WOLVERINE INTERNATIONAL

A Brief Introduction - To the Michigan Tour

Michigan is rich in history which is as relevant today as in the past.
Although the roots of American culture are diverse they leave strong traces in all aspects of modern day America.
There were Native Americans living in the area for centuries before European settlers arrived.
These were, in particular, the Ojibwa and Odawa tribes whose descendants still live in the State.
The first Europeans at the Straits of Mackinac were French fur traders who set up a trading post at Fort Michilimackinac (now part of Colonial Michilimackinac).
This was subsequently taken over by the British following a seven year war which ended in 1761.
The British spread to Mackinac Island as a better place for defence during the American Revolution but the Island was finally handed over to the American people in 1815.

The tour will take in the sights and sounds of the French and British occupations in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

At Colonial Michilimackinac you will visit a colonial fur trading village and military outpost of the 1700's; see the eighteen authentically reconstructed buildings on their original site; and watch archaeologists at work on the site of the nation's longest ongoing archaeological dig -1999 was the 40th Anniversary.
On a visit to Mackinac Island you will see 19th century military (Fort Mackinac) and family life in action - where no motor vehicles are allowed!
At historic Mill Creek you will see sawyers in action with pit-saws and the working water-powered sawmill - which provided timber for Fort Mackinac.

A two-day visit to the scenic Upper Peninsula will include a trip to the 19th century industrial town of Fayette (which has been preserved in its entirety as an historical park), the Keweenaw Peninsula, and to Fort Wilkins - one of the most northerly points of the Lower 48 US States. You will be able to compare the present touristic beauty with the desolation caused by the industrial heritage past and present, in respect of the copper mining and lumber industries.

In modern contrast you will visit Detroit and the state capital, Lansing - where a visit will be made to the Michigan Historical Museum.
Whilst in Detroit, a visit will be made to Hitsville USA (home of Motown music) and the Henry Ford Museum together with Greenfield Village.
It is also planned to visit the Cranbrook Institute together with an American baseball game and a musical concert (subject to availability).

The tour is ideal for students aged 14 and up interested in history, American culture, sociology and archaeology, as an introduction to these areas or an extension of academic study.

It places an emphasis on accessibility which is made possible by the practical and informal nature of the programme.
The group will be escorted and guided by a Tour Manager who is there at all times to answer queries as well as care for all the practical arrangements.

All services of this kind are fully inclusive except travel to and from the Local Michigan or London UK airport.

Travel - group or individual - from regional UK or Western European countries can be arranged at additional cost. e-mail: Alan Clifford

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