At a glance
- Duration:
- 16 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip Chicago, Illinois
- From:
- $8,399
- Time of Year:
- June - July
Set sail on a 16-day Great Lakes adventure, where untamed wilderness meets vibrant culture from Duluth to Thunder Bay. This extraordinary journey blends iconic natural wonders, hidden gems, and historic cities for an unforgettable exploration of North America’s inland seas.
From the cosmopolitan energy of Duluth to the pristine beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, every stop reveals a new side of Lake Superior. Explore hidden coves, encounter wildlife, and immerse yourself in authentic local culture in Marquette and Thunder Bay.
Towering over Thunder Bay, the Sleeping Giant cliff formation captivates with its dramatic silhouette and Ojibwe legends. Hike through lush forests for breathtaking lake views or wander along serene trails that showcase this extraordinary landscape.
Step into the heart of Great Lakes shipping in Sault Ste. Marie, where colossal freighters navigate the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks. Explore restored vessels, encounter artifacts from the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald, and wander historic streets that tell tales of bush pilots, early settlers, and enduring Great Lakes legends.
Every day on this Thunder Bay cruise offers a blend of rugged cliffs, vibrant cityscapes, and charming small towns. Discover local cuisine, hidden harbors, and cultural treasures that make each port unforgettable. This is a journey for travelers seeking both natural wonder and immersive cultural experiences.
Great Lakes + Thunder Bay Highlights
- Duluth, Minnesota: Explore this historic port city with its scenic waterfront, maritime museum, and the breathtaking raptor migration at Hawk Ridge.
- Thunder Bay, Ontario: Discover rugged wilderness and urban edge, with opportunities for hiking, paddling, and soaking in the majestic nature that surrounds you.
- Marquette, Michigan: Experience the blend of iron heritage and Lake Superior’s rugged charm, with a visit to a working iron ore dock and maritime history.
- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario: Hike to the top for breathtaking views of Lake Superior or explore the park’s lush forests and pristine lakes.
- Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan: Marvel at the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks, where colossal freighters navigate the dramatic drop between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
- Houghton, Michigan: Explore this charming town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, known for its rich history and scenic beauty.
Great Lakes + Thunder Bay Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Chicago (Navy Pier), Illinois - Hotel Stay
The Windy City stuns with its incomparable skyline, world-famous architecture, and boundless energy — one of the great cities of the world rising magnificently from the shores of Lake Michigan. Walk the Riverwalk beneath soaring steel-and-glass towers, tour legendary blues and jazz clubs, and feast on a legendary deep-dish pizza. Marvel at the gleaming Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park, explore the Art Institute’s priceless collections, and stroll the iconic Magnificent Mile. Vibrant, welcoming, and endlessly surprising, Chicago delivers an urban experience that few cities anywhere on earth can match.
Day 2: Chicago (Navy Pier), Illinois - Embark
Board your ship and set sail from Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier. As the skyline fades into the horizon, enjoy the thrill of departure and the calm waters of Lake Michigan stretching ahead.
Day 3: Scenic Sailing on Lake Michigan
Take in the vastness of the Lake Michigan as you cruise toward your first destination. Relax on deck, enjoy onboard amenities, or savor a peaceful afternoon watching the horizon.
Day 4: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step off the boat and into another century on magical Mackinac Island, where automobiles are banned, horse-drawn carriages clip along flower-lined streets, and time moves at a gentler pace. The iconic Grand Hotel presides over this beloved destination with Victorian splendor, welcoming guests as it has since 1887. Explore the historic British fort, savor the island’s famous hand-crafted fudge, and cycle around the breathtaking eight-mile shoreline trail. With its unique combination of preserved history, natural beauty, and timeless charm, Mackinac Island is among the most beloved destinations in the entire Great Lakes.
Day 5: Munising, Michigan
Gateway to one of America’s most stunning natural treasures, Munising sits in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Superior. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches for 42 breathtaking miles, where sandstone cliffs painted in vivid mineral hues plunge dramatically into sapphire water, and sea caves carved by centuries of wave action create an otherworldly landscape. Kayak beneath towering arches, hike through ancient cedar forests to secluded waterfalls, and witness sunsets that transform the cliffs into gold. Munising offers pure, unfiltered Great Lakes wilderness at its most spectacular.
Day 6: Marquette, Michigan
Perched boldly on the rocky south shore of Lake Superior, Marquette is the Upper Peninsula’s largest city and a gateway to one of North America’s most magnificent wilderness frontiers. Iron ore made this port prosperous, and the historic ore dock still stands as an iconic landmark against the vast blue horizon. Explore the outstanding Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, discover the beauty of Presque Isle Park, and hike to breathtaking overlooks where Superior’s cold, clear waters stretch endlessly to the horizon. Marquette’s combination of outdoor adventure, regional history, and vibrant arts scene make it unforgettable.
Day 7: Houghton, Michigan
Perched on the Keweenaw Peninsula — the finger of land that juts deepest into Lake Superior — Houghton anchors one of America’s most distinctive copper mining landscapes, where 19th-century boomtown ambition left its mark across miles of extraordinary wilderness. Explore the Keweenaw National Historical Park, descend into an actual copper mine, and discover the fascinating stories of Finnish, Croatian, and Cornish immigrants who shaped this remote region. The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum houses one of the world’s premier mineral collections, and the dramatic scenery of Lake Superior offers incomparable hiking, cycling, and photography.
Day 8: Duluth, Minnesota
Where the great iron-and-grain trade of the American interior meets the vast, cold expanse of Lake Superior, Duluth rises dramatically on steep hillsides above the finest natural harbor on the Great Lakes. Watch enormous ore boats and ocean-going vessels pass beneath the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge with a deep horn blast, then explore Canal Park’s lively waterfront, excellent maritime museum, and eclectic dining scene. Hike the rugged North Shore trails, breathe the clean lake air from Hawk Ridge, and take in the sweeping panoramas that have drawn artists and adventurers to this inspiring city for generations.
Day 9: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Commanding the northwestern reaches of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay opens the door to Canada’s spectacular boreal wilderness and the dramatic Sleeping Giant — a vast mesa rising from the lake that looms like a mythic figure in Ojibwe legend. Explore Fort William Historical Park, a living museum where the fur trade era springs vividly to life. Hike or kayak the stunning Sibley Peninsula, stand in awe before 300-foot Kakabeka Falls, and discover the proud Finnish and Ukrainian heritage woven into the city’s vibrant culture. Thunder Bay is where the Great Lakes end and Canada’s wild, boundless north truly begins.
Day 10: Scenic Sailing on Lake Superior
Cruise the open waters of Lake Superior, enjoying the stillness and scenic views. Reflect on the journey so far or simply relax as the ship makes its way toward your next destination.
Day 11: Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan
At the gateway between Lake Huron and Lake Superior lies one of the most remarkable feats of engineering on the continent. Watch massive freighters glide effortlessly through the famous Soo Locks, a marvel that has connected the Great Lakes since 1855 and moves more cargo annually than the Panama Canal. Explore the history and culture of the region’s Ojibwe heritage, ride a historic boat tour through the locks, and gaze out at the wild, shimmering expanse of Lake Superior beckoning on the horizon. Sault Ste. Marie is where the inland seas of North America reveal their breathtaking grandeur.
Day 12: Scenic Sailing on Make Michigan
Let the gentle rhythm of Lake Michigan guide you as you sail toward Wisconsin. Enjoy onboard activities or take time to unwind and watch the shores drift by.
Day 13: Green Bay, Wisconsin - Overnight
Legendary as the home of the Green Bay Packers, one of American football’s most storied franchises, Green Bay also delights visitors with its rich history, scenic waterways, and genuine Wisconsin warmth. Tour the iconic Lambeau Field, walk the same turf as NFL legends, and explore the excellent team museum. Beyond football, discover the charming Bay of Green Bay with its excellent fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, or explore nearby Door County’s spectacular peninsula with its orchards, lighthouses, and charming waterfront villages. Green Bay is a destination that rewards every kind of traveler.
Day 14: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
The ship docks in Sturgeon Bay, where maritime heritage meets coastal charm. Visit the Door County Maritime Museum, walk the shoreline, or discover the town’s unique blend of history and small-town allure.
Day 15: Muskegon, Michigan
Where the dunes of the eastern Lake Michigan shoreline rise in golden waves, Muskegon offers a compelling blend of natural splendor, maritime history, and small-city charm. Board the legendary USS Silversides, a preserved World War II submarine that stands as one of the most intact and decorated vessels of its era. Then venture to the towering sand dunes of Muskegon State Park, where miles of pristine Lake Michigan beach and crystal-clear water await. With its award-winning museums, vibrant arts scene, and gorgeous natural setting, Muskegon ranks among Lake Michigan’s most underrated treasures.
Day 16: Chicago (Navy Pier), Illinois - Disembark
Return to Chicago, where the city’s iconic skyline greets you once more. Spend time exploring the Magnificent Mile, visit Navy Pier one last time, or simply enjoy the energy of this dynamic lakeside metropolis as your voyage comes to a close.
