Day 1: We are on our way to the Northwoods, one of America’s little known fall foliage areas. After a pleasant ride through Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, we arrive in Clear Lake for night.

2: Today we cross the beautiful farmlands of Iowa and Minnesota. Just north of Minneapolis/St. Paul we enjoy a boat ride along the St. Croix River Gorge, lunch included, where we see unusual rock formations and lava cliffs. We then drive across northern Wisconsin to Ironwood, MI, for night. Dinner included this evening.

3: Our drive today takes us into the upper peninsula of Michigan. We’ll stop for a visit at the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. Night in Houghton.

4: The Michigan Iron Industry Museum depicts the history of Michigan’s iron ranges and the people who worked them. We drive along Lake Superior and through Hiawatha National Forest with 880,000 acres of birch and pine woodlands. A stop at Tahquamenon Falls State Park brings us to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Next two nights in St. Ignace.

5: After a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, a horse-drawn trolley takes us to the major sights of the island. At noon we enjoy the elegant buffet luncheon at the Grand Hotel. After lunch there is free time to explore the island and shops on our own.

6: We look for beautiful fall color as we drive along the east shore of Lake Michigan. By late morning we arrive in the resort center of Charlevoix.  We tour with a local guide who shows and tells us about the unique mushroom houses the town is know for. Following our tour we have time to explore downtown Charlevoix and have lunch on our own before continuing south to Grandville for the night. 

7:  This morning we continue south into Northern Indiana to Shipshewana in the heart of Amish country.  A local guide joins as we tour the community.  Visits are made at some of the local merchants who cater to the needs of the simple Amish lifestyle.  There will be hands on activities at some of the stops.  Dinner this evening is included on an Amish farm. Night in Shipshewana.

8: As we travel across Illinois we take time in Springfield to visit the Abraham Lincoln Museum which is a tribute to the life of our 16th President. We continue to St. Peters, MO, for night.

9: Our last day together is a time to remember the Northwoods fall splendor which few people see. After an enjoyable drive, we arrive at home.