Overview
Travel through time alongside your students on this Mackinac Island adventure! Your class will explore Fort Mackinac and Colonial Michilimackinac—a living history museum that recreates life during the American Revolution for voyagers, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families. Your students will also discover an 18th century sawmill, take in a thrilling lumberjack competition, bike the perimeter of the island, and take in the breathtaking view from Castle Rock.
Itinerary
Day 1
Lunch
Travel to Mackinaw City, MI
Colonial Michilimackinac visit
Students will step back in time in this recreation of a 18th century military outpost and fur trading village. Historical interpreters representing voyageurs, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families illustrate what it would have been like to live and work during the American Revolution, perform artillery demonstrations, prepare food and tend the gardens.
Historic Mill Creek visit
Explore miles of nature along hiking trails that lead to the Treetop Discovery Tower with sweeping views of the city. Engage in the history of this reconstructed 18th century sawmill with costumed interpreters conducting various demonstrations of the trade.
Dinner
Lumberjack Show
See World Champion Lumberjacks in head-to-head competition! Chopping, sawing, axe throwing, log rolling and speed climbing – it’s a great combination of action-packed fun and comedy!
Day 2
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Cross the “Big Mac” Mackinac Bridge
Take in the view and marvel at the architecture of the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. The 5-mile roadway connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, spanning the Straits of Mackinac, which link Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Castle Rock visit
Considered one of the oldest lookout points, also known as "Pontiac's Lookout" by the Ojibwa Tribe, Castle Rock rises 195 feet above water level. Students will take in breathtaking views of up to 20 miles, featuring Mackinac Island, Lake Huron, downtown St. Ignace, and surrounding wildlife habitats.
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
Travel from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island.
Fort Mackinac visit
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon and learn about the changing technology of the U.S. Army during a rifle firing demonstration. Learn about the changing face of the fort and the people who lived and worked here.
Lunch
Mackinac Island Self-Guided Bike Tour
Since no cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, one of the most scenic ways to experience its natural beauty is by bicycle. Students will enjoy a leisurely 8.2-mile ride around the island’s outer rim, which takes approximately 2 hours and offers stunning views throughout.
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
Travel back to Mackinaw City from Mackinac Island.
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes from Mackinac Island
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.