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Offered languages
- English
Mackinac Island’s East Bluff is home to some of the island’s most elegant summer cottages, where prominent families have retreated for over a century.
On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear how the area earned its reputation as “the quiet bluff” as you stroll past a collection of private Victorian and Edwardian homes.
Starting outside the Michigan Governor’s summer residence, this leisurely walk covers just over a mile through scenic roads. You’ll pass charming cottages. Each home tells a different story about island life. Among them is the summer retreat for the groundbreaking Hamilton sisters – one taught America about Greek mythology, and the other became Harvard’s first female faculty member.
As you make your way to Cedar Hill cottage, where the tour ends, you’ll enjoy views of Fort Mackinac. You’ll learn why the fort’s commanding position had one critical vulnerability and how British forces exploited it during their nighttime invasion in 1812.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This self-guided audio tour starts in front of Michigan Governor's Summer Residence. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
The tour ends near Lover’s Leap
Itinerary
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Mackinac Island (Pass by)
Mackinac Island’s East Bluff is home to some of the island’s most elegant summer cottages, where prominent families have retreated for over a century. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear how the area earned its reputation as “the quiet bluff” as you stroll past a collection of private Victorian and Edwardian homes.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Starting outside the Michigan Governor’s summer residence, this leisurely walk covers just over a mile through scenic roads, where horses, bikes and carriages provide transportation. You’ll pass charming cottages with names like Restmore, Baby Grand, and Belle Vue. Each home tells a different story about island life.
Admission ticket free -
Fort Mackinac (Pass by)
As you make your way to Cedar Hill cottage, where the tour ends, you’ll enjoy views of Fort Mackinac, the British-built fortress that controlled Great Lakes’ fur trading and witnessed dramatic battles during the War of 1812. You’ll learn why the fort’s commanding position had one critical vulnerability and how British forces exploited it during their nighttime invasion in 1812.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Take in the Scouts Barracks where future President Gerald Ford once served as a Boy Scout
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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