Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Sunday, 16 June - Arrive Grand Rapids, Michigan; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into Grand Rapids, Michigan Airport (GRR) no later than 4:30pm. The tour begins at the hotel with a group meeting at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner together.
Monday, 17 June - Gerald Ford Presidential Museum; Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park (B,L)
Our first stop today is the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum. The exhibits allow visitors to participate in history, not just view it, while reviewing the highlights of the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. Meijer Gardens is our next stop with so much to explore. There is the tropical conservatory, Victorian, carnivorous, and arid gardens, as well as the outdoor areas like the Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, seasonal gardens, the world-class Sculpture Park and meandering nature trails and boardwalk. We conclude our day back at the hotel where the evening is yours to relax.
Tuesday, 18 June - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; Traverse City (B,L)
We will take some time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on our way to Traverse City. We will drive along the coast for the beautiful scenery. Miles of sand beachs with bluffs that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime history. We will spend the evening in Traverse City.
Wednesday, 19 June - Traverse City; Mackinac Island (B,D)
Traverse City has a rich history in which Native Americans, missionaries, lumberjacks, mariners and farmers all played an important part. A good way to learn about the men and women who have left their mark on this landscape is by taking a guided historical walk, since many of the area’s most interesting historical sites are outdoors. From Traverse City we travel to Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island lies just 20 minutes away by ferry. It's a delightful ride across the Mackinac Straits and watch the island, and the Grand Hotel, come into view. We will make check into our hotel and relax before going out to dinner together.
Thursday, 20 June - Mackinac Island Carriage Tour; Afternoon Tea; Free Time (B,High Tea)
This morning we will take an island horse-drawn carriage tour vising the historic fort, Surrey Hills Museum, Arch Rock and Stuart House. After the tour you have free time to explore the compact town. You might visit a butterfly farm, or maybe rent a bike and cycle around the island - a very popular pastime. Or, if you like to sit by the water, you can watch the ferries travel across the Straits, making "roister tails." What surprises most people when they see the water of Lake Huron for the first time is how sparkling clean and clear it is. The Grand Hotel serves tea every afternoon so we will join them for tea and then visit the gardens.
Friday, 21 June - Frankenmuth; Dearborn, MI (B,L)
After breakfast we will take the ferry back to Mackinaw City. Today’s drive will take us to the village of Frankenmuth where you'll think that you've landed in Bavaria - founded by German pioneers in the 1840s. Enjoy lunch and have some free time to walk around and visit the unique shops along Main Street. Later, we continue on to Dearborn - the home of Henry Ford and the world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company. The Henry Ford Museum is America's largest indoor-outdoor museum complex and pays tribute to the role of mechanization in our lives. It is a fascinating museum and has something for everyone.
Saturday, 22 June - Ford Factory tour; Henry Ford Museum; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
A visit to The Henry Ford is a "must-do" experience. The Henry Ford Museum is not just a car museum but is about the man's collection. We will begin our visit to the complex with a factory tour, and then see the museum. The afternoon is free for your own further exploration and discovery. You can easily spend all day here. Greenfield Village is co-located on the grounds and gives you a look at life in the late 1800's. Those interested can pay a separate admission fee and visit the village. This evening we will gather for our farewell dinner and share our favorite memories of our Michigan adventure together.
Sunday, 23 June - Depart for Home from Detroit (B)
It's time to return home. Make your return flight at your convenience. The WTT tour leader will coordinate ride sharing to the airport.