Tom & Nan Dot Com

We went to Mackinac Island last week for a vacation. The trip was awesome.

Mackinac Island is an island and resort area covering 3.8 square miles in land area in Michigan. It is located in Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, between the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The island was home to a Native American settlement before European exploration began in the 17th century. It served a strategic position amidst the commerce of the Great Lakes fur trade. This led to the establishment of Fort Mackinac on the island by the British during the American Revolutionary War. It was the scene of two battles during the War of 1812.

In the late 19th century, Mackinac Island became a popular tourist attraction and summer colony. Much of the island has undergone extensive historical preservation and restoration; as a result, the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It is well known for its numerous cultural events; its wide variety of architectural styles, including the famous Victorian Grand Hotel; its fudge; and its ban on almost all motor vehicles. More than 80 percent of the island is preserved as Mackinac Island State Park.

We flew to Pellston Airport in the northern part of the LP of Michigan and stayed 2 nights in Mackinaw City and then rode the “Cat” to the Island.  In Mackinaw City we visited the Historic Fort Michilimackinac on the southern coastline of the Mackinaw Straits. The entrance to the museum is literally under the roadway under the Mackinaw Straits Bridge.  Here are four pictures we took during the Mackinaw City portion of the trip.

On Mackinac Island we spent 5 nights at the Mission Point Resort.

We walked or rode horse buggies everywhere. We even walked the 8 miles of M-185, around the coastline of the island and yes, our legs hurt after that one.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Grand Hotel. This hotel was featured in the movie Somewhere In Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. Another highlight was a stop in the Mackinac Island Library.

As mentioned earlier, cars are NOT allowed on the island. When you get off the ferry for the first time it IS like stepping back in time, except there are still a lot of modern conveniences like your cell phone will still work, wireless internet is available and some places have air conditioning. But the horses and buggy, bicycle, and using your own two feet to get from point A to point B are your only forms of transportation. It was definitely a different kind vacation, we hope to be able to go here again someday.

Here are some pictures from the island: