Mackinac Island

Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island is a tourist destination in Lake Huron; it lies just where Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas come together-- or nearly so; a huge suspension bridge connects the two peninsulas.



Mackinac is the spot just to the east of the place where the two peninsulas nearly touch. That's Lake Huron to the right of the lower peninsula and Lake Michigan to the left. Lake Superior lies above the upper peninsula.

Mackinac's proper name is Michilimacanac. It was named by the Ojibwa, Manitou, Chippewa, and other Native Americans who came to fish in the bountiful waters offshore. The island was named for its shape, which reminded the fishermen of a giant turtle-- hence this statue:

As philosophers and cosmologists would say, "It's turtles all the way down."

One gets to the island via catamaran or boat.

The views are grand:

There are no motor vehicles on Mackinac, not since the first automobile backfired and frightened the horses. Everyone gets around on horseback or bicycle; tourists see the town from big wagons pulled by draft horses.

A century's worth of horse manure and urine makes for an indescribable smell-- but the place sure is pretty!

Most of 3.8 square mile Mackinac is a national park. Aside from the village and an eight-mile long road that circles the island, the land is forested-- and hilly. Here's a glimpse of the road through a natural arch.

Fort Mackinac lies at the top of a hill near the harbor. It played a role in the French and Indian War and Later in the Revolutionary War, where the British prevailed.

Tourists can take two-hour-long tours of the island, swim, fish, boat, or paraglide, and horses, carriages, and bicycles are easily rented. The forests are filled with trails, and the eight mile circuit of the island via bicycle is a popular thing.

The island can be quite crowded in summer, especially over the fourth of July weekend, when I visited:

There are all sorts of eateries, fudge shops, and hotels, the grandest being the posh Grand Hotel:

Michigan's summers are pleasant, and it wasn't too hot, even on July 3, when I visited. I found prices reasonable, and I had a good time. Of course that was as much or more to the company I kept as to Mackinac itself.