Escape Up North with your Family for a Winter Weekend Getaway under $350!

Vacationing doesn’t always have to be expensive! We are so lucky to live in Michigan where we have the great outdoors to explore for little or next to nothing. I have created a step-by-step 2 day itinerary for you to explore some of Northern Michigans most beautiful locations while offering fun and adventure for the whole family. Keep reading for your detailed itinerary!

Day 1: Let the Adventure Begin!

9am – Depart the Greater Grand Rapids Area

11:30am – Arrive @ Sleeping Bear Dunes and discover Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It’s $25/car or FREE if you have a 4th Grader in the state of Michigan. Visit this link https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm to learn how to obtain your FREE National Park pass. One of the most spectacular views of the Lakeshore is at the Lake Michigan Overlook on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Take the short walk from parking lot # 9, or 10 & take in sweeping views of Lake Michigan.

12:45pm – Lunch in Traverse City. Some restaurants we love include North Peak Brewing https://pub.northpeak.net & Apache Trout https://www.apachetroutgrill.com/ right on the bay

2pm – Depart Traverse City & drive to Petoskey

4pm – Check in to Apple Tree Inn, centrally located in Petoskey. Average Pricing during winter months is approximately $125-$150/night Visit https://appletreeinn.com to book your stay.

Enjoy some swim & hot tub time at the hotel…Every kids favorite thing to do!

6pm – Grab a bite to eat! You can choose from a variety of options near your hotel or eat on-site at Boyne Mountain Resort before you hit the tubing hill.

7pm – Snow Tubing @ Boyne Mountain This is a fan favorite in our family! Cost is $40 per person or $160/family. I highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance. Book your tickets here https://www.boynemountain.com/winter-activities/tubing Save even more by sledding for FREE  or ice skating in downtown Petoskey’s Winter Sports Park or rent Ice skates for $7 per person https://www.petoskey.us/departments/parks_and_recreation/winter_sports_park.php

Catch a FREE movie on the outdoor screen at Boyne Mountain Resort (S’mores, hot cocoa & adult beverages available for purchase)

Sweet Dreams…Keep reading for more FUN on Day 2!

Day 2: Enjoy a small FREE breakfast at the hotel 

8am – Early risers can take a scenic drive to Charlevoix and go see beautiful Lake Michigan and take in a lighthouse or choose to relax by the pool & hot tub again.

11am – Check out of hotel & take a drive up to harbor springs and see the beautiful Tunnel of Trees.https://mynorth.com/2017/05/guide-to-michigans-iconic-tunnel-of-trees-on-m-119/

12pm – Lunch, grab a pizza at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs. View the menu here https://www.pondhill.com/menu After lunch, go explore the Gnome House Hunt, it’s a 1 mile hike around the farm and woods. This is a FREE activity provided by Pond Hill Farm perfect for getting some energy out before the car ride home. Solve the secret code & get a prize from the market.

2pm – Depart for home with memories to last a lifetime!

For More Fun things to do in Michigan you can check out my FB Group Mom in the Mitten https://www.facebook.com/groups/769993353894999/permalink/953297065564626/ or follow me on IG @mom_in_the_mitten

If you are interested in day trips around West Michigan click here https://mominthemitten.com/make-memories-in-michigan-with-these-amazing-staycation-ideas/, for some of our favorite family hikes and fun things to do with kids.

You can also learn about the best beginner ski ski resorts for families in Michigan by clicking here https://mominthemitten.com/best-family-ski-resorts-perfect-for-beginners-in-michigan/. Also learn how 4th & 5th Graders in Michigan ski for FREE https://mominthemitten.com/kids-ski-free-in-michigan-for-fourth-fifth-graders/