9 days in Midwest Itinerary

Traverse City might be well known for its huge cherry industry, but its position along Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan endows it with fine scenery and a wealth of outdoor attractions.

You'll explore and learn at Dennos Museum Center and Michigan Artists Gallery. And it doesn't end there: learn the secrets of beer at a beer tour and tasting, enjoy the sand and surf at Clinch Park, learn about winemaking at Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, and enjoy the sea views from Mission Point Lighthouse.

For reviews, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Traverse City holiday tool.

Columbus to Traverse City is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Columbus in July since evenings lows in Traverse City dip to 59°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Tue) to allow time for the car ride to Empire.

Empire is a village in Leelanau County in the U.S. Start off your visit on the 28th (Tue): trek along Empire Bluff Trail.

To see reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Empire trip planner.

Getting from Traverse City to Empire by car takes about an hour. While traveling from Traverse City, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Empire, ranging from highs of 75°F to lows of 57°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) so you can drive to Ludington.

Ludington is a city in the state of Michigan. Kick off your visit on the 30th (Thu): enjoy the sea views from Little Sable Point Lighthouse, kick back and relax at Silver Lake State Park Pedestrian Dune Access, and then enjoy the sea views from Ludington North Breakwater Light. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll through Stearns Park, immerse yourself in nature at Ludington State Park, then enjoy the sea views from Big Sable Point Lighthouse, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Father Jacques Marquette Shrine.

To find other places to visit, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Ludington online trip maker.

Drive from Empire to Ludington in 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 76°F in July, and nighttime lows around 57°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Fri) so you can travel to Chicago.

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Museum-lovers will appreciate The Art Institute of Chicago and Ernest Hemingway Birthplace. Your inner history buff will appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple and Pleasant Home. There's lots more to do: take a stroll through The Magnificent Mile, make a trip to Marquette Building, enjoy breathtaking views from Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, and stroll through Millennium Park.

To find ratings, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, go to the Chicago trip planner.

You can fly from Ludington to Chicago in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Ludington to Chicago. In July, Chicago is a bit warmer than Ludington - with highs of 83°F and lows of 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.