Great Lakes Self Drive

  • Minneapolis
  • Duluth
  • Bayfield
  • Green Bay
  • Chicago
  • Rockford
  • Winona
  • 9 nights from
  • £2,525 per person
  • Trip Code: SD-1421

Holiday Overview

The Great Lakes are a breathtaking natural treasure nestled along the U.S.-Canadian border. This freshwater haven invites you to explore vibrant cities and quaint small towns that dot the region. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the lakes by embarking on sightseeing cruises, paddling in canoes and kayaks, or setting sail on serene waters. As the day winds down, soak in the awe-inspiring sunsets over the water, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Great Lakes Self Drive includes:

  • Return flights from the UK
  • 9 Nights accommodation
  • Car Hire
1

Day 1 - UK to Minneapolis

Arrival at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Pick up your car hire and check into your Minnesota hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure we recommend an evening of shopping, entertainment and dining at Mall of America, the largest enclosed shopping and entertainment centre in the U.S. There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota!

Featured accommodation

Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites

2

Day 2 - Explore Minneapolis

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and St. Paul is the state capitol—together they are known as the Twin Cities. Start the day with a trip to downtown Minneapolis. Head to the Mississippi River, which flows through the centers of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Take a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise as an introduction to the city. Then learn about the history of the area at Mill City Museum in Minneapolis and Historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul.

Featured accommodation

Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites

3

Day 3 - Minneapolis to Duluth

Located on the shore of Lake Superior, Duluth is the world’s largest inland seaport welcoming ships from around the world. Watch the ships enter the harbor as the Aerial Lift Bridge raises up to allow entry. Visit the Maritime Marine Visitors Center to learn the history of shipping on Lake Superior.

Featured accommodation

AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth

4

Day 4 - Duluth to Bayfield

Enjoy the stunning drive along Lake Superior as you head to Bayfield, a charming small town and one of the highlights of Wisconsin with its Apostle Islands Lakeshore National Park.Take a narrated Apostle Islands Cruise (2.5 hours) to view the 21 islands from the water.

Featured accommodation

St James Social

5

Day 5 - Bayfield to Green Bay

Green Bay is well known in the world of professional football for Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers and open for public tours. The arts and culture of Green Bay are on display at the Ashwaubenon Historical Society and Museum and The Art Garage.

Featured accommodation

Residence Inn by Marriott Green Bay Downtown

6

Day 6 - Green Bay to Chicago

Morning drive along Lake Michigan to Chicago. With almost three million inhabitants, it is the third largest city in the U.S. Chicago’s skyscrapers are among the tallest in the world and the city is considered one of the birthplaces of modern architecture. Learn about the city’s most interesting buildings and about the city’s history in general on an architecture boat trip.

Featured accommodation

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

7

Day 7 - Chicago

Today explore the sights, museums and famous buildings of Chicago. Highlights include the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best art museums in the world. Then get a panoramic view of the city on the observation deck of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

Featured accommodation

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

8

Day 8 - Chicago to Rockford

Driving west from Chicago, stop in Rockford, Illinois. Nicknamed the Forest City, Rockford is known for its beautiful location on the Rock River. Take a stroll through the famous botanical gardens, especially the Anderson Japanese Gardens which is known as one of the most beautiful gardens in the U.S.

Featured accommodation

Embassy Suites By Hilton Rockford Riverfront

9

Day 9 - Rockford to Winona

A beautiful drive along the Mississippi River leads to Winona, a river town located in the bluff country of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The history of Winona is told through several unique museums including the Watkins Heritage Museum and Gift Shop and the Polish Cultural Institute and Museum.

Featured accommodation

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Winona

10

Day 10 - Winona to UK

Follow the Great River Road along the Mississippi River to arrive at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport for your flight home. Time to shop for some last-minute items at Mall of America, only five minutes from the airport.

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