Mackinac Island, Michigan

The island of Mackinac is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Michigan. We went on a Sunday hoping that it would not be that busy, but that was not the case. There were two cruise ships that came in, so it was still crowded. We took the Shepler's Ferry Service out of St. Ignace because they allowed Lucy to come with us, and she was able to take the Horse & Carriage ride as well.

When we arrived on Mackinac Island, we walked out onto Main Street into a crowd of people, dogs, horses, and bikes. We crossed the street because it looked less crowded and started walking down the street toward the park. 

We found the place to get our tickets for the horse & carriage ride, right on the corner by the park. There was one ready to go, so we got on. The first half of the ride took us around the city where she talked about the buildings and the city itself. There are some really pretty houses on the island. 

You can rent your own horse to ride into the state park; and they also have carriages that you can rent and drive yourself around the island. There are a lot of things to do on the island, so it seems the best way to get around is by bicycle, which are in abundance to rent, or you can take your own (No e-bikes allowed). Unfortunately, since we had Lucy we did not see anything beyond the carriage ride. 

Grand Hotel

Stone Church

Former home of William Backhouse Astor, 1819

At the half way point, we got out and went into a small museum/shopping center. They took our picture just before here, and of course, they sell the pictures. I did not check to see the cost.

Mackinaw Island Hearse

This is the official hearse used by the families of Mackinac Island since 1875.

There was a Butterfly Garden at this stop, but it costs extra. I did not buy the "combination" ticket, so did not pay extra to go see the butterflies.

This is where we got onto another carriage ride to go through the state park on the last leg of the ride.

Our Guide, Woody

Skull Cave

Believed to have been the hiding place for English fur trader Alexander Henry during Pontiac's Rebellion in 1763, Skull Cave is a small and shallow cave on the central heights of Mackinac Island. Skull Cave was once a burial ground but is now part of the Mackinac Island state park.

Arch Rock

Arch Rock once stood as a solid mass 100 feet above lake level. About 4,000 years ago the lake waters slowly dissolved the softer material that extended into the center of the formation. As the lake erosion cut away its base, the middle of the stack slowly crumbled into the water leaving the firm breccia limestone arch.

We were dropped off at what we were told was the Governor's House on Mackinac Island. From there we walked down this long hill to Main Street where we got a couple of sandwiches and went into the park to eat. After spending a few hours on the island, we were ready to leave. No shopping or souvenirs, stuff is way too expensive. Did not even get any of the famous Mackinac fudge.

We met a couple who comes every year to stay for a week. Staying one week would be OK because there is so much to see. But I think that would be enough; I would not want to come back every year. Once you see the sights, that would be enough for me.