Mackinac Island – pronounced “mack-in-wee” – is located in Lake Huron and is located directly between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan.
To get to the island, fly into the small airport or take a ferry from Mackinaw City and disembark downtown. From there, you can walk, rent a bicycle or take a horse and carriage “taxi”.
Keep reading to see what it's like.
There are a few places to stay, but the historic Grand Hotel is worth a visit no matter what
The Grand Hotel looks great at sunset.
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The Grand Hotel is one of the few remaining log-frame hotels in the US and is a National Historic Landmark.
The property overlooks the lake and The terrace is said to be the largest in the world in length about 660 feet.
The Grand Hotel feels luxurious inside.
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The property, where no two rooms are decorated alike, was built by steamship and railway companies in the late 19th century.
Back then, the hotel catered to the ultra-elite, wealthy guests who spent their entire summers on site.
In honor of the historic site's long history, there is still a dress code after 6:30 p.m. – guests must wear a coat, tie, trousers, dress, skirt or trousers in common areas.
The Grand Hotel also has a colorful downstairs.
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If you spend a night on the premises, you will have the opportunity to attend an impressive three-course dinner at the grand main dining room.
There is also a high tea in the lounge every afternoon.
Taking high tea at the hotel is also luxurious.
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There are also stables, museums and outdoor attractions
Guests can also check out Surrey Hillwhich houses attractions such as the Grand Stables, home to the Grand Hotel's current workhorses.
The Grand Stables also houses a museum.
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It is also a museum with antique carriages and sledges on display dating back hundreds of years.
Some previously belonged to prominent figures of the 19th century, such as William Vanderbilt.
The museum houses antique carriages.
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Opposite is the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, hosting hundreds of locals and tropicals. butterflies.
The area also houses historical landmarks such as Fort Mackinacthe oldest building in Michigan established in 1780;
The complex of military buildings sits high on a coastal bluff and is no longer active, but still operates as a historic attraction that is open to the public.
There are many horses and bicycles on the streets.
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You can also to rent a bike and paddle around the outer edge of the island. It's a flat, leisurely 8.2 mile course that hugs the shoreline and has such great views of the lake.
The view from Arch Rock.
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Also worth a visit is Mackinac Island State Park, which offers miles of walking trails, forests and the signature Limestone arch rock formation.
The area is also known for its fudge and live music
There are many beautiful houses on the island.
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When you're downtown, pick up some famous ones Mackinac Island Fudge in one of the main street sweets.
You can watch people make fudge and the shops are quite generous with samples.
There are some sweet shops on the island that sell fudge.
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Also worth a visit Pink Ponyone of the most popular restaurants, bars and music venues on the island with a great view of the lake from its patio.
This story was originally published on August 2, 2021 and was most recently updated on January 29, 2024.
