Setting out on a self-guided audio driving tour along Michigan’s scenic M-22 can be an enriching experience for travelers. This tour promises an immersive journey, guiding visitors through historical and natural wonders with engaging stories and turn-by-turn directions. Accessible 24/7 and available for up to eight people, the tour offers a flexible and educational way to explore the lakeshore. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a nature lover, this tour may just pique your interest and inspire your next adventure.
Key Points
- The self-guided audio driving tour along Michigan’s lakeshore, M-22, provides a flexible and immersive experience with 219 location-based points featuring captivating stories and tips.
- The tour is available for approximately 5 hours, from Manistee to Traverse City, and can be accessed 24/7 from May 16, 2023, to March 5, 2026.
- The tour offers turn-by-turn directions triggered by location and pre-downloadable content for offline use, enhancing the exploration of Michigan’s scenic lakeshore.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but the support team is available to assist with accessing the tour and navigating the route.
- Travelers should factor in additional costs, such as national park passes and lighthouse admission fees, when planning their overall budget for the tour.
Tour Overview
The self-guided audio driving tour along Michigan’s lakeshore, M-22, offers a comprehensive exploration of the region.
Starting in Manistee and ending in Traverse City, the tour covers a duration of approximately 5 hours. Available from May 16, 2023, to March 5, 2026, the tour operates 24/7, providing flexibility for travelers.
Priced at $19.99 per group (up to 8 people), the tour features 219 location-based points with stories, tips, and directions that automatically play.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour can be pre-downloaded for offline use, and support is available via toll-free phone, chat, and email.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Frankfort.
Key Features
Providing a flexible and immersive experience, the self-guided audio tour offers 219 location-based points with captivating stories, helpful tips, and turn-by-turn directions.
Travelers can follow suggested itineraries or create their own, with the commentary automatically triggered by their location. The pre-downloadable content allows for offline exploration, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Reliable support is available through toll-free phone, chat, and email channels. While the technology may pose some challenges, the engaging narration and effective delivery make for an entertaining and informative journey along Michigan’s scenic lakeshore.
Accessibility and Support
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, travelers can pre-download the content and explore the route offline.
This flexibility allows users to enjoy the commentary at their own pace without relying on a stable internet connection.
Plus, the tour provider offers toll-free phone, chat, and email support, ensuring that any questions or concerns can be addressed promptly.
Whether travelers need help accessing the tour, navigating the route, or understanding the content, the support team is available to assist and enhance the overall experience.
Additional Costs
Two additional costs travelers should be aware of are the National Park passes and the admission fee for the Point Betsie Lighthouse. The annual National Park pass costs approximately $45 in 2024, though the exact price may vary depending on the length of stay, age, and group size. For the Point Betsie Lighthouse, adult admission is $5, while children’s admission is $2.
| Additional Costs | Price |
|---|---|
| National Park Passes | ~$45 (2024) |
| Point Betsie Lighthouse Admission | $5 for adults, $2 for children |
These supplementary fees should be factored into the overall budget for the self-guided audio driving tour along the Michigan lakeshore.
Reviews and Feedback
The self-guided audio driving tour has received an overall rating of 4.2 based on 11 reviews.
Travelers enjoyed learning about Michigan’s history and appreciated the entertaining narrators. The tour’s technology was effective, with the commentary playing automatically based on location.
However, some users faced issues with app access and login, finding the technology challenging. The feedback highlights the tour’s strengths in providing an informative and flexible experience, while also identifying areas for improvement in the technological components.
Prospective customers should weigh the pros and cons to determine if this tour meets their needs and preferences.
Booking Process
When customers are ready to book the self-guided audio driving tour, they receive a booking confirmation immediately after completing their purchase.
The confirmation email provides all the necessary details, including the tour start and end points, duration, and operating hours.
Customers can also take advantage of the "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option, which allows them to secure their spot without making an immediate payment.
The tour also offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
With these convenient booking options, customers can easily plan their Michigan lakeshore adventure.
Preparing for the Tour
Before setting out on the self-guided audio driving tour along Michigan’s lakeshore, travelers should ensure they’ve the necessary preparations in place.
Download the tour app ahead of time and familiarize themselves with its features. Charge any devices and bring portable power banks.
Pack snacks, water, sun protection, and comfortable clothing and shoes for the drive. Review the suggested itinerary or plan a custom route.
Obtain any necessary passes or tickets, like the National Park Pass and Point Betsie Lighthouse admission.
With these preparations handled, travelers can embark on their journey, ready to enjoy the tour’s captivating narration and scenic Michigan landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Audio Tour Be Paused and Resumed Later?
The audio tour can be paused and resumed later. Travelers can pause the commentary at any point and pick up where they left off, allowing them to take breaks during the tour as needed.
Is There a Recommended Driving Speed for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t recommend a specific driving speed, as the audio content is designed to automatically play based on your location along the route. Travelers can drive at their own pace to fully enjoy the tour.
How Often Is the Content Updated on the Audio Tour?
The tour’s audio content is updated periodically to maintain accuracy, but the frequency is not specified. Travelers should check the tour details and any updates prior to their trip to ensure they have the latest information.
Can I Customize the Tour by Adding or Removing Stops?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility to create your own itinerary by adding or removing stops. The audio commentary will automatically play based on your location, so you can customize the experience to your preferences.
Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Small Children?
The tour may not be the most suitable for families with small children. While the audio content is flexible, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, which could pose challenges for families with young kids. Some travelers have reported issues with the technology as well.
The Sum Up
The Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Michigan’s M-22 lakeshore offers an immersive and educational experience. With 219 location-based stories, turn-by-turn directions, and offline accessibility, it’s perfect for history buffs and nature lovers. Priced at $19.99 for up to 8 people, the tour’s positive reviews highlight its value for exploring this scenic route. Travelers can readily book and prepare for this 24/7 available experience from May 2023 to March 2026.