Day 1: Monday, July 24, 20177:00 AM –  Depart Cedar Rapids Sam’s Club on Blairs Ferry Road Behind Burger King
In-route pick ups available.   Rest and refreshment stops TBD.
4:00 PM –  Arrive Southfield, MI.
Check into the Best Western Greenfield Inn.
Address: 3000 Enterprise Dr, Allen Park, MI 48101 Phone: (313) 271-1600
Dinner is included in the dining room. Choice of: ∙ Broccoli Alfredo ∙ Chicken Parmesan ∙ Parmesan Whitefish ∙ 8oz Rib Eye Steak.
 
Day 2: Tuesday, July 25, 2017
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.

 
11:00 AM –  Depart for the Henry Ford Museum.
The Henry Ford Museum
Address: 20900 Oakwood, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 982-6001
Website: www.thehenryford.org/museum/
 
Explore its many exhibits. (Lunch is on your own today. There are three restaurants at the museum to choose from.)

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.

 
2:45 PM –  Depart for the Lakeside Resort & Conference Center in Houghton Lake, MI
It is a 3 hour drive from The Henry Ford Museum to the hotel.
6:00 PM –  Arrive at the Lakeside Resort & Conference Center.
Lakeside Resort & Conference Center
Address: 100 Clearview Dr, Houghton Lake, MI 48629
Phone: (989) 422-4000
Website: lakesideresortmi.com
 
6:30 PM – This evening relax with the dinner 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: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
7:30 AM – Luggage out.
6:30 – 8:00 AM – A hot breakfast is included in the breakfast room off the lobby.
8:15 AM – Depart for Mackinaw City.
10:30 AM – Board the ferry to Mackinac Island (Ferry times vary based on the date of the tour)
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
Address: 556 E Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Phone: (231) 436-5023
Website: sheplersferry.com
 
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.
11:00 AM – Board a carriage for a tour of the island. For anyone who has seen the movie “Somewhere in Time” there will be moments of déjà vu during the tour of this picturesque 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.
Bicycle Street Inn
Address: 7416 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Phone: (906) 847-8005
Website: www.bicyclestreetinn.com
 

Day 4 Thursday, July 27, 2017

TBA Luggage out. TBA A Continental Breakfast is included off the Atrium of the hotel.
10:00 AM – Board the ferry to St. Ignace.
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
Address: 601 N State St, St Ignace, MI 49781
Phone: (906) 643-9440
Website: sheplersferry.com
 
10:20 AM – Arrive St. Ignace. Meet your guide at the ferry docks 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. Continue with a tour of Mackinaw City.
Noon lunch on your own in Mackinaw City.
1:15 PM – Following lunch meet your guide for a tour along the southern coast of Lake Huron. A rest stop will be made at 40 Mile Point Lighthouse. Located just north of Rogers City, the lighthouse was built in 1896 to assist ships through the dangerous shoreline where open water, hidden shoals and false bays had claimed many vessels. Follow “Shipwreck Trail” to see what’s left of the Joseph S. Fay, one of 27 wooden ships that sank during a fierce storm in 1905. You can see about 150′ of her side wall resting on the beach.
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 Friday, July 28, 2017
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
9:00 AM – Arrive at the Center. (Science on a Sphere is also located here)
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.
10:45 AM – Depart the Maritime Heritage Center. Lunch on your own. We recommend H & H in Tawas since you are leaving the Maritime Center earlier than last year.
 

 
 
3:00 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. (If you arrive in time, at 3:00 PM each day several selections are played which are immediately followed by 4 ½’ figurines depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln.)
4:30 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..
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: (989) 652-9931
Website: www.bronners.com
 
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 Baymont Inn & Suites
Baymont Inn & Suites
Address: 4160 Pier N Blvd, Flint, MI 48504
Phone: (810) 732-2300
 
 
Day 6 Saturday, July 29, 2017
7:00 AM – Luggage out. Breakfast is included at the hotel. TBA Depart for home.
8:45 AM – Depart for Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village. Dearborn Mi.
10:00 AM – Arrive Greenfield Village.
12:00 PM – Depart Greenfield Village for Cedar Rapids, IA. Multiple rest and refreshment stops in route.
9:30 PM – Arrive Cedar Rapids
 
The Tour Includes:

5 Nights lodging
1 night at the Best Western Greenfield Inn, Allen Park, MI
1 night at the Lakeside Resort & Conference Center, Houghton Lake, MI
1 night at the Bicycle Street Inn on Mackinac Island
1 night at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman, MI
1 night at the Baymont Inn, Flint, MI
10 Meals
5 breakfasts
 Lunch at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
 Dinner at Best Western Greenfield Inn
 Dinner and show at Lakeside Resort & Conference Center
 Gourmet Dinner at Thunder Bay Resort
 Dinner at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, MI
 Complimentary city tour of Battle Creek, MI
 Admission to the Rouge Factory Tour
 Admission to The Henry Ford Museum and/ Greenfield Village
 Ferry to Mackinac Island
 Horse drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island
 Tour across the Mackinac Bridge
 Donation to 40 Mile Point Lighthouse
 Elk Viewing Carriage Tour
 Admission to the Thunder Bay Heritage Center including:  Science on a Sphere
 Mini-Tour of Frankenmuth
 Visit to Bronner’s Christmas Store
Luggage Handling at included hotels

 
This tour should be on everyone’s “BUCKET LIST” We need 20 fun seekers on this tour to make it a total success.
 
Rates:
$1295 Per Person – Double Occupancy
$1730 Per Person – Single Occupancy
$1250 Per Person – Triple Occupancy
$1180 Per Person – Quadruple Occupancy
 
Contact us to reserve your seat(s)