"Mackinac Island" Mackinac Island by ciaobellamici

Mackinac Island Travel Guide: 187 reviews and 379 photos

Early Morning View West from Fort Holmes

Top of the Island - Fort Holmes

Each year (sometimes twice) we visit Mackinac Island. The month of June is customary because of our anniversary and I have developed a routine over the years that I have NO INTENTION of changing.
An already early riser, I am inspired to greet the sun from the top of the island. Early morning on the island cannot be beat and I feel such wonder at this fabulous part of the world in which we live.
I leave the B & B and head east along the water until I reach the spring and steps leading to the Arch Rock. From there I follow the trail until I come out before the houses on the Bluff. There is a service road that leads to the Boy Scout building and I pass it to head up the hill to the Fort.
Once off the road, there are hundreds of steps to climb and I love every one of them because they mean I am reaching my destination. I come out of the woods at the west side of the Fort, which is no more than a depression with an entry gate with a nice log roof, perfect for meditation, reflection, views of freighters and great photos.
I can hear the horses clopping down toward the town and have seen the first ferries of the day arrive on the island. (But that would mean that I am either late arriving or have stayed quite long.)

Down the Hill

Morning Has Broken

Once I get my maximum dose of the peace and beauty from the wooden ledge at the Fort, (and usually chilled) I head back towards town, where I walk past the Governor's Summer Mansion and head down past the entrance to the Historical Fort.
It's magical! Sometimes I feel like Oliver did when he observed the City of London coming to life, or Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady".

Mornings on the Main Street

Heading East to Small Point B &B

As I drift back towards Small Point, I am reminded of the simplicity of the day I have chosen. A shower, breakfast at the Inn or back downtown and then the bike rides around the Island and hiking before napping on the porch or lawn. What a life!

Last visit to Mackinac Island: Jun 2008
Intro Updated Jun 29, 2008
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Reviews (12)

Many Weddings - Flowers Are Important Here - Mackinac Island

The Best Open Space... Hotels (2)

This is one of the BIG hotels on the Island. Many anemities and service, so I am told. I've never stayed there, as it is... more travel advice

The Island is Famous For... Transportation (3)

HORSES! Hundreds of them...shipped over in early spring through October, when they return to the pastures of the Upper... more travel advice

Stop Often and Enjoy... Another Great View - Mackinac Island

The BEST Part... Transportation (3)

To be on Mackinac Island is to BIKE! Everywhere, at all times!Oh, the sights you will see. more travel advice

Arnold Docks - Mackinac City - Mackinac Island

Well, You COULD swim... Transportation (3)

I love the ferry ride to the island! You cross the Mackinac Straits...imagining what it must have been like for the... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Don't Miss This!
Things to Do (4)
See All Just relax...

Comments (3)

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DSwede Aug 10, 2011 at 1:27 AM

I hope you enjoy your birthday! I miss the simple life in the Midwest.
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Fullmoonfever Oct 21, 2008 at 5:05 PM

is anything going on during the winter?
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Escadora7 Oct 1, 2008 at 8:38 AM

It looks sooo inviting! :-) Ash & Eve