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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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  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
  • Mackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
Regional Studies
Length
6 days
Rating (4.91)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,999
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Mackinac Island
Program Concludes
Mackinac Island
Meals
15 ( 5B, 5L, 5D )
Activity Level
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.
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.
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General Notes
Transportation by foot, horse-drawn carriage, bike.
Featured Expert
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Shaker Hites
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.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
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.
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 now works with arts and education programs out of Cheboygan (and Road Scholar on Mackinac Island), as well as being involved with family time, theater groups, and community programming..
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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1–2 miles per day. Paved and unpaved roads, some hilly terrain, stairs.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.