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14-Day Michigan Lighthouse and Photography Tour Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Exploring Detroit's Historic Charm
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. This beautifully preserved museum offers a glimpse into the past with its stunning architecture and historical significance. It's a great spot for photography enthusiasts to capture some unique shots.
Afternoon
After exploring the museum, head over to Belle Isle Park. This island park offers picturesque views of the Detroit River and downtown skyline. It's an ideal spot for photography, especially if you enjoy capturing nature and cityscapes. For lunch, stop by Selden Standard, known for its delicious farm-to-table cuisine.
Evening
In the evening, visit the Detroit Riverwalk. This scenic walkway along the river is perfect for a leisurely stroll and offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunset. For dinner, dine at The Apparatus Room, a highly-rated restaurant located in a historic firehouse.
Bedtime
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Lighthouses of Lake Huron
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in Port Huron. As Michigan's oldest lighthouse, it provides stunning views of Lake Huron and is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts.
Afternoon
After visiting Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, take a short drive to Lexington State Harbor. Here you can enjoy lunch at Windjammer Restaurant, which offers beautiful lake views and fresh seafood dishes.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Port Sanilac Lighthouse. The lighthouse is beautifully maintained and provides another great opportunity for capturing scenic photos of Lake Huron at dusk.
Bedtime
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Exploring Grand Rapids' Cultural Sites
Morning
Start your day in Grand Rapids by visiting the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This expansive park features beautiful gardens and impressive sculptures that are perfect for photography.
Afternoon
For lunch, head over to Butcher's Union, known for its hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere. Afterward, explore the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), which houses an extensive collection of art from various periods.
Evening
In the evening, take a stroll along the Grand River and capture some stunning shots of downtown Grand Rapids as it lights up. For dinner, dine at Six.One.Six, offering contemporary American cuisine with riverfront views.
Bedtime
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Lighthouses Along Lake Michigan's Shoreline
Morning
Begin your day in Muskegon by visiting the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse. This iconic red lighthouse is situated on Lake Michigan's shoreline and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Afternoon
Afterward, drive north to Ludington State Park where you can visit Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Enjoy lunch at Old Hamlin Restaurant in Ludington before heading out to explore this picturesque lighthouse set amidst sand dunes.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Ludington North Breakwater Light during sunset. The dramatic lighting makes it an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture some memorable shots.
Bedtime
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Charming Holland and Its Lighthouse
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Big Red Lighthouse in Holland. This picturesque lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. It's a perfect spot for capturing some beautiful morning light.
Afternoon
After exploring the lighthouse, head to downtown Holland for lunch at Butch's Dry Dock, known for its delicious American cuisine and extensive wine list. After lunch, take a stroll through Windmill Island Gardens, where you can capture photos of the beautiful gardens and the authentic Dutch windmill.
Evening
In the evening, visit Tunnel Park for a relaxing walk along the beach and capture some sunset shots over Lake Michigan. For dinner, dine at The Alpenrose Restaurant, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of European-inspired dishes.
Bedtime
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Lighthouses of Traverse City
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to Mission Point Lighthouse located at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula. This historic lighthouse offers panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay and is an excellent spot for photography.
Afternoon
After visiting Mission Point Lighthouse, head back to downtown Traverse City for lunch at Trattoria Stella, known for its farm-to-table Italian cuisine. After lunch, explore the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, where you can capture photos of the beautifully restored historic buildings.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Leelanau State Park. The lighthouse provides stunning views of Lake Michigan and is especially beautiful during sunset. For dinner, dine at Red Ginger, offering Asian-inspired dishes in an elegant setting.
Bedtime
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Exploring Mackinac Island's Beauty
Morning
Start your day with a ferry ride to Mackinac Island. Upon arrival, rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage tour around the island to explore its natural beauty and historic sites. Don't miss capturing photos of Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.
Afternoon
For lunch, enjoy a meal at The Pink Pony, known for its waterfront views and delicious seafood dishes. Afterward, continue exploring the island's scenic spots such as British Landing Nature Trail and Mackinac Island State Park.
Evening
In the evening, relax on Main Street while enjoying some famous Mackinac Island fudge from Murdick's Fudge. Capture some evening shots of the charming downtown area before heading back on the ferry.
Bedtime
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Lighthouses Along Lake Superior's Shoreline
Morning
Begin your day in Marquette by visiting Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse offers stunning views of Lake Superior and is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts.
Afternoon
After exploring Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, drive east to Munising where you can enjoy lunch at The Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore. Afterward, visit Munising Falls within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – another great location for capturing scenic photos.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Au Sable Light Station within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore during sunset. The dramatic cliffs along Lake Superior provide breathtaking photo opportunities that are not to be missed.
Bedtime
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Lighthouses of the Keweenaw Peninsula
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse offers stunning views of Lake Superior and is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts. The lighthouse museum provides interesting insights into the maritime history of the area.
Afternoon
After exploring Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, head to Copper Harbor for lunch at Harbor Haus Restaurant, known for its delicious seafood and lakefront views. After lunch, visit the Copper Harbor Lighthouse, accessible by boat tour. Capture some beautiful shots of this remote and picturesque lighthouse.
Evening
In the evening, take a scenic drive along Brockway Mountain Drive, which offers panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forests. For dinner, dine at The Fitz, a highly-rated restaurant in Eagle River offering a cozy atmosphere and locally-sourced dishes.
Bedtime
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Exploring Sault Ste Marie's Maritime Heritage
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Point Iroquois Lighthouse. This beautifully restored lighthouse offers stunning views of Whitefish Bay and is an excellent spot for capturing morning light.
Afternoon
After visiting Point Iroquois Lighthouse, head back to Sault Ste Marie for lunch at Ang-Gio's Restaurant, known for its hearty Italian dishes. After lunch, explore the Soo Locks – one of the busiest lock systems in the world – and capture some unique photos of ships passing through.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Rotary Island Park for some evening photography along St. Marys River. For dinner, dine at The Antlers Restaurant, offering a rustic atmosphere and delicious American cuisine.
Bedtime
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Lighthouses Along Lake Huron's Northern Shoreline
Morning
Start your day in Alpena by visiting the Alpena Light (also known as Little Red). This charming lighthouse is located at the mouth of Thunder Bay River and provides great photo opportunities.
Afternoon
After exploring Alpena Light, drive north to Presque Isle where you can enjoy lunch at Grand Lake Diner. Afterward, visit both Old Presque Isle Lighthouse and New Presque Isle Lighthouse – two beautifully preserved lighthouses offering stunning views of Lake Huron.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Rockport State Recreation Area during sunset. The dramatic shoreline along Lake Huron provides breathtaking photo opportunities that are not to be missed.
Bedtime
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Discovering Tawas Point's Scenic Beauty
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to Tawas Point State Park where you can explore Tawas Point Lighthouse. This picturesque lighthouse is often referred to as 'The Cape Cod of the Midwest' due to its scenic beauty.
Afternoon
After visiting Tawas Point Lighthouse, head into East Tawas for lunch at G's Pizzeria & Deli, known for its delicious pizzas and sandwiches. After lunch, take a stroll along East Tawas State Dock – another great location for capturing scenic photos.
Evening
Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along Tawas Bay Beach during sunset. For dinner, dine at Northwoods Steakhouse, offering hearty meals in a cozy log cabin setting.
Bedtime
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Exploring the Beauty of St. Joseph
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights. These twin lighthouses are iconic landmarks on Lake Michigan and offer stunning views, especially in the morning light. They are perfect for capturing some beautiful photographs.
Afternoon
After exploring the lighthouses, head into downtown St. Joseph for lunch at The Buck Burgers & Brew, known for its delicious burgers and craft beers. After lunch, take a stroll through Silver Beach County Park, where you can capture more scenic photos of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.
Evening
In the evening, visit Tiscornia Park for some sunset photography along the beach and pier. For dinner, dine at Bistro on The Boulevard, offering a variety of American dishes with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan.
Bedtime
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Final Day in South Haven
Morning
Begin your final day with a visit to South Haven Lighthouse located at the end of South Beach Pier. This picturesque lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Michigan and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Afternoon
After visiting South Haven Lighthouse, head into town for lunch at Clementine's, known for its historic charm and delicious American cuisine. After lunch, explore the Michigan Maritime Museum where you can learn about Great Lakes maritime history and capture some unique photos.
Evening
Conclude your trip with a relaxing walk along North Beach during sunset. For dinner, dine at Tello Italian Bistro, offering authentic Italian dishes in a cozy setting.
Bedtime
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