MACKINAC ISLAND VACATIONS

The hands of time rewind as we bounce along on the high-speed ferry from
the Michigan mainland to Mackinac Island, leaving behind a world of smog,
traffic and blaring car horns. The island, where cars are banned and the main
form of transportation is by horse-drawn carriage offers a perfect escape for
city-worn visitors. This is a place where time stands still.

Tiny Mackinac Island sits between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas in
the straits of Mackinac, where Lakes Michigan and Huron converge and is the
only place where you can witness the sun rise on one great lake (Huron) and
watch it set on another (Lake Michigan).

As we step off the dock, we’re immediately met by the steady clip-clop of  
hooves and the tempting aroma of warm fudge wafting out the open doors of
the island’s 17 fudge shops. Strolling down Mackinac Island’s empty Main
Street in the early morning sunlight, I’m reminded of Disney World, 30 minutes
before opening, when the scrubbed clean streets shine and not a single weed
can be found poking it’s ugly head through the flower beds. Instead of an
artificially created environment, though, this island is a real, living Victorian
community with 600 year round residents whom host an estimated one million
visitors annually.

MACKINAC ISLAND GRAND HOTEL
A tour takes us up the hill to the 114-year-old Mackinac Island Grand Hotel, the
undeniable jewel of the island and the setting for Christopher Reeve’s movie
“Somewhere in Time.” The family owned and operated hotel is the world’s
largest summer hotel and is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Unfortunately for day-trippers, but understandably, since mobs of tourists tend
to ruin the appeal for customers willing to pay $400 a night for a double room;
the Mackinac Island Grand Hotel now imposes a $10 charge just to sneak a
peek at the world’s longest, white-columned porch lined with rocking chairs.
Over two thousand red geraniums, the island’s signature flower, fill the
sweeping porch tucked under flag-draped yellow awnings.

“If anyone would like to hop off the carriage here and enjoy the Grand Hotel’s
$45 “lunch special”, I’ll be glad to stop,” our driver offers graciously. But on this
trip there are no takers- only laughs.  

MACKINAC STATE PARK
After switching to a three-horse taxi at Surrey Hill Museum, our ride meanders
through the tranquil cedar and birch filled Mackinac State Park. Care of the
1,800 acre park is taken very seriously and heavy fines are levied for rule
violations. Since the entire island could burn in less than three hours, camping
and campfires are not allowed. To maintain it’s natural beauty, the park also
prohibits the picking of wildflowers, levying fines to the tune of $50 per bloom.

ARCH ROCK
Another not-to-be-missed stop on the island is Arch Rock, a unique natural
limestone formation and one of only two of it’s kind in the world, the other
located in Aruba. From the scenic outlook, jetting out high above the cliff, we
were able to see the sandy bottom of Lake Huron through several feet of
crystal clear turquoise water. According to an ancient Native American tale, an
Indian maiden’s dripping tears formed the Arch Rock as she waited in vain for
her absent lover to return.

Our tour soon ends and we find ourselves deposited back onto the bustling
downtown streets where horses still reign as kings of the road. An elegant,
black carriage from the Grand Hotel glides by, guided by a snappily dressed
coachman in a top hat and tuxedo. The team of magnificent dappled greys
appear to instinctively know they’re in the spotlight as they proudly toss their
silky manes and high-step down Huron Street.

FORT MACKINAC
Suddenly, a deafening blast from the cannons of Fort Mackinac reverberates
down the hill. The fort stands guard high above the village on a 150-foot
limestone bluff with clear views east to Lake Huron and west to Lake Michigan.
Originally built during the American Revolution by the British military, the fort
now serves as a National Historic Landmark and contains Michigan’s oldest
building-the 1780 Officers Stone Quarters.

Much too soon, the sunset’s shimmering sparkles on the waves of Lake
Michigan signals it’s time to return to reality and we reluctantly board the return
ferry to Mackinaw City. Hoping to still the hands of time a few moments longer,
I focus my eyes on the Grand Hotel, watching until the flag-draped columns
finally disappear into a tiny speck on the horizon.

IF YOU GO:
MACKINAC ISLAND HOTELS: The 4-star Mackinac Island Grand Hotel’s
rooms start at $400 per couple, including all meals. Off-season rates,
beginning September 3rd drop to $350 per couple, 800-33-GRAND.

MISSION POINT RESORT
On the island’s southeastern tip, try the family- friendly, red-roofed Mission
Resort. Activities offered include outdoor games for the kids and a full-service
health club, 1-800-833-7711. Built in 1858, the Lake View Hotel, conveniently
located in the heart of the historic village is the island’s oldest continuously
operated hotel. Rates begin at $179 per night, double occupancy, 906-847-
3384.

TRANSPORTATION:
Since cars were prohibited in 1898, the only forms of transportation around the
island are by foot, bicycles, horses or horse drawn carriages. If you’re not
traveling with small children-bicycles are the way to go, offering the quickest
way to explore the secluded paths and views along the 8-mile perimeter road.
We opted for a horse-drawn tour of the island and sign up with Carriage Island
Tour Company, a five-generation-old company, which owns the majority of the
island’s 400+ horses and operates the island’s tours, taxis and freight
business. The 1 hour, 45 minute tour costs $15 for adults and $7.50 for
children (4-11), 906-847-3307. Several stables offer saddle horses for private
trail rides, costing $25 per hour, per horse the first hour and $20 each
additional hour. Various shops on Main Street offer bike rentals. 1-speed bikes
cost $5-$8 per hour. Day rates and tandem bikes are also available.

MACKINAC ISLAND ACTIVITIES: The island offers numerous activities
for all ages. The Butterfly House contains over 500 live butterflies from across
the globe. Admission: $5.00 adults, $2.00 children (6-12), 906-847-3972.  Fort
Mackinac offers guided tours through the authentic 200-year-old fort complete
with Victorian ladies, 1880’s uniformed soldiers and cannon firings.
Admission: $8 adults, $5 children (6-17), 231-436-4100.
FAMILY TRAVEL FUN.COM
MACKINAC ISLAND