Mackinac Island, Michigan

October 4, 2023 Lisa Comments 0 Comment

I spent a week in Saint Ignace and went to the island by ferry. I wish I had checked prices better for some of the B&Bs or hotels on the island, I definitely would have enjoyed more time on the island to explore.

While visiting I learned Mackinac and Mackinaw are pronounced the same – with a ‘w’ sound but both should be spelled with a ‘c’. Both came from Michilimackinac. I also learned there was a national park here from 1875 to 1895, managed by the Army prior to the formation of the NPS and park rangers. When the Army moved out the state took over the park.

I bought a two-day ferry pass with the Mackinac Island Ferry Company. They can be used any time, but are supposed to be consecutive days. I checked the weather and went over Monday and Tuesday. Monday I chose the 0930 ferry, one of three morning ferries that sail under the bridge before continuing to the island.

I booked the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours for a quick overview of the island, or at least part of it. We started downtown and went down Market Street (according to the guide, the only street without a fudge shop. Don’t worry though, there are 17 fudge shops elsewhere on the island) and up the hill to the Grand Hotel.

We continued past the Carriage Barns, Grand Hotel Stables, and to Surrey Hill. We changed to a larger carriage, with 3 horses. I took the opportunity to visit the barns and stables; there are some amazing carriages here and I saw one of the horses being shoed.

The Post Office, but they don’t deliver. Residents have to come to get their mail

I got back on the carriage and we went up to Skull Cave, Saint Anne’s Cemetery, past the trail to Fort Holmes, the highest point of the island, then down to Fort Mackinac. Many people got off here. I continued with the carriage past the Governor’s Mansion and got off to walk to the hotel.

I bought the $10 admission to the Grand Hotel. Everyone who comes to the island has to see this even if they can’t afford to stay. The admission includes access to the Lobby, Parlor Level, Cupola and the porch. Magnificent, I love the decor. I did peek in a couple rooms being cleaned; they are all different, 400+ rooms, ranging from $600 to $5000/night.

After visiting the gardens and the pool, I walked down Cadotte Avenue, stopping at the Little Stone Church on the way back to Main Street.

I walked all the way down to Marquette Park then up the hill to Fort Mackinac. I attended some of the programs and visited all the buildings and exhibits. There are great views of the island and lake from here.

I purchased the Fort to Fort pass, in order to visit Colonial Michilimackinac another day, but it also included admission to the Mackinac Art Museum and Biddle House. I made a short visit to the Biddle House on the way back to the ferry. I had time for a quick beer at Great Turtle Brewing Company.

My second day, I caught the 0830 ferry with a friend who lives in the Upper Peninsula. She wanted to show me some of her favorite trails. We started with breakfast at The Chuckwagon. We walked down to the library, not open, but she showed me their patio in the back, one of her favorite places on the island to sit and enjoy the view.

We walked up the West Bluff to Hubbard’s Annex and out to Sunset Rock before heading to Woods Restaurant. We bowled a few rounds on their 9-pin alley then had lunch. They only have a “small bites” menu for lunch and I had their Hungarian beef soup with spatzle; it was delicious. I would love to have dinner in their charming Austrian restaurant.

We cut across the center of the island, to Skull Cave and the cemeteries and went to Arch Rock. We continued around the state highway to get back to town. We stopped at the Pink Pony for a drink before catching the afternoon ferry. So glad I planned at least 2 days, allowing me to get out of the downtown. There is plenty more to see on the island though, and I could definitely spend more time here.

State highway on Mackinac Island, the only state highway without cars

Saint Ignace

I walked along the great Huron Boardwalk several times, the views are wonderful. I had visited 2 years ago, listening to the phone tour.

When I was last in St. Ignace the Museum of Obijwa Culture was closed but I visited the sculptures. I wanted to return to see the museum exhibits. There are very interesting exhibits on the Indian removal policies, boarding schools, and more.

I mostly ate in my AirBNB but had a good meal at Buoys by the Bay one night.

Sault Sainte Marie

I drove up to the ”Soo” to take the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tour. It’s about a 90 minute trip through the American locks, the MacArthur lock, and a return through the Canadian side. Very enjoyable, I really loved seeing the locks. They fill and drain much faster than I expected.

I also visited the Soo Locks Park and the very interesting visitor center. I definitely recommend going to the visitor center, there are great videos and information exhibits. Two of the locks, the Sabin and Davis, are closed for several years while they expand into one large lock for longer and deeper ships.

I had lunch at Oh Crepe and Coffee, a very good savory crepe with pesto and goat cheese. I did a little window shopping before returning to St. Ignace.

Mackinaw City

Besides the great views at the Old Mackinaw Point Lighthouse, there are good exhibits in the Keeper’s Quarters and the Marshall Gallery, on the second floor. The old warehouse on the site contains the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum with stories and artifacts about the wrecks in the straits, including the Cedarville and Eber Ward.

From the lighthouse, great view of the bridge

The barn building has two videos showing back to back, one about the lighthouse, the other about the shipwrecks and creation of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwrecks Preserve. The lighthouse is by guided tour only and a keeper takes you to the top.

I only spent about 2 1/2 hours at Colonial Michilimackinaw, I could have stayed another hour but I was tired and thirsty. There is a lot to see here, over 20 rebuilt buildings, most with exhibits and information displayed or videos to watch, about the history, the fur trade, archeological work, the French and British, the attack by Chief Pontiac, and much more. I attended the Michilimackinac’s Enslaved Community Program walk through the site with one of their historical interpreters.

While in Mackinaw City I also stopped by the McGulpin Point Lighthouse. Entry is $3, there are a few exhibits and you can climb the tower.

Whitefish Point

I drove up to see the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Whitefish Point. This is one of the most dangerous spots on all the Great Lakes. It’s an interesting little museum, with information about the Edmund Fitzgerald and more. I took a great walk along Lake Superior, before driving back.