The Summer Vacation You Will Never Forget!!

Come explore Michigan's finest most amazing Island

Mackinac Island is the truly "all natural" theme park of America. Limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, surrounded by water, it has escaped the vast changes of time. Its real Victorian image is preserved and enhanced by a small population of 500 permanent residents and scores of summer residents, maintaining bluff cottages in original state. Families, especially children, love their relatively new found "mobility", exploring the historic, natural beauty of Mackinac Island State Park, honored by National Geographic as one of the ten finest in America. The events on Mackinac Island is highlighted by the Annual Lilac Festival, climaxed with one of the largest "All Horse Hitch" parades known. The American Bus Association has designated Mackinac Island's Lilac Festival as one of the nation's top 100 tourist attractions.
The residents are warm and friendly, even during the Island's brief but unique winter holilday and cross-country season. Prices are best in winter, spring, and fall, of course, but the enjoyment level never fails to put new prespective into the concept of relaxation. When you step off of the Island Ferry Dock, its like living in a Victorian village. You have to beware of houses, bikes and people stepping off of carriages, enjoy the downtown hustle and bustle of the early 1800s but don't miss the beauty of the Island's interior and peaceful lakefront perimeter path. Once you've visited the beautiful Island, you will find that it is your Island, too.

Getting Here

Most people get to Mackinac Island by first driving to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and then taking a ferry. Others arrive by either plane or private boat. I experienced my first time going to Mackinac Island this past weekend. When we arrived to get on the ferry to take it from Mackinac City to Mackinaw Island, I was shocked on how clear blue the water is. I have never seen such clear blue water before, so this was an amazing scenery for me. We decided to take the Sky Line ferry instead of the Arnold Transit because of the rooster tail the water made from the speed of the boat.

Attractions/Hotels

There were many fun and interesting things to do on Mackinac Island. We rented a bike and rode around the island or you can also hire your own horse drawn carriage. For the history buffs there we walked around Fort Mackinac and did the guided carriage tours. Also, there are plenty of great reasons to overnight on Mackinac Island. Many of the accomodations capture the essence of the Victorian era in tastefully decorated rooms and surroundings. Your evening may include a romantic dinner at one of the islands outstanding restuarants or perhaps a peaceful walk to enjoy the peace and quiet. The nightlife is always fun too for those wanting entertainment. Staying on Mackinac Island is truly part of the overall experience and should not be missed. We stayed at the Pink Pony hotel which was right now the water and connected to a restuarant/bar. The experience was breathtaking and would definitely come again.

Lilac Tree Hotel

Shops and Services

They have a variety of shops for clothing, suveniors, and fudge. I would say my favorite shops their was the fudge. Murdick's Fudge was my favorite. They have art galleries that you can take home a painting or photograph from one of the islands many artists. There was a great selection of restuarants and pubs on the island. You can rent bikes and electric wheelchairs for only 25 dollars for an hour. You can have weddings and receptions here. We seen a wedding going on when we were there. I think that is the most beautiful place to have a wedding. They also have island photography and florist too. There are such great services and shops that could keep you busy for a whole day. It's an experience of a lifetime. I can't wait to have children so they can enjoy such a great island and what it is all about and how it began!

The view from the ferry!