August 2011
Mackinac Island is a small island located in Lake Huron between the Upper and
Lower Peninsulas of Michigan in the Straits of Mackinac. The island is known for
its numerous cultural events and varied architecture. The island has undergone
extensive historical preservation and restoration making it a National Historic
Landmark. Conde Nast Traveller calls it “One of the Top 10 Islands in the
World”. But what makes this place so unique is that vehicles are not permitted
on the island. In fact, the only way to get there is by private boat, ferry or
small aircraft. Bicycles, foot and horse drawn carriage are the main modes of
transportation here. Ferries leave from St-Ignace and Mackinac City quite
frequently. The cost is around $22-25 per person depending on the ferry company.
Look around for discount vouchers which will save you about $2-3 off the full
price. As you arrive by ferry you will notice the impressive homes nestled on
the bluff and a huge Victorian style building which is the famous Grand
Hotel.
The best way to see and explore the island is by bike. Bring your own bike if
you can. They are allowed on the ferry free of charge. There is a multi-use
trail that circles the entire island and passes the main attractions. It’s
roughly 8 miles and takes 1-1.5 hours to cycle the island if you do not stop to
see the many attractions. There are other less busier trails that lead into the
interior of the park. All together there are more than 70 miles of natural and
paved trails. Everywhere you go on the island, you will hear the clip clop of
horses. You will see amazing views at every turn. At one point the trail offers
a great view of the Mackinac Bridge. Bring your bathing suit as you will want to
refresh yourself along the way by taking a dip in the clear waters around the
island.
Some of the Top Mackinac Island attractions include Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock,
British Landing and Grand Hotel.
The island is simply beautiful with a fascinating history, great
architecture, tree line streets, and manicured gardens set amidst spectacular
surroundings. Because it is very small one can easily visit it in one day.
Whether you go for the day or make a weekend of it, Mackinac Island will not
disappoint.
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| St-Ignace Lighthouse |
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| On ferry approach to Mackinac Island with views of the Grand Hotel |
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| Harbor marker with Round Island Lighthouse in the background to the left |
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| Mackinac Island Main Street.The main street is lined with interesting shops and
good restaurants, almost at every turn you will find a fudge shop to tempt you. |
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| Typical architecture on Mackinac Island includes porches |
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Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac is a former American military outpost which was built by the
British during the American Revelutionary War. The fort is now a museum and
popular tourist destination. It is situated on a 150 feet bluff which overlooks
the Straits of Mackinac. It is also part of Mackinac Island State Park.
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Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Grand Hotel was constructed in the late 19th century and has been designated as
a US National Historic Landmark. Some of the guests that have stayed there
include several US Presidents, Thomas Edison and Mark Twain. The porch measures
660 feet and is reported to be the longest in the world. The hotel charges a $10
fee to enter the building and walk the grounds for non- guests. The hotel has
received many accolades from several magazines such as Travel and Leisure and
Conde Nast who have referred to the hotel as “The Best Place to Stay in the
Whole World” and the “Top 100 Hotels in the World”. The movie “Somewhere in
Time” which starred Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymor was also filmed there.
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Mackinac Island State Park was established in 1895 and is Michigan's first state
park. The state park covers about 75% of the island and contains many historical
and geological features such as Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, and Fort Holmes.
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| Mackinac Island State Park- The water that surrounds the island is crystal
clear. |
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