For those seeking a vacation away from the hustle and bustle, Michigan’s Mackinac Island is a hidden gem. It can be accessed by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, which are the cities at either end of the Mackinac Bridge that connects Michigan’s Lower and Upper peninsulas. Cars were first banned from the island over 125 years ago, and that comes at a small price: there’s a good amount of horse poop on the road. Not to worry — there’s a poop cart that monitors the streets and keeps things cleaned up. The three main ways to get around the island are by carriage tour, renting a bike, or walking. Vehicles are not allowed on the island, which means trash pickup is done primarily by horse and cart. The island is filled with charming shops, with a favorite being the amazing Murdick’s Fudge Shop, which the island is known for. There are also many historic sites, churches, and military sites, including Fort Mackinac. Mackinac Island is also home to awe-inspiring natural wonders, including Arch Rock, one of the more popular photo spots on the island. Due to the island's historic military past, there are several demonstrations and reenactments throughout the day, including cannon firings and rifle firing demonstrations. Of course, the main attraction is the Grand Hotel, a sprawling hotel built in 1887. In fact, it was the site of filming for the 1980 film
Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The panoramic views from the Grand Hotel’s massive 660-foot-long patio make the movie. Think twice about going up on the porch, though. Doing that will cost you $12. Should you choose to actually stay at the hotel, it will cost you between $750 and $800 a night, depending on the time of year. The hotel also has an old-school rule: you’re not allowed to wear shorts there after 6:30 p.m.
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Fort Mackinac
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Arch Rock
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