Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan

Program registration and hotel check-in. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the meeting room to register with the program and get your welcome packet containing an up-to-date schedule that reflects any last minute changes, other important information, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

6:00 p.m. in the hotel dining room.

Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Breakfast on-site.

We will get into horse-drawn carriages at the hotel for a narrated field trip, riding through downtown Mackinac and into the state park. After concerns about the disappearance of America's natural treasures took hold in the early 1870s, Congress designated Yellowstone as America's first national park. Portions of federal land on Mackinac Island received similar protection in 1875. Today, there are no automobiles on the island. Visitors and residents alike walk, ride bicycles, or take horse-drawn carriage rides. Arriving at historic Fort Mackinac, we'll descend from the carriages where Fort staff will greet us and provide a brief introduction before our self-directed exploration. Though it was founded by the British during the American Revolutionary War, American forces captured Fort Michilimackinac in 1796. The British re-took in during the War of 1812 and it was returned to the U.S. after the war. After the field trip, we'll walk from Fort Mackinac back to the hotel (about 1/2 mile).

Lunch on-site.

We’ll gather for an expert presentation on the geological history of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region, which includes the island’s role in the fur trade. We’ll then set out on a walking field trip to see evidence of what we’ve learned, walk about one mile on paved and gravel roads and sidewalks.

Dinner on-site.

Learn about the daily challenges, unique dilemmas, and unexpected pleasures residents face living on Mackinac Island.

Breakfast on-site.

With a local expert from the Mackinac Island State Park, we'll learn about the unusual combination of Mackinac Island history - Native, French, English, American - and how each culture played a role in the island's development. We'll examine the island's role in past wars, as a home for early fur traders, explorers, mapmakers, and its development as a popular travel destination.

Lunch on-site

Horse-drawn taxis will pick us up at the hotel at 2:00 p.m. for our ride to the Grand Hotel. We will have some time to experience this truly grand summer retreat independently until Afternoon Tea at 3:30 p.m. The historic Grand Hotel opened in 1887. Today, it represents traditions of hospitality and charm that have endured for more than a century. In addition to tea, choices include sherry, champagne, finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and pastries, all accompanied by live music. We will have tickets for a return ride back to the hotel. Those who would prefer to walk are welcome to do so.

Dinner on-site.

Learn about one of Mackinac Island’s most important resources – the horses. Discuss their many roles, their care, and why they are so essential to island life today.

Breakfast on-site.

We’ll be joined by an experienced birder to learn about indigenous birds on Mackinac Island. We’ll then go on a walking field trip to examine bird habitats and nesting areas (about 1 mile on paved and gravel roads and sidewalk) before returning to the hotel.

Lunch on-site.

Next, we’ll attend a presentation on the island’s trees, plants, and flowers indigenous to Michigan. Scientists have been studying the island’s plant life since English botanist Thomas Nuttall’s explorations in 1810. We’ll then set out on a field trip to experience the island’s natural beauty up close, along with a stop at Fort Holmes at the top of the island. We’ll return to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner. Carriage taxis from the hotel to the bottom of Fort Holmes. Up to 1.5 hour leisurely walk back with instructor on paved roads, some uphill and downhill, and approximately 150 stairs to walk down with standing platforms during each set of stairs.

Dinner on-site.

Find out more about the island’s birds and raptors. Learn about behavior and flying patterns.

Breakfast on-site.

During an expert-led presentation, we’ll learn why the Victorian homes on Mackinac Island are an important part of the island’s history and their status today as renowned works of art. We’ll then revel in their beauty and design on a walking field trip with the Chief Curator of Mackinac State Historic Parks.

Lunch on-site.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Program wrap up. We’ll reflect on the program and our favorite experiences. We’ll also review the check-out process with a reminder about the ferry schedule. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Breakfast on-site.

For our final presentation, we’ll learn about traditional foods of northern Michigan, including their historical and cultural influences.

We’ll have box lunches to have on site or take with us. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!