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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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