Frugal Fun in Mackinaw City

I've been on the prowl for a decent campground with low rates for a while now, and finally stumbled upon one that looks great, with a low price.

Actually, I think they only just recently announced the price cut, because I had looked at it before.

Most of the campgrounds in or around the Mackinac/Mackinaw area are $25-35 a night, more on holidays, for a standard electric/water hook up. I budgeted myself out for $32/night, which meant I could do a 4 night camping trip.

My aunt-in-law told me about Mackinaw Mill Creek Campgrounds, and I looked at them again. They introduced a program this summer called "Super Saver".

I wasn't sure what it was, and it took a bit of digging, but what I found is that they took one section of the 600 site campground, and offer it (on a first come, first serve basis) at around $10 cheaper per night. It's limited, and they don't have any lake front sites with that deal. I figured at first you would have to buy a discount card, like KOA, or be a frequent camper, or something. However, as far as I can tell, there are no restrictions on reserving a site at
those prices.

They also do not do the deal during holidays. But, I was able to reserve a tent site with electric for $14/night! That's less than half what I was planning to spend, and I'm now taking the kids for 6 nights, 7 days, and using some of the savings towards some site seeing while we are up there.

Here's the website:

http://www.campmackinaw.com/home.htm

In addition, here's the information (including a map of the area used) for the Super Savers Program:

http://www.campmackinaw.com/super_saver_camp_sites.htm

Also- for site seeing, I found a deal that I'm planning to take advantage of. There are 4 Historic parks in the Mackinaw area that charge admission- Colonial Fort Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac (on Mackinac Island), Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, and Old Mackinac Point Light House.

On the main page of the website for those parks, it advertises that a family of 4 can visit 3 of the 4 parks for $74 or less (depending on ages- it's actually $80 for 2 adults, and 2 kids aged 5-17). I decided to check into it. Because my family of 4 on the trip will be me and 3 kids, it's only $65 instead of the $74 or $80.

BUT, right under the order form for those tickets (which have to be used within 4 days of purchase), there was an order form for the family membership. The family membership covers 2 adults, and all kids 18 and under living at home for free entrance to all 4 parks for a full year.

The price? $65.00.

So, for the exact same price, I can take the kids to all 4 parks, and not be limited in how quickly we have to do it. AND, if we want to take a day trip up there later in the summer, we can get in for free again. Plus, the membership includes a 15% off Museum shop discount, and a quarterly newsletter.

The website for the parks is:

http://www.mackinacparks.com/

The order form for the tickets is:

http://www.mackinacparks.com/admission/index.aspx?l=0,1,3,494

For some more cheap fun during your stay, travel across the bridge to the St. Ignace side in the UP. First up, stop at Castle Rock. The natural rock formation has a staircase leading up to it, which you can climb for a mere $.50. There is also a large souviner shop at the base, as well as a statue of Paul Bunyon and his blue ox, Babe.

If you print the following page, you can climb for half price:

http://www.stignace.com/attractions/castlerock/

For a slightly pricier attraction, there is both the Mystery Spot, and the Weird Michigan Wax Museum, both in St. Ignace.

Each of the attractions is $5 for kids 5-11, and $7 for anyone 12+. At the Mystery Spot, for a slightly higher price of $7.50 for kids 5-11, and $9.50 for people 12+, you get a guided tour, a round of mini golf, and a walk in the Woods Maze. Kids under 5 are free at both locations.

http://mysteryspotstignace.com/
http://www.weirdwax.com/

For a kitschy tourist souviner shop, stop by The Indian Village, which caters to selling an assortment of fake and real Indian items and crafts. I remember stopping there as a child on my way up north, and loved going each time.

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/14379

Lastly, Deer Ranch is a nice stop for the whole family. You can see dozens of deer walking around. The admission is $4.50 for anyone ages 4 & up. 3 and under are free.

http://www.deerranch.com/main.php

And don't forget the many lovely lake-side parks on both sides of the bridge! On a warm day, pack a picnic, and just hang out at the park! At night, get some pretty photos of the bridge all lit up.


I am getting excited by some of the fun, frugal things I will be able to do with the kids this summer.