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A visit to a Mackinac State Historic Parks site will certainly be a highlight of the school year! Please see below the answers to a lot of your questions, and feel free to reach out to our Marketing and Group Travel Coordinator with any additional questions or to book your group.
How many students and adult chaperones do I need to qualify for a field trip?
— A minimum of 12 people, students and adults, qualify for the group rate.
What are your hours?
— Our hours vary by site, but we are typically open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours extend in the summer months.
What is the school group rate?
— Fort Mackinac: $9.25/student; $14.25/chaperone
— Historic Downtown Mackinac: $6.00/student; $9.00/chaperone
— Colonial Michilimackinac: $8.75/student; $14.25/chaperone
— Historic Mill Creek: $7.50/student; $9.50/chaperone
— Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse: $6.75/student; $9.25/chaperone
— Mackinac Complete (access to three or more sites): $24.50/student; $36.50/chaperone
— Groups receive two complimentary adults admissions (minimum of 12 students).
Does my group have to arrive together?
— Yes. For groups to qualify for the group rate they must arrive as a single unit.
Do you have eating facilities for groups?
— Yes. At Historic Mill Creek a tent is set up near the pavilion from early May through the first week of June. A covered pavilion is available at Fort Mackinac. Both spots are available on a first come, first served basis, and are not reserved. In addition, there is ample picnic space at Fort Mackinac, Historic Mill Creek, and in Michilimackinac State Park, adjacent to Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Colonial Michilimackinac, has ample picnic space. Unfortunately we do not have space to store lunches.
Can my group eat lunch at the Tea Room at Fort Mackinac?
— Yes. Arrangements must be made with Grand Hotel. Chat with our Marketing and Group Travel Coordinator for more information.
How many adult chaperones do you require?
— We do not have a set number, but recommend one chaperone for every 12 students.
Do I have to purchase group tickets in advance?
— To receive any complimentary admissions, groups must be booked in advance. In addition, due to size restrictions at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Historic Mill Creek, and Historic Downtown Mackinac, walk-up groups may not be permitted.
Where do we check in?
— Fort Mackinac: At either admissions booth
— Historic Downtown Mackinac: At the Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, or The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
— Colonial Michilimackinac: At the admissions counter inside the Visitor’s Center
— Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse: Inside the Fog Signal Building
— Historic Mill Creek: Inside the David A. Armour Visitor’s Center
— It is recommended, if possible, to send a chaperone to check in prior to sending the student group to the admissions counter.
Is there bus parking on site?
— Yes. The Visitor’s Centers at Colonial Michilimackinac and Historic Mill Creek have ample bus parking. There are designated bus parking spaces just outside the main lot at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Island visitors will need to arrange bus parking with whichever ferry you take to Mackinac Island.
How long should I expect to visit each site?
— Each group varies, but there are recommended times:
— Fort Mackinac: at least two hours, if not more.
— Historic Downtown Mackinac: 1.5 hours to visit all three sites
— Colonial Michilimackinac: At least two hours, if not more.
— Historic Mill Creek: At least 1.5 hours
— Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse: At least one hour
