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Mackinac Island, Michigan

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My Visit to Mackinac Island for the First Time

When I was five months pregnant and experiencing morning, noon and night sickness we traveled to Mackinac Island, Michigan for the first time. We had heard how beautiful this part of Michigan was and wanted to experience it ourselves. We crossed the Mackinac Bridge which spans approximately five miles across to Mackinac City where we stayed at a motel for three nights.

Forgetting to change our watches ahead one hour, we were too late for many activities going on that first evening.

The following morning we set out to take the ferry over to Mackinac Island. It was an experience of a lifetime to take in the scenic beauty of Lake Michigan and the island that so many people had talked about.

Where We Camped

What To Bring When Camping

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Mackinac Island Ferry

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Mackinac Island Ferry postcard
Mackinac Island Ferry by Sandyspider
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Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry, hydro-jets produce up to a 35 foot rooster tail spray. During June 18th thru September 5th, last boat to leave the island is at 10:30 pm and for most of the other seasons it is 8:30 pm. The first time we visited Mackinac Island, we almost missed the last ferry going back to Mackinaw City.

Seasons of Mackinac

Seasons of Mackinac (Michigan Photographic)

Seasons of Mackinac (Michigan Photographic)

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Mackinac Island is known for its lilacs, fudge shops, Victorian homes, and the Grand Hotel. But most visitors only enjoy the pleasures of this magical island during the summer months. Seasons of Mackinac shows the island in all four seasons, through the bustling summers, stunning fall colors, isolated winters, and blossoming springs. Culled from over 20,000 color images, Seasons of Mackinac displays 150 of the most memorable views of the island. This is the finest keepsake for all visitors to Michigan's famous destination.

Main Street, Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Look on the Street with the Horse Drawn Carriages Hasn't Changed Much


Main Street, Mackinac Island, Michigan Art Poster Print, 17x11

Mackinac Island (with the exception of some emergency vehicles), is automobile free. To travel the island there are three options; walk, bicycle or take the horse drawn carriage. We chose to take it all in on foot. We had no idea that we couldn't take it all in this way. The island maintains the Victorian look of the past. Though the main street is nothing but shopping and food places.

I was already feeling queasy from the ferry ride with the boat splashing up and down from the waves. With my pregnancy, my sense of smell was heighten and all that I could smell was homemade fudge, pasties and horse manure...all mixed in together.

Beautiful Mackinac Island State Park

became my best friend. I plopped myself down on the grass, where I laid there for what seemed like an eternity. Once I felt a little better we got up and walked to the Grand Hotel.

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan


Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan Art Poster Print, 17x11

The Grand Hotel opened in 1887. Guest rooms are individually appointed, while the elegant suites include antiques and rare memorabilia. Six of the suites are named for first ladies Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush, who were all consulted in the designs. A variety of special package deals like the Murder Mystery Weekend and Somewhere In Time offer a variety of ways to enjoy the distinctive property. At one time tours were given out to this magnificent hotel.

Mackinac Island Fudge

The best fudge ever!

We continued on walking around and discovering all the sites on the island that I could handle (being sick.) We ended our day discovering the unique shops and bought some of the famous Mackinac Island fudge. Afterward, we caught the ferry back to Mackinaw City.
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View Off Mackinac Island

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View off Mackinac Island by Sandyspider
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Our second trip to Mackinac Island was a few years ago. We brought our daughter with us. We were surprised on how this island had changed. More shops, places to stay and more visitors. It was so crowded; it was hard to move at times. But we had fun. This time we took the horse carriage ride around the island. We stopped at The Grand Hotel, Arch Rock, and Fort, Mackinac. We ended the day doing some shopping and of course buying some fudge.

But there is something special about the first time visiting this island.

Discover Mackinac Island

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Arch Rock

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Arch Rock, Mackinac Island postcard
Arch Rock, Mackinac Island by Sandyspider
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Arch Rock is a geologic formation on Mackinac Island in Michigan. It is a natural limestone arch formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period, a period of high Lake Huron levels following the end of the Wisconsin glaciations. To this day Arch Rock stands on the Lake Huron shoreline 146 feet above the water.

Fort Mackinac

Old Fort, Mackinac Island, Michigan Art Poster Print, 17x11

Fort Mackinac, located on the island, was a military outpost from the late 18th to the late 19th century. Built by the British during the American Revolutionary War to control the strategic Straits of Mackinac.

The Fort is a separate ticket on the island. We wondered through the historic builders and watched a reenactment of battle of 1812.

Canon at Fort Mackinac postcard
Canon at Fort Mackinac by Sandyspider
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RocketMoms Session 5: Travel Lens - Week #6

Let's Get Cracking - Make This in the Top Ten Experiment

This lens project for week 6 is going to be to build a travel lens! This lens is also part of the Let's Get Cracking with Bonnie and Robin. Squidoo daily lens challenge. I know I am insane and not sure if I will write a lens a day, but at least I finished the "First" one. The first assignment is to write about your "First". This lens starts out with my "First time visiting Mackinac Island."
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