Mackinac Island???

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

hiya Donna!

We're planning a trip there this summer too We will decide when once we get back from Disney!!

 

[DonnaW]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far! Any other info to share? Again, thanks bunches in advance!

 

[Yzerbear19]

Be sure to get some Ryba's Fudge. IMO its the best. Some of the other fudge shops are OK, but don't compare to Ryba's. My favorite which you can only get up there is the Pistaschio. Yum! Last year when we went in early May they had some really good strawberry fudge. I wish I would have bought more of that because it was soooooo good. I've heard their caramel corn is also really good, though we usually only get fudge.

Definitly visit the Forts both on the island and in Mackinaw City.

My sister and I had fun at the Wings of Mackinac buttefly garden.

When we were there in 2002 the Yankee Rebel Tavern was really good. We also liked Horn's Gaslight Bar.

You might also want to check out this site before you go:
http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/LaneClosure/
Summer in Michigan = Road DEConstruction. It looks like there will be some work being done on I-75. I know they are going to be doing major work down by Detroit. And there is some major work between Flint and Saginaw. So just check it out before you, might save you some hassle and frustion on your drive there to know where the major destruction is happening.

Enjoy your visit to Mackinac.

 

[BuckyFan04]

The fort is the biggest thing and if you like history. .

We went to Fort Mackinac. It was really neat. I'd recommend doing that as well. The fudge and ice cream shoppes on the island are really good.
IIRC, you can get horse and buggy rides down the main road if you do not want to walk too much.
It also gets very crowded during the summer, but I'm glad we went there. It was a nice experience.

 

[Taylor]

We have stayed there the last 2 summers. We stayed at the Lilac Tree and at the Grand Hotel. I would definitely suggest the Lilac Tree. It is right on main street and has beautiful rooms and a great view. The Grand Hotel is way over rated in our opinion.

 

[flying_babyb]

Omg THE HILLS!!! We went one year and hiked it up to the back of the island where the summer workers stay, It was 85 degrees. Well, by the time we got to the top of the HUGE hill, we wanted to kick our freinds umm yea. None the less, Eat fudge! We ate at a restrant by the mustang lounge.

 

[Scutapipig]

Just back from Mackinac yesterday if you have any specific questions.

I still recommend Main Street Inn and Suites above all other hotels on the island, but this is becoming a hidden gem, so make your reservation early. Outstanding front desk service and housekeeping.

Village Inn and Horn's Bar both had good food. Horn's was so good, we ate there twice...and the menu prices were very reasonable. Horn's has a great salsa! Village Inn's prices were a little higher for the portion received, but the food was good.

We rented a tandem for $7/hour. Bike rentals are everywhere and all are relatively the same.

Round trip ferry tickets for 2007 are $21/adult. All three lines - Shepler's, Star, and Arnold's - have coupons on their websites.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Oh boy....how I wish I could go! Looks like a great place to stay and they have inexpensive rooms.
I will put that "on my list" for one of these days.

 

[RLccweems]

Just back from Mackinac yesterday if you have any specific questions.

I still recommend Main Street Inn and Suites above all other hotels on the island, but this is becoming a hidden gem, so make your reservation early. Outstanding front desk service and housekeeping.

Village Inn and Horn's Bar both had good food. Horn's was so good, we ate there twice...and the menu prices were very reasonable. Horn's has a great salsa! Village Inn's prices were a little higher for the portion received, but the food was good.

We rented a tandem for $7/hour. Bike rentals are everywhere and all are relatively the same.

Round trip ferry tickets for 2007 are $21/adult. All three lines - Shepler's, Star, and Arnold's - have coupons on their websites.

how was the weather? Were going the end of June and are hoping for warm weather. Also, where on the island is the Horn's Bar and Village Inn located? There's a corner store located right across from the Chippewa Hotel. They have great food in the back at the deli for picnics. It's prices very reasonable and the place it quite busy with locals.

lettie

 

[RLccweems]

We haven't been, but are going the week of 6/18. We are staying in MacKinac City. Maybe we'll see you around

Hey...we'll be there on the same dates!! We're staying in Mackinaw City for a night then going over the next morning to stay a night on the island. What hotel are you staying at in the City? We're at the Best Western.

lettie

 

[Scutapipig]

how was the weather? Were going the end of June and are hoping for warm weather. Also, where on the island is the Horn's Bar and Village Inn located? There's a corner store located right across from the Chippewa Hotel. They have great food in the back at the deli for picnics. It's prices very reasonable and the place it quite busy with locals.

lettie

The weather was fabulous!! High's around 60-65 degrees, a little breeze, and brilliant blue sky and sunshine. The nights were so clear that the stars popped out everywhere. But, being Michigan, you'll never know what you'll get. You shouldn't have a problem in June though.

Horn's is located on Main Street, across from the Arnold ferry dock. It's pretty much right in front of where you pick up the carriage tour. Mexican influenced menu. I had cheese quesedillas the first night for $6.99 and two chicken enchiladas the second night for $7.99.

Village Inn is located on Hoban Street, right off of Main Street. It's the street just before the Lakeview Hotel, and Hoban is close by the Shepler ferry dock. We did lunch and breakfast here. I can't remember what I had for breakfast, but the food was good, but a bit higher in price. For lunch I ordered their French onion soup. Really good, but a bowl was priced at $5.99.

And we visit that little store all the time! It's called Doud's and they just remodeled the store.

 

[RLccweems]

Thanks so much for the review. Horn's sounds perfect....how was the salsa? My kids love mexican food.


lettie

 

[Yzerbear19]

how was the weather? Were going the end of June and are hoping for warm weather.
lettie

But, being Michigan, you'll never know what you'll get. You shouldn't have a problem in June though.

I was going to say the same thing. Weather in Michigan is completly unpredictable. You never know what its going to be one minute from the next. There have been some years where the end of June is warm and others when its cold.

 

[Scutapipig]

how was the salsa?

Excellent! Diced and not watery with an excellent flavor. We asked for the recipe, but they wouldn't give it out. I put it on top of everything I ate there.

 

[Squirlz]

Staying at the Grand Hotel is an incredible experience. If all you care about is a place to stay then it may seem overpriced, but there is a level of service that you do not get anywhere else. The price you pay per night includes two incredible meals as well. I had a buffalo prime rib one time that was truly one of the best meals I have ever had!

There are horse stables in town and if you have any experience you can simply hop on a horse and go off all by yourself. We went clear up to the northern edge on a 2-hour ride, just the two of us. No better way to explore the island in my opinion. Have a great time!

 

[RLccweems]

Excellent! Diced and not watery with an excellent flavor. We asked for the recipe, but they wouldn't give it out. I put it on top of everything I ate there.

Thanks so much....can you guess where I'm eating when I get there?

lettie

 

[DonnaW]

Anyone have a clue how far the drive would be to Mackinac City from the Chicagoland area? We have from Saturday to Tuesday available, and I am thinking driving up on Saturday and driving back on Tuesday. Too short a time?? Doable??

Thanks again, all!

 

[ariel & eric]

I'm guessing about 7-8 hours. We live about 3 hours from Chicago and then about 4-5 from the island. It's not a bad drive in the summer.

 

[Yzerbear19]

Yahoo says from Chicago to Mackinaw City where you would get on the Ferry for the Island is 6.5 hours. Same for St. Ignace where you can also get the ferry, but is across the Bridge. The ferry rides from St. Ignace are shorter than from Mackinaw City. So from your exact location it may be a little more or less. Of course this doesn't factor in any road destruction. Completely doable in a day IMO.

Just a reminder that MI is in the Eastern time zone so when you are driving here from Chicago, you will "lose" an hour. Just something to keep in mind when you are figuring out what time to leave if you have a certain time you want to get there by.

 

[Scutapipig]

My handy dandy trip planner states it is 418.5 miles and 6 hours, 23 minutes from downtown Chicago to Mackinaw City. Take 196 to 131 (thru Grand Rapids), east on 72 just before Kalkaska, and 72 brings you straight into 75 and on up to Mackinaw City. That does not, however, account for Chicago traffic or Grand Rapids construction.

A long weekend would be perfect for a trip to Mackinac Island. A Saturday to Tuesday would give you two full days on the Island.