This Town has no Cars?! 🐴🍫 - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Read about horse carriages, the fudge capital of the world, and more...

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1896: The first modern car is developed and begins mass production. The few people who lived on Mackinac Island quickly noticed the distress the vehicles were causing their horses. They formed an association and were able to get vehicles banned from the island.

Today, Mackinac Island remains one of the only places in the entire U.S. where you can’t have vehicles. The few exceptions include a police car, ambulance, and emergency fire trucks, but that really is about it.

After a short 20-minute (chilly) ferry ride onto the island, you’ll feel like you went through a time machine. The candy stores, knick-knack shops, and restaurants will remind you of the places your grandparents used to tell you about.

Carriages pulled by horses are a staple of Mackinac Island, and visitors like to get carriage rides of their own. One thing you won’t escape is the sound of the horseshoes on the pavement as you meander the shops downtown.

Explore the Island

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do on Mackinac, though, is biking the island. Having been there myself, I can tell you there are lots of tucked-away paths that lead to views you never would’ve imagined being there. We focused on two main goals with our limited time biking the island:

  1. Circling the Island

    • Circling the island will take you about 2 hours to go the 8.2-mile circumference, so be sure to rent the bikes for longer than that!

    • If you are anything like us, you’ll find some interesting spots to stop and take in. For that, you’ll want to rent the bikes for the whole day. That way, you’ll never worry about taking too much time while exploring the island.

    • Circling the island lets you see all the island’s popular buildings and businesses, such as all the ones downtown and also the famous Grand Hotel, known for the set of the film Somewhere in Time.

  2. Ascending the Island

    • The pedal up can be a bit of a workout, but if you’re up for the challenge, there are some breathtaking lookout points, such as Sunset Rock, Point Lookout, and Nicolet Watchtower.

    • Architecture: You’ll notice there are various stairways around the island. Pull off and venture up. There are lots of beautiful houses up the hills. Architectural styles vary from house to house, and the lack of roads and other infrastructure for driving gives these sorts of paths and hikes an other-worldly sort of feeling.

    • Take the stairway to the famous Arch Rock.

Fudge Capital of the World

As Victorian-era tourists came and left the island, they began to identify the island with sweets, and the demand for sweets on the island surged. And now, today, Mackinac Island has evolved into a fudge haven.

With 13 fudge shops, you’d be wise to take your shot at it. Lots of visitors to Mackinac Island identify themselves as “fudgies,” and if the “fudgies” like it, then it must be good!

Here are some places you may want to check out on the island!

Fort Mackinac

Location: Slightly inward from the southern side of Mackinac Island, overlooking the harbor.

  • Built by the British in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War.

  • The fort was a pivotal location during the War of 1812, with two significant battles occurring here.

  • It houses the oldest building in Michigan, the Officer’s Stone Quarters, dating back to 1780.

  • Guided tours are available for a deeper historical insight.

  • Visit the on-site museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits.

Grand Hotel

Location: Located on the southwestern end of the Island, facing Lake Huron.

  • Opened in 1887, the Grand Hotel has the world’s longest porch at 660 feet.

  • The hotel has hosted five U.S. Presidents and numerous celebrities.

  • Featured in the 1980 movie "Somewhere in Time" starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.

If you stay there:

  • Enjoy afternoon tea in the parlor or cocktails on the world’s longest porch.

  • Relax in the luxurious pool named after Esther Williams, who starred in the movie "This Time for Keeps," filmed at the hotel.

  • Play golf at The Jewel, the hotel’s 18-hole course with stunning views.

Unique Features:

  • The Grand Hotel’s architecture and flower gardens.

  • Formal dinner dress code after 6:30 PM, preserving the hotel's elegant tradition.

Mackinac Island State Park

Location: Covers over 80% of Mackinac Island.

  • Established in 1895, it was the second national park in the United States before being transferred to the state of Michigan.

  • Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare plant species.

  • Hiking and biking along 70 miles of scenic trails.

  • Visit Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch rising 146 feet above the shoreline.

  • Explore historic landmarks like Fort Holmes, the highest point on the island.

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World

Location: Located in Surrey Hills, on the southeastern side of the island.

  • One of the oldest live butterfly exhibits in the United States.

  • Home to hundreds of butterflies from four continents.

  • Walk through their gardens filled with live butterflies.

  • Learn about various butterfly species and their habitats.

Mission Point Resort

Location: Situated on the southeastern shore of Mackinac Island.

  • The site of Mackinac College in the 1960s before becoming a resort.

  • The Great Lawn at Mission Point is a popular spot for weddings and events.

If you stay there:

  • Outdoor movies on the Great Lawn.

  • Mini-golf, bocce ball, and other family-friendly activities.

  • Dining at several on-site restaurants.

  • Relax at the Lakeside Spa and Salon.

The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

Location: Located in the Indian Dormitory building in downtown Mackinac Island.

  • Housed in a historic building constructed in 1838 as a dormitory for Native American children.

  • The museum’s collection includes Native American art, historical maps, and contemporary pieces.

  • Many exhibits showcasing the art and history of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region.

Before you catch the ferry back, there are some cool places right by the dock for you to check out!

Maze of Mirrors

  • The Maze of Mirrors is a labyrinth of mirrors, creating an illusion of endless hallways and pathways.

  • It's a popular attraction for families and individuals looking for a fun and challenging experience.

  • Take fun photos with the reflections and mirrored pathways.

The Maze of Mirrors might be the perfect warm-up to your day on the island!

Winchester's Whiskey & Bourbon Room

  • Winchester's Whiskey & Bourbon Room boasts an extensive collection of over 100 different types of whiskey and bourbon.

  • The bar has a cozy, rustic atmosphere reminiscent of a classic speakeasy.

  • Try one of their whiskey-tasting events and educational sessions about different types of whiskey.

  • Relax in a comfortable setting while enjoying live music!

Seabiscuit Cafe

  • Seabiscuit Cafe is named after the famous racehorse, going along with the island’s horse culture.

  • The cafe is housed in a restored 19th-century bank building, adding to its historic charm.

  • The menu includes fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, and a wide selection of beverages, from craft beers to specialty cocktails.

  • Relax on the outdoor patio, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the island atmosphere.

See you on Mackinaw Island!

Mary McGuire

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