Mackinac & Soo Locks Tour
september 10 - 14, 2023
sunday september 10, 2023
We travel to Mackinaw City today. It was first a guardian of the Straits of Mackinac, now it's a destination for thousands. This evening we take a short ferry ride to Mackinac Island, our home for the next two nights. American Indians called it Michilimackinac, or the “Great Turtle,” but time and usage have shortened it to Mackinac. Our accommodations will be the Bicycle Street Inn in the heart of town.
monday september 11, 2023
This morning we'll have a carriage tour of the island, visiting the scenic and historic points of interest, including Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, Governor's Mansion, Skull Cave and Surrey Hill. We end our tour at the Grand Hotel enjoying their sumptuous lunch buffet. Take some time after lunch to stroll around this famous hotel or just sit and rock on the front porch and enjoy the scenery. Explore the fort, rent a bike, and check out all the shops on main street this afternoon and evening. CL
tuesday september 12, 2023
An early ferry back to the mainland and then some time to get lunch in Mackinaw City. From here we head across the ”Mighty-Mac”- the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This afternoon we will experience an exciting sightseeing tour through the famous Soo Locks, the world’s largest locking system. Inside the locks the boat will ride the water as it is raised 21 feet straight up, to the level of Lake Superior. This evening we will have an included dinner at The Antlers Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie, overlooking the St. Mary’s River. We overnight at the Holiday Inn Express in Sault Ste. Marie. CD
wednesday september 13, 2023
This morning we head south to Paradise, Michigan, where we will tour the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Campus. Located at the extreme southeastern end of Lake Superior, it is the critical turning point for all vessels entering and leaving this largest of the Great Lakes. An 80-mile stretch of this coastline is known as Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast, the most notable the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. As we head to our next destination we make a stop at the Cross In The Woods, home to the largest crucifix in the world. We end up at Thunder Bay for some evening activities. We will board a horse drawn carriage that takes us through the wooded resort and away from the daily hustle and bustle. A wooden bridge takes you over Thunder Bay River and into the Elk Preserve. Make sure to bring your camera as you'll have ample opportunity to snap some pictures of majestic bull elk. Enjoy the scenery, the smell of pine, and the ever-changing face of the Thunder Bay River as the horses make their way deep into the woods to the beautiful Elk Antler Log Cabin, where a blazing fire in a massive split stone fireplace welcomes us. It's here that we'll have a gourmet dinner ending with fabulous dessert! We overnight in Alpena, MI. (No baggage handling at this location) CD
thursday september 14, 2023
Departing for home this morning, we'll make a stop in Frankenmuth, MI. Dubbed Michigan's little Bavaria, Frankenmuth is one of the most popular little towns in Michigan. An optional side trip to Bronner’s will be available for those that want to go. Nearby is a replica of the 19-century Holz-Brucke-Frankenmuth's wooden covered bridge spanning the Cass River. We start for home mid-afternoon with a late evening arrival home expected. BL
$1250 Per Person Triple Occupancy
$1439 Per Person Double Occupancy
$2059 Per Person Single occupancy
PRICE INCLUDES: Escorted travel aboard our deluxe motor coach; four nights lodging; eight meals; luggage handling for one bag; tax and gratuities on included meals, lodging & attractions.