Mackinac Island
Arch rock photo courtesy of wikipedia. All rights reserved.
Mackinac Island is in Michigan. Specifically, it’s located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The only way to get to Mackinac Island is by boat or small airplane. In fact, almost no cars (with the exception of emergency and service vehicles) are allowed on the island. Everyone gets around by foot, bicycle, or some form of horse enabled transportation.
Mackinac Island’s history dates back to an Odawa Indian settlement established before the first European fur traders came to the island in the 17th century. It’s also a well-known summer tourist destination. As a result, there’s been a lot of historic restoration and preservation on the island leading to the entire island being listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Mackinac Island Weather
Mackinac Island has four distinct seasons. Summer, which is when the majority of visitors come, is moderate. Fall is brief, but beautiful with lots of opportunities to enjoy the colorful foliage. Winter is COLD, however, it’s the one time of year when you can travel by motorized vehicle on the island: snowmobile. Spring is generally wet and chilly.
Average high temperatures are:
January – 26º F
February – 29º F
March – 36º F
April – 49º F
May – 61º F
June – 70º F
July – 75º F
August – 75º F
September – 68º F
October – 55º F
November – 43º F
December – 31º F
Photo courtesy of wikipedia. All rights reserved.
Things to Do on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island has over 70 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails with 82% of the island part of Mackinac Island State Park. As you might imagine, many of Mackinac Island things to do involve walking, biking, or riding around the island’s 8-mile perimeter or through the interior. Mackinac Island State Park is also home to Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes.
Water sports and golf are always popular activities and you’ll find both on Mackinac Island. The island boasts three golf courses: The Jewel at Grand Hotel, The Greens of Mackinac at Mission Point Resort, and Wawashkamo Golf Club, a nine-hole links golf course.
Swimming is best done at a pool since Lake Huron is cold, the beaches are rocky, and the currents are swift. If you do decide to go in the Lake, don’t stray too far from shore. Although not great for swimming, Lake Huron is an excellent body of water for boating and fishing.
If you’re not the active type, Mackinac Island carriage tours are a very popular way to see the Island. Horse lovers also enjoy the Mackinac Community Equestrian Center, a museum showing Mackinac Island’s unique horse culture.
Maybe horses aren’t your cup of tea. In that case, you may be interested in the island’s other museums: Original Butterfly House and Insect World, The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, St. Anne’s Church Museum, Stuart House Museum, Surrey Hills Carriage Museum, and Wings of Mackinac.
Photo courtesy of wikipedia. All rights reserved.
Mackinac Island Lodging
As a popular tourist destination, there are many, many choices of lodging including resorts, hotels, B&Bs, and private condos, cottage and homes. The most famous place to stay is the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, which some people consider a tourist destination itself. The Grand Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1887 and it’s home to the world’s longest porch.
Other popular Mackinac Island hotels and resorts are:
- Mission Point Resort
- Island House Hotel
- Hotel Iroquois
- Chippewa Hotel Waterfront
- Lake View Hotel
To many joyful beach experiences!
— Lisa Dworkin
