Mackinac Island, Michigan 2021
April 27, 2021 — The season of tourism for northern Michigan has arrived just yet, but that wasn’t going to stop us from visiting an island that I’ve been hoping to visit for a few years now. The first time I ever heard of Mackinac Island was an episode of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe many years ago.
Honestly, I wasn’t even sure that the island or the ferries would be open during the time of year we were going. I guess, to be fair, Bailey had already looked and planned out everything, so in an effort to keep this part of the adventure a surprise, she had said that we probably wouldn’t be able to go. I didn’t find out until we were checking in to our hotel in Mackinaw City and I mentioned to her that the ferries were running. So, I accidentally ruined her surprise, well, partially.
Flying To The Island
Something that I wasn’t even aware was an option was flying to the island. This was the only way in which I hadn’t fully ruined the surprise that Bailey had planned for visiting Mackinac Island. We were driving to “port” to board the ferries, or so Bailey had told me. Well, we past numerous ferry companies and docks, she just kept saying, “There’s another one up here".” Well, turns out there wasn’t, instead, there was a small airport. The flight was pretty bumpy due to how small the plane was, how empty it was (we were the only passengers), and how windy it was.
Walking To Main Street
So, for those who don’t know, Mackinac Island doesn’t allow motor vehicles, aside from a very few exceptions. The airport is a very small building with a pretty small runway, but it is away from basically everything else except a few hiking paths. Well, our option to make it to the main street was to start walking.
Renting Bikes
Like I mentioned before, we visited the island before the tourism season even began. The only place open was the bike rental shop, everything—and I mean everything— else was closed. No restaurants, no stores, not even a coffee shop. The coffee shop was a real disappointment, we had only hoped to grab a coffee before riding around the island. Riding bikes around the island was really our true purpose for the visit. The island has a 8.2 mile round trip route to ride.
Shoreline
Riding the 8.2 miles shoreline (or at least mostly shoreline) of Mackinac Island is such an excellent way to experience it. The Great Lakes—if you’ve never been—are truly remarkable in their beauty and size. The photographs below from our ride gives you an idea of just how different the view can be from one are of shore to another. From looking at lighthouses, to ships and ferries, and taking in the sight of the Mackinac Bridge, you won’t be without some sort of incredible view.
Arch Rock
If you want to get some elevation while on the island, Arch Rock is certainly an excellent option for doing so. If I hadn’t told you where some of these photographs were taken, you may not be aware that I was on a Great Lake, rather than the ocean. It’s a decent little hike—mostly involving stairs to get from the road to the elevated viewpoints, but it’s well worth it.
Taking The Ferry Home
The flight to the island was incredible and one option I think many visitors should experience, but I did want to experience the other option offered…the ferry. I think this is the primary traveling option to the island for most, and it’s understandable why. Though, I will say that I’m not sure if I was able to take in the experience as much as I wanted or if I enjoyed it to much, because I had a hard time staying awake with the waves essentially rocking me to sleep.
