Holiday Overview
Great Lakes Self Drive includes:
- Return flights from the UK
- 9 Nights accommodation
- Car Hire
Day 1 - UK to Minneapolis
Arrival at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Pick up your car hire and check into your Minnesota hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure we recommend an evening of shopping, entertainment and dining at Mall of America, the largest enclosed shopping and entertainment centre in the U.S. There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota!
Featured accommodation
Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
Day 2 - Explore Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and St. Paul is the state capitol—together they are known as the Twin Cities. Start the day with a trip to downtown Minneapolis. Head to the Mississippi River, which flows through the centers of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Take a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise as an introduction to the city. Then learn about the history of the area at Mill City Museum in Minneapolis and Historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul.
Featured accommodation
Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
Day 3 - Minneapolis to Duluth
Located on the shore of Lake Superior, Duluth is the world’s largest inland seaport welcoming ships from around the world. Watch the ships enter the harbor as the Aerial Lift Bridge raises up to allow entry. Visit the Maritime Marine Visitors Center to learn the history of shipping on Lake Superior.
Featured accommodation
AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth
Day 4 - Duluth to Bayfield
Enjoy the stunning drive along Lake Superior as you head to Bayfield, a charming small town and one of the highlights of Wisconsin with its Apostle Islands Lakeshore National Park.Take a narrated Apostle Islands Cruise (2.5 hours) to view the 21 islands from the water.
Featured accommodation
St James Social
Day 5 - Bayfield to Green Bay
Green Bay is well known in the world of professional football for Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers and open for public tours. The arts and culture of Green Bay are on display at the Ashwaubenon Historical Society and Museum and The Art Garage.
Featured accommodation
Residence Inn by Marriott Green Bay Downtown
Day 6 - Green Bay to Chicago
Morning drive along Lake Michigan to Chicago. With almost three million inhabitants, it is the third largest city in the U.S. Chicago’s skyscrapers are among the tallest in the world and the city is considered one of the birthplaces of modern architecture. Learn about the city’s most interesting buildings and about the city’s history in general on an architecture boat trip.
Featured accommodation
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Day 7 - Chicago
Today explore the sights, museums and famous buildings of Chicago. Highlights include the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best art museums in the world. Then get a panoramic view of the city on the observation deck of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).
Featured accommodation
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Day 8 - Chicago to Rockford
Driving west from Chicago, stop in Rockford, Illinois. Nicknamed the Forest City, Rockford is known for its beautiful location on the Rock River. Take a stroll through the famous botanical gardens, especially the Anderson Japanese Gardens which is known as one of the most beautiful gardens in the U.S.
Featured accommodation
Embassy Suites By Hilton Rockford Riverfront
Day 9 - Rockford to Winona
A beautiful drive along the Mississippi River leads to Winona, a river town located in the bluff country of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The history of Winona is told through several unique museums including the Watkins Heritage Museum and Gift Shop and the Polish Cultural Institute and Museum.
Featured accommodation
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Winona
Day 10 - Winona to UK
Follow the Great River Road along the Mississippi River to arrive at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport for your flight home. Time to shop for some last-minute items at Mall of America, only five minutes from the airport.
Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
The Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and classic charm. It’s warm, European-inspired decor and inviting ambiance provide a welcoming retreat for both business and leisure guests. The hotel’s spacious guest rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can also unwind in the hotel’s heated indoor pool, sauna, or hot tub, perfect after a day of exploring the vibrant city.
AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth
Located just minutes from the shores of Lake Superior, AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth is a cosy and convenient retreat for guests exploring the vibrant city of Duluth, Minnesota. This welcoming hotel offers a perfect balance of comfort and practicality, featuring modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool with a hot tub. Guests can start their day with a complimentary hot breakfast, including waffles, eggs, and fresh coffee, ensuring they’re ready for nearby adventures like Canal Park, Spirit Mountain, or the Great Lakes Aquarium.
St James Social
Nestled in the charming lakeside town of Bayfield, Wisconsin, the St. James Social Hotel offers a perfect blend of boutique elegance and cozy comfort. This thoughtfully designed hotel is a favourite among guests exploring the stunning Apostle Islands and the scenic shores of Lake Superior. Each guest room is uniquely decorated, featuring modern amenities, luxurious linens, and lake-inspired accents that reflect the natural beauty of the area. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the lake or the quaint Bayfield streets, providing an ideal retreat after a day of adventure. The hotel’s central location ensures easy access to local shops, restaurants, and the ferry to Madeline Island.
Residence Inn by Marriott Green Bay Downtown
Conveniently located along the Fox River, the Residence Inn by Marriott Green Bay Downtown offers a perfect combination of comfort, style, and convenience for both short and extended stays. This modern all-suite hotel is just minutes from Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, and the vibrant downtown district. Each spacious suite features a fully equipped kitchen, separate living and sleeping areas, and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and smart TVs, making it an excellent choice for families, business travelers, or anyone looking for a home-away-from-home experience. Guests can start their day with a complimentary hot breakfast and enjoy the hotel’s proximity to local attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel, Chicago
Palmer House® A Hilton Hotel has 140 years of experience, winning over downtown Chicago travelers with award-winning service. Set in the theatre and financial district, this landmark hotel is close to well-known attractions. You’ll find famous frescoes, stylish suites, massive meeting space and artful dining at Lockwood and Potter's Chicago Burger Bar. Relax at The Spa at Palmer House or work out in the sizeable fitness center.
Embassy Suites By Hilton Rockford Riverfront
Situated in the heart of downtown Rockford, Illinois, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront offers a modern and luxurious stay in a prime riverfront location. This all-suite hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travelers, boasting spacious accommodations with separate living areas, flat-screen TVs, and mini-refrigerators. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Rock River or the vibrant cityscape from their rooms, while the hotel's central location provides easy access to Rockford’s top attractions, including the Coronado Performing Arts Centre, Discovery Centre Museum, and the Anderson Japanese Gardens.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Winona
Nestled in the scenic Mississippi River Valley, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Winona offers a warm and welcoming retreat for travelers visiting Winona, Minnesota. Known for its modern design and exceptional hospitality, this hotel is perfectly located near top attractions like the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Garvin Heights lookout, and the historic downtown area. Each guest room and suite are thoughtfully appointed with plush bedding, a flat-screen TV, a mini-refrigerator, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Guests can also start their day with a free hot breakfast featuring a variety of healthy and hearty options to fuel their adventures.
Image Gallery
Lake Superior
Minneapolis
Minnehaha Falls
Spit Rock Lighthouse
Minneapolis Chain of Lakes
Minneapolis
St Paul River Boat
Mall of America
Winona
Winona
Green Bay
Green Bay
Bayfield
Bayfield
Duluth Goosberry Falls
Chicago
Chicago
Rockford
Rockford
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0009 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
USA Road Trips
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
- 7 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Pismo Beach
- Monterey / Carmel
- Yosemite National Park
- San Francisco
USA Road Trips
Canyon Adventure Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Las Vegas
- Bryce Canyon
- Moab
- Mesa Verde
- Grand Canyon
USA Fly Drive Holidays
California Fly Drive
- 11 Nights
- San Francisco
- Sonoma
- Lake Tahoe
- Yosemite National Park
- Death Valley
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
USA Road Trips
Blues & Booze USA Road Trip
- 12 Nights
- Chicago
- Indianapolis
- Louisville
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Vicksburg
- New Orleans
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Wild West Fly Drive Holiday
- 15 Nights
- Denver
- Cheyenne
- Rapid City
- Cody
- Jackson
- Salt Lake City
- Moab
- Durango
- Colorado Springs
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Best of New England Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Boston
- Portland Maine
- Bar Harbor
- White Mountains
- Killington
- The Berkshires
- Mystic
- Yarmouth MA
USA Self Drive Holidays
Talkin' Texan Self Drive Holiday
- 12 Nights
- Dallas
- Austin
- Fredericksburg
- Bandera
- San Antonio
- Corpus Christi
- Houston
USA Road Trips
Boston to New York By The Beaches Road Trip
- 8 Nights
- Boston
- Yarmouth
- Martha's Vineyard
- Mystic
- Riverhead
- The Hamptons
- New York
USA Road Trips
A Southern Trail Road Trip
- 10 Nights
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Houston
- Austin
USA Self Drive Holidays
The Classic West Self Drive Holiday
- 13 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Laughlin
- Grand Canyon
- Kayenta
- Lake Powell
- Bryce Canyon
- Las Vegas
- Death Valley
- Yosemite National Park
- Lake Tahoe
- San Francisco
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 Fly Drive Holiday
- 15 Nights
- Chicago
- St Louis
- Springfield
- Oklahoma City
- Amarillo
- Albuquerque
- Holbrook
- Williams
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Western Trails
- 14 Nights
- Salt Lake City
- Lava Hot Springs
- Boise
- McCall
- Coeur d’Alene
- Whitefish
- Helena
- Yellowstone
- Jackson Hole
- Casper
- Cheyenne
- Denver
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Legends and Landscapes of the Old West
- 13 Nights
- Denver
- Cheyenne
- Deadwood
- Minneapolis
- Badlands
- Fargo
- Bismarck
- Medora
- Casper
- Buffalo WY
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Best of the Great American West
- 20 Nights
- Rapid City
- Deadwood
- Medora
- Sheridan
- Billings
- Helena
- Whitefish
- Butte
- Yellowstone
- Cody
- Riverton
- Jackson
- Ketchum
- McCall
- Boise
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Giant Trees and Ancient Forests Road Trip
- 5 Nights
- San Francisco
- Chester, CA
- Lake Tahoe
- Oakhurst
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Explore Kentucky
- 7 Nights
- Newport, KT
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Paducah
- Owensboro
- Louisville
USA Self Drive Holidays
Best of Florida Self Drive Holiday
- 9 Nights
- Orlando
- Clearwater
- Naples
- Miami
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Great Lakes to Great Plains
- 12 Nights
- Minneapolis
- Fargo
- Bismarck
- Medora
- Minot
- Grand Forks
- Bemidji
- Duluth
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Flavours of San Antonio
- 9 Nights
- San Antonio
- Fredericksburg
USA Road Trips
Coasts and Mountains of the South Road Trip
- 7 Nights
- Atlanta
- Asheville
- Charlotte
- Myrtle Beach
- Charleston
- Savannah
USA Road Trips
Wild Wild West USA Road Trip
- 12 Nights
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Tucson
- Las Cruces
- Santa Fe
- Durango
- Kayenta
- Williams
- Las Vegas
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Great Lakes Self Drive
- 9 Nights
- Minneapolis
- Duluth
- Bayfield
- Green Bay
- Chicago
- Rockford
- Winona
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 East
- 15 Nights
- Chicago
- St Louis
- Springfield
- Tulsa
- Oklahoma City
- Dallas
USA Self Drive Holidays
Volcanic Peaks to Sparkling Shores Self Drive
- 9 Nights
- Portland
- Astoria
- Port Angeles
- Seattle
- Ashford
- Welches
- Grants Pass
- Coos Bay
USA Road Trips
Historic Cities of the Mid-Atlantic Road Trip
- 11 Nights
- Washington DC
- Baltimore
- Philadelphia
- Gettysburg
- Luray
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive with New Orleans
- 9 Nights
- New Orleans
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
The Florida Keys Fly Drive with New York
- 9 Nights
- New York
- Miami
- Islamorada
- Key West
- Key Largo
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Historic Cities and Coasts of the South
- 12 Nights
- Atlanta
- Charleston
- Savannah
- Jekyll Island
- Cape Canaveral
- Miami
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Quebec to New England Adventure
- 14 Nights
- Montreal
- Stowe
- White Mountains
- Ogunquit
- Boston
- Green Mountain National Forest
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Great North Music Tour Fly Drive
- 12 Nights
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Pittsburgh
- Philadelphia
- New York
- Boston
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 Best of the West
- 14 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Palm Springs
- Kingman
- Williams
- Holbrook
- Santa Fe
- Chicago
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Route 66 West
- 17 Nights
- Dallas
- Oklahoma City
- Amarillo
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
- Holbrook
- Flagstaff
- Kingman
- Los Angeles
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Only in America
- 14 Nights
- Newport, KT
- Louisville
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Paducah
- Memphis
- Nashville
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Chattanooga
- Atlanta
USA Fly Drive Holidays
San Antonio & Texas Hill Country
- 9 Nights
- San Antonio River Walk
- San Antonio Hill Country
- Bandera Dude Ranch
- San Antonio
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Utah's Red Rocks and Canyons
- 12 Nights
- Las Vegas
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon
- Torrey
- Moab
- Kanab
USA Self Drive Holidays
Northwest Inn-Sider Self Drive Holiday
- 13 Nights
- Friday Harbor
- Whidbey Island
- Port Townsend
- Cannon Beach
- Portland
- Eugene
- Ashland
- Eureka
- Sonoma
USA Road Trips
Mountains and Canyons Fly-Drive
- 14 Nights
- Denver
- Glenwood Springs
- Moab
- Kayenta
- Page
- Williams
- Las Vegas
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Wonders of Alaska Fly Drive Holiday
- 7 Nights
- Anchorage
- Seward
- Talkeenta
- Denali National Park
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Eastern Canada and New England Discovery
- 15 Nights
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Boston
- New York
- Washington DC
- Niagara Falls
USA Fly Drive Holidays
Cowboys & Cajuns
- 13 Nights
- Houston
- Lake Charles
- Lafayette
- Houma
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Natchitoches
- Dallas
- San Antonio