Group Travel

Castles, Cruises & More

One Day Itinerary

• 9:30 – 10:30am 
  Step-on-guide Tour of Earl Young Architecture 
  Known as the “Mushroom Houses,” discover the fascinating architecture and intriguing history of these quaint little homes. Book a step on guide through the Charlevoix Historical Society to learn more about these amazing houses. 
• 10:30am – 1pm 
  Guided Historic Tour of Castle Farms and Gardens and Royal Luncheon 
• 1 – 2:30pm 
  Explore downtown Charlevoix’s boutique shopping, East Park, and Yacht Basin — complete with a Trout Stream and Interactive Fountain 
• 3 – 5pm 
  Board Sunshine Charters to enjoy shoreline views of Lake Charlevoix, Round Lake, and Lake Michigan (the Boat can hold 29 people)

Overnight Itinerary

• 10:30am – 1pm 
  Guided Historic Tour of Castle Farms and Gardens and Royal Luncheon 
• 1:15 – 2:30pm 
  Step-on-guide Tour of Earl Young Architecture 
  Known as the “Mushroom Houses,” discover the fascinating architecture & intriguing history of these quaint little homes 
• 2:40 – 4:45pm 
  Check into the hotel, then explore downtown Charlevoix’s boutique shopping, East Park, and Yacht Basin — complete with a Trout Stream and Interactive Fountain
• 5:30 – 7:30pm 
  Dinner Cruise — Board Sunshine Charters to enjoy shoreline views of Lake Charlevoix, Round Lake, and Lake Michigan (Boat can hold 29 people)
• Breakfast is coordinated at the lodging facility if desired; some include complimentary continental breakfast
• 9 - 10:00am
  Visit Friske's Farm Market and Country Haus Store for delectable baked goods and locally made products.

Castles, Lakes & Grapes

Day Itinerary

• Motorcoach Unique Architecture Tour (allow 1 – 1.5 hours)
  Known as the “Mushroom Houses,” discover the fascinating architecture and intriguing history of these Earl Young-designed, quaint little homes; step-on motorcoach guides available
• Castle Tour (allow 2 hours)
• Lunch at the Castle (allow 1 hour)
• Wine Tasting at Castle (allow 1 hour)
• Wine Tasting and Farm Markets (allow 1 hour)
• Downtown Charlevoix (allow 1 hour)

Overnight Itinerary

• Arrive in Charlevoix and hotel check-in to one of Charlevoix's unique hotels
• Dinner at Charlevoix restaurant (allow 1.5 hours)
• Sunset Cruise (allow 2.5 hours) (Boat can only hold 29 people)
• Breakfast is coordinated at the lodging facility if desired; some include complimentary continental breakfast
• Motorcoach Unique Architecture Tour (allow 1 – 1.5 hours)
  Known as the “Mushroom Houses,” discover the fascinating architecture and intriguing history of these Earl Young-designed, quaint little homes; step-on motorcoach guides available
• Castle Tour (allow 2 hours)
• Lunch at the Castle (allow 1 hour)
• Wine Tasting and Farm Markets (allow 1 hour)
• Departure

Group Friendly Restaurants

The following restaurants are group friendly and often host motor coaches. 

• Friske's Farm Market
• Castle Farms

Customize Your Itinerary

Build a specialized itinerary for your group with help of the experienced staff. Charlevoix offers one-of-a-kind group opportunities for groups large and small, wedding parties, and family reunions.

• Castle Farms — Historic masterpiece surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, statues, wine tasting at 1918 Cellars, and Michigan’s largest model railroad system. Castle Farms offers Murder Mystery dinners and Fairy Make and Take Classes for groups as well. 
• Sunshine Charters — Cruise on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan for day or sunset, and lighthouse tours. 
• Mushroom Houses/Charlevoix Historical Society — Unique boulder architecture by famed Earl Young will inspire any group. 
• Lavender Hill Farm —Visitors of all ages are invited to explore and experience the awe-inspiring sight, scent, and taste of lavender. 
• Friske's Farm Market - Experience a guided orchard tour aboard a wagon ride, enjoy delectable baked goods, and a quaint country store for locally produced foods and extensive shopping.
• Beaver Island — Take a ferry ride to the once kingdom, currently known for its serene beauty and lighthouses. 
• Parsons Farm — Enjoy a tour of an active maple producer. Learn how this farm creates unusual maple syrup combinations. Groups can enjoy maple syrup tastings. 
• Charlevoix Library — Tour the historic school transformed into a nationally recognized library. 
• Farm Markets — Taste local produce, delicious baked goods, canned goodies, tasty wine, and orchard tours. 
• Circle of Arts — Art center providing art exhibits, classes, and performing arts. 
• Art Galleries — Numerous galleries offer local art from famed artists and will provide demonstrations and classes.
• MORE — Festivals, events, concerts, and adventure (bike, hike, sail, golf, snowshoe, cross-country ski, zipline, hot air balloon).

Castle Farms Group Activities

Fairy Garden Make n Take

Learn how to create your own fairy, gnome, or dragon garden and take it home with you.  Class includes history and instruction from an experienced horticulturist (and pixie enthusiast), soil, moss basket, a plant, and natural materials such as birch bark and pine cones.  Add to your garden by choosing from a large selection of fairies and accessories to build your own fantasy world.  All accessories are sold separately and offered at a discount.  

Murder Mystery Dinner

Castle Farms offers packages from two different Murder Mystery companies.  One is a local troupe and the other is a national company, based out of Grand Rapids.  Both shows are interactive events that will engage your group as sleuths to help solve the case. Murder Mystery troupe pricing is in addition to the tour and dinner package as they require a minimum fee and Castle Farms does not.  Choose your favorite troupe package and add it to the tour and dinner.