Mackinac Island Vacation in Michigan ~ Photos of Things to See ~ Things to Do

Our good friends Lisa and Doug Hammel who vacationed on Mackinac Island this year came back with loads of photos and wonderful memories. They knew ahead of time that this was one location in which I was interested because of hearing so much about it from my grandparents who had been to the island as well as others who also had fond memories of visiting there. Upon their return, we have spent some time talking about their experiences, and they were willing to share the wonderful pictures that they had taken while on their recent vacation.

Thus this series of hubs has come about because of their talking about things to see and things to do while on that most scenic of islands situated in Lake Huron just off of the coastline of Michigan.

Already written is a hub about the historic Fort Mackinac and the place it has in history.

The other hub regards the Grand Hotel, the movies made there while on location and the ambiance of that majestic place with the world's longest porch.

This last hub will show numerous photos of what the scenery looks like as well tidbits of other information regarding how people spend time on that unique island which allows no motorized vehicles.

Enjoy the photos and videos!

(c) Peggy Woods - All Rights Reserved

Horses and carriages

These are the common modes of transporting people around the late 19th century atmosphere of Mackinac Island because of the ban on motorized vehicles. Bicycling and walking are the other most common ways of getting around.

Pedestrians and the horses and carriages have the right of way so those who bicycle have to stay alert and obey these rules.

Ferries

Most people arrive on Mackinac Island by way of the ferries that run back and forth from the mainland of Michigan. That is how our friends and other people we know were transported to and from the island.

There is a small airstrip on the island for those with airplanes but no refueling station. The 3,500 foot paved runway provides a means for those who live on the island and need to get back and forth from the mainland for supplies or other reasons. Of course once on the island, they use the horses and carriages or bicycles or their own two feet just like everybody else.

Winter ice stops the ferries from operating...generally from early January to about mid-April or so. Snowmobiles are allowed during that time of the year and can be seen crossing the bridge of ice between the mainland and Mackinac Island.

Arch Rock

This is one of the natural features on Mackinac Island that draws numerous visitors just because of its sheer beauty. Formed of limestone it frames views of the multi-hued Lake Huron and its rocky shoreline below. The arch rock is fifty feet wide and is 146 feet above the water. Visitors can get close to this natural arch due to steps and railed pathways that have been constructed. Terrific vistas can be seen from that perspective.

Sugar Loaf Rock

This is another interesting natural rock feature on Mackinac Island. It stands 75 feet tall and is one of the largest limestone stacks in this part of the country.

It along with the Arch Rock are remnants of the Ice Age when glaciers covered this area and then receded when earth temperatures warmed.

Indian lore is connected with both of these places.

Mackinac Island Lighthouses

The iconic Round Island Lighthouse operated from 1895 to 1948 when it was replaced by a more modern lighthouse by the U.S. Coast Guard. People traveling to and from Mackinac Island all pass near the uninhabited round island where this old and historic lighthouse is currently undergoing preservation.

The Round Island Lighthouse is a landmark feature often photographed in the Straits of Mackinac. It was another site featured in the movie Somewhere in Time along with the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Round Island is primarily a forest preserve and consists of 378 acres ( 153 ha ) of land.

Our friends ended up getting several photos of the Round Island Lighthouse along with others of its more modern replacement called the Round Island Passage Lighthouse (also known as the Mackinac Island Lighthouse) which is only 600 meters apart from the older Round Island Lighthouse.

It sits out further in the Round Island Channel helping to protect the shipping lanes in the Straits of Mackinac which is the body of water connecting Lake Michigan with Lake Huron. The Round Island Passage Lighthouse has operated since 1948 and became automated in 1973.

Butterflies

Obviously in addition to all of the natural and historic features on Mackinac Island, these colorful butterflies featured below caught our friend's attention and are now frozen in time due to their photographic efforts.

Churches on Mackinac Island

Our friends captured three of the four churches in photos that are located on Mackinac Island.

The oldest church building in all of Michigan and one that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1829 and is called the Historic Mission Church. It is pictured to the right.

It was a Congregational church and while it is now a part of the state park service and no longer operates as a church, with special arrangements marriages can be performed on site.

The other churches on Mackinac Island are the following:

• Little Stone Church
• St. Anne's Catholic Church
• Trinity Episcopal Church

Victorian cottages

The styles of these wonderful houses (deemed cottages) by the wealthy people who originally had them built on Mackinac Island in the last century are primarily Victorian in nature.

Our friend Doug is an architect and he loves seeing the different patterns and materials utilized in construction. Lisa has worked in interior design and also appreciates form, function and artistry.

One thing that many of these residences have in common are the proud flying of the American flag.

Wondrous gardens also surround the majority of these Victorian cottages which add textures, colors and beauty to each place as can be viewed in the photos featured below.

Golfing on Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel has two separate nine hole courses which guests as well as non guests can play.

The Wawashkamo golf club has nine holes but 18 tees which can change the game dynamics depending upon which tee one uses.

There is also a "putt-putt" golf course that is fun for families with a full eighteen holes.

Golf clubs are available for rental so there is no need to bring them along on a trip to Mackinac Island. Just practice your swing and enjoy the views...and hopefully your score if that even matters.

Fudge

Our friend Lisa loves her sweets and before she even left on this particular vacation to Mackinac Island she was delighted to know that the making of fudge is a specialty on the island. According to reports after she returned...she was not disappointed! Apparently there are six different vendors selling their homemade versions of this sweet treat on the island.

It goes without saying that Mackinac Island has an abundance of water views. The shoreline is rocky and can be accessed from many different points while bicycling or walking around the island. Of course the aquatic scenery from being driven around by horse and carriage is also wonderful.

The range and saturation of colors in the water depends upon lighting and the time of day but suffice it to say...it is beautiful. Here are a few photos below that show some of the color hues and scenery from Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island Vacation

Whether coming for just a day or spending more time, a Mackinac Island vacation offers something for everyone. I'll end this three part series based upon our friend's recent vacation there with a few additional photos. Hopefully this will have given you, the reader, ideas of what there is to do and see while on Mackinac Island. Thanks Doug and Lisa for sharing all of these wonderful photos!