5 Day Tour On Lakes Superior Huron and Michigan

Traveling around the Great Lakes is a fantastic way to see a different side of the U.S. — one filled with stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and fascinating history. This 5-day tour from Chicago offers a balanced mix of scenic drives, cultural stops, and iconic sights like Mackinac Island and the Soo Locks. With a price tag of around $1,215 per person, it’s a solid choice for those craving an immersive lakeside adventure without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

We particularly loved the variety of experiences — from the history of Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee to the breathtaking Pictured Rocks in Michigan. The inclusion of professional guides and comfortable transportation helps make this a smooth journey, especially for travelers new to the region. One aspect to consider is that some attractions, like the Art Institute or Chicago architecture cruise, are optional, so the experience can be tailored to your interests and budget. It’s a trip best suited for those who appreciate both natural scenery and cultural heritage, and who are comfortable with a busy, full schedule.

A potential drawback is the tight itinerary — with so many stops packed into five days, it requires a good deal of walking and moving around. If you prefer slow-paced, in-depth explorations, this might feel a bit rushed. However, if you’re eager to see a broad swath of the Great Lakes area in one trip, this tour offers excellent value and a well-rounded overview. Overall, it’s an ideal choice for active travelers, families, or anyone looking to combine scenic beauty with a taste of local culture.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan with iconic stops like Mackinac Island and the Soo Locks
• Expert guides and comfortable transportation make the experience smooth and informative
• Variety of attractions, from museums to nature parks, for different interests
• Optional extras like Chicago architecture cruise and Art Institute for personalized experiences
• Good value for the price, considering the included tours, entrance fees, and hotel accommodations
• Active pace and walking required; suitable for travelers comfortable with a full schedule

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Lakes Tour

Starting Point: Chicago’s Urban Charm Meets Lakeside Adventure

This tour kicks off in Chicago, a city bursting with architecture, culture, and energy. The meeting point at 201 E Randolph St is centrally located near public transportation, making it accessible for most. At 8:00 am, the adventure begins, and from there, the pace quickly picks up.

The first day centers around Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just a few hours north along Lake Michigan. Visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into more than a century of motorcycle craftsmanship and culture. It’s a highlight for gearheads and history buffs alike, even if the admission is not included, as you’ll see around 450 motorcycles and artifacts, including the oldest Harley.

Next, the Milwaukee Public Market offers a taste of local flavors, cheese, sausage, and handcrafted crafts. It’s a lively spot that captures the city’s vibrant food scene. The stop is just enough time to browse and sample without feeling rushed.

As the day continues, the tour heads to Green Bay, famous for its Packers and lively dining scene, before setting off towards Escanaba—where the real lakeside scenery begins.

Day Two: Exploring Michigan’s Natural Wonders

The second day is a highlight for nature lovers. We loved how the itinerary balances breathtaking scenery with historical sites. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is truly a sight to behold, with its colorful sandstone cliffs, beaches, and rock formations. The in-depth tour includes Miners Castle, Miners Beach, and Tahquamenon Falls. These are not just photo stops; they’re places where you can soak in the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The Tahquamenon Falls, with its cascading waters, is often praised as a must-see, and it’s easy to see why. We heard from travelers that the scenery is spectacular, and the guide’s insights help deepen the experience. The visit to Point Iroquois Lighthouse is brief but offers a classic lakeside vista, where you can overlook the connection between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

The Soo Locks provide an engineering marvel — a set of locks that allow ships to navigate between the lakes. Watching even a few vessels pass through can be mesmerizing, and the free visit adds value to the experience.

Day Three: From Islands to Wine Country

On the third day, the focus shifts to Mackinaw City and the famous Mackinac Island. The ferry ride to the island is a fun, scenic crossing — and a real highlight. We loved the no-motor-vehicles rule on Mackinac; it makes exploring by bike, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot feel like stepping back in time. It’s a charming place with historic sites, fudge shops, and lovely walking trails.

In the afternoon, the tour moves to Traverse City, a lively town set on the shores of Lake Michigan. Here, you can enjoy the local wineries, beaches, and a vibrant downtown. The brief stop is enough to get a sense of the city’s character, perfect for those wanting a mix of outdoor and indoor activities.

Day Four: Holland, Windmills, and Vintage Cars

The fourth day blends outdoor charm with automotive nostalgia. We loved Windmill Island with its authentic Dutch windmill, De Zwaan, and the beautifully maintained gardens. It offers a colorful and serene contrast to the natural parks.

Later, the Gilmore Car Museum is a treat for car enthusiasts. With the largest collection in Michigan, it showcases vintage vehicles from 1890 to 1960. It’s a fun way to see the evolution of American cars and appreciate craftsmanship from a bygone era.

The day wraps up with a return to Chicago in the late afternoon, giving you time to relax after four days of travel.

Day Five: Chicago’s Architectural Marvels

The final day in Chicago offers a deep dive into the city’s world-renowned architecture. The Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate sculpture (popularly called “The Bean”) are must-sees. We appreciated the short time allotment — just 20 minutes — allowing you to snap photos and enjoy the scene without feeling rushed.

The Chicago Water Tower and Grant Park are nearby and perfect for a quick stroll. For those who opt for the Chicago Architecture Cruise, this is a fantastic way to see the city’s skyline from a different perspective, sailing down the Chicago River while learning about its iconic buildings.

The optional 360 Chicago Observation Deck offers panoramic views from atop the John Hancock Tower. The LIFT ride is a fun, slightly exhilarating highlight, especially if you enjoy city vistas.

If you’re into art, the Art Institute of Chicago is a significant highlight — home to Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne, among others. It’s an optional add-on, but well worth the time if you love art and culture.

What We Loved About This Tour

The diversity of locations and experiences is a big plus. You get to see natural wonders, historic sites, and vibrant cities all in one trip. The guides are knowledgeable, often sharing stories beyond the basic facts, which enriches the experience. We also appreciated the well-organized transportation — comfortable buses that move smoothly from place to place.

Another highlight was the stunning scenery throughout Michigan, especially the cliffs and waterfalls of Pictured Rocks. The boat tour on Chicago River also stands out — a relaxing way to see the city’s incredible architecture from a different angle.

One consideration

The schedule is quite full, with limited downtime at each stop. Travelers who prefer a slow, in-depth experience may find this a bit rushed. Also, some attractions like the Art Institute or the Chicago architecture cruise are optional and add to the overall cost, so budget accordingly.

Is This Tour for You?

This trip suits active travelers who enjoy a packed schedule of sightseeing, short walks, and outdoor adventures. It’s perfect if you want a broad overview of the Great Lakes region without the hassle of planning each step. Families, couples, or solo travelers who love scenery and culture will find plenty to enjoy. If you’re looking for a relaxing, slow-paced experience, this might be too busy, but if you’re eager to see the highlights in five days, this tour delivers.

Summary of the Tour’s Strengths and Considerations

• Excellent value considering the included entrance fees, guided tours, and hotel stays
• Wide-ranging experiences from lakeside parks to historic towns and vibrant cities
• Comfortable transportation and professional guides ease the journey
• Flexible options for architecture, art, and cruises allow personalization
• Requires active participation — expect walking and a busy schedule
• Not ideal for travelers seeking a slow, in-depth exploration of each site

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does the tour last?
The tour lasts for five days, with most days packed with sightseeing and activities.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but breakfast is provided on four mornings. You’ll want to budget for lunches and dinners along the way.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is around 55 travelers, which helps keep the experience social yet organized.

Are attractions like the Art Institute or Chicago architecture cruise mandatory?
They are optional, though some like the Chicago architecture cruise are included in certain versions of the tour. You can choose whether to participate.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 6 are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult, and expect some walking and bus travel.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, sunglasses, sun hat, cash, and water for hydration are recommended. Be prepared for varied weather conditions.

To sum it up, this 5-day Great Lakes tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and urban charm. It’s best suited for energetic travelers eager to see a broad swath of the region without the stress of organizing each detail. With knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and flexible options, it provides great value and plenty of opportunities to create memorable moments along Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan.