Nearly hidden under the pines of the North lies Traverse City on Lake Michigan. This is an emerald paradise filled with wildlife and natural beauty. You will think you’ve stepped back to a time where horse drawn carriages were the transportation and long walks were the entertainment.
Whether you want to win a round of mini-golf, or hike silently through the woods, or bike around an island, a missions trip or pilgrimage to Lake Michigan will not disappoint. This will be a time of relaxation, reflection, and admiration as you camp in one of the most beautiful locations in the United States. Remind yourself of God’s creation with a voyage to Lake Michigan.
Overview
- Reflect around a campfire about how God has transformed your heart.
- Visit a working lighthouse.
- Take a ferry back in time as you visit historic Mackinac Island.
- Hike up and roll down the massive Sleeping Bear Dunes.
- Serve the needs of a town alongside a local church.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1 – Imagine
Welcome to Traverse City, Michigan! Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is known as the “Cherry Capital” of the US. From trails to beaches to islands, this will be a week of bonding, exploration, and adventure that is sure to utilize our imaginations and fill our hearts with wonder. Each evening this week, let us ponder the day’s journey in times of discussion and reflection around the campfire. - Day 2 – Shed A Little Light
Today’s journey takes us north from Traverse City, up the old Center Road, through orchards and vineyards, to the Old Mission Peninsula. On this finger of land that extends into Lake Michigan, we find we find the Old Mission Church, a quaint general store, and the Mission Point Lighthouse which dates back to 1870. While the beautiful scenery and intriguing history unfold before us, let us consider the daily opportunities we have to be lighthouses – beacons of light – in the darkest places our world. - Day 3 – Build Bridges Not Walls
We trade Lake Michigan for Lake Huron today with an excursion to Mackinac Island. The adventure takes us by car, ferry, foot, and maybe even bicycle. This beautiful little island just miles from the Canadian border is a summer vacationers paradise with trails, wood, water, and fresh air galore. The island was long the home of indigenous tribes, while the history of European settlement dates back to Jesuit missionaries in the late 1600’s. As we explore this unique location and meet people from all over the world, it’s a great time to think about whether we are more interested in building bridges or walls. - Day 4 – I Will Walk With You
The towering headlands of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore await our exploration today. Named after the Sleeping Bear bluff that rises over Lake Michigan, the park has forests, meadows, and 65 miles of shoreline to explore. There is time for hiking, swimming, and fun in the sun. Today is a day to revel in community, to remember we never walk alone. - Day 5 – You Matter
Our final day in the beautiful Great Lakes region allows time for a little community exploration of Traverse City. Whether it’s shopping, museums, or some tasty food, the morning is open to endless possibilities.The afternoon brings with it a truly unique adventure – a Tall Ship. The view from the deck provides an altogether new perspective to the journey. A time of celebration and a final time of campfire reflection rounds out the evening. As we look back on the journey of the week, may it be with grateful hearts for each person in this community, for each one matters to the community that has been created.
- Day 6 – Rise Up
As we say our goodbyes to the Great Lakes, may we depart with a longing to be peacemakers, bridge-builders, and beacons of light in the world. May we remember that we are called to rise up and walk with those who may feel they are walking alone. May the bonds formed this week remain strong as we strive to be catalysts of love in the world.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Michigan Lakeshore
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
