Mackinac Island, MI
Island Landscape
Mackinac (formerly Michilimackinac) in Odawa means “Land of the Great Turtle.” The island’s shape tells the tale of “Makinauk” the turtle. One day Great Spirit of the Sky asked for land in the lake so that the water animals could rest upon it however, the only way was diving deep enough to return with soil to place upon Makinauk’s back. Beavers, loons, and otters all tried but only the muskrat was successful. The entire island is a National Historic Landmark, 80% preserved as state park. Limestone attractions include Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf Rock, Devils Kitchen, Crack in the Island, and Lover’s Leap.
History of Michilimackinac
The Anishinaabek people (Odawa, Ojibway, and Potawatomi) primarily Odawa, originally settled prior to European colonization. In the 1700s, Mackinac was the center of the fur trade in the Great Lakes. During the American Revolutionary War, the British built Fort Mackinac, and it soon became the site of (2) battles during the War of 1812. When the border was settled, the U.S. gained Mackinac as its territory. In the late 1800s, Mackinac Island rose with tourism and in popularity as a summer colony. Since 1929, the Michigan Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts serve the state park as Mackinac Island Governor's Honor Guard.
Transportation & Tours
The only transport to the island is by ferry, either Starline (Mackinac Island Ferry Co) or Sheplers. Starline is known for the “rooster tail” and occasionally the pirate cruise. Both offer “Mighty Mac” tours that go directly under the Mackinac Bridge. When you arrive, the tradition of non-motorized vehicles stays alive to this day. The only acceptable transportation is by bicycle, EBike (if permitted) or by horse drawn carriage called “Taxis.” Biking is most popular and most convenient. The ferries allow tourists to bring bikes over, and the main 8.3 mile highway along the perimeter is paved with little to no hills.
If you’re interested in touring the island private and public carriage tours are always an option (private carriage tours are pre-arranged usually with Goughs Livery, public carriage tours are picked up across from Starline Dock hourly). Kayaking with Great Turtle Kayaks or Horseback riding with Cindy’s Riding Stable is a great way to get off the beaten track and explore the natural beauty of the state park. Haunts of Mackinac’s “Haunted History Tours” are available in the evening, featured at Mission Point.
Island Accommodations
From small B&Bs to large historic hotels, Mackinac caters to it all. Market Street and outside of downtown are quaint B&B’s such as Mackinac House, Metivier Inn and Cloghaun B&B to name a few. Lakefront hotels include Chippewa Hotel, Hotel Iroquois, and Windermere Hotel. The two largest hotels on Island are Mission Point and Grand Hotel. Both are rich in history with movies filmed in both locations. Mission Point is a large resort style hotel with lakefront views, theater performances and great dining. Grand Hotel preserves the history of the island in its architecture, dining, and activities.
Celebrations & Events
June
Held in early June, the annual Lilac Festival celebrates the island’s most treasured flower. Though not native to the island, lilacs have been around since the 1800s and made popular after WWII to attract tourists. The streets are lined with multi-colored lilacs, restaurants and stores will decorate in lilac themes. In previous years there has been a lilac parade and a 10k run. The oldest Lilac tree/bush can be found on Cadotte Ave. while on a walk towards the Grand Hotel.
July
Since the 1920s, Mackinac Island Yacht Club has helped host the annual “Port Huron to Mackinac Race” and “Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac”. With Mackinac Island as the finish line, both races are among the longest fresh-water races in the world.
August
The Fudge Festival in late August celebrates the tradition in fudgemaking and tasting. Murdick’s Fudge shop is one of the oldest, and Ryba’s is known for being one of the best tasting.
Mackinac Culture
Mackinac’s architecture: mainly wood-framed structures, few being of stone. 300 years of styles ranging from Odawa structures to the 1800s European-American style. Many buildings have gone under extensive restoration and historical preservation. Examples of these structures include the Victorian Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinac properties, Little Stone Church, restaurants and shops downtown.
Memorable Movies: Esther Williams in “This Time for Keeps,” filmed at the Grand Hotel. Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves in “Somewhere in Time,” filmed partially at Grand Hotel & Mission Point, featuring Round Island’s lighthouse.
Island Fare: Array of restaurants are conveniently located downtown ranging from Bar food at Horns and Broken Spoke, high quality seafood at Hotel Iroquois to a Jamaican flavor at Kingston Kitchen (a personal favorite). Mackinac Island is most commonly known for its Whitefish dinners and dessert-like fudge. Must visit Cafe’s include Watercolor Café and Lucky Bean Coffee House.
