Experience the beauty, history, and excitement of the Great Lakes region on this 10-day journey to Mackinac Island, Frankenmuth, and Niagara Falls. From quiet Amish communities and scenic ferry rides to unforgettable views on both sides of the falls, each day brings something special. Guests will enjoy lighthouse visits, museums, charming small towns, and the iconic Hornblower cruise. It’s a friendly, scenic getaway perfect for travelers who love waterfalls, history, and relaxing summer adventures.
• May 28 – June 6, 2026
• Aug 27 – Sept 5, 2026
• Sept 17 – Sept 26, 2026
Begin traveling east with a first stop at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL, learning about President Lincoln’s life and history. Overnight in Pontiac, IL.
Travel to Shipshewana, IN, an Amish community known for neat shops, bakeries, and carriage rides. Overnight near Shipshewana.
Stop at the German Heritage Ridge Creamery to sample cheeses. Continue to Elkhart, IN to tour the RV Hall of Fame Museum. Overnight in Houghton Lake, MI, with time to enjoy the beach.
Take a ferry to Mackinac Island, followed by a carriage ride to the Grand Hotel. Enjoy time on the porch, take a tour if available, then explore, bike, or relax. Overnight on Mackinac Island, MI. *Breakfast is on your own while on the island.
Take the ferry back to the mainland for a photo stop at the Old Mackinac Lighthouse and visit to the McGulpin Point Lighthouse. Afternoon arrival in Frankenmuth, MI, known for German heritage and food. *Passport required to enter Canada.
Arrive at Niagara Falls, Ontario, enjoy views of the falls, and spend the evening exploring shops and local attractions.
Visit Table Rock Visitors Center, ride the Hornblower boat to the base of the falls, experience the mist, and see the Floral Clock. Second night on the Canadian side.
Cross the border to the U.S. side. Tour Goat Island and visit Cave of the Winds, known for its stairs, mist, and close-up falls experience. Picnic if weather allows. Overnight in Mansfield, OH.
Travel from the Great Lakes region to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to see historic race cars and possibly ride around the track. Overnight near Terre Haute, IN.
Return home with memories of Amish country, Mackinac Island, and the power of Niagara Falls.
These cross country trips are designed so that you can see and do a lot of things in a relatively short time. We use custom built full size touring coaches which are designed to accommodate 22 passengers very comfortably with a lot of special amenities. Some of these amenities include card tables for the avid players, a kitchen, wi-fi, 110 volt outlets, and a couch in the back. Just being able to get up and walk around or lie down and take a nap is a great advantage. We also prepare hot lunches on board and carry our own tables and chairs so we can have picnics at some of the most beautiful places in America. The idea is to create a “family” atmosphere which is easy to do with so few people on each tour. These are not ordinary bus trips.
On all the trips, except those with special exclusions, we have vans pick up passengers within 130 travel miles of Rolla and then meet up with the motorcoach to head out toward the destination (see next section for more details). Each day we will typically see or do one thing in the morning and then another in the afternoon. Since there is so much to see and do, we usually depart by 8:00 am and arrive at our destination city around 6:00 pm that evening. Dinner is on your own; however, we will drive to a neighborhood restaurant if there’s not one very near the hotel. On the last day, we arrive back in Missouri in the late afternoon. If we picked you up, we will take you back home, and everyone else will go to Rolla to get their car.
The price of each trip includes the motorcoach, lodging, hotel breakfasts, lunches and the cost of all venues shown. It also includes the shuttle to and from your home if you live within 130 travel miles from Rolla (if there are several people at the same location, this 130 mile criteria will be extended). Everyone living outside the 130 miles receive a $100 discount. If you live inside 130 miles and choose to drive to Rolla, you will receive a $50 discount.
The price is based on two persons per room. If four people share a room, the price will be reduced by the cost of the saved room divided by four. If you would like your own room, please call our office for a quote. To reserve a seat, you must send a $200 deposit per person. The remainder is due 45 days prior to the trip. The price does not include gratuity for the driver and hostess.
If you cancel more than 45 days prior to the beginning of the trip, you will receive back all but a $50 per person processing fee and any credit card fees that may apply. If you cancel between 45 and 15 days prior, you will receive a 50% refund. If we are able to fill the spot you vacated, you will receive back all of your money except credit card and processing fees. If you have to cancel less than 15 days prior or have to leave during the trip, you will receive a refund of any hotel costs and venues we are able to cancel. If you want a cancellation waiver to cover the potential loss if you have to cancel inside of 45 days, the cost is $100 per person (or $75 for the 5/6 day tours). Our cancellation waiver provides no coverage once the trip begins. If you have previously been on 5 or more of our tours, you will receive the cancellation waiver at no cost.
**Itineraries and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the itinerary has been published.**
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