Need advice about mini vacation (Mackinaw City)

[jekajekalynn]

We're going to do a day and half vacation up there . Anyone been?

What sites do you recommend? We are planning on staying at the city, no plans for the island since our time is gonna be so short. (just a day trip)

Is there some "must sees" in Mackinaw city I should know about?

TIA!

 

[akcire]

We're going to do a day and half vacation up there . Anyone been?

What sites do you recommend? We are planning on staying at the city, no plans for the island since our time is gonna be so short. (just a day trip)

Is there some "must sees" in Mackinaw city I should know about?

TIA!

I think the Island is the must-see place. I got a weekday hotel rate for about $80 a night. We are going for our first trip next week assuming my husband does not get kidnapped on his business trip to his favorite little banana republic country.

Mackinaw city has the bridge (and if you are afraid to drive across the bridge since the Yugo blew off in 1989 there are volunteers who will drive your car), a Fort, and a lighthouse. From all of my reading, I haven't found much else to do that is not on the island. My husband said you should buy some fudge.

 

[Ciciwoowoo]

We usually only spend a few hours on the island when we go, so I think its doable. To be honest, the island is the best part of Mackinac, IMHO.

If you don't want to go to the island, there is a lot of shopping in Mackinac. The Mackinaw Crossing is a nice shopping center. http://www.mackinawcrossings.com/index.html

And yes, you do have to buy fudge! I think its the law or something...

St Ignace is a nice little town across the bridge, but you may not have enough time to see it.

Oh, if you can find a place to buy pasties, buy some and try them. I love them!

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

were doing 4 days this summer. Conolinal micamack (sp) is very cool to see. OH and the light show every night. Thats so worth it.

 

[faith]

I hope you decide on a day at the island. The boat ride over is fun, and don't miss the horsedrawn tram tour around the island. Well, worth the ticket price.
The butterfly house (island) is great too. Check websites Mackinaw island, Shepler's ferry. There should be some coupons. We stay in Mackinaw City, much cheaper hotels. Have fun!

 

[over the hill]

You really should reconsider the island, if you possibly have time. It is like nothing you have probably ever done. The boats run often, usually every hour or 1/2 hour, so there are many times to get there.

The carriage tour is a must too, for a first timer. You learn a lot of history and things that you might want to return to see. If that is not your interest, for sure rent a bike a ride around, you can go all the way around, or just explore. You can also visit the fort, and butterfly house as mentioned before.

Fudge is a must either at the island or in Mackinaw City. My favorites are Marshalls in the city, and Murdock's on the island. But you will see many shops with fudge.

In Mackinaw City there is Fort Michamiknac and The Old Mill Creek, which is outside of town, but very interesting if you have kids. My grandkids loved it there, you can buy a pass for all three, 2 forts and old mill.

There are a lot of Mom and Pop places to stay and some chains, just look for the Mackinaw City website.

The pasties are wonderful, and the shopping is good, either downtown or at the Mackinaw Crossings.

Enjoy your vacation in Michigan

 

[Mickeypooh99]

We like to eat whitefish at Scalawags whenever we go. My dad can't pass up the Dixie Saloon for the perch. My boys age 8 and 9 love the fort. My 9 year old has a lego project he has been working on for about a year building the fort. We always buy fudge of course.

 

[celestialred]

We did the island a few years back during the lilac festival in June, so pretty then. And I do believe it is a law to buy fudge there! The fudge shops on the island do free samples, and we tried all of them before getting tons of it from Ryba's (the shop with the pink awnings). We had our older dd at the time, she was only 16 mos. then and she loooooved watching the horses. Be wary though if you want to try and "tour" the Grand Hotel. Unless you are staying there as a guest they will charge you just to walk through it! We liked the Fort (great views) and there is a nice park past the main drag that is great for hiking and nature-viewing.