Michigan
Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
Program No. 1575RJ
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Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
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Participant Reviews
Based on 41 Reviews
SHOWING
Mackinac Island was our very first Road Scholar trip. We came together, a group of strangers. I didn't expect the pleasure of traveling with a group of strangers. On all our previous vacations (my husband and me), we were solo actors. We ate at the same restaurants as other travelers, swam in the same pools, went back to the same kind of hotel rooms. There was some engagement with strangers, but not like this trip. On those trips, there was no incentive to engage. When you're "thrown together" with a bunch of unfamiliar faces on a Road Scholar trip, there's no choice but to socialize. You explore together. You see places and do things for the first time together. There's a shared experience to draw from, and that deepened the meaning of what we saw and did. And we ended the trip no longer strangers. I think this is the beauty of a Road Scholar trip. I look forward to our second Road Scholar trip to Asheville in June, 2026.
— Review left December 16, 2025
This was our first Road Scholar adventure and was within driving distance, so we tried it. Enjoyed the adventure very much. Learned a lot about Mackinac Island and had a delightful time. Would recommend this trip to anybody else considering it.
— Review left October 20, 2025
I have wanted to visit Mackinac for years, so this was a dream fulfilled. Honestly, some of my interest was from the movie "Somewhere in Time," but the island is so much more important than that. The history is so interesting, the natural beauty of the island is breathtaking. The trip is really well organized, and all of our speakers brought so much to us. I learned so much! Well done!
— Review left October 20, 2025
We visited Mackinac Island in late September and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. The flowers were absolutely gorgeous, the island was not crowded, the weather was hovering in the 60's and the activities and lectures were so well planned and varied. The carriage rides and hikes fit the activity level rating and there was ample opportunity to pursue individual riding on both horses and bikes if desired. And while the ferry and shuttle arrangements might seem daunting, both operations are so accommodating and on top of things so it was seamless flying into Pellston.
— Review left September 28, 2025
First, let me start with compliments.
The program was amazing. The different presenters were knowledgeable and excellent in presenting. We learned so much on this one island and saw a lot in our various excursions.
Pam and Marc did a terrific job in making sure that the program moved forward without a glitch and were very helpful with dealing with individual issues.
However, like many Road Scholar programs there were some issues regarding the food. Breakfast was adequate, though it would have been nice if it was not always the same every day. Lunch was okay. The problem was with dinners. There was no choice, one dinner for everyone (except for vegetarians). The first two nights dinner was awful and it only improved a bit on the following nights.
One more suggestion: We had our program end getting together on Wednesday since we had dinner in a restaurant on Thursday. I suggest to switch. Have the restaurant dinner on Wednesday and the program concluding meeting on Thursday after dinner at the hotel. The way it was done did not allow for a nice closure and an opportunity to say our goodbyes to others.
Nevertheless on the whole it was a great week!!
— Review left September 1, 2025
This was a spectacular adventure! Our trip leaders, Bill and Jeanie, were amazing, fun, and organized. They truly want the participants to have a great time!
I am so happy to have visited Mackinac Island during the lilac bloom. Everywhere you walked, on Main and Market Street, was abundant in lilac blooms and fragrance.
This trip really gives you a good understanding of the history and culture of the Island and allows for just enough free time, to explore further, on your own.
— Review left June 19, 2025
Taking our trip during the Lilac Festival held annually in early June, enhanced our experience tremendously!
— Review left June 18, 2025
Excellent experience on Mackinac ISLAND WITH ROAD SCHOLAR
— Review left June 14, 2025
Mackinac Island adventure, great program, glad we went off season as it was not so crowded
— Review left October 7, 2024
This is a wonderful way to experience a rather unique location including interesting history and back stories.
— Review left September 9, 2024
If you have always wanted to learn more about Mackinaw Island. This is a perfect trip! It’s a beautiful island with so much history that it really did take five days to learn all about it and to get to see it all. I would’ve never done this or learned this on my own.
— Review left June 20, 2024
Mackinac isle is beautiful, great to explore it’s history , geography , culture and architecture
— Review left June 15, 2024
It was a beautiful Island and the program was informative. I learned new facts about the island, its residents, its history and architecture. I recommend this program to other travellers.
— Review left October 7, 2023
Mackinac Island in the fall is much less crowded than during the summer. All the instructors were great and I am glad I took this trip.
— Review left October 7, 2023
It wasa a relaxing, full, informative, busy week on Mackinac Island! Hard to believe it could be all, but it was! It provided a very in-depth view of the Island that day trippers would not ever believe. So many aspects of life from the flora and fauna, to historical highlights, to yeararound life and horse care! The HarbourView Inn was lovely and a great spot for our program.
— Review left September 26, 2023
This is a wonderful program. We learned so much about the history, customs, wildlife, and architecture of Mackinac Island in a really fun way. The trip leaders were helpful and kind and all the presenters were engaging and knowledgeable.
— Review left September 25, 2023
What a wonderful trip to a place like no other! Charming is an understatement. Excellent speakers (and topics), lovely scenery and interesting history. Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel is a delight. Carriage rides and birdwatching strolls make for a very enjoyable trip. You see and do so much more than the people who only come for a day or two. Would highly recommend this trip!
— Review left September 23, 2023
A great trip. Mackinaw Island is like a fairy land. And we learned what it is like to live their year around -- not an easy time. Beautiful scenery, fun to ride the horse carriages an the best fudge.
— Review left September 23, 2023
This was an absolutely amazing trip! The people and group leaders were so wonderful and knowledgeable! I would love to visit the island again because of this road scholar trip!
— Review left September 22, 2023
The Road Scholar trip to Mackinac Island was excellent and we would highly recommend it. Great value for the price of the trip.
— Review left September 11, 2023
We had a great time on Mackinac Island; learned lots of history and a good bit about contemporary island life. A really enjoyable program.
— Review left September 11, 2023
This was our first Road Scholar experience. It won't be our last!
— Review left September 8, 2023
First time Road Scholar trip. Most program as advertised and very good. Too much duplication of speaker info and focus on beaver trade. Carriage drivers & Fort Mackinac soldiers provide much same info in a more interesting manner. Loved the horses, flowers, cottages and fudge. Would prefer dinners off site & more choice. Bike around island & SipnSail sunset cruise both a must.
— Review left August 29, 2023
This was my first Road Scholar trip and my first solo trip. I could not have been happier with how everything went. I'm already thinking about my next Road Scholar adventure!
— Review left August 25, 2023
Mackinac Island is a truly unique place with a rich history, much natural beauty, environmental sensitivity, and opportunities to walk, bicycle, and/or ride in a horse drawn carriage or taxi.
— Review left June 19, 2023
This program was very educational and I learned alot about this area of the great lakes. It really made me appreciate the history and the people of the area.
— Review left October 16, 2022
Mackinaw Island is a well-kept secrete from at least the West Coast. It is like visiting a different time in history, yet all the modern conveniences. I would love to go back with the rest of my family
— Review left October 1, 2022
The tea party at the Grand Hotel was swell
— Review left September 25, 2022
We had great leaders and good speakers. I could not fine the review questions you usually send me. Great trip
— Review left September 18, 2022
The program to Mackinac Island is delightful. Our leaders, Tom and Tom, filled the entire week with exceptional speakers and outstanding field trips. The scenery on the island is lovelier than I could imagine with horse-drawn carriages, lakeside vistas, colorful gardens and unbelievable summer cottages.
— Review left September 14, 2022
Do you want a Road Scholar trip where you can experience a quiet trip. Mackinac Island will be one trip you should take, close to Labor Day. when a lot of the crowds have dissipated. To wake up to bird song and the quiet clip-clop of horses will take you back in time. This trip has it all, birding, history tours, and High Tea at the Grand Hotel. Definitely put this trip on your bucket list.
— Review left September 14, 2022
My first Road Scholar tour, it was a great experience and very worthwhile, I'm already signed up for two more. I very much enjoyed the meeting of new people (a couple of new friends) and a great experience in my senior years.
— Review left September 12, 2022
Mackinac Island? What's that? That describes my attitude before participating in this program. The answer to those questions: an amazing place you'll love and that will warm your heart and challenge your mind.
— Review left September 10, 2022
Mackinac Island is so interesting as it has no automobiles, just horse travel. The people who live there have to be self sufficient to survive living on an island
— Review left September 5, 2022
I've always wanted to visit Mackinac Island and joining this Road Scholar program gave me the opportunity and a chance to learn more about the island and its residents than I could have on my own. I recommend this program.
— Review left May 30, 2022
Great way to travel and learn
— Review left October 4, 2021
Wonderful Speakers and much new knowledge for these Michiganders!
— Review left September 25, 2021
This was a wonderful trip! There is so much more to Mackinac Island than the beautiful views and we enjoyed every presentation/walking tours.
— Review left September 20, 2021
Who would have guessed that this small island played such a critical role in the development of the United States?!
— Review left August 15, 2021
Great and Pat was a superb leader!
— Review left September 25, 2019
Highly recommend this program! Quite enjoyable!
— Review left June 14, 2019