14 Day American Cruise Lines River Cruise from Milwaukee to Buffalo 2028

Day 1 Milwaukee, WI

Begin with a complimentary hotel stay in Milwaukee, a city where Old World traditions meet modern energy. Stroll the Lakefront Trail, where sailboats bob against the skyline, or stop into a historic beer hall to taste the city’s brewing legacy. In the evening, you might catch live music echoing from the RiverWalk before settling in for the night, rested and ready for your voyage ahead.

Day 2 Day of Cruising

Spend the day getting acquainted with life on the water. Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck as Lake Michigan stretches out around you. On board, take part in enrichment programs led by our expert guides, or simply relax with a cocktail in hand as the ship glides toward your next destination.

Day 3 Holland, MI

Arrive in Holland, where Dutch traditions shape the town’s identity. Visit the Nelis’ Dutch Village, where costumed interpreters demonstrate wooden shoe carving and cheese-making, or explore the tulip gardens that have made the city famous. The town’s Dutch windmills and bright red Big Red Lighthouse offer postcard-perfect views.

Day 4 Muskegon, MI

Muskegon reveals its maritime might. Step aboard the USS Silversides, a World War II submarine with narrow passageways and echoing metal chambers. Visit the ornate Hackley & Hume Historic Homes, built during the lumber boom, their woodwork glowing with 19th-century craftsmanship. For a change of pace, the broad sands of Pere Marquette Beach stretch as far as the eye can see, the wind carrying the scent of Lake Michigan.

Day 5 Day of Cruising

Sail north along Lake Michigan’s sweeping shoreline. This is the perfect day to enjoy the ship’s amenities — join a cooking demonstration inspired by regional flavors, attend a musical performance in the lounge, or watch from the deck as fishing boats and sailboats dot the horizon.

Day 6 Mackinac Island, MI

Time slows on Mackinac Island. The rhythmic clip-clop of horses replaces the hum of cars, and the air is sweet with the scent of fudge cooling on marble slabs. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage past Fort Mackinac, where soldiers once guarded the straits, then stand on the world’s longest front porch at the Grand Hotel, looking out across turquoise waters.

Day 7 Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Feel the thunder as 1,000-foot freighters rise and fall in the Soo Locks, one of the world’s busiest waterways. This city, founded in 1668, is Michigan’s oldest. Walk along Portage Avenue where fur traders once passed, or step into the Museum Ship Valley Camp, a retired freighter filled with stories of sailors and storms.

Day 8 Day of Cruising

Today the ship continues its passage through the heart of the Great Lakes. Join a morning yoga class on deck, or sip coffee while watching gulls follow the vessel’s wake. Afternoon programming may include a talk on the ecology of the lakes or a tasting of regional wines, all while the scenery shifts between open waters and forested shores.

Day 9 Alpena, MI

Alpena offers a gateway to Lake Huron’s underwater graveyard. At the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, climb aboard a full-size replica schooner and hear the creak of its wooden deck. Glass-bottom boat tours reveal the history of the lake with a fascinating look at a Civil War era wooden ship and the various of remains of the industrial shipping age.

Day 10 Day of Cruising

Cruise across Lake St. Clair and into Lake Huron, enjoying a full day on the water. Attend a lecture on Great Lakes history, relax with a book in the lounge, or share conversation with fellow travelers over freshly prepared regional cuisine. Keep your eyes open for lighthouses that dot the shoreline as you sail south.

Day 11 Detroit, MI

In Detroit, stories of invention and artistry come alive. Tour the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where Rosa Parks’ bus and the Wright Brothers’ workshop are preserved. Art lovers will find masterpieces at the Detroit Institute of Arts, while the riverfront offers sweeping views of freighters moving along the Detroit River.

Day 12 Toledo, OH

Toledo provides travelers with a unique blend of maritime charm and Midwestern hospitality. Upon arrival, be greeted by a revitalized downtown waterfront, where modern marinas, public art, and green spaces create a welcoming first impression.

Once ashore, enjoy Toledo’s rich array of attractions that showcase its industrial and artistic heritage. The Toledo Museum of Art, known for its world-class glass collection, pays tribute to the city’s legacy as the “Glass Capital of the World.” Nearby, the National Museum of the Great Lakes offers fascinating insights into maritime history, complete with a restored freighter to explore. Dining options along the riverfront range from casual breweries to fine dining, emphasizing local flavors and lake-caught seafood.

Day 13 Buffalo, NY

Arrive in Buffalo, where history meets modern revival.Experience the revitalized Canalside waterfront, indulge in the city’s famous Buffalo wings, or take a trip to Niagara Falls, just a short distance away.

Architecture enthusiasts can admire the city’s rich legacy, from Art Deco gems like City Hall to the historic mansions lining Delaware Avenue. In the evening, catch a sunset cruise along Lake Erie or visit one of Buffalo’s craft breweries for a taste of the local scene.

Day 14 Buffalo, NY

After breakfast on board the ship, take in the final views from the deck. As you disembark, carry with you the new friendship and the experiences that made your trip truly special.