9 days in Upper Peninsula & Traverse City Itinerary

Manistique, formerly Monistique, is the only incorporated city in and the county seat of Schoolcraft County of the U.S. Start off your visit on the 15th (Fri): stop by The Mustard Seed, learn about winemaking at Garden Bay Winery, then take in the dramatic natural features at Palms Book State Park, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring). On the 16th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: tour the pleasant surroundings at The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk and then identify plant and animal life at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

To see traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Manistique online trip planner .

Madison to Manistique is an approximately 5.5-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of flight and car. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Madison to Manistique. Traveling from Madison in May, expect Manistique to be a bit cooler, temps between 58°F and 38°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can travel to Saint Ignace.

Saint Ignace, usually written as St. Start off your visit on the 17th (Sun): get outside with The Mackinaw Club, then enjoy the sea views from Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, then enjoy the sea views from Wawatam Lighthouse, and finally look for gifts at Manley’s Fish Market.

To see reviews, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Saint Ignace tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Manistique to Saint Ignace takes 1.5 hours. In May in Saint Ignace, expect temperatures between 58°F during the day and 41°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) to allow time to ride a ferry to Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island is a city in Mackinac County in the U.S. Start off your visit on the 18th (Mon): step off the mainland to explore Eagle Point Cave, identify plant and animal life at Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, contemplate the long history of Biddle House, then look for gifts at Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, then see the interesting displays at The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, and finally identify plant and animal life at The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World.

To see ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Mackinac Island trip planning site .

Mackinac Island is just a short distance from Saint Ignace. May in Mackinac Island sees daily highs of 58°F and lows of 41°F at night. You'll have a few hours on the 19th (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling to Traverse City.

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.

Get in touch with nature at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Fishing Charters & Tours. Discover out-of-the-way places like Dunes Trail and Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Traverse City: Empire (Glen Haven Historical Village & Pyramid Point Trail) and Betsie Valley Trail (in Frankfort). There's lots more to do: take in the exciting artwork at Michigan Artists Gallery, browse the different shops at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, sample the fine beverages at Northern Latitudes Distillery, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Gallaghers Farm Market.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read our Traverse City trip planner.

You can do a combination of ferry and bus from Mackinac Island to Traverse City in 4.5 hours. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Mackinac Island in May: highs in Traverse City hover around 67°F, while lows dip to 43°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Fri) so you can travel back home.