Visiting Mackinac Island: Experience a Step Back in Time on This Charming Midwest Gem
THIS tiny island in the Midwest transports visitors back in time, banning cars as people travel around in horse-drawn carriages.
Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron, Michigan feels ripped out of a fairytale with its historic buildings, whimsical cottages, and adorable shops.
Exploring Mackinac Island: A Step Back in Time
The island is located directly between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas.
To get there, visitors will have to fly into its tiny airport or take a ferry from Mackinaw City and get dropped off downtown.
From there, you can walk to the island, rent a bike, or take a horse-and-carriage taxi.
Mackinac offers an intimate vacation with only about 500 year-round residents and more than one million annual visitors.
The Charming Stay and History of Mackinac Island
WHERE CAN I STAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND?
The island offers few places to stay but those looking to make Mackinac Island a temporary home.
The Grand Hotel is one of the last remaining wood-frame hotels in the US and is a designated National Historic Landmark.
WHAT CAN I DO AT MACKINAC ISLAND?
Visitors at the Grand Hotel can check out Surrey Hill, which has several attractions including the Grand Stables where the hotel’s working horses reside.
There is also a museum with antique carriages and sleighs that date back hundreds of years.
The area also has Fort Mackinac, the oldest building in Michigan.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE ISLAND?
Mackinac Island State Park encompasses 1,800 acres – or 80% of the island’s total area.
There are miles of walking trails along with cave and rock formations that offer beautiful scenic views.
The area also played an important role in the War of 1812 between the US and Canada – back when it was a British colony.
Mackinac Island Fudge: A Sweet Tradition
The island is home to dozens of sweets shops along the main street. Each season, the shops make a combined 10,000 pounds of fudge a day.
- Joann’s Fudge – Offers 25 flavors along with an assortment of hand-dipped chocolates and sugar-free candies
- Kilwins Chocolate & Fudge Shop – Has celebrated American cuisine since 1947, providing high-quality chocolates, ice cream, and sweets
- May’s Fudge & Candy Shop – Has been family-owned and operated for four generations offering unique and traditional fudge flavors
- Murray Hotel Fudge Company – Open from May through October with fresh fudge made daily