Shipwrecks, Indigenous Culture & Island Adventures
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Princess Wenonah with DoubleTree Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive and begin your experience at Pride and Country, Michigan’s largest village of unique shops. Just east of Saginaw, it is conveniently accessed off I-75. One-of-a-kind shopping offers merchandise as unique as the historic buildings. Enjoy lunch on your own at The Deli before departing for the short drive to Bay City.
Arrive in Bay City early to mid-afternoon at Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum (USS Edson). Given up for adoption by the Intrepid Museum in New York City, the Edson destroyer is of similar construction of naval ships built in Bay City decades ago. Its claim to fame is that it was the most fired battleship during the Vietnam War era.
Check in at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City Riverfront. The full-service DoubleTree by Hilton hotel sits along the beautiful riverfront, offering an ideal setting for groups. Convenient to area attractions and the Bay City Riverwalk.
Dinner tonight is at H2O’s Waterside Grill, specializing in the freshest seafood, premium oysters, and hand-cut steaks, in-house ground burgers, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and delicious pizza. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience on the beautiful downtown Bay City waterfront.
Enjoy The Princess Wenonah, a unique perspective of the Bay City area. Explore the area’s abundant natural beauty from decks and breathe in relaxation. Public tours and cruises as well as private charter service for all types of events on the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay are offered. Group pricing is available.
Aerial of Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
DAY 2:
Savor a breakfast buffet and hotel checkout before meeting your Bay City Step-on-Guide for a one-hour driving tour. This can also be a walking tour depending on the group’s activity level.
You’ll learn about the infamous Bay City Hell’s Half Mile and lumber baron mansions along Center Avenue. You’ll also learn about the Bay Historical Society’s maritime history information. Depart Bay City on the 2-½ hour drive to Alpena.
Arrive in Alpena and the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to explore the shipwrecks of Thunder Bay. Enjoy a pizza and salad lunch. More than 200 of the world’s best-preserved shipwrecks rest within the 4,300-square foot sanctuary. Your sanctuary adventure begins at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center with an orientation lecture on area shipwrecks and current research, followed by a guided tour of interactive exhibits, including a life-size replica of a 19th-century schooner. Hear captivating stories of Great Lakes tragedies, see shipwrecks artifacts, feel a Great Lakes storm, and learn about the latest science and technology to explore the Great Lakes. Next, you will embark on a journey into “Shipwreck Alley” aboard the 65-foot glass-bottom boat Lady Michigan. You’ll feel like you’re diving but without getting wet!
Thunder Bay Resort
Depart for Thunder Bay Resort. It offers the beauty of Northern Michigan combined with a friendly staff to give you a matchless Northern Michigan experience.
This evening, step back in time as you board a horse drawn carriage that takes you over the Thunder Bay River and into the woods at Thunder Bay Resort to see the magnificent elk. Enjoy the scenery, the smell of pine, and the ever-changing face of the Thunder Bay River as the horses make their way deep in the woods to the beautiful Elk Antler Log Cabin. A blazing fire in a massive split stone fireplace welcomes you. Wonderful aromas mix with the scent of hardwood smoke and emanate from two antique wood cook stoves in full view. This elegant cabin maintains its rustic appearance while providing every amenity. Warm yourself by the fire and savor the delicious aromas put forth by the twin antique wood cook stoves as staff prepares your gourmet meal. Throughout your dinner, sample wines from nearby wineries.
Your gourmet dinner Includes: Pear & Apple Crepe, Shrimp Cocktail, Jan’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Thunder Bay Sweet Napa Salad and Croissant, Crown Roast of Pork with Roasted Red Skin Potatoes, and White Chocolate Mousse Filled Pizzelles with Fresh Raspberries.
DAY 3:
Breakfast, checkout and depart for Mackinaw City where you’ll meet Mike Fornes for a guided tour across the Mackinaw Bridge. Your step-on-guide will share the history of the “Big Mac” and why it is still a feat of engineering genius today.
Arrive at the St. Ignace Main Dock 45 minutes prior to your 11:30 a.m. scheduled ferry departure to Mackinac Island. It’s a 20-minute ride to the island depending on the vessel.
Unique as a car free destination, Mackinac Island is famous for its Victorian era charm, horse-drawn carriages and world-famous fudge. Rent a bicycle to ride the 8.2-mile M-185 highway around the island, explore the natural limestone Arch Rock. Visit Fort Mackinac, or simply relax on the front porch of the Grand Hotel. Lunch is on your own before arriving 45 minutes prior to your 5:30 p.m. ferry departure to Mackinaw City.
Check in at your group-friendly hotel in St. Ignace. Many are waterfront. Dinner tonight is at Mackinac Grille & Patio Bar, a full-service restaurant set along the waterfront, with indoor seating and a seasonal deck overlooking the harbor.
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DAY 4:
Breakfast and check out before departing for Sault Ste. The 1 ½-hour drive will have you at Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours 30-minutes prior to your 10 a.m. cruise departure.
Step aboard the iconic yellow and blue vessels at Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours for an unforgettable journey through the world-famous Soo Locks. This fully narrated cruise brings you up close to the engineering marvel that connects Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes. Watch in awe as your boat gently rises and lowers the 21 feet between the two levels of water – the same system used by giant freighters from around the world. As you cruise along the St. Mary’s River, you’ll see Great Lakes freighters, the Canadian and U.S. shorelines, historic landmarks, and scenic waterfront views. Their friendly crew shares fascinating stores about the Locks, the passing ships, and life in Michigan’s oldest city. Whether you’re a history lover, a ship enthusiast, or just looking to relax and enjoy the sights, this one-of-a-kind experience offers the perfect mix of education, entertainment, and Great Lakes charm. Don’t miss your chance to “lock through” one of the busiest and most famous waterways on Earth. Please note the boat is enclosed and climate controlled on the lower level and covered on the upper deck. Seating is first come, first serve. There is a ramp from shore onto the boat, and the lower level is accessible. There are bathrooms on board along with a snack bar that contains snack food, beverages as well as adult beverages.
Enjoy lunch on your own in downtown Sault Ste. Marie across from the Visitor Center. Then, depart for Little Current on a 185-mile drive, approximately 4 hours.
You can also stop at Blind River Visitor Information Center: 243 Causley St, Blind River, ON POR1BO, Canada.
Arrive in Little Current, Manitoulin Island and check in at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre. Dinner tonight is at the North46 Restaurant, a full-service, on-site casual, fine dining restaurant. Enjoy great views from either the patio or indoor.
DAY 5:
Breakfast at your hotel before departing to 2 o’Clock Lookout in Wiikwemkoong. Then, take the Unceded Journey Tour.
Stop 1: 1836 Treaty Site (Buzwah Lookout) on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.
Welcome to the starting point of the Unceded Journey. The story of the two significant treaties associated with Manitoulin Island.
James Mishnibinjima Art Gallery tour: James Simon Mishibinijima (born 1954 in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, Manitoulin Island) is a celebrated Ojibwe/Anishinaabe painter. Also known as “Birchbark Silver Shield,” he is a pioneer of the Woodland art movement. He is internationally renowned for his vivid “Mishmountain” series, spiritual pictograph works, and Indian Residential School paintings.
The Unceded Journey Historic Tour continues to Holy Cross Missions.
Our next stop brings us to one of the most historically significant sites on Manitoulin Island. The Holy Cross Mission Ruins represent Northern Ontario’s oldest Catholic church site and one of the earliest residential and industrial schools in the Great Lakes region.
Bebamikawe Memorial Trail Hike with Dodems – Clans and Governance
As we close the Unceded Journey, we return to the guiding question: Why is Wiikwemkoong Unceded? This understanding is reflected in the story of the seven clan dodems, whose shared responsibilities create a balanced system of governance rooted in respect, unity, and care for the community.
Later, enjoy a culinary Experience (Choice of: Stone Cooked Venison; Clay Baked Georgan Bay Trout; Cedar Plan Georgan Bay Trout). These will engage your senses with seasonal edibles found on the forest floor combined with wild game, fish, and hot/cold teas. Prepared over the open fire at the newly constructed Outdoor Culinary Space, visitors will enjoy hands-on culinary experiences lead by your Anishinaabe guide while tasting traditional foods prepared specifically with your taste buds in mind.
Dance Presentation at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation and Immaculate Conception Church.
Dewegan Drum & Song: This intimate experience teaches you about Anishinaabe songs and drum teachings, including an exhilarating hand drum performance and an opportunity to participate. The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation is dedicated to nurturing Anishinaabe culture in all its forms. Your guide will take you through the Healing Lodge, Museum, Residential School Exhibit, Arts Hub, and Gift shop (optional: craft-making activities in their workshop room).
This church, known as the “round church” on Manitoulin Island, welcomes many people each year between the months of May and October. Visitors come and learn more about this intriguing church, which is a combination of Anishinaabe and Catholic cultures. They enjoy their time at the church praying in the way of the Indigenous and learning about their culture.
North Channel Sunset Dinner Cruise.
Embark on the ultimate evening getaway or elevate your Manitoulin Island vacation. A scenic cruise featuring live music performances by talented local artists, accompanied by delectable food and drinks.
Boarding starts at 6:30 p.m., with departure into the enchanting North Channel at 6:45 p.m. Sail westward past Picnic Island, through the picturesque Waubuno Channel, and marvel at the majestic La Cloche Mountain range. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles and herons as we get close to the rugged beauty of windswept pines on the rocky islands.
As the sun sets over the North Channel, we return to Little Current between at approximately 9:30pm. Pair our menu choices with locally crafted beer on tap or your beverage of choice. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
DAY 6:
Breakfast, hotel checkout and depart for South Baymouth Ferry to Tobermory.
Arrive at the Ferry Docks. Depart (times vary slightly). The MS Chi-Cheemaun seasonal ferry offers a scenic and relaxing shortcut across Lake Huron, bridging the geographic gap on Highway 6 between South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island and Tobermory on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Affectionately known as the “Big Canoe,” this impressive 365-foot vessel accommodates up to 143 vehicles and nearly 650 passengers, turning what would otherwise be a grueling eight-hour drive around Georgian Bay into a delightful one-hour-and-forty-five-minute mini-cruise. Operating from early May to mid- October, the crossing treats travelers to panoramic views of turquoise waters, rugged shorelines, and passing islands. Onboard amenities such as local craft beverages, comfortable outdoor lounge areas, and Indigenous art displays transform the journey from simple transit into an essential Ontario travel tradition.
Enjoy lunch aboard the ferry. The MS Chi-Cheemaun features a spacious, licensed onboard cafeteria with large panoramic viewing windows, allowing you to watch the islands of Georgian Bay drift by while you eat. The menu is quite substantial for a ferry, moving well beyond basic snack bar food to offer full, hot meals.
Arrive in Tobermory and depart for Port Huron. It is approximately 200 miles. A rest stop is en route.
Arrive in Port Huron and check in at the waterfront DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron. After settling in, stretch your legs with a leisurely walk along the scenic Thomas Edison Parkway. Follow the shoreline of the St. Clair River, where massive freighters glide past and waterfront views showcase why Port Huron is known as Michigan’s Maritime Capital.
Evening Experience: Tonight, enjoy one of Port Huron’s most unique dining experiences at the Wrigley Center. Gather around for an interactive Chef’s Table demonstration where talented chefs prepare your meal before your eyes. Tour operators can choose from multiple demonstration options while learning culinary tips and techniques throughout the evening. Enhance the experience with an on-site tasting featuring locally crafted Michigan wines.
After dinner, guests may wish to discover one of Port Huron’s best-kept secrets—the Wrigley Center’s hidden speakeasy. Step back in time to the Prohibition era. Port Huron’s location along Lake Huron, the St. Clair River and the Canadian border made it a hotspot for bootleggers and rum runners. Notorious gangs operated throughout St. Clair County, secretly transporting liquor from Canada into the United States. The area’s waterfront became a key route for smuggling operations, creating stories and legends that still captivate visitors today.
Following your evening, return to the DoubleTree for an overnight stay.
DAY 7:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checkout and departing for the day’s adventures.
Begin the day at Big Dreams Ranch for their unforgettable “Coffee with the Kangaroos” experience. Sip your morning coffee while interacting with kangaroos and meeting some of the ranch’s other beloved residents, including capybaras, Highland cows, deer, sloth, and more. It’s an experience unlike anything else in the Midwest.
Depart and return to Port Huron.
Get creative at the Foundry Center, where guests can participate in a hands-on art workshop. Popular projects include mosaic art, stained glass, pottery painting, Raku pottery, splatter art, and seasonal make-and-take creations. No artistic experience required—just bring your imagination. Additional Experience Options are available.
Depart for lunch at the Raven Café. Family owned and operated the Raven Café has a wonderful menu of soups, salads, deli and grilled & baked sandwiches. It’s a library setting, in a Civil War era building with an Edgar Allen Poe-inspired menu.
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