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Michigan

Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan

Program No. 1575RJ
Mackinac Island has been a fur trading post, Revolutionary War site, Victorian resort destination and much more. Join us as we explore the history of this small island with a big story.

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Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
2,549
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
2,549
Aug 25 - Aug 30, 2024
Starting at
2,549
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2024
Starting at
2,549
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
3,349
Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
2,549
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
2,549
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,549
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Aug 25 - Aug 30, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
3,819
Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,999

At a Glance

Explore the treasures of Mackinac Island as you delve into the island's glorious history, geology, natural beauty, architecture and modern life. Discover old-world traditions as you learn about the island's early economic and military importance as well as its development as a Victorian resort. Customs and cultures will come alive through lectures and field trips with local residents and area experts. A field trip to Fort Mackinac and a carriage ride around the island will enhance your visit.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1–2 miles per day. Paved and unpaved roads, some hilly terrain, stairs.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Learn during a carriage ride about the value of the horses.
  • Explore the island's beautiful natural spaces up close on a walk with a naturalist.
  • Find out why Mackinac’s Victorian homes are an important part of island history on a field trip with the Deputy Director of Mackinac State Historic Parks.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less. Transportation by foot, horse-drawn carriage, bike.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Katie Mallory
Katie Mallory worked for Mackinac State Historic Parks for 26 seasons. She started as a Historic House Interpreter in college and worked her way through to a full-time position as Museum Educator and Curator of Education. Katie oversaw programming at Fort Mackinac, Historic Downtown Buildings, Mackinac Art Museum, and the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp. She has a degree in Secondary Education in History and Social Sciences and taught in Spring Lake and Detroit. Katie loves travel and believes it’s the best form of education.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jeff Dykehouse
Jeff Dykehouse View biography
Jeff Dykehouse has worked for the Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) since 1983 and is the Curator of Natural History for the MSHP. Trained as a biologist, he has worked as an interpretive naturalist, environmental educator, research biologist, and audiovisual specialist for a number of Michigan’s State and National Parks. Jeff has been a “birder” all his life and has had a master Federal Bird Banding permit for over 30 years. Jeff lives on the shore of Lake Huron near Cheboygan with his wife Laurie (a middle school science teacher) and their three children.
Profile Image of Moira Croghan
Moira Croghan View biography
Moira Croghan started coming to Mackinac Island in the summers with her family when she was eight weeks old and has returned every year since. In 2011, she moved to Mackinac Island. Moira has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and biology and earned a master’s from the University Of Michigan School Of Natural Resources. For three decades, Moira oversaw the Commonwealth of Virginia’s water pollution control and land use management programs, conducting strategies to improve water quality through education, regularity programs, permits, and enforcement.
Profile Image of Katie Mallory
Katie Mallory View biography
Katie Mallory worked for Mackinac State Historic Parks for 26 seasons. She started as a Historic House Interpreter in college and worked her way through to a full-time position as Museum Educator and Curator of Education. Katie oversaw programming at Fort Mackinac, Historic Downtown Buildings, Mackinac Art Museum, and the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp. She has a degree in Secondary Education in History and Social Sciences and taught in Spring Lake and Detroit. Katie loves travel and believes it’s the best form of education.
Profile Image of Alyssa Connolly
Alyssa Connolly View biography
Dr. Alyssa Connolly graduated from Michigan State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She started a mobile veterinary practice in 2004 and is now a veterinarian in Pinckney, Michigan, primarily treating equine patients as well as mixed farm animals and companion animals. Dr. Connolly grew up in Howell, Michigan, gaining experience with horses from childhood. She got her first pony at age six and started to show in 4-H not long after.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Mackinac Island: Three Hundred and Fifty Years of History
by Robert E. Benjamin
This guide to the history of Mackinac Island will increase any visitor's enjoyment of this beautiful and historic island. This chronological account of the significant events in the island's history is illustrated by fascinating photos both current and historical.
Mackinac Island Adventures
by Lynda Hepker and Steven Hepker
An introduction to island culture and adventures on beautiful Mackinac Island. Written by year round residents of the island, this booklet offers information that you should know before traveling to Mackinac Island. Plus, a little history, some fun facts, things to see and do off the beaten path, and a little humor about how residents live on the island through the fours seasons of Michigan.
Mackinac Island (Images of America Series)
by Tom North
From historical richness to unparalleled natural beauty, Michigan's Mackinac Island is the crown jewel of the Great Lakes, unique in America. Native American visitors preceded French explorers and missionaries of the 17th century. Forts were established and battles fought between American and British soldiers. Commerce, including fur trading and fishing, later surpassed military importance, in turn yielding to the tourism industry that has dominated the past 150 years. Accessible by water, "ice bridge," or air, Mackinac Island encompasses a state park, harbor, city, and Victorian hotels and homes. A permanent automobile ban helps preserve the island's historic character, leaving land movement to foot, bicycle, and horse-drawn carriage. This book uses historical photographs to depict Mackinac Island heritage and culture. Rare images capture bygone days and lifestyles on this island where 19th century charm surprises and intrigues even today.
The Legend of Mackinac Island
by Kathy-jo Wargin
Beautifully illustrated story incorporating Indian legends of Mackinac Island. Retells the story of the great turtle Makinauk that enlists the aid of other animals to help create the special place known as Mackinac Island, and their discovery of new lands and long-lasting friendship. llustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen.
Fudge: Mackinac's Sweet Souvenir
by Phil Porter
Mackinac Island and fudge. Both symbolize indulgence, fantasy and escape. But there's more to fudge than sugar, butter, chocolate and cream. In this book, historian Phil Porter stirs up the past to find the hard work and sometimes bitter controversy behind this sweet souvenir. In his hunger for truth and historical accuracy, Porter dug deep into the kitchens and cupboards of the fudge culture. No appetite for history, no taste for sweet truth will be satisfied without reading Fudge: Mackinac's Sweet Souvenir.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.