Compare Alaska’s Winter Magic Northern lights, dog sledding, and helicopter sightseeing by Off The Beaten Path vs Mackinac Island - 2022 by Collette

Day 1

(Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs) Meet your guide and traveling companions this morning and begin to get a larger sense of your surroundings on the scenic drive from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs. After we arrive at our quaint hot springs resort, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to soak in the indoor or outdoor hot springs pools, or take the resort’s renewable energy tour, ice skate on the pond, or cross-country ski or snowshoe on the lodge’s 440-acres of well-marked trails. (Your guide can show you the basics, and ala carte equipment rentals are available.) Around 10 p.m., we board a snow coach for the 30-minute ride up to the viewpoint, which looks over the valley and is far from city light pollution. There’s a heated yurt there, where you can help yourself to a hot beverage (rustic outhouses are on-site). Word quickly spreads when the aurora is dancing outside, so we can step out to bask in the otherworldly glow of the phenomenal northern lights. Created by interaction between solar wind and the earth’s magnetic field, the lights dance, shift, shimmer, drape, and glow in hues of green, and sometimes blue and pink as they undulate in the sky. Many northern cultures interpreted the lights as spirits dancing, and you’ll understand why. The snowcoach takes us back to the resort at 2 a.m.

Day 2

(Chena Hot Springs) Sleep in this morning after last night’s aurora quest, and when you do get up, the day is yours to enjoy as you like. Dip in the outdoor hot springs “rock lake” (adults only) for a unique Alaskan experience, or relax in the indoor family pool. Along with the skating, skiing, and snowshoeing, you can (for extra cost) sign up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride, snow machine tour, dog sled ride and kennel tour, or even a 2-hour dog mushing school. And be sure to give yourself time to tour the ice museum, with its amazing ice sculptures. Tonight is another chance to view the northern lights, either from the hilltop yurt or hot springs pool.

Day 3

(Fairbanks to Girdwood) This morning we catch an hour-long flight to Anchorage, then drive about an hour to Girdwood, a gold-camp-turned-ski-town at the base of the Chugach Mountains. After lunch we’ll strap on some snowshoes and head out on the Winner Creek Trail, which is right behind the resort. It’s beautiful tramping through the quiet, snowy, temperate forest, watching for moose and other wildlife.

Day 4

(Girdwood and Prince William Sound) The sky’s the limit today on an eye-popping flight-seeing excursion into the backcountry of the Chugach Mountains and out over Prince William Sound. In the mountains, we’ll fly over glacially formed valleys and vast, translucent blue glaciers, and (weather permitting) land on a glacier or high on a ridge with a 360-degree panorama of mountains and glaciers. Our return trip takes us over the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, where the clear waters and rocky fjords offer breathtaking landscapes and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. The afternoon will be at your leisure for downhill or cross-country skiing or taking advantage of the resort’s spa, fitness center, and shops.

Day 5

(Girdwood and Seward) A scenic hour and a half drive this morning takes us along Turnagain Arm and down to the little town of Seward. Just outside town we meet the Seaveys, a renowned (and winning!) Iditarod racing family. They’ll teach us the fundamentals of driving a dog team and before we know it we’re mushing our own teams through scenic wilderness to Exit Glacier. Don’t forget your camera! The scenery is incredible, and there’s a good chance of seeing moose and bald eagles on the 16-mile run. If there's time, we'll visit the Alaska SeaLife Center before we head back to Girdwood. Tonight we’ll celebrate this memorable trip with a farewell dinner at the fabulous 7 Glaciers Restaurant.

Day 6

(Anchorage for departures home) Shuttle back to Anchorage this morning for connections home

Day 1 Chicago, Illinois - Tour Begins

Get ready for a relaxing journey through the tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region. This stunning landscape comes alive amid old-fashioned traditions.

Day 2 Chicago

Begin your day with a locally guided tour of Chicago’s remarkable and impressive architecture. This dynamic city goes by many names including "Second City" and “The Windy City," but no matter what you call it, you’re sure to fall in love. Highlights of your tour include famous Michigan Avenue, the “Magnificent Mile,” the Wrigley Building, the Loop, the Lakefront, and a walking tour through Millennium Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure. You may want to visit one of Chicago’s many museums, relax during a scenic boat ride across the Chicago River, or visit the Chicago Cultural Center. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3 Chicago - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Travel north as we make our way to the city of Grand Rapids. This afternoon, take some time to explore the many gardens, greenhouses, and art exhibits of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

Day 4 Grand Rapids - Charlevoix - Mackinac Island

Today’s first stop is the historic city of Charlevoix, surrounded by four bodies of water, including Lake Michigan. A local guide will take you through the intriguing history of the area, and you’ll view the fairy-tale mushroom houses built by famous architect Earl Young. Then, enjoy a scenic drive before boarding the ferry that will take you back to a simpler time on Mackinac Island. Upon arrival, listen for how the neighs of horses replace the roar of engines. Your home for the next two nights is the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel.* Both your hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. The island is a natural gem with over eighty percent of its land preserved by Mackinac State Park, a woodland paradise accented with limestone formations and ringed by Lake Huron. After dinner at your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy. Perhaps you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the quaint village or relax on the Grand Hotel’s famous porch.

Day 5 Mackinac Island

Climb aboard your horse-drawn carriage for an island tour that includes stops at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum and Arch Rock. Following your tour, savor some time to enjoy all of Mackinac Island’s quiet pleasures. Enjoy brilliant views while sitting on the front porch of the Grand Hotel or take a walk downtown to visit the shops and buy some fudge, a favorite item on the island. Later, choose from a menu of tasty delicacies when you dine at the elegant Salle à Manger. After dinner, enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the refined sounds of the Grand Hotel's orchestra. If you crave a secluded hideaway, retreat to the charming Cupola Bar.

Day 6 Mackinac Island - Bay City

This morning, enjoy some leisure time at the Grand Hotel before departing for your riverfront accommodations in Bay City. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps you will take to the river walk where you can explore the downtown on your own.

Day 7 Bay City - Frankenmuth - Dearborn - Southfield

Today, explore the architectural artistry of Alden B. Dow’s home & studio during a guided tour. This legendary 20th century architect designed his home to be the peak of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture, and since it’s construction has been declared a National Historic Landmark. This afternoon, we visit the quaint town of Frankenmuth, or as the locals call it, "Little Bavaria," because of its Franconian-style architecture. Upon arrival, visit the largest Christmas store in the world – Bronner’s.

Day 8 Southfield - Dearborn - Southfield

Today we visit Dearborn, home town of Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. Visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village for an experience in living history. Learn how the automobile forever changed American life and society as you explore the Henry Ford Museum. At Greenfield Village, take in the historic homes and see the workshops where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost were once inspired. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, toasting the end of your wonderful journey.

Day 9 Southfield - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, leaving you with a bounty of happy memories from your visit to America’s heartland.