Mackinac Island, Michigan

Stepping off the ferry to Mackinac Island is like stepping back in time to the 1800s. Between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas sits Mackinac (MACK-in-awe) Island, only reachable by ferry or charter plane. This island is known as the “Jewel of the Grand Lakes” and became one of the nation’s favored summer resort destinations during the Victorian era.

Mackinac Island from the ferry with Grand Hotel in the background

One of the most noticeable differences on Mackinac Island is the absence of automobiles. Visitors and residents travel by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. There are only 600 year-round residents. And during the summer there are more than 500 horses.

Mackinac Bridge connecting the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan

L: View of Lake Huron with Sainte Anne Church in the background and Missionary bark chapel in the foreground

R: View of Lake Huron and downtown

Fort Mackinac

One of the first things you’ll see as you get off the ferry is a cluster of military buildings known as Fort Mackinac. Fort Mackinac was built in 1870 and founded during the American Revolution. This fort is home to the oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures.

L: Fortified walls of Fort Holmes, the highest point on Mackinac Island

R: The blockhouse of Fort Holmes

In July 1812, in the first land engagement of the War of 1812 in the United States, the fort was captured by a combined force of British, Canadian, and Native American soldiers. American soldiers took possession of Fort Mackinac from the British three years later. Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park. Now Fort Mackinac is a living history museum with restoration exhibits and interpretation programs. You will see interpreters in period costumes offering tours and historical re-enactments, complete with live cannon firings. They also have the opportunity for visitors to prep and fire the Fort Mackinac cannon themselves!

L: Mackinac Island has many easy walking paths around landmarks. Just watch out for the horse carriages and horse dung! 🙈

R: Sugar Loaf rock. Another popular landmark to see is Arch Rock, but unfortunately access to it was closed off during our visit due to the construction of a new nature center

There’s more to see and do on Mackinac Island, so stay tuned!