Mackinac Island: Unspoiled Paradise

Michigan is proud of its tourism and the natural beauty it offers. One of the gems is Mackinac Island, just a stone's throw from the two peninsulas. Almost one million people visit its shores every summer.

A traveler can get to the island via Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and is an adventure itself. There are three main ferry lines to choose from; Shepler's, Star Line, and Arnold's. Their prices are pretty much the same but check on line for coupons and discounts. An airport is available as well.

Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge shops; selling almost 10,000 pounds of the confection every day. It is also famous for the lack of motorized transportation and picturesque scenic beauty. Arriving at the island is like stepping into another world. The main street is crowded with shoppers, bikes, and horse-drawn vehicles. Motorized vehicles have been banned since 1898. Visitors can see the island by taking a narrated carriage tour or explore on foot, bike or horseback.

About 80% of the island is state-owned yet home to about 500 year-round residents but explodes to close to 3000 when the summer residents arrive. For visitors who wish to experience the nightlife after the last ferry leaves at 9pm, there are many hotels, inns and Bed and Breakfasts available.

Many of the Inns and Bed and Breakfasts are restored Victorian homes with modern comforts. Several of the hotels are the restored original hotels from the beginning of the tourism boom in the late 1800's. The Grand Hotel, which opened in 1887, is one of the largest and most visible landmarks of the island; boasting the longest colonial porch in the world.

Fort Mackinac, much like Colonial Michilimackinac on the mainland, is also visible to visitors as they cross the straits. It offers reconstructed buildings, displays and demonstrations, taking visitors to the mid 1800's. Next to the fort is the Governor's Mansion. Market Street offers more restored homes and shops with actors demonstrating early times.

Mackinac Island hosts many festivals. The Annual Lilac Festival in June is one of the largest events on the island. Visitors may even purchase small potted lilacs to take home. Independence Day celebrations are incredible! Music festivals and cook-offs are drawing larger crowds each year.

For visitors attending these events and desiring to stay overnight, reservations are highly recommended. Winter months still offer lodging and dining for those arriving for skiing, snowshoeing or the winter festival and chili cook off. Reservations for winter events are recommended as well.

Mackinac Island is rich with history as well as its breath taking beauty. The Native American name for the area was Michinnimakinong, which was changed to Michilimackinac when the French arrived in 1715. In some areas the name was shortened to Mackinac. The name is always pronounced with an "aw" sound at the end. When the British arrived in 1761, they changed the spelling to Mackinaw. No matter how it's spelled or pronounced the beauty and enjoyment is the same.