Our recent day in Mackinac Island in Michigan was the kind of day you hope never ends.  Mackinac Island is coined the Jewel of the Great Lakes where horse and carriage and bikes are the only modes of transportation, is abundant in natural beauty as the meeting point for Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, and has a rich history dating back to the American Revolutionary War that is proudly preserved.  Read on for our Mackinac Island Top 5 tips and tricks.

Mackinac Island is accessible via a short ferry ride (there is an airport on the island) from Mackinaw City.  We recommend purchasing your tickets online to take advantage of family rates at either Mackinac Island Ferry Mackinac Ferry or Shepler’s Ferry.  Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring your camera and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Mackinac Island Top 5 Tips & Tricks

1. EAT – Enjoy lunch, dinner or happy hour at the Pink Pony
   

   Pink Pony

   named one of America’s 10 best restaurants for outdoor dining, and sit outside on the Pier under the hot pink umbrellas.   Loved the funky cocktails at Pink Pony (loved the Lilac Lemonade), delis food and stellar views of the Lake.   Pink Pony is located in the Chippewa Hotel on Main Street.  Another good option is The Gate House at the Grand Hotel, an upscale casual American restaurant and bar just a short walk or fast bike ride downhill from the Grand Hotel.  The Gate House is a great choice if you want to stroll through the Grand Hotel and grab a bite to eat.

2. PLAY – Bike the 8.1 miles trail around Mackinac Island
   

   Mackinac Wheels

   with Lake Huron as your companion. There are so many bike rental options, but we rented bikes from Mackinac Wheels.  Bikers ride in the streets with the horses and carriages and pedestrians are on the sidewalks.   Cruise at your pace and stop along the way to climb the 200+ stairs to the Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period when high Lake Huron levels and wave action created openings in the rock, stare at the mighty Mackinac bridge and stop at for a dip in the water at British Landing Beach, a rocky beach with dynamic views of Lake Huron, St. Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge (this was the highlight of our day).

   

   Arch Rock

   

   Biking the 8.1 miles around Mackinac Island

3. STAY – We stayed off the island at Boyne Highlands,
   

   Boyne Highlands Resort

   about a 30-minute drive to the ferry in Mackinaw City. Boyne Highlands is an all-season resort in Michigan with summer and spring activities including zipline adventures (Mike and Fiona loved the ziplines), hiking (Hugh, Lucy and I rode the ski chairlift up the mountain and hiked down), pools, lawn games, golfing and skiing in the winter. Summer rates at Boyne Highlands were reasonable.     The Grand Hotel is the famous historic white hotel to imagine yourself on a rocking chair overlooking the Straits of Mackinac from the world’s longest porch.

   

   The Grand Hotel

   It is recognized as Travel + Leisure’s 500 World’s Best Hotels and the Best Hotel in Michigan, and Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 5 Midwest Resorts.

   

   The Grand Hotel

   While likely an unforgettable experience it does come at a steep price.  There are family added value days that may be more budget friendly.  We saw a number of darling B&Bs during our bike ride.

4. SHOP – As with any tourist attraction,
   

   Shopping along Main St. in Mackinac Island

   there is plenty of shopping along Main St. in Mackinac Island. Fiona and I loved strolling in and out of the shops along Main Street.  A few of our favorite shops were The Pink Pony (pink and navy preppy style similar to Vineyard Vines and carried Scout bags, check out my pony up hat) and Traysers Trading Post that carried reasonably priced souvenirs and fun toys (all three kids loved this place).

5. FUN – Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge, and there were plenty of fudge stores on Main Street. We bought some yummy fudge from Sanders Candy because it offered fudge and ice cream.  We learned that fudge was born in the years following the Civil War, the tradition of fudge making is stronger than ever, and this tasty treat remains the Island’s most popular souvenir. Speaking of history, Mackinac Island is rich in history.  Marquette Park is dedicated to Father Marquette, a Jesuit Missionary from France, which is near Fort Mackinac, a fort built by the British during the Revolutionary War.   We hope to explore the history on our return trip to Mackinac Island.

What are your must do’s in Mackinac Island?

Happy Travels,

Bridget, Family Galavant

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