Mackinac Island, Michigan, U.S.A.
Mackinac Island is an island located in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. Mackinac Island is rich in history dating back to the 17th century when European settlers began colonization, Mackinac Island became a center for fur trading. Fort Mackinac was the site of the war of 1812. Mackinac Island became a popular tourist destination in the early 19th century, and was also summer recreational homes for the famous and wealthy. Year round population of Mackinac Island is 470 people, however in the Summer months Mackinac Island attracts approximately 15,000 people per day.
Getting to Mackinac Island – there’s 2 ferry companies that you can choose from (both are decent) and both depart from either Mackinaw City (on the South side of Mackinaw bridge) or from St. Ignace (on the North side of the Mackinaw Bridge). Check the schedule ahead of time…some of the ferries will bring you under the Mackinaw Bridge, which is pretty neat to see.
Links to ferry web-sites:
Shepler's Star LineGetting around Mackinac Island – no vehicles are permitted on Mackinac Island (with the exception of emergency vehicles). Cars were allowed on Mackinac Island in 1980 during the filming of Somewhere In Time (Christopher Reeve)…and of course during the controversial permission of Pence’s motorcade in Sept. 2019. There’s 3 ways to get around Mackinac Island: walking, bicycle, horse drawn carriage or horse back.
- Walking – when you get off the ferry, if you plan just to stay in/around the town, you will be fine to walk around
- Bicycle – bicycle is the most popular way to get around the island. You can bring your own bicycle on the ferry or rent bicycles once you get off the ferry (there’s a few options and lots available). We brought our bikes and cycled around the island, which is an 8 mile loop around the island and will take you 1 to 3 hours (depending on how much you stop to see the sights)…enjoy as it’s very beautiful (be sure to stop at Arch Rock for great pictures)
- Horse Drawn Carriage – if you’re looking for a tour throughout the main part of the island, a horse drawn carriage ride is very pleasant and a nice experience while on Mackinac Island. Once you get off the ferry you will find the horse drawn carriage tours near the ferry dock
- Horse Back Riding – also a great experience on Mackinac Island…we did this years ago while visiting and it was great…the horses almost seem to know where to go
Staying on Mackinac Island:
The Grand Hotel is a historic hotel on Mackinac Island…you will get your first glimpse of the Grand Hotel on the ferry ride over to Mackinac Island. Construction of the Grand Hotel only took 93 days to build (pretty miraculous for the time) and opened on July 10, 1887. Today staying at the Grand Hotel is luxurious…you don’t have to stay to experience the history of the Grand Hotel, admission is permitted by purchasing tickets at the hotel to roam around and enjoy the sites.
The Grand Hotel is the largest hotel on Mackinac Island, however it will be the priciest…there’s other options (smaller hotels or Air BNB). We stayed at The Inn at Stonecliffe Mansion & Suites which was excellent
The Grand HotelRestaurants – the majority of restaurants are in the main town area, close to the ferry docks…lots to choose from…and yes there’s a Starbucks on Mackinac Island
Shopping – shopping is also close to the main ferry docks in the main town area…fudge shops (a must while visiting Mackinac Island) and other shops have gift items and clothing
Haunted House – always fun…even adults seem to cringe upon entering
Golf – Mackinac Island has 2 golf courses to choose from
