Bespoke Great Lakes and Michigan Holidays

Carved by retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago, the five Great Lakes of Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario contain over 20% of the world’s surface fresh water with a wealth of natural and cultural attractions along their vast shorelines.

Chicago’s towering skyline overlooks the south-west of Lake Michigan, and the Windy City is best admired from above on the Willis Tower Skydeck or from the water on a boat cruise on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. On your tailor-made trip to the Great Lakes and Michigan, explore the museums and galleries, the famous Bean sculpture of Millennium Park, then dine on the Magnificent Mile and enjoy some live jazz and blues in the evening.

Milwaukee in Wisconsin is nicknamed Brew City, but has other attractions beyond beer – fascinating museums, architecture and festivals. The folding wings of Milwaukee Art Museum are an architectural highlight and don’t miss the Harley Davidson Museum, before catching a baseball game at American Family Field stadium.

The Door Peninsula on Lake Michigan has beautiful coastal scenery with 11 historic lighthouses, five state parks and 2,000 acres of cherry orchards that light up the county from spring blossoms to summer harvest.

Nicknamed the Freshwater Sea, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world, enclosing spectacular islands, rugged rocky shores lined with lighthouses, beautiful beaches and scenic towns such as Marquette.

The Great Lakes have many beautiful islands, none more so than Mackinac Island on the north-west edge of Lake Huron. The island is an idyllic, traffic-free haven to enjoy hiking, cycling, sailing and kayaking amid limestone bluffs, forests and beaches. Don’t forget to try the famous local fudge.

Sleeping Bear Dunes are among the most beautiful stretches of sand in North America, backed by verdant forest and spectacular inland lakes. Enjoy an unforgettable dune climb and excursions to historic islands and lighthouses. Nearby Traverse City is famous for its cherry festival, wineries and ski resorts.

Further south on the border with Canada, the city of Detroit has experienced an exciting regeneration recently with an attractive waterfront and fascinating musical and motoring heritage – from Motown to Henry Ford.

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul are famous for their urban lakes and parkland. Explore Minneapolis’s tranquil Chain of Lakes, beautiful Minnehaha Falls, the magnificent Stone Arch Bridge and the majestic Minnesota State Capitol of neighbouring Saint Paul.