August 21, 2015 - Mackinac Island

We finally woke up to a day of sunshine and little wind, although it was cold enough for us to turn the heater on in the boat for a while.  Today was our day to explore Mackinac Island so we boarded the ferry for a 16 minute ride over to the island.  There are only 2 motorized vehicles on the island - a fire truck and ambulance.  No other cars are allowed.  Bicycle rental is a big business there.  Our first stop was Fort Mackinac which was the site of the first land battle in the war of 1812.  It was under British control during the war.  After walking through some of the stores and eating lunch, we hopped aboard a horse drawn carriage for a ride around the town and into the state park.  We went past the famous Grand Hotel which is known for having the largest covered veranda in the US.  The town was very quaint and was very crowded with tourists.  Both Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island are known for the fudge.  You can’t pass more than 2 stores without coming to a fudge/ice cream/candy store.  The weather was great and we had a great time exploring this famous island.

Time to board the ferry

The Grand Hotel from the water

Lighthouse at the entrance to Mackinac Island

This is just one of many bicycle rental places

One of the beautiful buildings

Getting ready to tour the Fort

View of the marina from the Fort

A re-enactment on the Fort grounds

Another shooting re-enactment at the Fort

Downtown stores (it's all about the fudge shops - how many can you spot?)

Mackinac Island UPS delivery method

Ready for the horse drawn carriage ride

Some of the unique houses

The famous Grand Hotel

The carriage museum

Some of the horses for the Grand Hotel

Ready for our carriage ride

Giving the horses a little water before entering the state park

Arch Rock

A view up to the Fort

Some of the hotels along the main street

The Mackinac Island Yacht Club

A nice relaxing dinner away from the downtown crowds

More of the downtown hotels

Sunset over the Mackinac Bridge