Mackinac Rendezvous 2025: A Scout’s Adventure

On September 19, 2025, Scout Troops, Venture Crews, Sea Scout Ships, and Cub Scout Packs converged on the City of Mackinaw, setting up camp just outside town at Mill Creek Campground. This marked the 20th Biennial Mackinac Rendezvous—promised to be the largest in the event’s history, dating back to 1987. A total of 1,817 people attended, including 143 staff members and nearly 600 Cub Scouts. Participants came from eight different councils across five states. While some staff were paid, most of the help came from volunteers—Scouts, friends of Scouting, and members of the Order of the Arrow.

Registration began at noon on Friday. After checking in and setting up camp, we were free to explore the city, the campground, and Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. Inflatables, a climbing tower, and games filled the midway. Opening ceremonies commenced at 6:30 p.m. for those who had arrived, while others continued to check in until 10 p.m. Scouts prepared meals in their camps and gathered around campfires, readying themselves for the big day ahead.

Saturday began with Scouts cooking breakfast and hurrying to catch the bus to the ferry. Each group had a designated departure time, but with an event this size, hiccups are inevitable. Cheboygan Schools provided transportation to and from the ferries, but they had double-booked buses to transport another group across the bridge at 9 a.m. Only about half of our group made it to the ferry before the buses left camp at 8:30. The rest had to wait until after 10—or find another way.

Our group was scheduled to leave at 8:40. As we walked to the loading area, we saw the last buses pulling away and learned about the situation. We returned to camp to regroup and decided to drive ourselves to the ferry and pay for parking, as many others did. Arnolds was the ferry line designated for Scouts, and we were told a vessel capable of carrying 400+ passengers was reserved for us. However, wind and choppy waters delayed the trip, and one ferry was rumored to be out of service. Scouts were mixed with the general public, which normally wouldn’t be a problem—except this weekend also hosted the Republican Convention on the island, making traffic unusually heavy. Arnolds prioritized the general public, which extended wait times and split up troops and packs.

We finally boarded a ferry and arrived on the island around 11 a.m.—an hour to an hour and a half later than expected. Once there, Scouts were free to explore. The island offered shops, historical sites, geographic landmarks, and countless activities. We began at Fort Michilimackinac, learning about life on the island and the battles fought as it changed hands between the French, British, and American colonists. We had to rush through, as our group was scheduled to walk the porch of the Grand Hotel at 12:30.

We made it in time to walk the longest front porch in the world and take in the magnificent views and immaculately groomed gardens. While the scenery was stunning, the crowds—between Scouts and convention attendees—made it difficult to navigate. Afterward, we reunited with the other half of our group, who had been visiting every church on the island. We caught up, then split again for lunch.

Some younger Scouts and adults went to The Great Turtle, where prices were high but portions generous and flavors worth the cost. The rest of us headed downtown to Murray’s Hotel, a troop favorite for the past few Mackinac trips. Murray’s offers a Mexican-style meal—tacos, burritos, nachos, or burrito bowls with customizable proteins and toppings. Prices are more reasonable, portions are large, and the food is delicious.

Murray’s also sells its own version of fudge. Fudge is a hot topic on Mackinac, with passionate debates over who makes the best. I won’t tell you which is superior—but everyone has their own style. Murdick’s is very traditional. Ryba’s and Joann’s offer classic fudge with some twists. Kilwins is known for its chocolate, and that richness shines through in their fudge. Murray’s takes a nontraditional approach, with candy-bar toppings and sprinkles for a more confectionery feel. I encourage everyone to sample each and decide for themselves. Fudge, ice cream, and saltwater taffy are mandatory when visiting the island.

After lunch, we shopped along Main Street, visiting souvenir shops and toy stores bustling with Scouts and tourists. One surprising sight: the arcade, full of lights and bells, was empty—proof that Scouts have ambitions beyond video games.

We regrouped at the park in front of the fort, enjoyed ice cream, and planned our next move. Most of our group returned to the mainland at the scheduled time, while a few of us stayed longer to enjoy the extra time we’d been promised. We hiked to Arch Rock, visited the Milliken Nature Center (a new addition since our last visit), and made a detour to Skull Cave before heading back to the docks.

We rode the ferry with the Island Adventure group, which included bikes and gear. This required a larger boat that took a more indirect route to avoid rough waters. We returned to camp around 7:30 p.m. after retrieving our cars.

Though our day on Mackinac Island had ended, the night at camp was just beginning. Dinner was provided, and the energy was high. Scouts enjoyed live music, inflatables, carnival games, hot iron branding, STEM stations for building and experimenting, and much more. The evening culminated in a fireworks finale over Lake Huron that rivaled any other professional display. As the fireworks faded, Scouts returned to their camps for one last night of sleep. Whether it was the fresh air, the full day of activities, or the cool night, many of us agreed it was some of the best sleep we’d had in a long time.

Sunday morning greeted us with a light rain. We ate breakfast, packed up our tents, and put Mackinaw in our rearview mirrors. We returned to our everyday lives—jobs, school, routines—but carried with us the memories of an unforgettable weekend and the promise to return next year for an even more exciting event celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers and volunteers who made the Mackinac Rendezvous possible. From months and months of planning to long hours on-site, their dedication ensured that thousands of Scouts had a safe, exciting, and memorable experience. Whether coordinating logistics, guiding activities, or simply lending a helping hand, their efforts did not go unnoticed. Special thanks to the staff, the Order of the Arrow, and all the friends of Scouting who gave their time and energy to create something truly extraordinary. This event wouldn’t have been the same without them.