Blogs from Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States, North America

We stayed overnight at Mackinac Island, and the process to get here couldn't be easier. At Shepler's Ferry in Mackinaw City, we were told to pull into a loading section. Some of Shepler's crew came over to the car to get our bags, and we walked over to a tent to buy our ferry tickets and overnight parking pass. We put the pass in the dash and parked in the lot, not far from the ferry. The whole process probably took 15 minutes, and then we caught the ferry just before it left. It took another 15 minutes to get to the island. So, really, from the time we pulled in to the time we stepped off the ferry in Mackinac Island was about a half hour to 45 minutes. Easy, peasy! The only hiccough we ... read more

We have been blessed. More good weather. One of our key goals from the beginning was to visit this island. We had three activities considered must dos: The Grand Hotel porch, a carriage ride and a bicycle ride. We did all three today. We made an early walk to the Visitor's Bureau to pick up a tour map. Next we walked uphill along the Marquette Park to get a look over the city. We chose not to visit the Fort which was along this route. As we returned, we decided to take the carriage ride to see more of the island. It took us west along the main street and then a block off the main street with our driver pointing out many historical homes. Then we entered the area where all of the island's horses ... read more

After starting my new job this summer our vacation plans have changed. We went to Mackinac Island. I have been there once before with my family and I knew Gielyn would love it. We drove down and back to Thunder Bay where I am currently residing. We also attended some tourist spots in Thunder Bay. Day 1 We began our trip with the ferry over to the island. Throughout the day we hiked the interior and saw Arch Rock, The Grand Hotel, Skull Cave, the stables, Butterfly house. During the evening we went the Horn's Tavern. This is where we met many friends (one told me an interesting fact about our B&B) ... One of which caught the entire meal and drinks worth of tab...Thank you. We then went to our B&B Small point. Day 2 ... read more

August 14-- Before I left Petoskey, I called the Methodist Church in Mackinaw (pronounced Mackinac) City and arranged to spend the night in their parking lot. Mackinaw City is on the tip of the peninsula of lower half of Michigan and is, in fact the jumping off place to get to the Upper Peninsula. Visitors can also take a ferry to Mackinac Island from there, but I wanted to take one from the Upper Peninsula. After setting the RV up, I walked around the city admiring the specialty shops, the view of the Bridge and Straits of Mackinac, and watching the ferry boats coming and going from the Island. Later that afternoon a wonderful church member named Janet also took me to supper at the Senior Center, then toured me around the city and two lighthouses. ... read more

UPPER PENISULA, MICHIGAN A short ferry ride from the mainland of the UP of Michigan lies an island lost in time. Imagine a place where the sole economy is based on fudge shops, restaurants, hotels and horse-drawn carriage rides. The season is short, but the place is thriving. Formerly the exclusive hideaway of the very wealthy in the late 1800's this island is cute, clean and oh so ritzy. Elegant mansions line the bluff ridgeline and share the wonderful view with one of the premier hotels in North America. The Grand Hotel opened for business in 1887 and is billed as having the longest continuous porch in the world. Automobiles were banned in 1898 and so all taxies, freight wagons and even the trash collection is done by horse. Many people move about by bicycle and ... read more