Mackinaw City, MI

We arrived at Mackinaw City in a drizzle and light fog. We could still make out the ferries that scooted around like gnats, and the famous Mackinac Bridge that connects lower Michigan with the upper peninsula.

Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island (both pronounced Mak-i-naw) were lots of fun. The marina was just across the street from a shopping area. We walked around, skyped with Sara and then went to dinner. 

The next morning we boarded the ferry for Mackinac Island. The ride was very fast and smooth. Cars are not allowed on the island, so we only had to dodge hundreds of bicycles (ridden by people of all ages and skill levels) and the “road apples” from the horses drawing carriages everywhere. I got the term “road apples” from a little boy who rode his bike around a few. We spent a little time in the downtown area, but mostly wanted to see Fort Mackinaw and a natural feature called Arch Rock. 

The hike to the fort was kind of steep, so we stopped along the way to take photos.  There were people in period soldier uniforms around the inside, including a fife player and a group of soldiers who performed a drill – accompanied by a bugle player. We left through the back entrance and found the path through the woods to Arch Rock. It was so beautiful and cool, with interesting plants, trees and rocks. The hike was about a half mile and wasn’t too bad. It was basically level or down hill going from the fort. As we approached the Arch, there was a park facility and a parking lot for the horse-drawn buggies and bicycles. The Arch was pretty amazing. You can get a sense of the size by looking at the road and bicyclers in one of the photos. The view of the water was fabulous, and people had spelled out things in rocks in the clear water below. Our favorite was “marry me Amanda”.

A little side story - the native people say that the arch was made when a young woman and one of the gods fell in love. Her father refused to let her marry the god, and tied her to the rock. Her tears made the hole over the long time that she was imprisoned there. Finally, her true love found her and took her away. At least the story had a happy ending!

Leaving the Arch, there was a steep downward path with steps. It went back to town along the beach and past some hotels. We got to see a different part of town as we walked in from the other direction. The houses and gardens were so pretty. We capped the day off with an ice cream cone and headed back to the ferry. It was a tiring but really fun outing.

Now about the bridge… Going from Mackinaw City to the Upper Peninsula used to be an hour-long ferry ride, limiting the number of vehicles that could cross in a day. The Mackinaw Bridge was built in the late fifties and was one of the largest bridges of it’s time. The steel workers who helped build the bridge have a small museum in Mackinaw City. Steve and I went there and were very impressed by a film that described the building of the bridge, with interviews of some of the men who built it. Despite the height, the cold, the wind and the general danger of such an endeavor, they only lost 5 men. Any loss is hard on family and friends, but after watching the video I was surprised the number wasn’t higher.

We will pass under the “Mighty Mac” as we leave to head south, so I will get some good photos.

Kind of a drizzly day, but the water was calm

We came past Mackinac Island on the way to Mackinaw City

These ferries are everywhere!

I took this from inside the cabin - it is the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

The Mighty Mac Bridge

Coast Guard ice cutter - retired from service - at the entrance to the marina.

The entrance looked a little intimidating

The water is really calm, but the wind made docking interesting

Now off to the shopping area across the street

A very nice memorial to all who served

Took this for you, Chris. They had a real moose head inside the store, but didn't allow photographs... I tried!

This nice stream meandered through the shopping area

I don't know why, but this reminded me of you, Chris.

Thought Wanda would appreciate this store... not as great as the name though

There are three ferry companies here - this is the one we took

Gemini at the dock. These slips were 15ft wide. The boat is 14ft wide. Yes, Steve is that good.

The water is really clear! See the duck feet?

A better view of the bridge from the ferry - much better weather!

Mackinac Island - Fort Mackinac is up the hill

Downtown - no cars

Lots of bikes and horse drawn carriages

Looking up towards the fort

Father Marquette came here in the 1600's as a missionary to the native people

This is a replica of the bark chapel he used

A view from the ramp up to the fort

The Episcopal Church

Soldier reenactors talking to visitors

The fife player was pretty good!

This is the view from the Officers' Quarters

The commander's house

Formation is about to begin

This lady was sitting just outside the fort knitting

The trail to Arch Rock

Arch Rock

The view from Arch Rock - the water is really clear

Starting down the trail back to town

It was kind of steep - but very interesting!

This house had the most beautiful detailing!

There were lots of wildflowers along the path back to town.

And some beautiful landscaping near the hotels

The local Catholic church

They had a beautiful garden

A local restaurant

The Mackinac Island Yacht Club

Sweet Pea - this is for you, Olivia!

Mackinac Island has their own Statue of Liberty, donated by the Boy Scouts