14 Days Exploring Michigan's Lighthouses Itinerary

Begin your lighthouse tour with a visit to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in Port Huron. This historic lighthouse is Michigan's oldest and offers guided tours that provide insight into its rich history. Enjoy breakfast at The Raven Cafe, known for its charming ambiance and great coffee.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Huron Lightship Museum, located nearby. This floating lighthouse museum offers an interesting look into maritime history. Have lunch at Freighters Eatery & Taproom, which offers beautiful views of the St. Clair River.

For dinner, head to Palms Krystal Bar & Grill, a local favorite known for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere.

Drive up to Alpena and start your day with a visit to the Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse. This remote lighthouse is accessible by boat tours that offer stunning views of Lake Huron. Have breakfast at Cabin Creek Coffee, which serves excellent coffee and pastries.

After visiting Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse, explore the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena. This museum offers fascinating exhibits on shipwrecks and maritime history in the Great Lakes region. Enjoy lunch at JJ's Steak & Pizza House, known for its hearty meals.

In the evening, dine at Red Brick Tap & Barrel, where you can enjoy craft beers and delicious pub fare in a relaxed setting.

Take an early ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island and start your day with breakfast at The Chuckwagon. Then head out on a guided tour of Round Island Lighthouse, located just off Mackinac Island.

After visiting Round Island Lighthouse, explore Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island. This historic fort offers stunning views of Lake Huron and interesting exhibits on military history. Have lunch at The Pink Pony, known for its waterfront dining experience.

For dinner, enjoy fine dining at Mission Point Resort's Chianti Restaurant. Savor gourmet dishes while taking in beautiful views of Lake Huron.

Start your day with a visit to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse is located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. Enjoy breakfast at Red Spire Brunch House, known for its delicious morning fare.

Spend your afternoon exploring the local wineries in Traverse City. The region is famous for its vineyards and wine tasting tours. Visit a few wineries such as Chateau Chantal or Black Star Farms, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of their on-site restaurants.

For dinner, head to Trattoria Stella, a highly-rated restaurant in Traverse City known for its Italian cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

Begin your day with a visit to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park. This lighthouse requires a scenic hike through sand dunes, making it an adventurous start to your day. Have breakfast at Brenda's Harbor Cafe, which offers hearty meals perfect for fueling up before your hike.

After visiting Big Sable Point Lighthouse, explore the nearby Ludington North Breakwater Light. This lighthouse is easily accessible and offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Enjoy lunch at The Blu Moon, known for its eclectic menu and rooftop dining.

For dinner, dine at Jamesport Brewing Company, where you can enjoy craft beers and delicious pub fare in a relaxed setting.

Drive down to Holland and start your day with a visit to the Holland Harbor Lighthouse, also known as 'Big Red.' This iconic lighthouse is one of Michigan's most photographed landmarks. Have breakfast at DeBoer Bakkerij & Dutch Brothers Restaurant, which offers traditional Dutch pastries and hearty breakfasts.

Spend your afternoon exploring Windmill Island Gardens, where you can see an authentic Dutch windmill and beautiful gardens. Enjoy lunch at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, which offers scenic views of Lake Macatawa.

For dinner, head to Butch's Dry Dock, a highly-rated restaurant in Holland known for its extensive wine list and gourmet dishes.

Start your day with breakfast at Uncommon Coffee Roasters in Saugatuck before heading out to explore the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. This coastal area offers beautiful hiking trails with views of Lake Michigan.

Visit the nearby Saugatuck Chain Ferry, one of the last remaining hand-cranked chain ferries in the country. Take a ride across the Kalamazoo River and enjoy lunch at The Southerner, known for its Southern comfort food.

For dinner, dine at Borrowed Time, where you can enjoy small plates and craft cocktails in a cozy setting.

Begin your day with a visit to the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. This beautifully preserved historic home offers a glimpse into Muskegon's past and is a great way to start your morning. Enjoy breakfast at Tootsie's Diner, known for its classic American breakfast dishes.

Head over to the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse. This lighthouse is located at the entrance of Muskegon Lake and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. After your visit, have lunch at The Lake House Waterfront Grille, which offers beautiful views and delicious food.

For dinner, dine at Se4sons Gastropub, a highly-rated restaurant in Muskegon known for its farm-to-table cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

Start your day with a visit to the Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light. This iconic lighthouse is located on the south pier of Grand Haven's harbor and offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Have breakfast at Morning Star Cafe, known for its delicious breakfast dishes and friendly atmosphere.

North Point Lighthouse: Continue your exploration with a visit to North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee. Although not in Grand Haven, it's worth the drive for its historical significance and beautiful setting. Enjoy lunch at The Cheese Lady, where you can savor gourmet cheeses and sandwiches.

Pabst Theater: In the evening, catch a show or concert at Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. This historic theater hosts a variety of performances and is an excellent way to end your day. For dinner, head to San Chez Bistro back in Grand Haven, known for its tapas-style dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

American Family Field (Miller Park): Start your day with a visit to American Family Field (Miller Park) in Milwaukee if you're up for another short drive. This stadium is home to the Milwaukee Brewers and offers guided tours that provide insight into its history. Have breakfast at Broadway Cafe back in St. Joseph.

Visit the St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights after returning from Milwaukee if you made that trip earlier; otherwise start here directly from St.Joseph . These twin lighthouses are located on either side of the entrance channel into St.Joseph River offering picturesque views over lake michigan .Enjoy lunch nearby at{ R - The Buck Burgers & Brew } which serves great burgers along with craft beers .

For dinner head over towards{ R - Plank’s Tavern on The Water } offering waterfront dining experience serving contemporary american cuisine .

Start off by visiting South haven light situated right next south beach park providing scenic vistas across lake michigan shorelines followed by having breakfast nearby cafe called{ R - Phoenix Street Cafe } serving delightful morning meals .

Post breakfast explore maritime museum showcasing rich history surrounding great lakes region including shipwrecks exhibits followed by having lunch closeby eatery named{ R - Clementine’s }offering casual dining experience specializing seafood delicacies among other options available .

Conclude day enjoying fine dining experience offered by{ R - Taste Restaurant }serving eclectic menu featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared skillfully ensuring memorable culinary journey

Chicago Riverwalk: Start your day with a visit to the Chicago Riverwalk. Although not in Manistee, it's worth the drive for its beautiful setting and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast at The Daily Grind, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

Chicago Loop: Continue your exploration with a visit to the Chicago Loop. This area is home to many of Chicago's iconic landmarks and offers plenty of shopping and dining options. Have lunch at Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar back in Manistee, known for its seafood dishes and relaxed ambiance.

Chicago Theatre: In the evening, catch a show or concert at the Chicago Theatre. This historic venue hosts a variety of performances and is an excellent way to end your day. For dinner, head to TJ's Pub back in Manistee, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious pub fare.

Museum of Science and Industry: Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago if you're up for another short drive. This museum offers fascinating exhibits on science and technology. Have breakfast at Montague’s Village Inn back in Whitehall.

Navy Pier: Visit Navy Pier after returning from Chicago if you made that trip earlier; otherwise start here directly from Whitehall .This iconic landmark offers stunning views over lake michigan along with various attractions including ferris wheel rides ,shops & eateries around .Enjoy lunch nearby at{ R - Crosswinds On The Lake } which serves great meals along with scenic vistas .

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower): Conclude your trip by visiting Skydeck Chicago located atop willis tower offering panoramic views across city skyline especially during sunset hours making it memorable experience followed by having dinner back whitehall place called{ R - Old Channel Inn }serving delectable dishes ensuring perfect end towards lighthouse exploration journey .