Mackinac Island Michigan
Arch Rock with a lookout over Lake Huron and M-185 highway
Kayaking in the serene harbor
Carriage tour of the island, where there are no cars
Bicycles lining Main Street at night
From Fort Mackinac, the view as the sun rises over the island
Lush landscaping surrounding the Father Marquette statue at Marquette Park
Sugar Loaf, a limestone rock rising near 23 meters above ground
Getting around by boat in the water and carriages and bicycles on land
Mackinac Island and Round Island lighthouses serving as beacons for boaters
The picturesque Little Stone Church, a Michigan historic site
- Major Airports:
- Pellston (PLN)
- Bishop/Flint (FNT)
- Gerald R. Ford/Grand Rapids (GRR)
- States:
- Michigan
An island immersed in old-world charm
An Island History
Because of its strategic location, Mackinac Island was of particular interest to French fur traders and, later, British soldiers, who built Fort Mackinac in 1780. The beautifully preserved fort is Michigan’s oldest structure and one of Mackinac’s most popular attractions. Interpreters in period costumes offer tours and historical re-enactments, complete with live cannon firings. Fort Holmes, a smaller outpost built in 1814, sits atop the island’s highest elevation. Climb the Point Lookout trail for phenomenal views. Be sure to get a photo of the cannon on the beach at British Landing, site of a British invasion in 1812. Other interesting historical tidbits: Mackinac Island is home to Michigan’s oldest golf course (Wawashkamo Golf Club, 1898), the oldest grocery store in the USA (Doud’s Market, 1884) and Michigan’s oldest Catholic Church (Sainte Anne’s, original mission dating to 1670).
Mackinac Nature and Outdoors
More than 80 percent of the island’s 10 square kilometers is designated Mackinac Island State Park. Its surprisingly diverse terrain, including forests, limestone rock formations and sea caves, provides photo opportunities galore. Take a selfie at Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch that offers a glimpse of Lake Huron through its archway, and other ancient limestone formations with intriguing names like Skull Cave, Devil’s Kitchen, Sugar Loaf and Eagle Point. Inhale the scent of blooming lilac trees in