Highlights: Mackinac Bridge, Grand Hotel, Cycle on the Island, Fort Mackinac, Arc Rock, Skull Cave, Butterfly Park, Fort Holmes, sugar loaf, Chocolate Fudge, Governors Summer Residence.
How To Get There: We can get to island only by ferry. There are two main ferry carriers namely #Shepler’s and #StarLine which operate both from Mackinac City and St.Ignace.
How Much: The ferry tickets are evenly poised in price with both the carriers. Tickets purchased online are two way tickets and are $23.00/adult and $12.00/child (5-12 yrs). If carrying ones own bikes $9.00/bike & $18.00/tandem is charged by the ferry. So selecting a ferry is a mere personal choice.
Parking: The ferry carriers have parking which are both free and paid. They have various categories like indoor, outdoor, secured, unsecured, drop-off and non-drop off. They are self explanatory, the unsecured parking is fenced area and is not patrolled and is free for up-to 5 nights. The secured outdoor parking is patrolled and charged the same base pay $15/night with drop-off facility. The secured indoor parking in one of their buildings and charged a base rate of $30/night. The indoor parking is provided on first come basis.
Must Have:
- Cycle (else bike rentals on the island)
- A wind cheater for the ferry ride
- Sun Block for a Sunny Day
- Water to quench thirst after cycling around
- Munch able food and protein in backpacks when hiking and cycling
- A day’s time to have a memorable experience
This island is located at the door step of the Upper peninsula of Michigan. It boasts of being Michigan’s first state park and served as a summer home for the nine Governor’s Dating back to 1943. This island does set a high precedent to beat on many levels, the first thing being pollution. There are no vehicles allowed on this island as a result of conservation of the limestone treasures found on the island. This adds a backdrop of the early 19th century. Picture this, Bed and Breakfast+Clear Waters+No Vehicle Pollution=Paradise. I think they should rename this Island as Paradise Island.
The Mackinac bridge connects the Upper and lower Peninsula.
Once you get off the ferry the sight sure is bustling with energy and a whiff of chocolate fudge in the air. Most of the hotels on the island have pick up once you get off, the ferry carrier would guide you after you claim you baggage as to where to expect pick up else the best option would be call the hotel in advance and make sure of the pick up location if any. Else, you might have to walk or bike to the hotel to check in. If you plan on staying at the Grand Hotel you are taken care of and less to worry about. The next question you might have is which among the bike rentals to choose from, there are many to choose around from and is confusing. Look for anyone who rents them with no deposit and a normal bike ranges from $8/hr and u have an option of selecting 4hrs and 8hrs which is a day. They do rent them out as sunset specials as well which is dusk-10 am. So you are looking at anywhere between $28 – $58 per day, per person. There are many maps handed at the time of bike rental to follow a trail and get around the island. It sure is a fun experience cycling around the island and having a great time with nature. Do make arrangements of staying on the island in advance and beat the high volume of people visiting and staying on the island. Another option if you fall short of time planning to stay on the island would be to stay in Mackinac City on the Lower Peninsula or at St.Ignace on the Upper Peninsula and spend the day on Mackinac Island. Have a great vacation Fudgie 🙂 . If you are wondering what a fudgie is, Do ask any michigander or a local what it means. Safe travels.
Rating: I would rate this place a 8.5/10.
#PureMichigan #MichiganRocks #Island #Mackinac #Bridges #GreatAmerica #Nature
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