Group Tour Tips

There are a number of things that can be done before your group arrives, and upon arrival, to make for the best possible visit:

* First and foremost, call in advance (see Group Contact Person) and set up your arrival time. While this is not a reservation to the exclusion of other groups, it does alert the staff of your pending arrival and allows them to be fully prepared.

* It is also a good idea to call or email two weeks in advance to re-verify your arrival time and give a final guest count.

* If you have guests with accessibility concerns, ask our guest service representative (upon arrival) for a Guide to Access brochure. All of our historic sites do require a certain amount of walking, but there are also plenty of benches in which to take a break. Remember that we encourage picture taking and interaction with our costumed historical interpreters!

* It is very important to have your Tour Escort on hand at arrival time and have all payment information prepared. Most of our historic sites feature video/slide orientation programs and it is a perfect way to begin a visit. How much time should you set aside for a visit? One and one-half to two hours at any of our sites would be a minimum amount of time, but you may find that some of your passengers will be reluctant to get back on that coach or carriage!

* Site maps are available online and a 13 minute video (VHS or DVD)about our sites is also available. If you have a VCR or DVD player on your motorcoach, this video is a nice way to introduce the Mackinac State Historic Parks to your guests.

* Weather in the Straits of Mackinac can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. Guests should prepared with cool weather clothing in the summer and cold weather clothing in the spring and fall.

* Also, be certain to verify your arrival and departure times with our 2008 Hours of Operation, as each historic site has different hours and they do change, depending on the time of the season.

* Finally, contact Group Contact Person with any and all questions about the Mackinac State Historic Parks!