Nearly fifteen thousand years ago, the last of the great glaciers retreated, leaving us with the legacy of the Great Lakes. These vast inland seas, which comprise one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water, were first used as a means of transport by Algonquin and Iroquois tribes, then became a thriving commercial hub and a heavily traveled waterway with the arrival of European settlers. More than fifty years ago, the Great Lakes were the busiest waterway in the world and North America’s treasured summer destination. On this unique cruise itinerary featuring both American and Canadian ports, we enjoy the delightful town of Saugatuck, nestled along Lake Michigan’s great sand dunes, explore Wisconsin’s lovely Sheboygan and Mackinac Island’s bygone Victorian charms, experience the majestic grandeur of the shores of Lake Superior at Whitefish Point, and experience First Nation culture on Manitoulin Island. A highlight of our voyage will be transiting the Soo Locks that connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron. You don’t have to travel far away from home to discover natural and man-made treasures. Join us as we sail the enormous waters of the Great Lakes.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Chicago, Illinois / Saugatuck and Sheboygan, Michigan

After arriving in Chicago, we embark on the 138-guest Yorktown and cruise to Saugatuck, a prime summer destination for Chicago urbanites in the early 1900s. Today, it is known for its historic buildings and churches, unique shops, and many art galleries. We call at lovely Sheboygan, located on the shores of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Sheboygan River. French explorers landed here in the 17th century, and in the early 19th century, William Farnsworth established a fur trading port.

Days 4-5
Mackinac Island / Lake Superior / Soo Locks

Mackinac is a Victorian-era haven where cars are forbidden and bicycles share the road with horse-drawn carriages. We explore impressive Fort Mackinac, built by the British in 1780, and stroll streets lined with gingerbread-trimmed buildings. The next day, we arrive at Whitefish Point on Lake Superior. At nearby Tahquamenon Falls State Park, we view Upper Falls, a tumbling cascade more than 200 feet, and visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The Yorktown then transits the Soo Locks en route to Lake Huron.

Days 6-8
Manitoulin Island / Bayfield, Ontario / Detroit

Landing at Manitoulin, the world’s largest freshwater island—and one of 30,000 in Lake Huron—we explore the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, attend a First Nation pow-wow, and visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, which promotes the revitalization of the language, arts, and spiritual traditions of the native people of Manitoulin. We continue to Goderich, located on the shore of Lake Huron, and drive south along the shore to the charming village of Bayfield, a quaint village with art galleries, delightful boutiques, and smart cafés. Disembark in Detroit on Day 8 and fly home.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

Explanation of Trip Levels