The Frank Lloyd Wright Tour: September 8-10, 2027
Watertown, Grafton, Oostburg, Manitowoc, WI. Ludington, Grand Rapids, MI
Embark on an unforgettable three-day journey tracing the genius of American architecture, rich presidential heritage, and serene Midwestern landscapes. This all-inclusive getaway kicks off with a breathtaking Lake Michigan crossing aboard the historic SS Badger, complete with private cabins and stunning open-water views. From your luxurious base at the Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Ludington, you’ll journey to Grand Rapids to explore Frank Lloyd Wright's meticulously restored Meyer May House, immerse yourself in history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and stroll through the world-class Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Capping off the experience with an exclusive look at Wright’s famed "Dream House," Still Bend, this carefully curated itinerary blends iconic design, delicious regional dining, and effortless travel into one inspiring midweek retreat.
As seen on PBS:
- Ken Burns, Frank Lloyd Wright
- Living West Michigan. It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Season 2 Episode 6.
- John McGivern’s Main Streets. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Season 3 Episode 3
- NewsMakers. The Fred Meijer Collection. Season 19 Episode 7
Important Notes:
- Be prepared for lots of walking, stair climbing, standing in one place.
- There are no elevators at the bed and breakfast.
- Venues subject to change beyond our control.
Inclusions:
- All inclusive
- Includes All Transportation
- Lodging
- Two Breakfasts
- Three Lunches
- Two Dinners
- All Admissions
Price:
- $1,749 Per Person, Double Occupancy, $2,069 Single Occupancy.
- Be prepared to get a quote for trip insurance at the time of sign-up.
- Make a deposit of $600 to hold your seat. The balance is due August 8, 2027.
- No refunds past August 8, 2027.
For more information or to sign up for the trip, and payment,
call Lori at (414) 477-0155.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Wednesday, September 8, 2027
- 9:30 AM — Departure from Watertown Plank Park and Ride
The journey begins as the luxury tour motor coach departs from the Watertown Plank Park and Ride in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Additional group pick-ups in Grafton and Oostburg before the coach continues toward the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Mid-Day — Group Lunch in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
We arrive in Manitowoc for lunch (I). Following lunch, we board the Badger SS for a four-hour trek across Lake Michigan.
- 2:00 PM — Afternoon Crossing on the SS Badger
The tour boards the historic SS Badger—a designated National Historic Landmark and the last coal-fired passenger steamship operating on the Great Lakes—for a four-hour voyage across Lake Michigan. Passengers can relax in private stateroom cabins, view a feature film in the lounge, shop for souvenirs, grab a snack, enjoy an included group dinner (I), and take in the panoramic lake views from the outer decks.
- 7:00 PM — Disembark and Check-In at The Cartier Mansion
The ship arrives in Ludington, Michigan, where the group disembarks and transfers to The Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Guests check into their accommodations across three restored historic buildings on this grand 1905 Neoclassical estate, which serves as home base for the next two nights.
Day 2: Thursday, September 9, 2027
- Morning — Breakfast is served in the Cartier Mansion (I).
- 8:30 AM — Departure for Grand Rapids, Michigan
Following breakfast, the group boards the motor coach and departs Ludington for a full day of touring and sightseeing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- 10:00 AM — Guided Tour of the Meyer May House
The morning features a guided tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908 for a prominent Grand Rapids Clothier, the Meyer May House was purchased by Steelcase Inc. in 1985, meticulously restored and opened to the public in 1987.Today, this Prairie-style masterpiece allows guests to experience a Wright home complete with original furnishings, faithfully executed reproductions, art glass windows, and open room layouts exactly as the architect envisioned.
- 12:00 PM — Following the home tour, the group heads to Brewery Vivant for lunch (I).
- 1:30 PM — Visit to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
We continue to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a short visit. Gerald Ford was the 38th president of the United States. He really does have a fascinating history to explore.
- 3:00 PM — Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Tour
We leave the museum and continue on to The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. We enjoy a guided tram ride tour followed by dinner (I) at the park.
Following dinner, we make our way back to the bed and breakfast.
Day 3: Friday, September 10, 2027
- Early Morning — We begin the day with an early breakfast (I) and check out and loading luggage onto the motor coach.
- 8:00 AM — The group arrives at the Ludington ferry docks to begin the boarding process for the return voyage across Lake Michigan aboard the SS Badger.
- 11:00 AM— Enjoy a group lunch (I) served in the ship’s dining room as the SS Badger sails across the open waters of Lake Michigan toward Wisconsin.
- 12:00 PM — Disembark in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
The ship docks in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and disembark. We continue on to Still Bend. In 1938, Frank Lloyd Wright was in the most productive period of his life. During this time Life Magazine commissioned “Designs of a Dream House For A Modern Family.” Bernard and Fern Schwartz gave Wright the opportunity to participate by building their dream home for the project. Still Bend is the house they built and we will tour today.
The afternoon highlights a guided tour of Still Bend (The Bernard Schwartz House). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright this 3,000-square-foot Usonian masterpiece features red brick, tidewater red cypress, a massive central fireplace, and passive-solar clerestory windows.
- Late Afternoon — Following the tour, we head back to our original pick-up points.
(I) Meal Included
(NI) Meal Not Included