There are SO many opportunities for lighthousing in Michigan. Why not make this trip last longer and amortize the total cost over more days?

For example, fly into Chicago Midway on Southwest and take a 2 day drive up the Lake Michigan shoreline starting with Michigan City IN.

Or fly into Flint and drive up the Lake Huron shore from Bay City. I've found cheap fares going into and out of cities like Grand Rapids and Flint.

If you can drive -- and many more may choose to drive -- you might consider hooking up with others attending along the route and enjoying a few extra days before or after Mackinac Island.

Dave has talked about the possibility of a coach tour up the Lake Michigan shore from Chicago. You might fly into Chicago on a Friday, overnight there and start a coach tour up the shoreline arriving in Mackinaw City on Sunday evening. Labor Day weekend is the one that follows the Reunion, so you'll need to make advance plans for places to stay and for air reservations.

Consider making reservations for Mackinaw City on Sep 1 and visit this city before departing either through the UP or visiting other land lights in the Northern lower peninsula.

There are lots of possibilities and we WACKOs have been known to go lighthousing at the drop of a hat.