Mackinac Island | Northern Michigan
Before this summer I had no idea of the beauty in Northern Michigan. Amazing how we can sometimes travel so far and not even be aware of places right here in the United States. The views along the M22 are incredible and we have gorgeous beaches just minutes from home, but a couple of days ago we visited a place like no other. The only word I can think of to describe Mackinac Island is magical. It’s like a land from another time which is probably why the film Somewhere in Time was filmed at the Grand Hotel on the island.
From Mackinaw City at the tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula, the ferrys run every 30 minutes through the Straits of Mackinac to Mackinac Island in Lake Huron. As you leave Mackinaw City you get a great view of the Mackinac Bridge connecting Michgan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas from Mackinaw City to St. Ingace. With a suspension of 8,614 feet, the Mighty Mac is currently the third longest suspension bridge in the world.
The best views are from the ferry’s upper deck – as long as you don’t mind getting a little wet. Bill’s brother Johnny & daughter Siobhan, visiting from Houston, were real troopers even when soaking wet. I can still hear her giggles with every wave of cold water splashing over the side – fun times!~
As you approach the island, awesome historic homes on the bluff come into view.
One of the first things you’ll see as you leave the ferry and enter the town is bikes everywhere! There are no motor vehicles on the island. All transportation is via walking, biking, and horse draw carriages.
The homes and views are like something straight out of a movie.
There is so much history on the island, I’m inspired to read, learn more, and visit again this fall.
Jesuit missionary Father Jacques Marquette
After a leisurely picnic in Marquette Park below Fort Mackinac, we followed the trails up and around the island.
The stairway to Arch Rock was an easy climb to an incredible view.
Walking out of the trails and back to the main roads we came around the bend to walk along the bluff up close and personal to the historic homes we had seen from the ferry.
The walk continued on to the historic Grand Hotel, a summer resort which opened July 10, 1887.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner outdoors at this lovely restaurant.
After dinner we continued our walk down the hill and back towards town.
The Little Stone Church is built of Mackinac Island stones.
Of course we could not leave the island without buying some melt in your mouth handmade fudge.
The weather was perfect and our day as magical as the island – can’t wait to go back!
