Mackinac Island
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For the past several years, I have spent the July 4th week with my parents and sister, because I get several days off from work. We have traveled to Madeline Island in Wisconsin, Seattle and central Washington, San Francisco and central California, and others. This year, we spent a couple of days in northern Michigan, and visited Mackinac Island. We have visited it many times over the years, and it is one of our favorite vacation spots. The island is located between the upper and lower parts of Michigan, so the weather is usually very pleasant during the summer. The island itself is quite inhabited, and is an interesting mix of natural beauty (with the lakes, cliffs, and forests) and Victorian-style civilized affluence. |
Note that the correct pronunciation of the "Mackinac" is detailed here. To sum up: The mainland city is spelled like "Mackinaw", but all of the other places are spelled with an "ac". But all are pronounced with an "aw". Strange.
 | One of the ferries to Mackinac Island. |
 | We took the Arnold Line from Mackinaw City to the island. This picture is of our ship as it approached the pier. |
 | My dad, as we walked off of the pier into the city on Mackinac Island. The island is a rough circle with a circumference of about eight miles. (For reference, see this black-and-white map or this larger color map.) Most of the tourists stay in the city area, which is on the southern side of the island. Even though it is a bit of a tourist-trap, the buildings are interesting to see (all Victorian-style), and everything is well-landscaped without being Disney-esque. |
 | Some of the nicest houses are on the cliffs above the city. These grand old houses are just west of the Grand Hotel. They are mostly private summer residences. |
 | My dad, my sister, and me. (Photo taken by my mom.) Cliffs to the west of the Grand Hotel. |
 | A rest stop on our hike around the island. This was on the west side of the island, looking out towards Lake Michigan. |
 | The Mackinac Bridge connects the upper peninsula of Michigan to the rest of the state. It is one of the longest suspension bridges, with a total span of five miles. This picture doesn't really do it justice. |
 | A two-lane road runs around the island, but no motorized vehicles are allowed. Most people bike around the island, but there are some hard-core fitness buffs (like my family) that walk around it. (In previous trips, my sister and I would run the circumference in the morning, before breakfast.) |
 | The lake has dropped several feet, exposing some of the shallow rocks. These ducks don't seem to mind too much, though. |
 | Rear view of my sister, mom, and dad, as we neared the eastern edge of the town. |
 | The ceiling of the Mission Point Resort lobby. Mission Point seems to be a more relaxed alternative to the somewhat pretentious Grand Hotel. |
 | We relaxed on these chairs for a while, to relax after our long walk. The chairs are courtesy of the Mission Point Resort, and offer a pleasant view of the lake. |
 | My sister and I swinging on at the Mackinac Island school. The swings used to be larger and more fun (more dangerous?), but they had made some improvements over the last couple of years. |
 | Horses did the bulk of the heavy transportation, and could be rented to tourists. There are several typical smells associated with Mackinac Island: Freshwater lakes, evergreen trees, fudge, and horses... |
 | My dad, playing on the playground. |
 | The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. It is a very impressive and old building, and at least one movie ("Somewhere In Time") was filmed at it. We were unable to sneak onto the porch this time (but we will never pay $10 per person to look around). It has a commanding view of the lake. |
 | The view of the harbor, from the cliffs east of the town. |
 | There are a number of excellent old houses on the east cliffs, too. I would have to imagine that it would be a very relaxing summer to spend it in one of these beautiful domiciles. (Winter would be rough, though, and most people leave the island.) |
 | Another view from above the town. |
 | A view from above the Mission Point Resort, looking down at our lawn chairs. |
 | The Mackinac Island harbor, as our ferry left. |
Comments
Mackinac Island is a beautiful place where we love to go. It makes it more fun when we go there as a family. The fudge, $14 pitchers of beer, and the horses .... add to the atmosphere.
Posted by: Mom and Dad | July 13, 2003 04:29 PM
My wife and I really enjoyed your photos of the Mackinac Island and the Mission Point Hotel. We are considering the hotel for an upcoming trip in late Sept. We get the impression that you visit this area often and are wondering if the Mission Point Resort would be the place to make reservations. We would really appreciate any input you could provide. Thanking you in advance for your cooperation, and again TERRIFIC pictorial
of the island and it's surrounding area.
Tom Keeslar
Posted by: Tom Keeslar | August 8, 2003 10:37 AM
Tom - Although we've never stayed at Mission Point, it seems like a nice place. It is a slightly more modern style than many of the hotels on the island. I like their beachfront area a lot. If you do go there, be sure to post some notes about your experience!
Posted by: Jeff | August 10, 2003 04:57 PM
FYI -- We've stayed at Mission Point for several years, and found it to be a good alternative to the Grand. Do not, however, expect modern rooms or new, shiny appearances - the resort (along with the Grand) are both quite old and show their age in many ways. In spite of this, Mission Point is a wonderful place to stay, and the food can be fabulous.
Posted by: Jim Kohl | February 7, 2004 06:12 AM