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. Kick off your visit on the 15th (Fri): stop by The Mustard Seed, then 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). Here are some ideas for day two: trek along The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk and then identify plant and animal life at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

To find maps, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Manistique trip itinerary website.

Madison to Manistique is an approximately 5.5-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of flight and car. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Madison in May, with highs in Manistique at 58°F and lows at 38°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can travel to Saint Ignace.

Saint Ignace, usually written as St. Kick off your visit on the 17th (Sun): head outdoors with The Mackinaw Club, visit a coastal fixture at Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises, then enjoy the sea views from Wawatam Lighthouse, and finally stop by Manley’s Fish Market.

For more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Saint Ignace tour itinerary builder website.

Drive from Manistique to Saint Ignace in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 58°F in May, and nighttime lows around 41°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to catch the ferry to Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island is a city in Mackinac County in the U.S. On the 18th (Mon), head off the coast to Eagle Point Cave, identify plant and animal life at Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, contemplate the long history of Biddle House, then stop by Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, then see the interesting displays at The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World.

To see maps and tourist information, refer to the Mackinac Island trip maker site.

Getting from Saint Ignace to Mackinac Island by ferry takes about an hour. May in Mackinac Island sees daily highs of 58°F and lows of 41°F at night. On the 19th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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.

Visit The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Glen Haven Historical Village for their historical value. Step off the beaten path and head to Fishing Charters & Tours and Michigan Artists Gallery. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Traverse City: Betsie Valley Trail (in Frankfort), Empire (Dunes Trail & Pyramid Point Trail) and Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (in Glen Arbor). Next up on the itinerary: tee off at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, sample the fine beverages at Northern Latitudes Distillery, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Gallaghers Farm Market.

For other places to visit, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Traverse City day trip planning site.

Getting from Mackinac Island to Traverse City by combination of ferry and bus takes about 5 hours. Traveling from Mackinac Island in May, you will find days in Traverse City are a bit warmer (67°F), and nights are about the same (43°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.