Holiday Overview
The Great Lakes of the northern states of the US are considered a little more off the beaten track when it comes to self-drive routes but this doesn't make it any less appealing. This part of the American is unlike many areas as you enjoy the stunning Great Lakes; Lake Heron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Along the way you will visit big cities like Chicago to smaller towns on Mackinsac Island.
Start & Finish: Chicago
US states visited: Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota & Indiana
Highlights of this holiday are:- Visit the 'Windy City' of Chicago, named for its politicians rather than the weather
- Visit the Circus Museum in Southern Winconsin
- Drive alongside the mighty Mississippi River
- Enjoy the ferry rides across the Lakes to visit Apostle and Mackinsac Islands
- View the natural formation of Arch Rock & Skull Cover, as well as the home of the Stone Skipping Tourament in Mackinsac Island
Great Lakes Inn-Sider Self Drive Holiday includes:
- Return flights from the UK
- Information packet at your hotel upon arrival
- Compact Car with Gold Cover - Unlimited mileage, Full tank of fuel, 3 additional drivers, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), $1 million liability coverage, Zero excess in the USA
- Round trip ferry to Mackinac Island
- 1 night accommodation in Chicago
- 2 nights accommodation in Door County
- 1 night accommodation in Middleton
- 1 night accommodation in Winona
- 1 night accommodation in Minneapolis
- 2 nights accommodation in Bayfield
- 1 night accommodation in Marquette
- 2 nights accommodation in Mackinac Island
- 1 night accommodation in Saugatuck
Day 1 - Arrive in Chicago
Arrive Chicago. Check-in to hotel
Featured accommodation
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago
Unmissable Experiences
Chicago Experiences
Day 2 - Chicago-Milwaukee-Ephraim (259mi/417km)
Visit the Harley Davidson Museum en route to Door County.
Featured accommodation
Eagle Harbor Inn
Day 3 - Door Country
Visit Door County’s state parks; lighthouses; 300 miles of shoreline
Featured accommodation
Eagle Harbor Inn
Unmissable Experiences
Door County Experiences
Day 4 - Door County—Middleton (228mi/367km)
Visit Baraboo en route, home to Ringling Bros. Circus. Visit the Circus World Museum
Featured accommodation
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Day 5 - Middleton—Winona (160mi/257km)
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, and; House on the Rock. It contains one of the most eclectic and unique collections in the world
Featured accommodation
Alexander Mansion
Unmissable Experiences
Winona Experiences
Day 6 - Winona—Minneapolis/St. Paul (148mi/238km)
Winona—Minneapolis/St. Paul (148mi/238km) Drive along the Mississippi River. To the Twin Cities. Explore Minneapolis’ Riverfront District, do some shopping at the mall of America at Bloomington
Featured accommodation
Millennium Hotel Minneapolis
Unmissable Experiences
Minneapolis Experiences
Day 7 - St. Paul—Bayfield (208mi/373km)
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; lighthouses
Featured accommodation
Old Rittenhouse Inn
Day 8 - Bayfield—Apostle Islands—Bayfield
Take ferries between island for recreational activities; biking hiking and swimming
Featured accommodation
Old Rittenhouse Inn
Unmissable Experiences
Bayfield Experiences
Day 9 - Bayfield—Marquette (205mi/330km)
Travel through state and national forest land to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Featured accommodation
Landmark Inn
Unmissable Experiences
Marquette Experiences
Day 10 - Marquette—Mackinac Island (171mi/274km)
Take the High speed ferry to Mackinac Island
Featured accommodation
Grand Hotel
Day 11 - Mackinac Island
Arch Rock; Skull Cove; Sugarloaf; British Landing; Devil’s Kitchen; Beach of a Bazillion Beautiful Skipping Stones
Featured accommodation
Grand Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Mackinac Island Experiences
Day 12 - Mackinac Island—Saugatuck (293mi/472km)
Beach town; history; culture; shoreline festivals
Featured accommodation
Beachway Resort & Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Saugatuck Experiences
Day 13 - Saugatuck—Depart from Chicago (140mi/225km)
Holland and Grand Haven en route to Chicago
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago Holidays
Classic style on Magnificent Mile
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago is the epitome of classic Chicago style, located just off Magnificent Mile – a famous stretch that’s home to over 400 retailers and high-end shops.
Eagle Harbor Inn
Eagle Harbor Inn’s five acres provide a secluded and serene spot to take in Door County’s natural beauty and pristine coastline. Catch up on some reading or venture out for a stroll on the grounds where you’ll find quiet gardens and Adirondack seating. If you’re in the mood for exercise, guests can head to The Commons to work out in the fitness room or indoor current pool, then relax in the sauna.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Feel at home while on the road thanks to Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison West/Middleton.
Whether attending a football game at Camp Randall Stadium or exploring downtown Madison, this hotel makes it easy to get to where you want to go.
Alexander Mansion
This turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion serves as a premiere Winona bed and breakfast. Once home to Winona’s elite, the mansion has been restored to its full splendour with every attention to luxury and historic detail
Millennium Hotel Minneapolis
Situated along the tree-lined streets of Nicollet Mall, Millennium Minneapolis is the closest full-service hotel near the Minneapolis Convention Centre and is also moments away from the city's cultural districts.
Old Rittenhouse Inn
The Old Rittenhouse Inn is Bayfield’s first Country Inn and gourmet restaurant and offers 20 guest rooms in 2 Victorian homes plus a private cottage with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and spectacular Lake Superior views. This romantic hotel feels like home from the moment you step inside, with all the comforts and none of the demands.
Landmark Inn
Old-world elegance, contemporary comfort and boutique-style service come together seamlessly at the Landmark Inn which was featured in the New York Times. Beautifully furnished and individually designed and decorated, each of the 60 guest rooms and six suites complements splendid interiors with uninterrupted views of historic downtown Marquette and Lake Superior.
Grand Hotel
Since 1887 Grand Hotel beckons guests to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm. Experience the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlour, dressing up for dinner, nightly dancing to the sounds of the Grand Hotel Orchestra, and sitting in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac.
Beachway Resort
The BeachWay Resort is situated between downtown Saugatuck and Lake Michigan overlooking the Saugatuck Harbour. Mere footsteps away is the only hand-cranked chain ferry in the U.S. Take a ride across the Saugatuck Harbour and spend a day shopping in Saugatuck's charming downtown shops and unique art galleries. Or, if you desire, some downtime...relax on the hotel's expansive tiered sundecks that surround the resort's pool.
Image Gallery
Mackinac island bridge
Michigan waterfall
Cave Point Kayaking, Door County, Wisconsin
The-Garage-sea-cave, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Michigan bridge
cana-island, Door County
Mackinac island
Mackinac island arch
Marquette, Michigan
rock island state park boathouse, door Country
USA Holiday Stopovers
Why not add in the 'Land of Fire and Ice' - Iceland -on your way to your holiday in the USA. We have put together a great stopover in Iceland for 2 or 3 nights which includes accommodation and the Golden Circle Trip which includes visits to the Gullfoss Waterfall, the geo thermal area of Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
If you are travelling to the west coast of America, why not add a couple of nights stay in New York which includes accommodation and tickets for the 'Top of the Rock' observation platform for an iconic view of the city skyline. This can be done either on your way out or on the way back.
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
USA Road Trips
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
- 7 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Pismo Beach
- Monterey / Carmel
- Yosemite National Park
- San Francisco
USA Road Trips
Canyon Adventure Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Las Vegas
- Bryce Canyon
- Moab
- Mesa Verde
- Grand Canyon
USA Fly Drive Holidays
California Fly Drive
- 11 Nights
- San Francisco
- Sonoma
- Lake Tahoe
- Yosemite National Park
- Death Valley
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
USA Road Trips
Blues & Booze USA Road Trip
- 12 Nights
- Chicago
- Indianapolis
- Louisville
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Vicksburg
- New Orleans
USA Self Drive Holidays
Talkin' Texan Self Drive Holiday
- 12 Nights
- Dallas
- Austin
- Fredericksburg
- Bandera
- San Antonio
- Corpus Christi
- Houston
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Wild West Fly Drive Holiday
- 15 Nights
- Denver
- Cheyenne
- Rapid City
- Cody
- Jackson
- Salt Lake City
- Moab
- Durango
- Colorado Springs
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Best of New England Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Boston
- Portland Maine
- White Mountains
- Key West
- The Berkshires
- Mystic
- Yarmouth MA
USA Road Trips
A Southern Trail Road Trip
- 10 Nights
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Houston
- Austin
USA Road Trips
Boston to New York By The Beaches Road Trip
- 8 Nights
- Boston
- Yarmouth
- Martha's Vineyard
- Mystic
- Riverhead
- The Hamptons
- New York City
USA Self Drive Holidays
The Classic West Self Drive Holiday
- 13 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Laughlin
- Grand Canyon
- Kayenta
- Lake Powell
- Bryce Canyon
- Las Vegas
- Death Valley
- Yosemite National Park
- Lake Tahoe
- San Francisco
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Legends and Landscapes of the Old West
- 13 Nights
- Denver
- Cheyenne
- Deadwood
- Minneapolis
- Badlands
- Fargo
- Bismarck
- Medora
- Casper
- Buffalo WY
USA Self Drive Holidays
Great Lakes Inn-Sider Self Drive Holiday
- 12 Nights
- Chicago
- Door County
- Middleton
- Winona
- Minneapolis
- Bayfield
- Marquette
- Mackinac Island
- Saugatuck
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 Fly Drive Holiday
- 15 Nights
- Chicago
- St Louis
- Springfield
- Oklahoma City
- Amarillo
- Albuquerque
- Holbrook
- Williams
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Western Trails
- 14 Nights
- Salt Lake City
- Lava Hot Springs
- Boise
- McCall
- Coeur d’Alene
- Whitefish
- Helena
- Yellowstone
- Jackson Hole
- Casper
- Cheyenne
- Denver
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Best of the Great American West
- 20 Nights
- Rapid City
- Deadwood
- Medora
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Sheridan
- Billings
- Helena
- Whitefish
- Glacier National Park
- Butte
- Yellowstone
- Cody
- Riverton
- Jackson
- Ketchum
- McCall
- Boise
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Giant Trees and Ancient Forests Road Trip
- 5 Nights
- San Francisco
- Chester, CA
- Lake Tahoe
- Oakhurst
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Explore Kentucky
- 7 Nights
- Newport, KT
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Paducah
- Owensboro
- Louisville
USA Self Drive Holidays
Best of Florida Self Drive Holiday
- 9 Nights
- Orlando
- Clearwater
- Naples
- Miami
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 East
- 15 Nights
- Chicago
- St Louis
- Springfield
- Tulsa
- Oklahoma City
- Dallas
USA Road Trips
Coasts and Mountains of the South Road Trip
- 7 Nights
- Atlanta
- Asheville
- Charlotte
- Myrtle Beach
- Charleston
- Savannah
USA Road Trips
Wild Wild West USA Road Trip
- 12 Nights
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Tucson
- Las Cruces
- Santa Fe
- Durango
- Kayenta
- Williams
- Las Vegas
USA Self Drive Holidays
Volcanic Peaks to Sparkling Shores Self Drive
- 9 Nights
- Portland
- Astoria
- Port Angeles
- Seattle
- Ashford
- Welches
- Grants Pass
- Coos Bay
USA Road Trips
Historic Cities of the Mid-Atlantic Road Trip
- 11 Nights
- Washington DC
- Baltimore
- Philadelphia
- Gettysburg
- Luray
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Wonders of Alaska Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Anchorage
- Seward
- Talkeetna
- Denali
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Great North Music Tour Fly Drive
- 12 Nights
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Pittsburgh
- Philadelphia
- New York
- Boston
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Utah's Red Rocks and Canyons
- 12 Nights
- Las Vegas
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon
- Torrey
- Moab
- Kanab
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive with New Orleans
- 9 Nights
- New Orleans
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive with New York
- 9 Nights
- New York
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 Best of the West
- 14 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Palm Springs
- Kingman
- Williams
- Holbrook
- Santa Fe
- Chicago
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 West
- 17 Nights
- Dallas
- Oklahoma City
- Amarillo
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
- Holbrook
- Flagstaff
- Kingman
- Los Angeles
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Only in America
- 14 Nights
- Newport, KT
- Louisville
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Paducah
- Memphis
- Nashville
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Chattanooga
- Atlanta
USA Fly Drive Holidays
San Antonio & Texas Hill Country
- 9 Nights
- San Antonio River Walk
- San Antonio Hill Country
- Bandera Dude Ranch
- San Antonio
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Historic Cities and Coasts of the South
- 12 Nights
- Atlanta
- Charleston
- Savannah
- Jekyll Island
- Cape Canaveral
- Miami
USA Self Drive Holidays
Northwest Inn-Sider Self Drive Holiday
- 13 Nights
- Friday Harbor
- Whidbey Island
- Port Townsend
- Cannon Beach
- Portland
- Eugene
- Ashland
- Eureka
- Sonoma
USA Road Trips
Mountains and Canyons Fly-Drive
- 14 Nights
- Denver
- Glenwood Springs
- Moab
- Kayenta
- Page
- Williams
- Las Vegas
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Cowboys & Cajuns
- 13 Nights
- Houston
- Lake Charles
- Lafayette
- Houma
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Natchitoches
- Dallas
- San Antonio