With a mix of French heritage and no vehicles on the island, visitors often have questions. Which ferry service is the best? How do you pronounce the name of the island? How does my luggage get to my hotel? Where's a great place to eat? How do I get around once I'm on the island? Learn answers to these and other questions.
A Family Drive Vacation
Like many vacation destinations, Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City have drawn visitors predominantly from their region. For many years Detroit's auto-making and related industries provided the fuel for in-state tourism. While it is a well-known destination within Michigan, in recent years they have extended their marketing efforts to other parts of the Midwest.
Look beyond the odd flight connections and consider driving. Michigan is an especially beautiful and peaceful state. Fir trees grow in number, as do birch trees. There are sections of the highway where the vista opens up and it is possible to see for miles and miles. Interstates crisscross the state too making for easy travel.
If vacations are about all about family-time and boring the children with those "when I grew up" stories, the history found at Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, and pureness of travel by foot and bike, will make any mom and dad tale seem mild in comparison.
How do you pronounce it?
Remember that the French were a major influence in this part of the country. As such, many words and pronunciations reflect that heritage.
Mackinac Island is pronounced Mac-eh-naw, while its southern neighbor, Mackinaw City, uses the more American spelling but the same pronunciation. The "nac" in Mackinac is pronounced "naw" like the mainland city - Mackinaw.
Interested in tackling the name of the attraction Colonial Michilimackinac? Phonetically it sounds like Misch-ill-ah-mac-eh-naw. It does take a bit for it to flow off the tongue. Play it safe by referring to it as the colonial fort on the mainland. The fortification on the island is known as Fort Mackinac.
Which ferry service is the best?
Shepler's claim to fame is first class service. This family-run operation showcases well-maintained vessels and parking facilities, and staff members are required to dress neatly and be courteous. They promise to get guests to the island in 16 minutes. Their island dock - in the center of town - is close to the public restroom and visitor information booth.
Star Line with its rooster tail spray off the backend of its ferries is reputed to take the shortest and fastest route to the island. This is possible because it operates from the southernmost island dock, near French Ln., closer to the Grand Hotel.
Arnold's has the largest island dock and is located closest to Fort Mackinac. Perhaps they transport many of the supplies.
Price shop if you'd like, but each has their own little nuance that makes them unique. In general each offers comparable transportation and value.
How does my luggage get to my hotel?
First things first - don't worry about it. All visitors who overnight on the island bring luggage and it all needs to be transported to one of several places. This is normal course of business, as the local taxis/shuttle services have been getting it to where it needs to be for many years now. If by chance it is misplaced, it is at one of three places - on the mainland, on the ferry or on the island.
Most major hotels include the cost of luggage transfer in the hotel bill. The bags are tagged on the mainland with a particular hotel's ID. The lodging establishment's transportation folks know when travelers are scheduled to arrive and look for guests and their luggage.
Shortly after the passengers disembark, the luggage is removed from the ferryboat's storage hold. Unless instructed otherwise by the hotel, gather your luggage and look for the hotel's shuttle service (horse drawn carriages). Many hitch a dray to the carriage for the luggage. A sign with the hotel's name is usually prominently displayed on the shuttle. In some cases, gather your belongings and grab a bench near the curb along Huron (Main) St. A carriage will be by in short order. There will be a charge for the ride, but not your luggage. Tip accordingly.
Noon Whistle
Each day at noon the whistle blows. While it may have another purpose, it appears to signal to visitors that it's time to start thinking about lunch.
Where's a great place to eat?
At last count there were 40-some restaurants on the island. Some are part of a hotel, such as those at the Grand Hotel, Mission Point Resort, the Island House Hotel, Hotel Iroquois and the Chippewa Hotel.
The Grand Hotel features its main dining room for lunch or dinner (reservations suggested for the latter; dress code in the evening); the Pool Grill, outside, below the hotel near the gardens with access via the pool; The Jockey Club at the golf course; The Woods, located off property; The Gate House, open to the public and located on Cadotte Ave. on the way to the hotel; and the Tea Room at Fort Mackinac (fort admission required).
Mission Point Resort is home to Bistro on the Green, alfresco dining overlooking the Straits of Mackinac; The Epicurean for fine dining in a relaxed setting; and The Round Island Bar and Grill for American cuisine.
A nice selection of restaurants can be found along Huron (Main) St. from Windermere Point to the south to Mission Point Resort to the northeast. The greatest grouping is between Astor St. and Fort St. Offerings at the island’s dining establishments are varied and visitors typically never have enough time to enjoy all of them, especially if nibbling on fudge.
Pick up a complimentary dining guide at the tourism bureau information booth, near Shelpler's dock on Huron (Main) St.
How do I get around once I'm on the island?
Look straight down. Your feet will see quite a bit of action while on the island. Distance is measured in an x-minute walk or carriage ride.
Guests can rent bicycles at several locations and bike racks are readily available. If desired, bring a bike lock for security. It's possible to bring bikes across on the ferry but there is a charge. Anytime there's a large number of bikes parked in one place, it's likely to be an employee parking lot.
Mackinaw Island has the oldest and largest horse and buggy livery in the world. It is the only 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service in the world. Those who plan on partying into the wee hours of the night (and might be weaving their way home) can call a taxi.
Taxi service |
