembers Wilbur and Orville Wright and Paul Dunbar. There are several different sites within the park. Be sure to visit the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop and the field where they tested and perfected the world’s first airplane. Paul Dunbar, a gifted African American writer, is honored at the house he shared with his mother.

Also a part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage NHP is the National Museum of the US Air Force , located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This is an interesting stop for anyone, but particularly those with an interest in flight and military aircraft. We spent several hours here and easily could have spent more time.

Just east of Dayton is the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument . Young served with the Buffalo Soldiers, was the National Park Service’s first black superintendent and the highest-ranking African-American officer in the US Army during World War I. When we visited, in the summer of 2019, the park was still very new, with tours being done by appointment only. Be sure to check their website or call ahead if you plan on visiting. As of May 2024, we are excited to hear that the house has reopened following extensive restoration.

Our final stop in this area was the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, about an hour southeast of Dayton. The earthen mounds of the Hopewell people are recreated and the visitor center tells the history of the Native Americans who once lived in this area. An hour or two is probably enough time for a visit. 

Read more about the Ohio National Parks.

West Branch State Park (Ravenna, OH) – 5 nights

For our visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other sites in the Cleveland area, we camped at West Branch State Park , just east of Ravenna. I have to say, this was one of the nicest state park campgrounds we have ever camped at. Our site was almost perfectly level and surrounded by trees, providing privacy. The bathrooms were immaculate and there were even washers and dryers. 

The drive to Cuyahoga Valley NP was a bit long, but it was worth it for such a fantastic campground. Cuyahoga Valley is not a traditional “National Park,” but there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. It certainly is worth at least a day. You could easily spend two days if you want to ride the train and do several hikes or bike the Towpath Trail.

Read more about visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The First Ladies National Historic Site is an interesting site with rotating exhibits. While I enjoyed our tour of the McKinley home, the exhibit itself was a bit underwhelming. The house tour takes about an hour. You can view the current exhibit while you wait on your tour.

Our final day in this area was spent visiting the James A. Garfield National Historic Site , with a quick stop at the David Berger Memorial on the way. The tour of the Garfield house is interesting and takes about an hour. You can spend another hour or so watching the film and looking through the exhibits.

Toledo, OH – 3 nights

For the final few sites in Ohio, we stayed just west of Toledo. Honestly, the campground we stayed at was one of the worst we’ve been to, so I won’t recommend it. I do remember seeing a couple of campgrounds just east of Toledo that probably would have been better options. 

In this area, you can visit Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site and River Raisin National Battlefield Park in a single day. River Raisin is a very small park in Monroe, MI, which is just north of Toledo. An hour is certainly enough to tour this park as there is very little here beyond a small visitor center and a couple of interpretive signs.

When we visited in the summer of 2019, Fallen Timbers was not fully developed. Indeed, the visitor center was not even complete when we were there. We did see a few hiking trails, but the weather was not great on the day we visited so we skipped them. Our visit lasted less than an hour. Hopefully, more will open in the coming months and years.

The highlight of this area is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial , located on the small island town of Put-in-Bay in Lake Huron. I’d liken the town to the “Key West” of the Great Lakes. While the national park itself will only take an hour or two to visit, you could easily enjoy a weekend or longer hanging out in town and checking out all the bars and various attractions. This is certainly a place that would be a fun getaway for a family or group of friends.

Check out our guide to the Ohio National Parks.

Indiana Dunes State Park – 3 nights

From Ohio, we headed back to Indiana for Indiana Dunes National Park , which at the time was the most recent park to earn the “National Park” designation. In fact, most of the signage still said Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. While I hope that the designation change brings more awareness to the park, the truth is that it didn’t really feel like a “National Park” to us. 

We enjoyed a few hikes; the Cowles-Bog Trail, in particular. Additionally, the Century of Progress homes are certainly unique. Still, the surrounding steel mills and power plants are a bit jarring. The history of the park and the preservation of the area really does highlight the struggle between conservation, growth and politics. 

In terms of camping, the campground at Indiana Dunes State Park is one of only a handful of options and may have been the only option for an RV. Since the state park is located within the boundaries of the national park, it sure is convenient. And, yes, the state park is worth a visit. In fact, I’d argue the state got the “better” land.

Read more about Indiana Dunes National Park.

Empire, MI – 3 nights

Continuing north along Lake Michigan, our next stop was Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore . I have to say, of the three National Lakeshores, this was probably our favorite! We enjoyed driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and hiking the dunes right on the lakeshore. One day is enough to see the highlights of the park. You could spend a second day if you really want to do more hiking on the dunes, explore the nearby islands or spend time on the beach.

While in the area, you should also visit Traverse City, less than an hour east of Sleeping Bear Dunes NL. We spent one day walking through downtown and visiting just a couple of the many breweries, wineries and distilleries in the area. Traverse City really is a great town and well worth a visit!

Read our full guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Traverse City.

St. Ignace, MI – 3 nights

While not a part of the National Park Service, no trip to Michigan would be complete without a visit to Mackinac Island . This tiny car-free island is a haven for those wanting to get away and relax. Without cars, there are plenty of hiking trails and a relaxed pace of life. 

Interestingly, Mackinac Island was actually the second National Park, established by Congress in 1875. Ultimately, the land was given to the state with the agreement that it would remain public land and, indeed, the vast majority of the island is a state park. 

In nearby St. Ignace, where we camped, you’ll find the Father Marquette National Memorial . This affiliated NPS site will only take you a couple of minutes to view, but if you’re in the area, you might as well stop.

The campground at Straits State Park provided adequate accommodations for us, even if we didn’t have water or sewer hookups. 

Read more about a day trip to Mackinac Island.

Munising, MI – 3 nights

Continuing through the upper peninsula of Michigan, your next stop is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore . While there are some great viewpoints and hiking trails here, the best way to truly see the namesake “pictured rocks” is from the water. If you don’t have your own boat, hop on a Pictured Rock Scenic Cruise and enjoy the voyage.

The sunset cruise is our recommendation, as that is when you’ll get the best light. Just be sure to arrive early so you can get a seat along the railing with unobstructed views. 

We camped at the relatively new Pictured Rocks RV Park , which was fabulous. The large sites and clean bathrooms more than made up for the lack of trees or other amenities. 

Check out our guide to visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Keweenaw Peninsula, MI – 2 nights

From Munising, continue west to the Keweenaw Peninsula, where you’ll find the Keweenaw National Historical Park and two of three access points for Isle Royale National Park. 

We camped at Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground near Allouez. The campground was ok, especially considering the lack of options in the area. If I had it to do over, I’d probably stay somewhere else, though. The layout just wasn’t great and the mosquitoes were the worst I’ve ever experienced but I’ll admit, the sunsets were spectacular. That did make up for some of the other conditions.

The Keweenaw NHP preserves the history of copper mining on the peninsula and consists of 21 partner sites. We visited the Quincy Mine and the Central Mine.

You can catch the ferry to Isle Royale in Houghton (near the southern end of the peninsula) or at Copper Harbor (at the northern tip of the peninsula). If you’re planning on staying at the lodge, taking the ferry from Copper Harbor is your best option. If you’re looking to take a kayak or canoe with you (or just want a nice ship), then Houghton would be a good option. Just be aware that the ferry from Houghton takes about 7 hours for the journey. 

If you just want to do a day trip to Isle Royale, then take the ferry from Grand Portage, MN (see below).

Isle Royale National Park – 1 night

Isle Royale National Park is the least visited “National Park” in the lower 48 states. It’s also the most revisited, per capita and for good reason. I am fairly certain I said, “Yep, we need to come back for a longer stay” before we even got off the ferry. Seriously, the natural beauty and solitude you find here are almost unparalleled. 

If you’re looking to do some backpacking, this is the place. For those a little less adventurous, the lodge is comfortable, if not glamorous. There are a few day hikes that you can easily do with just a one-night stay. For those with more time, you could explore for days.

It’s gorgeous and it’s quiet. And there’s moose, which you are likely to see. There are also wolves, which you are not likely to see. 

Seriously, I am really looking forward to coming back and backpacking for a few days to enjoy more of this island park and its serenity.

Yes, they have overnight parking for cars and RVs right at the ferry!

Read more about Isle Royale National Park and the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Copper Harbor, MI – 1 night

Following a long ferry ride back to the mainland, we were exhausted. Initially, we thought we’d take advantage of the late sunset and drive a couple of hours. By the time we got back, though, we were exhausted and started searching for a campground in Copper Harbor.

Thankfully, we were able to snag a site at the Lake Fanny Hooe Resort and Campground , which was a huge blessing! The campground was great and would make a good base for a couple of days of relaxation before and/or after a trip to Isle Royale. 

Drummond, WI – 3 nights

Our next stop was Drummond, WI for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore . I’ll admit, Drummond is not really the ideal place to stay as it is about an hour away from Apostle Islands. Unfortunately, I forgot we’d be there over the July 4th weekend and waited too late to make reservations. Drummond Lake Campground was the closest place I could find where I could make a reservation.

While the drive was a bit long, the campground was fantastic and I highly recommend it if you’re ok with the drive. 

Apostle Islands NL is made up of 21 islands and one small stretch on the mainland. Basically, if you really want to see the highlights of the park, you’ll need to get out on the water. We chose to do the Grand Tour , which takes you past most of the bigger island and to Devil’s Island, one of the most scenic spots in the park. 

If we ever visit again, I’d love to explore some of the islands more or perhaps even do a kayak tour.

Read more about visiting Apostle Island National Lakeshore.

Grand Portage, MN – 2 nights

Heading to Minnesota, our next stop was Grand Portage National Monument , in the far north of the state, just a few miles from the Canada border. The park tells the story of the natives and the French fur traders heading west and it was here that they had to portage their goods 8 miles to the next waterway. 

The park offers a couple of hikes and a recreated trading post.

For those doing a day trip to Isle Royale NP, this is where you’ll want to catch the ferry. Be forewarned, there is little to nothing here, including cell service. Be sure to obtain all necessary gear well before arriving in Grand Portage.

Read more about visiting Grand Portage National Monument

Other Parks in the Great Lakes Region

Our original Great Lakes national parks itinerary had us continuing on to Voyageurs National Park before turning south to head back home. Unfortunately, as we prepared to leave Grand Portage, we realized that somewhere along the way we obtained some fairly significant damage to the camper. Grudgingly, we had to abort the rest of our plans and head straight to a repair shop in Duluth.

As expected, the damage was not minor and not something that could be fixed easily or quickly and, thankfully, we were able to get a temporary fix so that we could make it home. From Duluth, we spent 3 days driving home without any sightseeing along the way. We did, at least, get to enjoy a fabulous dinner at Freight House in Paducah, KY to celebrate our 9th anniversary.

We were supposed to spend 5 nights at Voyageurs Sunrise Resort , which would give us 4 days to explore the park. Then, we’d head to Town & Country Campground near Minneapolis. From Minneapolis, we planned to visit the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. 

2023 Return to Visit Voyageurs and the Two Rivers

In the summer of 2023, we returned to Minnesota to finally visit Voyageurs National Park, as well as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway .

We spent a total of three days exploring Voyageurs National Park, taking a couple of boat tours and doing some hiking. We would actually like to return at some point to rent a houseboat so we can stay out on the water.

We ended up camping at the Rainy Lake RV campground , which we enjoyed and would stay here again.

Read more about our visit to Voyageurs National Park here.

Then we headed south to Minneapolis and stayed at the aforementioned Town & Country Campground , which ended up being a great home base for exploring the Mississippi and St. Croix national rivers. We got to do some tubing and learned a lot about the important role the Mississippi played in Minneapolis.

Read more about visiting the Mississippi and Saint Croix national rivers here.

Final Thoughts on our Great Lakes National Parks Itinerary

We considered a visit to the Great Lakes region for many years and I’d like to say that we’re sorry we waited so long, but the truth is that we’ve loved all of the other places we visited as well. That said, there is something special about the Great Lakes and it is a region that everyone should explore!

This Great Lakes National Parks itinerary worked well for us; in fact, there is very little that I would change if doing it again. While there were a few parks that were underwhelming (Keweenaw NHP and River Raisin NBP), the others more than made up for it. 

Isle Royale NP is more than worth all of the time, effort and money that it takes just to get there. Sleeping Bear Dunes NL provides a scenic getaway on Lake Michigan. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a unique historic site nestled on one of the most unique islands in the area.

Whether you are a national parks geek like us or are just looking to explore the region, this road trip itinerary to all the Great Lakes national parks is a great way to spend six weeks.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

4 thoughts on “A 6-Week Great Lakes National Parks Itinerary”

Great article. I live in Traverse City, and I just need to say, spend more than one day at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Explore the trails and relax on the beaches! Sail down a warm shallow river in a Kayak or in an inner tube. Although if you do only stay a day, it’ll be less crowded!

Thanks, Diane! We completely agree. We wish we had planned more time for the area.

This is a great article. Super helpful. My husband and I are planning a trip in that direction this summer. We will be mostly around Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, but plan on hitting some National Parks too. We are also thinking about stopping in Toledo to see Lake Erie, so I liked what you had to say about that. We will only have 2 (3 tops) weeks for this trip and we will be visiting relatives too. I appreciate your reviews on the different parks and different RV parks. We won’t be bringing our RV (we have a 5th wheel) on this trip because it will take longer, but I hope to be back with the RV. Did you happen to go to the Shipwreck museum in Paradise MI?

Thanks so much, Mary!

We did not visit that museum but it looks really awesome! It always seems that you find something cool to visit after you go somewhere, right?

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The best driving route around the Great Lakes: hit the road on this epic round trip from Chicago

Apr 14, 2022 • 7 min read

This road trip around the Great Lakes is a wonderful way to experience the best of the region © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

A happy marriage of open road and open water, of blacktop and blue swells, a looping tour of the Great Lakes – beginning and ending in Chicago – can take in five states, four of the lakes, and the birthplaces of two music legends.

As much country as it is town, this road trip delivers all the hazy, lazy romance of a beach holiday while staying firmly inland. Take your time, it's an epic journey.

Find beaches, art, and baseball on the drive from Chicago, Illinois to Toledo, Ohio 

Approximately 250 miles

Stick close to the Lake Michigan shoreline and it’s just 20 miles from downtown Chicago to the Indiana border. A handful more and you’ll be in Gary , a once-prosperous steel town that, though now heavily rusted, still has its fans – most of them musical. One of the few tended properties in a rundown neighborhood is the fenced-off two-bedroom bungalow at 2300 Jackson St. This was home to Michael Jackson and his nine siblings, and is where the Jackson 5 was launched. 

Gary is the western bookend of Indiana Dunes National Park , one of the country's newest national parks and a patchwork of beaches, marshland, prairie, scrub, and forest running for 25 miles alongside Lake Michigan. There you can swim, hike, go horseback riding, spot rare plants and birds, and bed down at Dunewood Campground.

Afterward, head east on Interstate 80, to Toledo , Ohio , at the western tip of Lake Erie . This former industrial metropolis is nicknamed "the Glass City" due to it making a lot of glass in its heyday. It was also something of a safe space for mobsters and bootleggers during Prohibition. More recently, Toledo has recovered its mojo, bringing in art lovers to visit the world-class  Toledo Museum of Art , sports fans who pack out the stadium to see the Toledo Mud Hens  (one of the oldest Minor League Baseball teams), and devotees of the Hungarian hot dog .

Stop for some great surf on your drive from Toledo, Ohio, to Bay City, Michigan

Approximately 340 miles

Before you head north up Hwy 23 to the university town of Ann Arbor, where you can fill up on experimental art, vegan cuisine and radical politics, make a detour to Luna Pier , a modest resort town just over the Michigan state line. Here be surfing. Yes, you can surf on the Great Lakes, and at any time of year, but you’re more likely to get the right blustery conditions to do so in fall, winter, and early spring. Lunar Pier has some of Lake Erie’s most popular breaks.

From Ann Arbor, pick up Interstate 69 at Flint and at Port Huron join Hwy 25, which clutches Lake Huron’s supremely scenic western shore – "the sunrise side" – all the way to Saginaw Bay. The coast is punctuated by quaint towns – Lexington and Ports Sanilac, Hope and Austin – and their beaches, lighthouses, marinas, and charter fishing.

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is often referred to as "the mitten," and Saginaw Bay separates the thumb of that mitten from the rest of it. Bay City, the birthplace of Madonna, sits in the crook of that thumb. It’s one of the better spots for surfing.

Drive to Frankenmuth and onwards into Michigan's lower northwest for fresh fish and natural wonders

Approximately 360 miles to Mackinac Bridge

Before you head east across "the mitten" on Hwy 10, a visit to Frankenmuth , aka "Little Bavaria," is in order. The area was settled in the 19th century by Lutheran immigrants from Franconia, Germany, and the town – in its timber-framed architecture, beer and sausage festivals, and German spoken as a second language – has retained more than a flavor of the old country.

At the end of Hwy 10, on the east coast of Lake Michigan, is Ludington, one of the state’s best beach towns, with 28 miles of sandy shoreline, community beach bonfires, and a coal-fired car ferry to and from Manitowoc , Wisconsin. More salmon and trout are caught from Ludington each year than anywhere else, so hire a charter boat and get your catch prepped, broiled or poached at one of many local restaurants participating in Michigan’s Catch and Cook program .

Join Hwy 31, which skirts Lake Michigan for 366 miles and travels north to where the Lower meets the Upper Peninsula , or "the Yoop," via the five-mile Mackinac Bridge, an ethereally elegant piece of engineering that looks plucked from the pages of Greek mythology.

On the way, make time for the myriad virtues of northwest – that is, lower northwest – Michigan. Perhaps you'll stop by the vineyards, wineries and fine-dining establishments in and around Traverse City, a resort town producing 75 percent of the country’s tart Montmorency cherries. Or you could visit the Leelanau Peninsula, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Boyne City and Petoskey, all places with beaches that are mobbed in high season, but still feel untamed and isolated.

Special mention must go to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Its steeply elevated bluffs – which help make up the largest freshwater dune system in the world – beech and maple woodlands and views of Lake Michigan at its most Mediterranean amount to a natural wonder. The Overlook , an observation point on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive , gazes down on a 450ft near-drop. People are warned to not descend because few have the lung capacity to get back up. Surfers are welcome to chance their boards at the public beach in Empire , a candy-colored hamlet of weathered buildings Norman Rockwell could have painted.

Keep heading north into Michigan's Upper Peninsula for shipwrecks and ghost towns 

Approximately 325 miles

Nicknamed "the Deep North," heavily forested and formerly rich, the Upper Peninsula is a place of mystery and of ghosts. Hear some of their stories at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum , at Whitefish Point, west of Munising town. More than 6000 ships and 30,000 lives have been lost on the Lakes, in large part because they lack natural harbors in which vessels can wait out violent storms.

Keweenaw Peninsula , northwest of Marquette, a major port on Lake Superior , is likewise haunted. Native Americans were the first to mine copper in the area, some 7000 years ago, but it took the Ojibwe to sign a treaty in 1842 ceding their mineral-rich lands to the United States for the copper rush, which made more fortunes than California’s gold rush, to gain momentum. Almost all of the mines were shut down during the Great Depression, and relics of the industry – several ghost towns, the erstwhile opera house in Calumet – are all that is now left.

Leave the Upper Peninsula behind for charming small towns and a stop in the cool city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Approximately 555 miles

From Keweenaw Peninsula bear south on Hwy 141 and you’ll be in Wisconsin in a couple of hours. Overshoot Green Bay and hang a left on Hwy 57 into Door County , a narrow spit of land – 75 miles long by 3 miles at its tip – that juts out into Lake Michigan. Mesmerizingly tranquil and comfortably affluent, every square inch of this "Cape Cod of the Midwest" seems to carry a divine stamp. It’s a storehouse of biological diversity. And its towns, such as Egg Harbor and Fish Creek , are stuffed with charm, independent stores, and artisanal bakers.

As a way of weaning oneself off the cozy joys of bucolic Wisconsin and easing oneself into the raw excitement of Chicago, Milwaukee , off I-43, makes the perfect transitional stop. Brew City continues to make beer, but it has diversified its appeal, transforming itself into an assuredly cool arts, music, and festival hub , and some of its neighborhoods , such as Bay View , south of the downtown area, are so hip it hurts.

From there, it’s back to the Chicago. But not without a carful of memories, a camera full of photographs, and a head full of beach hair.

You might also like: Top 7 day trips from Chicago    The best time to visit Michigan: a season-by-season guide    Save your money and spend time enjoying free things in Milwaukee   

This article was first published Sep 25, 2019 and updated Apr 14, 2022.

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