Many schools visit northern Michigan for forts and fudge. Only Travel Adventures delivers a program specifically designed for the State-approved Michigan History 4th-5th grade curricula.

The educational components of the program begin with visits to the Mackinac State Parks sites. Student groups will learn about the history of these eras through interpreters and demonstrations at Fort Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek, and Fort Mackinac.

The students will also attend the following specialized workshops:

• Arrival and Era of the Fur Traders- Students will experience a Fur Trader’s life as well as gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among Native Americans, Frenchmen, and Englishmen in Michigan’s development from wilderness to present day. Students will be active learners with this voyageur extraordinaire.

• Great Lakes Native People- Students will interact with Potawatomi Indians while learning about Great Lakes Indian culture. Students will investigate Native American artifacts, learn Native words, and experience Native American life through hands-on activities. 

• Logging of Michigan’s Forests- Students will understand the impact of the lumbering era on Michigan’s development as a state. Students will realize the importance of Michigan’s “green gold” with our shanty boy.

• “Life on the Island” as explained by a local resident- Students will hike to Arch Rock while learning about Mackinac Island legends and geology. Students will gain new understanding of the Island’s terrain.
   

An evening program is included as a culminating activity to the first day of the program. The students and adults will be entertained by the delightful and humorous Baffling Bill's Magic Show.
Baffling Bill has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years and has “wowed’ our groups with his mystifying talents since 2007.

Colonial Michilimackinac

In 1715 French soldiers constructed Fort St. Philippe de Michilimackinac.  This fortified community, commonly called Michilimackinac, became the great fur trade center of the Northwest until its relocation to nearby Mackinac Island in 1781.  It was here where fur traders and Indians rendezvoused, French and British officers organized war parties and explorers began their journeys into the vast western unknown.

Historic Mill Creek

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.

Fort Mackinac

Fort Mackinac was founded during the American Revolution. Believing Fort Michilimackinac at what is now Mackinaw City was too vulnerable to American attack, the British moved the fort to Mackinac Island in 1780.
Today student visitors can experience nineteenth 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.

Maritime Museum

The museum, housed in an old observation tower, is filled with educational information.  There are four floors of exhibits on the themes of water, wind, waves, and wakes; shipwrecks of the straits; building the Mighty Mac; and lighthouses of the straits.  Students  will be thrilled by the view of the Island and Straits.

Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel opened in July, 1887 and has a rich history. It is famous for having the world's largest porch, as well as for the notable visitors who have stayed there, including five U.S. Presidents, inventor Thomas Edison, and author Mark Twain.

Butterfly House

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House is the first of its kind in Michigan, and the third oldest LIVE butterfly exhibit in the United States. The world renowned facility has 1800 square feet of tropical garden filled with hundreds of live butterflies from four continents.

Carriage Tours

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 largest, oldest and continually operated horse and buggy livery, with approximately 100 carriages and over 400 horses.

Bicycle Rentals

A very popular activity for student groups is the bicycle rental and self-guided tour of the island. Vendors are located throughout the island and bicycles can be rented on an hourly basis.