Groups » Activities

Group Activities

History is brought to life at Colonial Michilimackinac

Your guests are sure to love northern Michigan and each of the attractions listed below are well versed in dealing with groups of all types. For motorcoach tours, most offer complimentary admission for driver and escort.

Rates posted are for groups visiting in 2009 and are based on 20 paid admissions or more.

National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods

Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry
800-542-8528
In business since the 1800's, Arnold offers 14-minute Catamaran rides from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. Free itinerary planning available. $19.00 per person. Ask for Group Sales.

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
800-TO-BOYNE
This 88,000 square foot mega-park features five waterslides, a shallow children's pool, wet climbing wall, activity pools, a lazy river, hot tubs. a huge arcade and Rip Zone - Michigan's first surf simulator.

Bay Harbor History Museum
231-439-2700
Learn about the evolution of Bay Harbor from an abandoned cement plant to a world-class resort. 11-minute video and changing exhibits. Open daily.

Beaver Island Boat Company
888-446-4095
Enjoy a 2 hour cruise from "Charlevoix the Beautiful" to Beaver Island - "America's Emerald Isle". Offering round-trip passenger, vehicle and freight service. Guided van tours of Beaver Island available May-October. Day trips available June - August. Rates do not include passenger fare. $22.00/$32.00.

Castle Farms
231-237-0884
Now restored to its original grandeur, experience the history and majesty of Castle Farms. Guided group tours of this French Renaissance castle are available by appointment. $8.00 per person.

Crooked Tree Arts Center
231-347-4337
The Crooked Tree Arts Center is a landmark in downtown Petoskey. Formerly a Methodist Church, the Arts Center is a 119-year-old fully restored Victorian facility. Two galleries feature art exhibits, and the Art Tree Gallery displays works by local artists. The beautifully restored Ross Stoakes Theatre is the stage for various world-class musicians, dancers, actors and entertainers. Gallery admission is free - call for information on group pricing for shows.

Friske Orchards
231-599-2604
This family owned and operated business is a great place for groups of all kinds. Tour the gift store and bakery, feed the barnyard animals and see the antique farm machinery. Call for further information or visit our website.

History Museum Docents
231-347-2620
Knowledgeable tour guides are available to meet your guests at predetermined locations. Spend time with these docents from the Little Traverse Bay History Museum while they highlight points of local interest. Cost for service is $250.00 and includes admission to the Museum for each guest.

Kilwin's Quality Confections
231-347-4831
Welcomes groups free of charge to tour the facility and see candies and other confections being made. Regular tours are scheduled Monday through Thursday (during the summer months) at 10:30, 11:00, 2:00 and 2:30. At other times of the year, or if you'd like to schedule a separate group tour, please call for an appointment. See how Kilwin's homemade centers are coated using a "chocolate waterfall" and sample one of their most popular candies - genuine pecan tuttles.

Learn Great Foods (A Culinary Adventure)
866-240-1650
These culinary tours are based in Petoskey, touring Emmet, Antrim, Charlevoix and Cheboygan Counties. Each tour includes two food stops of farms and food artisans and a hands-on cooking class, with delicious organic gourmet dinner. The menu varies depending on what is picked up on the tour that day. A great learning experience and a delight for your tastebuds. Call for group rate information.

Little Traverse History Museum
231-347-2620
On Petoskey's beautiful waterfront, this museum is in the restored Pete Marquette train depot. Exhibits feature Ernest Hemingway's life in Michigan, rare Odawa Indian artifacts and historical exhibits which include the history of the Little Traverse Bay region. Admission is $2.00 per person.

Mackinac Bridge
Linking Michigan's two peninsulas, the "Mighty Mac" opened in 1957 and offers a spectacular view of Lakes Michigan and Huron. Motorcoach crossings are $3.50 per axle each way, over this, the world's longest suspension bridge.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
906-847-3307
Since motor vehicles are not permitted to intrude on the natural beauty of Mackinac Island, there is no better way to visit this historic isle and the legendary points of interest than by carriage. Your 1 3/4 hour tour will be expertly narrated and you will travel in comfortable, charming carriages. $23.50 per person. Advance reservations required.

Mackinac State Historic Parks
231-436-5762
Founded in 1715, Colonial Michilimackinac is an authentically reconstructed 18th century French fur trading village and military outpost in Mackinaw City. Admission is $9.50 for groups of 12 or more. Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island features 14 original buildings dating back to 1780; period exhibits, cannon firings and an orientation program await guests. Admission is $9.50 per person. Just outside Mackinaw City, Historic Mill Creek offers demonstration at a reconstructed 18th century water-powered sawmill nestled in a 625-acre wooded setting with nature trails and forestry displays. Admission is $6.75 per person. New in 2004 is the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City. Built in 1892, this lighthouse guided ship traffic for 65 years. Today you can walk through the keeper's quarters and see a restoration in progress. Tower access is also available. Admission is $5.50 per person. Combo tickets for three sites are just $20.00 per person.

National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods
231-238-8973
Made from a single California redwood tree for Oregon, this awe-inspiring cross is 55-feet high; 22 feet wide and weigfhs seven tons. Renowned sculptor Marshal M. Fredericks created the bronze image of The Crucified Christ which was raised into place in 1959. People of every faith are invited to visit and spend some moments of reflection at the Cross. Also featured is the 525-piece doll museum, the largest religious doll museum in the world. All dolls are dressed in garb of religious men and women. There are also other shrines, a meditative/nature walk and a gift store of religious articles. Open year 'round, dawn to dusk. Free will donations accepted.

Odawa Casino Resort
877-4-GAMING (442-6464)
The Odawa Casino Resort is ready and waiting for you with gaming, food and entertainment. This gorgeous casino offers over 1500 slot machines and a variety of table games (blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, etc.). There are three dining options (Waas-no-de' Buffet, Copper Cafe and Sage Restaurant). Beverage options include the Rendezvous Lounge and Ozone Nightclub. Entertainment is also featured in the Ozone Nightclub. Located nearby, the Odawa Hotel features 137 rooms along with banquet facilities. Best food, best slots, and best service await you!

Raven Hill Discovery Center
877-833-4254
A wide variety of classes are offered in science, history and the arts at this hands-on learning center or visitors can spend their time exploring the hands-on museum, the medicinal gardens or the tree house; stroll the stone labyrinth or the boardwalk through the wetlands and discover our back-in-time exhibits and our new alternative energy house. Call for a schedule of events and rates or visit our website.

Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises
800-828-6157
These 3-hour cruises through the Straits of Mackinac offer awe-inspiring views, plus a chance to learn about shipwrecks and navigation methods. Live narration is performed by members of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. Call directly for group rate information.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
800-828-6157
Shepler's offers 16 minute hydroplane rides to Mackinac Island from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Complete motorcoach packages available. Rescue service for disabled buses and certified mechanics on staff. $19.00 per person round trip.

Starline Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry
800-638-9892
The Star Line fleet is known for its rooster-tail spray, hydro-jet ferries. Star Line offers docks in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Complete area packages available. Barrier free access to the main cabin. Please call for current rate information.

Young Americans Dinner Theatre
800-462-6963
Located at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, this lively performance showcases the energetic musical talent of the "Young Americans". This spirited troupe will serve up food and song during their two-act variety show performed nightly (except Sundays) beginning June 26th and through August. $46.00 per adult - $28 per child, 12 years and under.

Of Note:

Concerts in the Park - Petoskey
Evenings at the Gazebo - Boyne City
Bay View Programs
Little Traverse Conservancy
Boyne City Historical Museum
Raven Hill Discovery Center - East Jordan
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Inland Waterway
River Rafting - Indian River.

(800) 845-2828 for more information!