If It’s Summer – Go North, Travelers, Go North

And by north, we mean Michigan – Mackinac Island to be specific. 

Michigan is a full-on paradise in the summer months, especially for international singles who love the water and very temperate, low-humidity climates. In addition to the major attractions along Lake Michigan, there are a huge number of smaller inland lakes with smaller hotels and camping sites, especially welcoming to those who love to fish. 

But perhaps the biggest jewel of Michigan is Mackinac Island, one of the most popular upper Michigan tourist spots. If you have never been to the Island, now is the time to put it on your vacation bucket list. 

No vehicles are allowed on the island, and that includes motorcycles. Visitors can get to the island by plane, but most choose the ferry. You can park your car at any of the public lots at the waterfront in Mackinaw City and catch the ferry over to the island. Once you arrive on the island, you can walk to your hotel or take a short carriage ride. NOTE: Make reservations in advance, because most hotels are booked solid during the summer.

What to Do

For a small island (eight miles in circumference) there’s lots of history, sights, and happenings. In fact, it has the fame of being the second-named national park, after Yellowstone, in 1875.

Here’s a list of things you can do.

A Carriage Ride

This may be one of the first things you’ll want to do to get your bearings and see the entire island. There are tour companies available throughout the day. One company, Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is still owned and operated by descendants of Thomas Chambers. Chambers was responsible for getting the city to ban cars from the island.

Once you’ve toured the island, you’ll want to get more specific with your exploration.

Arch Rock

There are foot tours to Mackinac Island State Park where you will see Arch Rock, a large limestone arch through which you can see the water. According to Indian legend, this is where life began when their Great Creator blew through the rock. Legends like this, along with plenty of ghost stories about the area will all be told by your tour guide.

Take a Bike Ride

Rent a bike(for one or two) and bike around the circumference of the island. It’s the only named highway that doesn’t allow cars. There are lots of bike trails throughout the inland parts of the island too, and you can get maps to guide you.

Kayak Around the Island

This can be a cool thing to do in the early morning or at sunset. And you can go by yourself or with a guide who will point out all of the rock sculptures you pass by.

The Grand Hotel

This is probably the most famous fixture on the island – the huge white Victorian-style hotel sits atop a hill and is visible from almost any spot on the main street. Staying there is pretty pricey, but you can get into the hotel with a reservation for “high tea” or lunch buffet. You can take an elegant Grand Hotel carriage up to the hotel for the event.

Tea is a daily occurrence – sort of honoring the Victorian tradition of the snack that people had between lunch and dinner, which traditionally came a bit later than we are used to. There is also live harp music to give as much authenticity as possible.

The movie “Somewhere in Time” was filmed at the Grand Hotel. Because of this, the hotel has become a popular destination for weddings and for a couple’s honeymoon night.

Mission Point Greens

Mission Point Resort has an 18-hole putting course. You can practice while overlooking Lake Huron. And a popular restaurant, the Bistro, is a great place to eat.

Wednesday at the Governor’s Summer Home

Early in the 20^th century, a Victorian mansion was privately built. In the 1940s the state of Michigan bought the place as a summer residence for their governor. In the summer, it is open to the public on Wednesdays for tours.

Fort Mackinac

Built in 1780, this fort was little actual battle, except for a bit during the War of 1812. But it has been turned into an attraction through guided tours that include a court-martial, and music and dance of that era.

The Fudge and Other Shopping

Most of the shops are on the first two streets of the island. And among those shops will be several dedicated to fudge. Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge. You can watch it being made, but you won’t be able to resist buying your favorite variety or two. Shoppers can also purchase lots of cherry-related items, replicas of famous lighthouses, and more. No one will get off the island without some purchases, for sure, including an additional supply of fudge.

Are You Interested?

You should be. The next time you are wondering where to spend your summer vacation, think North to Mackinac.