Traveling to the Upper Michigan where Mackinaw island and Mackinaw City are nestled is a perfect holiday get away to have unlimited fun and discoveries. From riding a ferry, biking, hiking and sight-seeing, the activities varied which made the trip truly unforgettable.
Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Mackinac Island State Park, with trails, woods and the limestone Arch Rock formation, covers most of the island. Founded in 1780, Fort Mackinac is a walled cluster of military buildings on a coastal bluff. The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum has local works, including Native American art, maps and 19th-century photos.
We opted to stay in the hotel in St. Ignace where the port going to the island is situated because it offered cheaper prices. It also allowed us to explore different places in Upper Peninsula other than the island.
Mackinac island is nestled in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The ride in the ferry itself was an amazing experience which allowed us to gaze at the amazing vista the Mackinaw Bridge and the island offers.
The island is an impeccable location for many romantic movies. It is like being blasted in the past because of the horse and buggy which is the main transportation, mixture of old and new houses, Native American arts, 19th century photos, and structures preserved through the passage of time. Trails, woods and the limestone Arch Rock formation, covers most of the island.
After devouring an entire piece of their famous burger, my husband and I decided to explore the island through biking. That was my first time biking for almost ten miles! It was worth it because riding the bike is the perfect way to enjoy the Victorian image of the island which was preserved by a small population of permanent residents. They lived in cottages which were maintained in their original state.
Now, if you want to indulge yourself in the tranquillity of an island visit, do not stay at the centre of the business and commerce where flock of tourists and the sound of ferry are blasting. A little walk or bike would bring you at some scenic places and you could totally immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of an island getaway.
We visited during the summer for my birthday celebration and it was the perfect time to do all the biking and sightseeing. My favourite part was simply seating at the historic parks where we enjoyed just resting and looking at beautiful sceneries. Flowers were still in full bloom which made our visit more magical.
Biking around the island gave us a glimpse how much of the island was preserved extensively. This explains why the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is considered the jewel of the Great Lakes.
THE PICTURED ROCKS The second day was scheduled for hiking at the famous Pictured Rocks. Since our hotel was at St. Ignace, it is a little drive going to Munising where it is located.
It is honestly one of the most beautiful place that I have ever seen in my whole life. Rock formations were preserved and the view from above is incomparable. It is known for an array of multi-coloured Pictured Rocks cliffs. There are also unusual sandstone formations like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock. The hike would bring you to different waterfalls. During our hike, it was a bit raining and a little muddy which makes the trail difficult to traverse. Remnants of shipwrecks dot the shoreline around Au Sable Point’s 19th Century lighthouse.
CASTLE ROCKS, THE DEER RANCH, MACKINAW CITY We planned the third day to be spent visiting tourist places on the way home. There’s this castle rock which allows you to have a bird’s view of the whole city. It allowed me to conquer my fear of heights! The climb is a little bit steep but we survived it.
We also had a chance to pet and feed young deer. My husband loved the experience! Then our last destination was the Mackinaw City. As always, finding where to park was a struggle. It is a small village which would be a perfect respite from your island and nature fever. There are many souvenir shops and activities for kids. Now, our trip was concluded with a lunch in a famous Asian restaurant in the city.
