Mackinac Island???

[RLccweems]

Is anyone going to be there the same weekend as me? I'm going June 26th and the 27th? I'll wear my lime green for you know who I am....


lettie

 

[DonnaW]

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.

Thanks so much for the information on the time zone! I wouldn't even have considered that! Looks like we will have to get an early start!

 

[DonnaW]

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.

Thanks! I am thinking 2 full days on the island would be perfect.

 

[DonnaW]

Thanks again for all the helpful information! Have any of you ever been there for the Lilac Festival?

 

[Scutapipig]

It's beautiful with the lilacs all in bloom. It's beautiful even when they are not! LOL

The lilacs were probably just about 1-2 weeks into their leaves/buds the weekend of May 11th, so by Lilac Festival, they should be out.

These photos are from Lilac Festival week during June, 2006.

 

[DonnaW]

Thnx for posting the gorgeous pictures!!!! I just watched "Somewhere In Time" again this weekend, and now I *really* want to go to Mackinac Island!

 

[Violet Crayon]

I used to live an hour and a half from Mackinaw City/ Mackinac Island and made a lot of day trips in school and when I was an older teen. And my family stays Labor Day weekend (the bridge walk!) every year. This thread makes me miss what I still consider home.

Walking and exploring the island is what I think is the most fun. Find Skull rock, Arch rock, wander through the old cemetary, and hike up to the highest point for an amazing view. Also look for bats if you make it to Mackinaw City. They like to sleep in the doorways of the shops.

 

[Vijoge]

Hotel Iroquois Our favorite place to stay on the Island. Try to get a balcony facing the water or the tower room on the third (I think) floor if you don't mind the climb up the stairs (no elevator).


http://www.mackinac.com/content/accommodations/premium.html?id=52&accommType=Hotels and Resorts

My husband and I both love this hotel. Very romantic.

 

[RLccweems]

It's beautiful with the lilacs all in bloom. It's beautiful even when they are not! LOL

The lilacs were probably just about 1-2 weeks into their leaves/buds the weekend of May 11th, so by Lilac Festival, they should be out.

These photos are from Lilac Festival week during June, 2006.

What beautiful pictures.....thanks for sharing.

lettie

 

[believe]

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

We are staying Sat-Sat in the Ramada Waterfront, I think that is what it is called. It is right near one of the ferries. We bought the 3 day pass for Sun-Tues that allows us access to the ferry, forts, butterfly museum and waterpark (if warm enough, although it does say heated). If you see one big kid, DH, 2 little girls and 1 Mom about to scream that is me Just kidding. I am so looking forward to this trip. I love this type of area where there is history and beauty together.

 

[DonnaW]

Does anyone else have any pix to share? I really LOVE the pictures that were posted to this thread!

 

[Yzerbear19]

I know I have some at home. I will try to upload them tonight. Though I think my favorite ones are actually from Mackinaw City looking towards the Island.

Here is probably my favorite photo from our last trip up to Mackinaw. This is one looking towards the Island taken from a small little beach near the one light house east of the Fort.

 

[Yzerbear19]

Here are some more from the very end of April 2006. When we went for my birthday last year not everything was open yet. In fact the Forts and that were to open the week after my birthday. Even though there was a lot that wasn't open it was a very peaceful and relaxing trip. It was cold the day we went to the Island and kind of gloomy, but pretty typical Michigan weather. It was a good thing I had packed my winter coat!

This one is from the Ferry, you can see one of the other ferries in the distance

This is a really random photo of one of the streets.

The Grand Hotel

Lighthouse

The Mackinac Bridge from the Ferry on the way to the Island. The lakes were really rough that day. I think we were airborne a couple of times. I thought it was fun. My sister was a bit green.

Lighthouse in Mackinaw City (I can't remember its name right now. Sorry!)

Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City. This was taken the first day we were there, which was a less gloomy day then when we went to the Island.

Beach in Mackinaw City looking towards the Island. Again from the first day we got there.

Horse and Buggy on the Island. If you notice they have plastic on the sides of the buggy to try to help with the wind and cold.

 

[Scutapipig]

Yzerbear, those are neat photos! It's amazing how different the Island is without people milling about everywhere, isn't it?

Here's a few more from June 2006 and October 2006.

The Lilac Tree and Main Street

A Dock Porter

Picnicing at Father Marquette Park overlooking the marina and harbor
(notice the ore freighter in the background)

Just east of Mission Point Resort

The front lawn of Mission Point Resort

Arch Rock

 

[720L]

Village Inn has the BEST whitefish!

 

[DonnaW]

WOW! Those pictures are GREAT! Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[Michigan]

Have breakfast at the Grand Hotel that way you can go in the hotel. Heck you have to pay $12.00 just to go on the porch if you aren't staying there so you might as well get some food for your money.

Don't forget the FUDGE

 

[coles1mom]

We are staying Sat-Sat in the Ramada Waterfront, I think that is what it is called. It is right near one of the ferries. We bought the 3 day pass for Sun-Tues that allows us access to the ferry, forts, butterfly museum and waterpark (if warm enough, although it does say heated). If you see one big kid, DH, 2 little girls and 1 Mom about to scream that is me Just kidding. I am so looking forward to this trip. I love this type of area where there is history and beauty together.

It's called the Infinity Package ..Adults 79.95 Children (5-12) 54.95
You need to stay in Mackinaw City for a 2 Night Min. you can find the info
at Mackinawcity.com Hope this helps all who are planning a visit.

Judi

 

[Annie68]

What beautiful pictures!

DH & I were married on the Island 7/90. Our wedding reception was at Stonecliffe. It's a beautiful old hotel on the back of the Island, we fly in & stay every other year or so. They have condos & hotel rooms, the view of the bridge is breathtaking.

http://www.theinnatstonecliffe.com/history.html

When I was in high school (1980's), we would fly in for the week between Christmas & New Years. Stonecliffe had a New Year's package and was the only place open in the winter (only us & the Island residents...it was great!), but I've heard the winter is busier now. I love it any time of the year, we've been there for every season. Fall is my #1 pick though!

 

[luvwinnie]

Now I am really excited to go next year! Love the photos.