Taking in the sights and sounds of Mackinac Island has never been so easy. Enjoy a fun-filled day of exploring the island with the Mackinac Experience Package. Here’s a sample itinerary:
Board your choice of ferry service with Arnold Transit Co., Shepler’s or Star Line to get to Michigan’s majestic Mackinac Island ready to start sightseeing.
First stop of the morning-- the most enjoyable way to see and learn about Mackinac Island-- a horse-drawn carriage tour with the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. Head downtown to board the carriage for the narrated overview tour of the island.
After the first 30 minutes of learning interesting facts about the island, is a stop at Surrey Hills Carriage Museum. While there see the historic carriages including a horse-drawn hearse and an antique fire department pumper.
Also located at this stop is the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, an all-glass, climate-controlled conservatory with lush green plants and hundreds of butterfly species.
The tour steps off again from Surrey Hills and continues through Mackinac Island State Park, which encompasses 80% of the island. The tour includes five-minute stop at the State Park’s Arch Rock to see the imposing limestone monument that rises 146 feet in the air.
Next stop on the itinerary is Fort Mackinac. Get a glimpse of the Fort as the carriage pulls up along the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags. Inside the fort walls are 14 original buildings filled with interactive displays and period furnishings. Hear bugle music, rifle fire and a cannon blast at this National Historic Landmark, and Michigan’s only Revolutionary War-era fort. Dance to a 19th century tune, drill with the soldiers or watch a mock reenactment of a military court martial.
Dine within the walls of this historic fort, or under the yellow umbrellas on the bluff overlooking the straits. The Tea Room, a Grand Hotel operated restaurant, at Fort Mackinac offers a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Or take a few minutes to walk downtown to one of the other unique Mackinac Island restaurants. Please note that meals are not included in the Mackinac Experience Package.
After lunch, re-board the carriage for the final stop on the tour-- the Grand Hotel. Tour the world’s longest front porch and the lobby of this stunning hotel. Take in the panoramic view of the Straits of Mackinac from the Cupola Bar at the very top of Grand Hotel. Or, choose from fine art to clothing, jewelry and gifts at one of the many shops on property.
At the end of the day, you could board the ferry to return to your vehicle but we recommend checking into your favorite Mackinac Island hotel or B&B. Rest and rejuvenate for additional sightseeing the next day.
The Mackinac Experience Package includes:
- Round Trip ticket on the ferry of your choice
- Ticket for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours 1 ¾ hour narrated, horse-drawn tour with stops at Surrey Hill Museum, Arch Rock, and Fort Mackinac
- Admission to Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory at Surrey Hill
- Admission to Fort Mackinac
- Admission to Grand Hotel before 5 p.m.
What you need to know:
Ticket prices:
- Adults (18+) – $59.50
- Youth (13-17) – $55.50
- Child (5-12) – $28.25
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