Shipwrecks, Lighthouses & SS Badger

DAY 1:

After pick-up and meeting your Tour Director and Driver, we make our way south to Manitowoc and the port of the SS Badger. Here we board the historic ferry for our scenic crossing of Lake Michigan. A boxed lunch is included - perfect for dining al fresco with nothing but endless lake views across the horizon. Upon arrival in Ludington, Michigan, we re-board the coach and travel across the state to Alpena, where we settle into our home for the night.

DAY 2:

After an early breakfast, we begin the day at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, where knowledgeable staff introduce us to the vast maritime history of the region. Next, we head to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary for a memorable glass-bottom boat cruise, offering rare views of the well-preserved shipwrecks below. Invasive mussels have left the waters remarkably clear, revealing the haunting silhouettes beneath the surface. After returning to shore and enjoying lunch, we bid farewell to Alpena and travel north to Presque Isle Lighthouse for photos. Continuing over the iconic Mackinac Bridge, we reach Sault Ste. Marie, our home for the night.

DAY 3:

We begin with a Soo Locks cruise, staying entirely within U.S. waters- no passports required- even as we come close to the Canadian shoreline. Experience the engineering marvel of the locks as ships rise and fall around us. Back on land, we visit the Museum Ship Valley Camp, the Tower of History, and the historic Holy Name of Mary Church. This evening, we enjoy a fantastic local whitefish dinner, with delicious non-fish options available.

DAY 4:

This morning begins at the historic Point Iroquois Lighthouse, where sweeping views of Lake Superior set the tone for a day steeped in maritime legend. From there, we continue to one of the Upper Peninsula’s true crown jewels - the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum - where evocative exhibits and recovered artifacts bring to life the dramatic stories of the sailors, vessels, and storms that shaped this rugged coast.

Our journey continues to Upper Tahquamenon Falls State Park, home to the famous amber-colored falls that cascade through quiet northern forest. After taking in the scenery, we make our way to Munising for lunch and a bit of free time. Browse local shops, visit a cozy café, or try one of the area’s beloved pasties, a hearty miner’s meal with deep roots in the region’s history.

As the day softens into evening, we board a breathtaking sunset cruise along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Watch as towering cliffs shift from gold to rose to deep amber, glowing brilliantly in the last light of day - a stunning finale to a day rich with beauty, history, and unforgettable moments.

DAY 5:

After breakfast, we head west to Marquette for a guided tour of the Marquette Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, where stories of shipwrecks and Great Lakes lore come alive. Next, we tour Marquette’s notable landmarks, including the Marquette County Courthouse, St. Peter Cathedral, and the Father Marquette Statue and Park. An included lunch awaits at The Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery, featuring fresh dishes inspired by the region’s mining history. This afternoon we continue to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee, where guides detail the Upper Peninsula’s mining heritage. We then visit the impressive Quincy Mine before enjoying dinner at The Delft Bistro, a modern restaurant set within a beautifully restored historic theater.

DAY 6:

Today we travel deeper into the Keweenaw Peninsula, passing through the charming towns of Calumet and Allouez. Our route leads to the top of the peninsula and the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Museum, an excellent place for scenic photos and history. We stop at the beloved Jam Pot, where monks sell handmade jams, jellies, breads, and treats -stock up while you can!
Lunch is on your own today at one of the peninsula’s charming seaside cafés. The Upper Peninsula has long been a paradise for rockhounds, but in recent years a new gem has captured imaginations: Yooperlite. By day, it looks like an ordinary stone - but under a UV flashlight, it bursts into brilliant neon orange streaks, lighting up the shoreline like sparks from a campfire. Searching for these glowing stones along Lake Superior is a quietly thrilling adventure, blending the tranquility of the beach with the joy of discovery.
We then return to Houghton for our final night in the Upper Peninsula - our last night as honorary Yoopers before heading south.

DAY 7:

After breakfast, we load the coach and begin our journey back south. As the miles roll by, time seems to speed up again - but the memories of shipwrecks, lighthouses, remarkable lakeshores, and the crossing aboard the SS Badger will linger long after we return to home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner