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Mackinac Island, Frankenmuth, Ford Rouge Factory & Museum, and much more
August 18, 2019 @ 12:00 am - August 24, 2019 @ 12:00 am
$1285 – $1698 Day 1: Sunday, August 18, 20197:00 AM – Depart Cedar Rapids Sam’s Club on Blairs Ferry Road Behind Burger King
Additional pick-up locations available in route.
4:30 PM – Arrive Allen Park, MI.
Check into the Best Western Greenfield Inn.
Address: 3000 Enterprise Dr, Allen Park, MI 48101 Phone: (313) 271-1600
TBA Dinner is included in the dining room off a Tour Menu
Day 2: Monday, August 19, 2019
Luggage out. Breakfast is included in the dining room at the Best Western Greenfield Inn.
8:30 AM – Depart for the Rouge Factory.
9:00 AM – Arrive at the Rouge Factory.
Put yourself at the center of sheer manufacturing might. Beyond the awe-inspiring sweep, scale and action of the real-life factory floor where the new military grade aluminum-alloy body Ford F-150 is made, get set for some eye-opening encounters with the technology of tomorrow — today.
Ford Rouge Factory Tour is a self-guided five-part experience that includes:
Legacy Theater: Learn about the triumphs and tragedies surrounding the Rouge, much of it told through rare, never-before-seen historic footage.
Manufacturing Innovation Theater: A multisensory exploration of the manufacturing experience, from concept to highway. Filled with jaw-dropping special effects, from “floating” 3D laser projection mapping and high-energy audio to a breathtaking behind-the-wheel finale.
Observation Deck Tour: View the ground-breaking living roof from our 80-foot-high Observation Deck.
Assembly Plant Walking Tour: See where the new military grade aluminum-alloy body Ford F-150s are assembled in a lean and flexible manufacturing plant. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the final assembly process from an elevated walkway
Legacy Gallery: View five historic vehicles made at the Rouge, hop in a new F-150, and visit our Factory Store.• Legacy Gallery: View five historic vehicles made at the Rouge, hop in a new F-150, and visit our Factory Store.
11:00 AM – Depart for the Greenfield Village.
Arrive at Greenfield Village.
Your Greenfield Village admission includes the 5 modes of transportation in the village.
Vintage Model T: Take a ride in the car of the 20th century – the Model T – at Henry Ford’s Model T district in Greenfield Village
1931 Ford Model AA Bus: Hop aboard the Model AA bus. Picks up and drops off visitors at designated stops throughout Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village Omnibus Shuttle: Sit back and let Greenfield Village’s teams of horses do the driving as they shuttle you to various locations in the Village.
Weiser Railroad: Ride a train pulled by one of our historic steam or diesel locomotives. Travel the three-mile route with opportunities to get on and off at key stops throughout the Village. We recommend the train for those who may have difficulty walking long distances, as the train offers key stops throughout the Village.
Herschell-Spillman Carousel: Enjoy the timeless sights and sounds of our ornately carved 1913 Herschell-Spillman Carousel. Ride whimsical characters including a horse, chicken, dog, cat, or any other unique animal. Riders of all ages welcome!
2:45 PM – Depart for the Lakeside Resort & Conference Center in Houghton Lake, MI
6:00 PM – Arrive at the Lakeside Resort
6:30 PM – Dinner is included in the dining room. Choice of entrée off a tour menu.
8:00 PM – This evening, relax with the show “Whispers of the North” The GORDON LIGHTFOOT Tribute. This show replicates the songs and styles of a Gordon Lightfoot concert. Enjoy the classic tunes made famous by the Canadian balladeer who wrote about the woods and the water, sailing ships, broken hearts and lost loves.
Day 3: Tuesday, August 20, 2019
A hot breakfast is included in the breakfast room.
8:00 AM – Depart for Charlevoix, Michigan
10:00 AM – Arrive at Castle Farms. Enjoy a walking and tram tour through this unique facility. Your tour guide will delight your group with the rich history of Castle Farms, from its original construction 1918 as the Loeb Farm, to the Van Haver art studio and gallery period, as well as the music concert era, and through the extensive restoration process from 2001 to present. The completed buildings and landscaped gardens are breathtaking.
12:15 PM – Lunch at Castle Farms
1:15 PM – Depart for Charlevoix
1:30 PM – Arrive Charlevoix.
A local guide will show you the architectural diversity of this lovely city. Highlighted are the more than thirty homes designed by local architect Earl Young. Dating from 1921 to the 1950′s, these unique, “mushroom houses” are built out of native stone and sport cedar shake roofs.
2:30 PM – Depart for Mackinac City.
4:00 PM – Meet your guide for a fascinating ride across the Mighty Mac. At one time, this was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Hear the dramatic tales of the brave iron workers who built this massive structure. Your guide will provide more than hearsay – in many cases these are eyewitness accounts of local history.
5:00 PM – Ferry to the island
As you step upon the island you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Horse drawn vehicles transport everything from supplies for the business on the island to passengers. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. Accommodations are on Main Street at the Bicycle Street Inn. Many rooms have panoramic Vviews overlooking either the Straits of Mackinac, or the interior of the island. The evening is free for you to explore this unique island at your leisure. Be sure to taste some of the famous Mackinac Island fudge.
Day 4: Wednesday, August 21, 2019
TBA Luggage out.
A deluxe Continental breakfast is included at the Bicycle Street Inn.
10:00 AM – The day begins with a tour of the Island.
For anyone who has seen the movie “Somewhere in Time” there will be moments of déjà vu as a horse drawn taxi will meet you for a tour of the island. The tour ends at the Grand Hotel with its fabulous buffet. Following lunch take some time to relax on the hotel’s porch. At 660 feet, the Grand Hotel’s Front Porch is the world’s largest and has one of the most spectacular views of the straits. Wander down Main Street and visit some of Mackinac Island’s unique shops. Be sure to taste some of the famous Mackinac Island fudge. Accommodations are on Main Street at the Bicycle Street Inn. Many rooms have panoramic views overlooking either the Straits of Mackinac, or the interior of the island. The evening is free for you to explore this unique island at your leisure. Be sure to taste some of the famous Mackinac Island fudge.
3:00 PM – Board the ferry to St. Ignace.
5:00 PM – Arrive Thunder Bay Resort.
This family run resort offers the beauty of Northern Michigan combined with a friendly staff to give you a matchless Northern Michigan experience.
Thunder Bay Resort
Address: 27800 Michigan 32, Hillman, MI 49746
Phone: (989) 742-4502
Website: thunderbayresort.com
6:00 PM – This evening step back in time as you board a horse drawn carriage that takes you over the Thunder Bay River and through the woods at Thunder Bay. 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 mixed with the scent of hardwood smoke 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 culinary artist Spenser James and his staff prepare your gourmet meal. Throughout your dinner, sample five to seven wines from nearby Stoney Acres Winery as attentive servers see to your every need. Your Gourmet Dinner will Include: 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 5: Thursday, August 22, 2019
7:30 AM – Luggage out.
7:00 – 8:30 AM – A hot breakfast is included in the Clubhouse Grille
8:30 AM – Depart for the National Marine Heritage Center.
Thunder Bay Maritime Heritage Center
Address: 500 W Fletcher St, Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (989) 356-8805
9:15 – 9:45 AM – Science on a Sphere.
Science on a Sphere theater: “Climate Change on the Sphere” Climate Change is a global problem, but a specific subset of its challenges are already affecting the Great Lakes Region, join National Marine Sanctuary staff as they illustrate these challenges using data sets on the Science on a Sphere theater. Continue exploring the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. This visitor center for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, features exciting exhibits for all ages. Exploring the Shipwreck Century, is located in the center’s main hall and includes a full size replica wooden Great Lakes schooner and shipwreck where visitors can walk the decks, feel a Great Lakes storm, and touch the massive timbers of the boat resting on the lake bottom … without getting wet!
10:45 AM – Depart the Maritime Heritage Center. Lunch (on own) at McDonalds in Tawas. MI
2:45 PM – Arrive in Frankenmuth, MI.
Explore the many shops. Time will be allowed to explore the many shops lining Main Street. Take time to visit the 50 foot Glockenspiel Tower. It houses a magnificent 35-bell carillon, beautiful figurine movement and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany! Before striking the hour, and on each quarter hour, the clock sounds the 5-bell Westminster chime.
4:30 PM – Depart for Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.
4:35 PM – Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
A fascinating year-round attraction for all ages. Bronner’s was founded in 1945 by Wally Bronner. When Wally painted his first sign, little did he dream that his small business would one day become the world’s largest Christmas store.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: (989) 652-9931
Website: www.bronners.com
5:45 PM – Depart for the Bavarian Inn.
6:00 PM – A Family Style Chicken Dinner is included at the Bavarian Inn.
Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Address: 713 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: (989) 652-9941
Website: www.bavarianinn.com
7:30 PM – Depart for an evening tour of Frankenmuth.
8:00 PM Depart for the Fairfield Inn, Grand Blanc, MI
Day 6 Friday, August 23, 2019
7:30 AM – Luggage out. Breakfast is included at the hotel.
8:30 AM – Depart for The Henry Ford Museum
9:30 AM – Arrive at The Henry Ford Museum
Explore its many exhibits.
Driving America: The world’s premier automotive exhibition centered around an unparalleled collection of historically significant vehicles, this remarkable mix of authentic artifacts, digital media, interactive play and personal accounts focuses on the enormous influence the automobile has had on American
With Liberty and Justice for All: “With Liberty & Justice for All” is a groundbreaking exhibit that explores the proud and often painful evolution of American freedom: from the Revolutionary War through the struggle for civil rights. See and hear the past trials, tribulations and triumphs of the enduring spirit of Freedom.
Heroes of the Sky: Visitors to Heroes of the Sky: Adventures in Early Flight will be awed and inspired by people’s stories from the first forty years of aviation. Historic airplanes bring to life the lofty accomplishments of America’s pioneering aviators. Come honor the men and women who shaped the skies with their minds, hearts, and even their lives.
Presidential Limousines: Among the nationally renowned artifacts of the Museum are the vehicles in which 20th-century American presidents traveled. You’ll find this unique exhibit thoroughly fascinating and truly unforgettable.
Made in America: Manufacturing and Power are the two sections of this exhibit that explores the legacy of American innovators from the 18th to 20th centuries who made America a manufacturing superpower! Hundreds of artifacts, including operating steam engines, help tell their stories.
12:30 PM – Depart The Henry Ford Museum for Cedar Rapids, IA
Multiple rest stops in route.
9:00 PM – Arrive in Cedar Rapids
Rates:
$1365 Per Person – Double Occupancy
$1698 Per Person – Single Occupancy
$1285 Per Person – Triple Occupancy
Contact us to reserve your seat(s)