Go back to a time of the early settlers, fur-traders and loggers. Michigan’s Heritage Program is a state-approved supplement to Michigan History 4th-5th grade curricula, that enables your students to step out of the classroom and step into the era of early Michigan pioneers and Potawatomi Indians. Here, they’ll learn about the ways of the native tribes, study the fur trader relationships and understand the impact of the lumber era, all while being surrounded by the landscapes of the beautiful Mackinac Island.
Fort Mackinac was founded during the American Revolution. Today student visitors can experience eighteenth century military life through visits to the reconstructed officer’s barracks, and military hospital. There are daily bugle demonstrations, as well as, a rifle firing and cannon blast.
In 1715, French soldiers constructed Fort St. Philippe de Michilimackinac. This fortified community became the great fur trade center of the Northwest until its relocation to nearby Mackinac Island in 1781.
Historic Mill Creek takes students back to the logging era of Michigan. There are daily water-powered sawmill demonstrations, a log-cutting saw pit, and acres of nature to explore.
The Grand Hotel opened in July 1887 and is famous for having the world's largest porch. The hotel is also known for the notable visitors who have stayed there, including five U.S. Presidents, Thomas Edison, and Mark Twain.
The museum, housed in an old observation tower, is filled with shipwrecks from the straits, artifacts from the nearby fort and exhibits highlighting Mackinac lighthouses. Students, especially, will be thrilled by the view from this stately museum.
The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House is the first of its kind in Michigan and one of the oldest butterfly exhibits in the United States. The world-renowned facility has 1,800 square feet of tropical gardens filled with hundreds of live butterflies from four continents.
Carriage men officially began providing tours of the Island in 1869 when the first city carriage license was issued. Today, Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Inc. is the world's oldest carriage tour company.
Your student group can enjoy a leisurely bicycle tour of beautiful Mackinac Island. Vendors are located throughout the island and bicycles can be rented on an hourly basis.
Day 1
- Arrive in Northern Michigan
- Breakfast
- Mackinac State Park
- Lunch
- Fort Michilimackinac
- Dinner
Day 2
- Breakfast
- Historic Mill Creek
- Fort Mackinac
- Lunch
- Grand Hotel
- Butterfly House
- Dinner
Day 3
- Breakfast
- Carriage Tour
- Maritime Museum
- Lunch
- "Life on the Island"
- Dinner
- Prepare to Return Home
* Please Note: some activities listed are seasonal, and therefore will be available only on specific travel dates
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