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Where Exactly is Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island sits off the lower right side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, located on Lake Huron. It is an 8-mile long island that is mostly visited in the summer as a resort. The island is also open through the winter as long as the the Lake is not frozen and the ferry is running.
My first visit to the island was when my Grandparents took my cousin and I to this magical place at the age of ten. We walked around the island that first time, and boy, were we ever tired. Since then I’ve learned to rent bikes, which is much less exhausting.
19th Century Feel
What is so special about this town? Not only do you need to take a ferry to get there, but no automobiles are allowed on this island. It is as if you are going back in time. The architecture of the town and the homes boast their original 18th and 19th Century aesthetic, and it is absolutely so historically cool.
See Mackinac Island Ferry Schedule Here
The only way to get around the island is by foot, bicycle, horse, or horse-drawn carriage. My next favorite thing about the island is that the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed here. The famous cast of the movie is Jane Seymour and the handsome Christopher Reeves.
Somewhere in Time
I remember watching this movie when I was seventeen and fell in love with it. It is one of my all-time favorite films that made me love the island even more. The film is about two people who fall in love despite being in different periods. A love story with time travel- who could resist? (I may or may not I cry every time I watch it…)
In fact every year the island has a themed Somewhere in Time Festival. Jane Seymore does show up as well as any other cast member that may still be alive. I will eventually make it to this festival, it is on my bucket list and the Grand Hotel offers this really neat Somewhere in Time package for the weekend.
The Grand Hotel purchased the red phonebooth in the (1978) Superman film with Christopher Reeves as a tribute. It is a fun to take a photo of the booth while you visit the island.
The Grand Hotel
This Victorian style hotel is just gorgeous! There is something extraordinary about walking through historical hotels that I absolutely appreciate and love. The hotel opened in 1887 and is registered under the Historic Hotels of America. You can find many excellent historic hotels across the United States on this list of course, and I recommend if you like them like I do you should give the list a peek. (1)
Check out rates for The Grand Hotel here
The hotel is pretty pricey, but for a small fee you are able to explore the property as a visitor. Though for sure MY favorite, it’s not the only location that you might want to stay at on your next visit. Check out Expedia.com for a full list of accommodations and the best deal on your northern island adventure.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
The Island holds its annual lilac festival in June. If you love lilacs, the Island is covered with them, and wow, does it smell amazing! For a whole ten days, they celebrate with a Lilac parade crowning a Queen Lilac, a 10K walk/run, and lilac planting seminars. (2)
Mackinaw Island Lilac Festival – Check it out here.
The History of the Island
Mackinac Island was originally an ancient burial ground for the Odawa Indians, who named the Island Michilimackinac, which means “Great Turtle.” In the 1600s, the French utilized the Island as a trading post and set up Jesuit Missions in the area. In 1715 the French built Fort Michilimachinac. (3)
The British would take over the Fort after the 7 Year War ended in 1763. The Island would then again be used by the British during the American Revolutionary War. The British would then re-occupy the Island in the War of 1812 and then lose it back to the U.S. in 1815.
The Island would then become the headquarters of the famous John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company in 1822. Then, he eventually would turn it into a resort. The Astors are one of the founding financial men who built America. Interesting fact: His great-grandson John Jacob Astor IV would later go down on the Titanic alongside Benjamin Guggenheim. (4)
The Island is now to be enjoyed by all and is considered a State Park of Michigan. So, you should absolutely add this gem to your bucket list.
What to Do on the Island
(1). Bicycle around the Island – You can bring your bicycle over on the ferry or you can rent bicycles on the island. Check out all bike rentals here.
(2) Horseback ride around the Island or jump on a old fashioned carriage tour. Check out all horse and buggy reservations here.
(3) Check out Arch Rock – by bicycle or on a walking tour. Check out all walking tours here.
(4). The Island has a gorgeous golf course for avid golf lovers. Check it out here.
(5) Book a Spa Weekend. Check out all spas on the Island here.
(6). Find a great hotel deal on Expedia.com whether or not you plan on staying at the Grand Hotel.
No matter what you decide to do, I guarantee you to have a wonderful time.
Give the perfect gift to anyone who loves to travel and see the United States through the most scenic drives in America. The Most Scenic Drives in America, Newly Revised and Updated: 120 Spectacular Road Trips (Reader’s Digest) My husband and I have used this book for the past twelve years and cannot praise it enough for how amazing it is. In fact, it has a perfectly laid-out tour of the West Coast of Michigan and it ends your trip right at Mackinac Island- it’s perfect!
Sources:
(1). https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/grand-hotel
(2). https://www.mackinacisland.org/