How long is the tour?

The tour runs approximately 4–5 hours with about an hour at each of the four stops.

Can I bring my own alcohol on the bus?

Personal drinks may be brought only if all passengers are 21+; the driver will verify ages.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The listing indicates the tour is wheelchair accessible—contact the operator with specific accessibility needs.

Bottled water is provided; the itinerary allows time to grab a bite at tasting stops but food is not included by default.

What if a tasting room is closed on my date?

Stops and schedules can vary by day; Muskrat Distillery is included Saturday only and Stigg’s Brewery is offered Thursday and Friday, so the operator may substitute or adjust the itinerary.

Northern Michigan Tasting Tour: Private Bus to Boyne Valley, Stigg’s, Muskrat & Lost Cellars

Off the Beaten Path is a relaxed private tasting loop that launches from Bellaire in Northern Michigan, a short drive from the Chain of Lakes region and the northern shore of Lake Michigan. This four- to five-hour outing uses a private bus to ferry up to 14 guests between handpicked tasting rooms across Antrim and Charlevoix counties, blending easygoing craft beverage sampling with scenic country roads.

Check in at Outdoor Adventures downtown Bellaire at least 15 minutes prior to trip time (206 N Bridge Street, Bellaire MI 49615). From there the driver heads north through glacial-formed hills and freshwater corridors toward stops that typically include Boyne Valley Vineyards, Stigg’s Brewery (Thursday and Friday), Muskrat Distillery (Saturday only) and Lost Cellars. Each stop is scheduled for roughly an hour, giving time to sip, ask questions at the bar or tasting counter, and pick up a bottle to take home.

What makes this trip special is the way it foregrounds place: small-batch producers set against Northern Michigan’s limestone-streaked soils, cool inland lakes, and mixed hardwood forests. Boyne Valley’s vineyard vines sit on gentle slopes; Lost Cellars offers a cellar-door atmosphere; Stigg’s brings a community-focused taproom vibe; Muskrat’s distilling room delivers house spirits rooted in local grain and fruit. The private bus ties these points together, so the driving is scenic rather than stressful, and bottled water is provided onboard.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want flavor-focused sampling without the logistics of multiple drives. The small-group format keeps conversations intimate and supports local businesses concentrated along back roads rarely visited by large tour operators. It also pairs well with other outdoor days in the Bellaire area—paddleboarding on the Chain of Lakes, hiking short ridge trails, or an evening at a lakeside campground.

Practical notes: the tour runs about 4–5 hours, maximum group size is 14, and passengers must be 21+ to bring personal alcohol on the bus. Gratuity is not included in the listed price. Accessibility: the tour is wheelchair accessible. Reservations and day-specific stop schedules can vary; Muskrat Distillery is only on Saturday and Stigg’s Brewery on Thursday and Friday.

Whether you’re a curious taster or a small group celebrating a getaway, Off the Beaten Path pairs Northern Michigan’s quiet roadside beauty with approachable craft producers — a short, sociable route that highlights why this rural corner has become a small but lively beverage region. Booking a private bus keeps the group together, reduces parking pressure at small tasting rooms, and makes it easy to pace tastings—plan to designate one person to coordinate bottles and photographs, bring a light jacket for breezy patios, and leave room in your vehicle for purchases if you plan to extend your Northern Michigan stay afterward.