Mackinac Island Educational Travel

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan

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, a carriage ride around the island and afternoon tea at the historic Grand Hotel will enhance your visit.

Activity Level

Active

Walking 1–2 miles per day. Paved and unpaved roads, some hilly terrain, stairs.

Best of all, you'll ...

Discover the valuable roles horses play on the island during a narrated carriage ride.
On a walk with a naturalist, explore the island's beautiful natural spaces up close, then juxtapose your natural encounter with afternoon tea amid the elegance of the historic Grand Hotel.
Learn 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

Transportation by foot, horse-drawn carriage, bike.

Suggested Reading List

View 3 books

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.

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 (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.

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6 days

5 nights

15 meals

5 B 5 L 5 D

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

DAY

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Mackinac Island

Harbour View Inn

Afternoon: On-site registration and hotel check-in.

Dinner: Dinner on-site at 6:00pm.

Evening: Welcome program.

DAY

Carriage Tour & Fort Mackinac

Mackinac Island

B,L,D

Harbour View Inn

Breakfast: Breakfast on-site.

Morning: Enjoy a narrated carriage tour of Mackinac Island through the downtown and into the state park. Discover the valuable roles horses play on the island. Afterwards, visit historic Fort Mackinac and learn about the island's military importance.

Lunch: Lunch on-site.

Afternoon: Discover the geological history of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region in a classroom session followed by a walking field trip with a prominent local naturalist.

Dinner: Dinner on-site.

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

DAY

History of Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island

B,L,D

Harbour View Inn

Breakfast: Breakfast on-site.

Morning: Discuss the unusual combination of Mackinac Island history (Native, French, English, and American) and learn how each culture played a role in the island's development. Discover the island’s role in past wars, as a home for early fur traders, explorers, and mapmakers, and its development as a popular tourist destination.

Lunch: Lunch on-site

Afternoon: Group will be split in two: Group A will attend a classroom session to study the unique flora and plant life on the island followed by a walking field trip to experience the island's natural beauty up close (includes 1 – 1.5 hour leisurely walk). Group B will visit the historic Grand Hotel for an elegant, but casual, afternoon of tea.

Dinner: Dinner on-site.

Evening: 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.

DAY

Mackinac Island Birding

Mackinac Island

B,L,D

Harbour View Inn

Breakfast: Breakfast on-site.

Morning: Learn about the indigenous birds on Mackinac Island through a fun and charming lecture with an experienced birder. Take a walk to discover their habitats and nesting areas.

Lunch: Lunch on-site.

Afternoon: Group will be split in two: Group B will attend a classroom session to study the unique flora and plant life on the island followed by a walking field trip to experience the island's natural beauty up close (includes 1 – 1.5 hour leisurely walk). Group A will visit the historic Grand Hotel for an elegant, but casual, afternoon of tea.

Dinner: Dinner on-site.

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

DAY

Victorian Architecture, Free Afternoon

Mackinac Island

B,L,D

Harbour View Inn

Activity note: Approximately 75-80 stairs to climb as part of the walking field trip in the morning session.

Breakfast: Breakfast on-site.

Morning: 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. Revel in their beauty and design on a walking field trip with the Deputy Director of Mackinac State Historic Parks.

Lunch: Lunch on-site.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Mackinac Island on your own.

Dinner: Dinner on-site.

Evening: Closing program.

DAY

Program Concludes

Mackinac Island

B,L

Breakfast: Breakfast on-site.

Morning: Discover the traditional foods of Northern Michigan, including their historical and cultural influences.

Lunch: Lunch on-site.

Afternoon: Program ends at 11:30am after lunch.

Meals

15 Meals

5 Breakfasts

5 Lunches

5 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Fat, Low Salt, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Display

Oct 01, 2017 - Oct 06, 2017

Aug 06, 2017 - Aug 11, 2017
Aug 13, 2017 - Aug 18, 2017
Aug 20, 2017 - Aug 25, 2017
Aug 27, 2017 - Sep 01, 2017
Sep 03, 2017 - Sep 08, 2017
Sep 10, 2017 - Sep 15, 2017
Sep 17, 2017 - Sep 22, 2017
Sep 24, 2017 - Sep 29, 2017
Oct 01, 2017 - Oct 06, 2017

Harbour View Inn

5 nights

Mackinac Island

Harbour View Inn overlooks the water and is an elegant hotel recreated in Victorian charm. The inn enjoys a colorful history. Madame La Framboise, a Great Lakes fur trader and granddaughter of Returning Cloud, Chief of the Ottowa Indian Nation, built this stately manor. Her home offered shelter for early traders, explorers, and mapmakers, as well as a meeting place for writers, artists, Governors, and Ladies. You will find the Victorian charm and history of Harbour View Inn enchanting. Please visit their web site at harbourviewinn.com to download a brochure or view a video of the hotel and grounds.

TripAdvisor Reviews

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29 Reviews

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4.94 Average

Pamela

Class of 2016

Baton Rouge, LA

This reviewer did not give a star rating. 2 days ago

very nice tour. great location amd tour guide

Richard

Class of 2014

Solomons, MD

(5) 8 months ago

Outstanding program and experience - lectures and activities just right!

Judy

Lagrange, GA

(5) 8 months ago

Fabulous!

Daniel

Class of 2008

Westville, IN

(5) 8 months ago

Great program.Had I attended on my own, I would not have had the learning experience that I received. Great value.

Barb

Class of 2011

Marshfield, WI

(5) 8 months ago

If you think of Mackinac Island as just another touristy location, you will be surprised and delighted if you choose to visit it with Road Scholar. What an insightful way to learn about a place that made such an historical impact and now provides a charming relief from common motorized living. I savor the memories of vistas and sounds on the Island.....

Rodney

Madison, WI

(5) 8 months ago

You have it "down" to a "T."

Madonna

Class of 2014

Glenn Dale, MD

(4) 9 months ago

This was a very enjoyable way to visit Mackinac Island. It is a beautiful place and the program showed us all its history and beauty.

Kenneth

Class of 2014

Phoenix, AZ

(5) 9 months ago

This is a great program in a location that is special and not frequently visited by many. It fits the profile interests of many who are likely to look for Road Scholar programs. This was my third program and was outstanding.

Rita

Class of 2012

Manasquan, NJ

(5) 9 months ago

I just returned from a RS trip to Mackinac Island. What a delight that was, a beautiful area, so different than any other I have experience with some of the best presenters. It was a great trip. I learned so much, walked so much in beautiful areas and experienced a part of my country I never really knew about.

Barbara

Class of 2003

Fenton, MO

(5) 9 months ago

Mackinac Island is about so much more than fudge. I encourage you to immerse yourself in the history, nature, beauty and uniqueness of this Road Scholar program.

Thomas

Class of 2011

Des Plaines, IL

(5) 9 months ago

In general, I have found Road Scholar's website to be fairly easy to use and very helpful and informative in advertising programs which may be of interest to me.

James

Class of 2009

Kingsport, TN

(5) 9 months ago

A GREAT program on a unique island with quite a history,led by knowledgeable instructors with a very capable group leader.

Carole

Class of 2016

Sterling Heights, MI

(5) 9 months ago

This was my first Road Scholar trip and it was such a wonderful experience. It was great to have someone else do all the planning, thus making my trip stress free and relaxing. The island is so beautiful and filled with so much history. Since my trip was such a fantastic experience, I would love to travel with Road Scholars again.

Dail

Class of 2016

Wilson, WY

(5) 10 months ago

This is a great trip for those who love being around historic water front communities. The lack of cars is a huge bonus-you feel much healthier by the end of the week with all the walking and clean air. I would definitely visit this area again after discovering it with Road Scholar.

John

Class of 2008

Lady Lake, FL

(4) 10 months ago

Very interesting program. Good speakers and a very nice hotel. An enjoyable week with a great group of people.

John

Class of 2008

Grand Rapids, MI

(5) 10 months ago

This program is excellent for those wanting to become familiar with Mackinac Island, including its history. You will never learn as much if you just try to do it on your own. It is also a wonderful way to take an educational vacation with everything provided. All you have to do is listen, learn and enjoy!

Alan

Class of 2014

Menno, SD

(5) 10 months ago

The program was fun and educational.

Joy

Class of 2016

Valley Mills, TX

(5) a year ago

The trip was wonderful and I look forward to traveling the Road Scholar again. Life is an adventure and Road Scholar opens the door to new and beautiful adventures.... Keep Up the good work. P.S. This was my first trip with the Road Scholar

Meredith

Southington, CT

(5) a year ago

This is a delightful offering enhanced by the lilacs. Accomodations were very nice, food was very thoughtfully presented with a wide variety to choose from. The little cards outlining the days programs were a new helpful way to read about our activities.

Bonnie

Class of 2015

Pinckney, MI

(5) a year ago

Great adventure even though I grew up in Michigan the Road scholar view is much more than us visiting by ourselves in the past. We learned so much and saw he island in a more educated visit.

Mary

Class of 2016

Houston, TX

(5) a year ago

The Mackinac Island trip was a most relaxing, learning trip I've taken.

Catherine

Class of 2016

Iowa City, IA

(5) a year ago

Mackinac Island is a magical spot. The Road Scholar program gave insight into the history and lore of the island. A highly recommended program!

Mary Anna

Class of 2014

Omaha, NE

(5) a year ago

The speakers were very knowledgeable,interesting and totally in love with Mackinac, which came through in their talks and field trips. If the leader shows the video "The Ice Bridge", take the time to see it. It gives a great visual perspective on the island culture that you hear about from all the speakers.

Janice

Class of 2008

Saint Peters, MO

(5) a year ago

This was a wonderful experience. We had a lot of camaraderie. The leaders were very knowledgeable and interesting as well as humorous. Highly recommend this experience on Mackinac Island.

Robert

Class of 2008

Saint Peters, MO

(5) a year ago

Great learning experience. Hotel great, lecturers excellent and setting incredible. It was as described in the overview and more. So glad we experienced it.

Barbara

Class of 2004

Dublin, OH

(5) a year ago

I learned much more than I ever thought I would about Mackinac Island. The weather was beautiful (Sept-Oct), the inn was great, and the speakers were very knowledgeable and interesting. I would highly recommend this program.

Marcia

East Amherst, NY

(5) a year ago

Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan was an excellent Road Scholar Program. The speakers were excellent, accommodations superb, group leader was well organized. Great field trips and speakers. My husband and I highly recommend this program. Well worth the money. DELIGHTFUL TIME!

Clyde

Class of 2014

Omaha, NE

(5) a year ago

Being a retired railroader, I knew nothing about Mackinac Island. This program exceeded my expectations, especially the knowledgeable, enthusiastic presenters. The Harbour View Inn was a wonderful venue serving simple, excellent meals. The excellent weather allowed me to rent a bike at the Inn each morning and bike the scenic trails around the island before the 9 am presentations.

Diane

Class of 2006

Louisville, KY

(5) a year ago

When my husband asked what I wanted for my 80th birthday, I answered, "A trip to Mackinaw Island." This was a bucket-list item for at least 50 years. This was an ideal experience. I am well pleased that he chose Road Scholar as the way to travel.