42 days in Upper Peninsula
Diana Stein
Start: Dallas
Drive
1
Springfield
— 1 night
Drive
2
Saint Louis
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Indianapolis
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Grand Rapids
— 1 night
Drive
5
Saint Ignace
— 4 nights
Drive
6
Sault Ste. Marie
— 4 nights
Drive
7
Newberry
— 2 nights
Drive to Chippewa County International Airport, Fly to Marquette
8
Marquette
— 4 nights
Fly to Houghton County Memorial Airport, Drive to Allouez
9
Allouez
— 7 nights
Drive
10
Green Bay
— 1 night
Drive
11
Milwaukee
— 3 nights
Drive
12
Springfield
— 3 nights
Drive
13
Little Rock
— 1 night
Drive
14
Hot Springs
— 4 nights
Drive
End: Dallas
Sat, Jul 24 - Fri, Sep 3
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View full calendar
Springfield — 1 night
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On the 24th (Sat), take an in-depth tour of History Museum on the Square and then don't miss a visit to Park Central Square. On the next day, explore the landscape on two wheels at Frisco Highline Trail, explore the activities along Valley Watermill Park, and then stroll through Galloway Creek Greenway.
To see other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Springfield trip planner.
Dallas to Springfield is an approximately 7-hour car ride. You can also fly; or drive; or take a bus. In July, Springfield is a bit cooler than Dallas - with highs of 88°F and lows of 68°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Saint Louis.
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To see other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Springfield trip planner.
Dallas to Springfield is an approximately 7-hour car ride. You can also fly; or drive; or take a bus. In July, Springfield is a bit cooler than Dallas - with highs of 88°F and lows of 68°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Saint Louis.
Highlights from your trip
Saint Louis — 2 nights
©
Gateway to the West
Test the local claim that Saint Louis is second only to Washington, D.C. in the number of free activities available by spending your holiday exploring the city's central neighborhoods, famous for their restored century-old red-brick buildings.Your list of things to see and do now includes The Fabulous Fox Theatre, Missouri Botanical Garden, National Blues Museum, and other attractions. On the 26th (Mon), steep yourself in history at The Old Post Office and Custom House, examine the collection at National Blues Museum, then catch a live performance at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, and finally admire the natural beauty at Missouri Botanical Garden. Here are some ideas for day two: steep yourself in history at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, then stroll around Laumeier Sculpture Park, then explore the striking landscape of Gateway Arch National Park, and finally join in the after-dark buzz at The Thaxton & Speakeasy.
To see other places to visit, maps, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Saint Louis travel route planning website.
Drive from Springfield to Saint Louis in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or fly. In July, daily temperatures in Saint Louis can reach 89°F, while at night they dip to 68°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Indianapolis.
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
Indianapolis — 2 nights
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Circle City
Indiana's capital and most populous city, Indianapolis is best known for its racecar events and impressive museums, and as the hometown of Kurt Vonnegut.Your day by day itinerary now includes Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden. Start off your visit on the 28th (Wed): take in nature's colorful creations at Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, then identify plant and animal life at Holliday Park, then admire the natural beauty at Indianapolis Museum of Art, and finally walk around Eagle Creek Park. Keep things going the next day: explore the different monuments and memorials at Crown Hill Cemetery and then see the interesting displays at Indiana Medical History Museum.
For where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Indianapolis online trip itinerary builder.
You can drive from Saint Louis to Indianapolis in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus; or fly. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Saint Louis to Indianapolis due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Saint Louis in July, expect nights in Indianapolis to be about the same, around 65°F, while days are a bit cooler, around 83°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough to drive to Grand Rapids.
Highlights from your trip
Grand Rapids — 1 night
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Furniture City
The second largest city in Michigan and a hub of furniture manufacturing, Grand Rapids bears the nickname "Furniture City." However, the destination's original name came from the rapids of the Grand River that once ran through the downtown area.Your day by day itinerary now includes Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as well as Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens.
For reviews, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Grand Rapids trip builder site.
Drive from Indianapolis to Grand Rapids in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or take a bus. In July in Grand Rapids, expect temperatures between 82°F during the day and 61°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Saint Ignace.
Highlights from your trip
Saint Ignace — 4 nights
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Your list of things to see and do now includes Mackinac Island State Park, Great Turtle Kayak Tours, Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, and other attractions. Step off the beaten path and head to Wawatam Lighthouse and Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. Visiting Burt Lake State Park and The Mackinaw Club will get you outdoors. When in Saint Ignace, make a side trip to see Arts & Adventure at BrassWind Landing in Indian River, approximately Indian River away.
To see ratings, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read Saint Ignace online travel route planner.
You can drive from Grand Rapids to Saint Ignace in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Grand Rapids in July: highs in Saint Ignace hover around 73°F, while lows dip to 58°F. On the 3rd (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Sault Ste. Marie.
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To see ratings, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read Saint Ignace online travel route planner.
You can drive from Grand Rapids to Saint Ignace in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Grand Rapids in July: highs in Saint Ignace hover around 73°F, while lows dip to 58°F. On the 3rd (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Sault Ste. Marie.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Sault Ste. Marie — 4 nights
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Soo Locks has been added to your itinerary. Get in touch with nature at Brimley State Park and Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway. Popular historic sites such as Tower of History and Water Street Historic Block are in your itinerary.
To see reviews, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Sault Ste. Marie trip itinerary planning website.
Drive from Saint Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 57°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can drive to Newberry.
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To see reviews, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Sault Ste. Marie trip itinerary planning website.
Drive from Saint Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 57°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can drive to Newberry.
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
Newberry — 2 nights
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Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 8th (Sun): admire the sheer force of Chapel Falls, then admire the sheer force of Bridal Veil Falls, then take in the dramatic scenery at Spray Falls, and finally get a dose of the wild on Nature's Kennel Sled Dog Racing and Adventures.
To find maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Newberry trip maker app.
You can drive from Sault Ste. Marie to Newberry in 1.5 hours. In August, plan for daily highs up to 73°F, and evening lows to 53°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Marquette.
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To find maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Newberry trip maker app.
You can drive from Sault Ste. Marie to Newberry in 1.5 hours. In August, plan for daily highs up to 73°F, and evening lows to 53°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Marquette.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Marquette — 4 nights
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Your list of things to see and do now includes Morgan Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain, Presque Isle Park, and other attractions. Get outdoors at Sand Point Beach and Scott Falls. Appreciate the collections at Da Yoopers Innovation Museum and The DeVos Art Museum. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Marquette: Valley Spur (in Munising) and Escanaba (Ludington Park & Sand Point Lighthouse).
For maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Marquette trip itinerary builder site.
Explore your travel options from Newberry to Marquette with the Route module. In August in Marquette, expect temperatures between 73°F during the day and 53°F at night. You'll set off for Allouez on the 14th (Sat).
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For maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Marquette trip itinerary builder site.
Explore your travel options from Newberry to Marquette with the Route module. In August in Marquette, expect temperatures between 73°F during the day and 53°F at night. You'll set off for Allouez on the 14th (Sat).
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Allouez — 7 nights
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Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary has been added to your itinerary. Get outdoors at Grand Portage State Park and Pigeon River. Grand Portage National Monument and Central Mine will appeal to museum buffs. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Allouez: Yellow Dog Falls (in Big Bay) and High Falls (in Grand Portage).
To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Allouez holiday builder tool.
The Route module can help you plan travel from Marquette to Allouez. Traveling from Marquette to Allouez, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Marquette in August, expect nights in Allouez to be about the same, around 58°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 79°F. On the 21st (Sat), you're off to Green Bay.
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To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Allouez holiday builder tool.
The Route module can help you plan travel from Marquette to Allouez. Traveling from Marquette to Allouez, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Marquette in August, expect nights in Allouez to be about the same, around 58°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 79°F. On the 21st (Sat), you're off to Green Bay.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Green Bay — 1 night
Home of the Packers
Home of the Green Bay Packers, the city of Green Bay centers around sports and is home to hundreds of notable football icons, including Brett Favre and Curly Lambeau.To find other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Green Bay online attractions planner.
You can drive from Allouez to Green Bay in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In August, daily temperatures in Green Bay can reach 79°F, while at night they dip to 58°F. On the 22nd (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Milwaukee.
Milwaukee — 3 nights
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Brew City
Milwaukee boasts well-preserved historical districts with a rich European past and a strong beer-brewing tradition.Your day by day itinerary now includes University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Lynden Sculpture Garden, and other attractions you added. Step out of the city life by going to Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy and Virmond Park. You'll discover tucked-away gems like First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison and MobCraft Beer. There's more to do: admire the masterpieces at Grohmann Museum.
For ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Milwaukee trip itinerary builder.
Traveling by car from Green Bay to Milwaukee takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Green Bay in August, Milwaukee is a bit warmer at night with lows of 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can fly to Springfield.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Springfield — 3 nights
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Flower City
Springfield is the capital of Illinois, but its real significance is as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln.You've now added Washington Park to your itinerary. Step off the beaten path and head to The Lincoln Home Visitor Center and Air Combat Museum. Get some cultural insight at Children's Museum of Illinois and Funk Prairie Home Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Springfield: Funks Grove Church & Chapel in the Trees (in McLean), Decatur (Hieronymus Mueller Museum & Rock Springs Conservation Area & Nature Center) and Memories: Route 66 Museum (in Atlanta). There's much more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, walk around Union Square Park, and brush up on your military savvy at Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum.
For photos, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Springfield day trip planner.
Traveling by car from Milwaukee to Springfield takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 84°F in August, and nighttime lows around 64°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel to Little Rock.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Little Rock — 1 night
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The Rock
Once inhabited by Native American tribes, today Little Rock bustles with nearly 800,000 people.Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sun): contemplate the long history of Arkansas Governor's Mansion and then pause for some photo ops at Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument.
For traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Little Rock vacation planner.
Drive from Springfield to Little Rock in 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or fly; or drive. In August, Little Rock is somewhat warmer than Springfield - with highs of 90°F and lows of 72°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) early enough to drive to Hot Springs.
Highlights from your trip
Hot Springs — 4 nights
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Valley of the Vapors
Set deep in the Ouachita Mountains, the city of Hot Springs almost completely surrounds the national park of the same name.Appreciate the collections at The Galaxy Connection and Artists' Workshop Gallery. Get a sense of the local culture at Tiny Town and Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center & Museum. Step out of Hot Springs to go to Bismarck and see DeGray Lake Resort State Park, which is approximately 40 minutes away. There's much more to do: look for gifts at Bathhouse Soapery, steep yourself in history at Medical Arts Building, immerse yourself in nature at Lake Catherine State Park, and take in the awesome beauty at Hot Springs Mountain.
Plan my trip to Hot Springs with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.
You can drive from Little Rock to Hot Springs in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. August in Hot Springs sees daily highs of 90°F and lows of 71°F at night. On the 3rd (Fri), you'll travel back home.
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
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United States travel guide
More than the country of car-packed streets seen in TV shows and movies, the United States of America is a complex and diverse home to over 300 million people living in a wide range of landscapes and climates. From its big-city skyscrapers to its sprawling natural parks, the country's ''melting pot'' combines many ethnic groups that share a strong sense of national identity despite their cultural differences. A country of road trips and big blue skies, the United States harbors orderly cities filled with restaurants, parks, museums, and innumerable sightseeing opportunities, as well as pristine natural areas perfect for a holiday in the great outdoors. To see as much as you can of this diverse land quickly, drive over some of the more than 6 million km (4 million mi) of highways leading through deserts, mountain peaks, fertile fields, and giant urban centers.
Upper Peninsula travel guide
Natural attractions steal the show on an Upper Peninsula vacation. Michigan's sparsely populated northern region is famous for its extensive shoreline along the Great Lakes and thick swathes of protected forest. Many of the region's waterways feature dramatic cascades, and a history of volcanic activity has created a wealth of interesting rock formations and colorful mineral deposits. Wildlife spotting remains a top reason to take a trip to Upper Peninsula, with deer, bears, wolves, and porcupines all easily seen in the area's pristine wilderness.
