📍 United States

MICHIGAN'S GREAT LAKES: PAINTED CLIFFS TO SLEEPING DUNES

Mineral-stained cliffs facing Superior blue, dunes plunging into lake turquoise, lighthouse beams sweeping endless shores. Michigan shimmers.

≈ 7
Days
653
Km
3
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Paddle beneath Pictured Rocks' painted cliffs, where sandstone streaks with rust, copper and cream above Lake Superior. Cross to Sleeping Bear Dunes and its sand mountains plunging into turquoise water, and understand why Michigan can rival the most beautiful coastlines.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Traverse

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Traverse City — Victorian warehouses repurposed into wineries and cafés; walk the Boardman River and Front Street for local cherry specialties.
🎯

Activities

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Sunset at Clinch Park Beach on Grand Traverse Bay.
2
Day

Traverse

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive’s overlooks reveal a 140‑meter drop to Lake Michigan; glacially sculpted perched dunes and Manitou island vistas.
2
Dune Climb — Expansive sand ramp where wind‑formed ridges meet a jack‑pine backcountry; stay on marked routes to protect fragile vegetation.
3
Glen Haven Historic Village — Restored 19th‑century lifesaving station, blacksmith shop, and general store illuminating Great Lakes maritime heritage.
🎯

Activities

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Short forest loop to Pyramid Point or Empire Bluff for golden‑hour light.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 260.4 km
Travel time: 3h15
3
Day

Munising

pictured rocks launch point for kayak adventures

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Drive north via the Mackinac Bridge (8 km suspension span over the Straits) to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; quick lighthouse and fort era viewpoints en route.
2
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — Miners Castle Overlook and Sand Point; multicolored Cambrian–Ordovician sandstone carved by frost and surf.
🎯

Activities

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Evening lakeshore walk; consider a night-sky session under low light pollution.
4
Day

Munising

pictured rocks launch point for kayak adventures

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10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Pictured Rocks Cruise or Kayak (conditions permitting) — View cathedral‑like arches (Lovers Leap), streaked mineral seeps, and narrow sea caves from the waterline.
2
Munising Falls & Miners Falls — Accessible glen with seasonal ice curtains; short trail to a 12‑meter plunge through boreal forest.
3
Grand Sable Dunes — High parabolic dunes sliding toward Lake Superior; log debris marks historic storm lines on the beach below.
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Activities

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Local whitefish tasting in town; visit small outfitters for maps and weather.
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Next stop
Distance: 208.7 km
Travel time: 2h37
5
Day

St Ignace

straits gateway where upper peninsula begins

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6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Drive east along Lake Superior to the Straits of Mackinac; optional detour to Tahquamenon Falls for copper‑tinted torrents over ancient basalt.
2
Mackinac Island Ferry (timed) — Victorian era streets without cars; Grand Hotel’s 19th‑century wooden veranda and fort exhibits.
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Activities

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Sunset from Straits State Park looking toward the Mackinac Bridge towers.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 183.5 km
Travel time: 2h18
6
Day

Traverse

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6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Return to Traverse City via Petoskey and Charlevoix’s stone‑lined harbors; browse historic downtowns built on 19th‑century timber and shipping.
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Activities

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Departure buffer; last cherry pie stop on US‑31.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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CALIFORNIA: PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES

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🛡️ Travel advice - United States

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 8 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.