Capturing Charlevoix - Full Day Private Experience

Michigan , United States

Capturing Charlevoix - Full Day Private Experience

Active

6h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

One day to enjoy Charlevoix? Let's maximize your enjoyment and get the most out of your day! This trip is designed to give you a taste of all the highlights of beautiful Charlevoix, and share some of its hidden gems as well. This is an active walking tour, but we will also find time to enjoy lunch and refreshments along the way at some of the most scenic and fun places in town. This tour is consistently one of the most satisfying days for visitors!

Available options

Capturing Charlevoix - Full Day Private Experience

What's included

Ferry Fees

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

9:30AM Meet at the meeting point – Gilda’s Bakery, 110 S. Lake St, Boyne City. Enjoy a fresh pastry like their delicious Kouign Amann or a Crepe before we head out of town.

10:00AM We'll start out by boarding the Ironton Ferry. Built in 1876, it is one of the oldest Ferry's in the state. The ferry takes us across the south arm of Lake Charlevoix. The trip takes about 5 minutes and shaves about 25 minutes off our drive time around the entire south arm of the lake.

10:30AM Our first stop will be Stonehenge Gardens, where we'll tour the beautiful gardens and visit the charming gift shop.

11:30AM Our next stop will be Otis Pottery. We'll visit this local pottery artist's shop and have an opportunity to view and purchase the handmade pieces.

12:00PM We'll arrive in downtown Charlevoix just in time for lunch & a bit of shopping.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many charming and eclectic restaurants in town, or indulge in a cocktail on the Rooftop at THE EARL or on the patio at THE VIEW.
As time permits, pop in to some of the lovely shops on Bridge Street.

1:30PM We begin our walking tour starting at the Marina on Round lake, then onto the bridge walk down to Charleviox Pier. Then we'll trek across the beach and walk up to see the amazingly beautiful architecture of the Mushroom Houses by Earl Young.

3:00PM We'll head out of town by car, and make a quick stop at John Cross fishery for anyone interested in local northern MI fresh smoked fish, etc.

3:15PM We'll drive by the private Belvedere Association, a beautifully maintained community founded in 1878 by Baptists from Kalamazoo as the Charlevoix Resort Association.

3:30PM Enjoy a driveby look at Castle Farms, a beautifully maintained property built in 1918 by Albert Loeb, President of Sears Roebuck, as a model dairy farm. The property is now an event venue and includes a winebar, 1918 Cellars.

4:00PM We'll stop off at THE LANDING for a refreshment at the Ironton Ferry if the group is interested, before loading back onto the Ferry as we make our way back to the meeting point.

What's not included

Lunch

Snacks

Alcoholic beverages are only available to those over 18 years of age

Breakfast

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Gilda's Bakery
110 South Lake Street
Boyne City, MI

About Michigan

Michigan, known for its stunning Great Lakes coastline, vibrant cities, and abundant natural beauty, offers a diverse travel experience. From the bustling streets of Detroit to the serene landscapes of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan is a destination that caters to a wide range of interests, including outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and culinary delights.

Top Attractions

Mackinac Island

A car-free island known for its historic sites, scenic beauty, and famous Mackinac Island fudge. Visitors can explore Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, and enjoy biking or hiking around the island.

Historical/Nature Full day to overnight Moderate to Expensive (ferry tickets, accommodations, and dining)

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

A stunning natural area along Lake Michigan, featuring towering sand dunes, scenic drives, and hiking trails. The park offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and picnicking.

Nature Full day to overnight Free (park entrance fees may apply for some areas)

Detroit Institute of Arts

One of the top art museums in the United States, featuring a vast collection of artworks from around the world, including famous pieces like Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals.

Museum 2-4 hours Free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, otherwise $14 for adults

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pasties

A savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, originally brought to Michigan by Cornish miners. Pasties are a staple in the Upper Peninsula.

Main Course Can be made with various fillings, including vegetarian options

Detroit-Style Pizza

A thick, rectangular pizza with a crispy crust, topped with cheese, tomato sauce, and other ingredients. The pizza is baked in a well-seasoned blue steel pan, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

Main Course Vegetarian and vegan options available

Coney Dog

A hot dog topped with a beef and bean chili, onions, and mustard. The Coney Dog is a popular fast-food item in Michigan, with many local chains specializing in this dish.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available at some restaurants

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks and lakeshores Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Great Lakes Skiing and snowmobiling in winter Beachcombing along Lake Michigan Wine tasting in Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula Spa treatments in luxury resorts Visiting museums and historic sites in Detroit and Grand Rapids Attending festivals and events throughout the year

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, offering warm weather, outdoor activities, and festivals. The Great Lakes are ideal for swimming, boating, and other water sports.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Arabic, and other languages in urban areas
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET), UTC-5:00 (standard time), UTC-4:00 (daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Michigan is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates in most areas. However, some cities and neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Common safety concerns include petty theft, car break-ins, and drunk driving.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
• Avoid walking alone in isolated or high-crime areas, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport • 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit
Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport • 15 miles southeast of downtown Grand Rapids

By train

Detroit Amtrak Station, Kalamazoo Amtrak Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station (Detroit), Indian Trails Bus Station (Grand Rapids)

Getting around

Public transport

Extensive bus network connecting major cities and suburbs. Fares are affordable, and schedules are available online.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Detroit Old Town (Detroit) Downtown Grand Rapids

Day trips

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

300 miles from Detroit • Full day to overnight

A stunning natural area along Lake Superior, featuring towering sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. The park offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Traverse City

200 miles from Detroit • Full day to overnight

A charming lakeside city known for its cherry orchards, wineries, and beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan. Traverse City offers a variety of attractions, including museums, art galleries, and outdoor activities.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

20 miles from Detroit • Half day to full day

A world-renowned museum showcasing American innovation and history, featuring exhibits on transportation, industrialization, and cultural heritage. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, including the presidential limousine that carried John F. Kennedy on the day of his assassination.

Festivals

National Cherry Festival • Early July Detroit Jazz Festival • Late August to early September Michigan Renaissance Festival • August to September

Pro tips

Visit Michigan in the fall to experience the stunning foliage, especially in the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City area
Explore the state's diverse regions, from the vibrant cities of Detroit and Grand Rapids to the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula and the charming lakeside towns of the Lower Peninsula
Try local specialties, such as pasties, Detroit-Style Pizza, and Coney Dogs, as well as the state's famous cherries and craft beer
Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather, especially in the fall and spring, when temperatures can vary significantly
Use public transportation, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable travel practices