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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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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
Filling Fast!
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
May 18 - May 23, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Jun 8 - Jun 13, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Aug 24 - Aug 29, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Aug 31 - Sep 5, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Sep 21 - Sep 26, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Oct 5 - Oct 10, 2025
Starting at
2,799
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Aug 25 - Aug 30, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2024
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
3,819
Filling Fast!
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
Filling Fast!
May 18 - May 23, 2025
Starting at
3,359
Filling Fast!
Jun 8 - Jun 13, 2025
Starting at
3,359
Filling Fast!
Aug 24 - Aug 29, 2025
Starting at
3,359
Filling Fast!
Aug 31 - Sep 5, 2025
Starting at
3,359
Filling Fast!
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
3,359
Filling Fast!
Sep 21 - Sep 26, 2025
Starting at
3,359
Filling Fast!
Oct 5 - Oct 10, 2025
Starting at
3,359

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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip 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 Shaker Hites
Shaker Hites View biography
Dr. Carl “Shaker” Hites was born in northeast Ohio. His family has been in the logging-hardwood lumber industry for three generations. His father logged with horses first in Ohio, then Indiana. Upon receiving his DVM from Purdue University, Dr. Shaker started a practice in rural northwest Indiana, later focusing on equine work and small animals. Dr. Shaker, his wife Lisa, and their daughters have been lifelong horse owners and enthusiasts. After “retirement,” an offer to provide veterinary care on Mackinac Island was a perfect match.
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.
Profile Image of Colleen Turner
Colleen Turner View biography
Dr. Colleen Turner graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. Her practice since then has focused on equine dentistry and oral surgery. Dr. Turner sees referral dental and oral surgical cases at MSU, at equine hospitals in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, and at several area zoos where she has worked on a variety of critters (large and small) over the years. She enjoys trail riding while her kids compete in events. She lives with her family in Flint and Metamora, Michigan.
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