Macinac Island MI

Lisa, It would be my suggestion to stay in either Mackinaw City or across the Mackinaw Bridge at St. Ignace. There are motels galore and it's very nice. And theu're not that expensive. It's a lot more fun there and the kids will love the Indian gift shops. There is much more to do and more places to site see. There is also a casino out in the boonies in St. Ignace, if you're so inclined. It costs about $2 to cross the bridge. It costs just a few dollars to ride the Ferry from either City to Macinaw Island when you go. (It's a nice place to visit and take a carriage tour of the island, buy fudge and visit the old fort, but you definetly won't want to stay there. There is an admission charge just to check-out the porch at the Grand Hotel. It's very expensive to stay there. Your children will tire after all the walking around. The ferry's run back and forth all day, to either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. Although it's beatiful, there's not really too much to see and do. There are no cars. You can rent bikes, though.

We have been going to Mackinaw every summer for the last 40 years. Be sure to try the smoked white fish from Bell's Fishery in Mackinaw City. It's wonderful.
I hope you get to go. You and your kids will love it. Have a great trip.

Lisa, It would be my suggestion to stay in either Mackinaw City or across the Mackinaw Bridge at St. Ignace. There are motels galore and it's very nice. And theu're not that expensive. It's a lot more fun there and the kids will love the Indian gift shops. There is much more to do and more places to site see. There is also a casino out in the boonies in St. Ignace, if you're so inclined. It costs about $2 to cross the bridge. It costs just a few dollars to ride the Ferry from either City to Macinaw Island when you go. (It's a nice place to visit and take a carriage tour of the island, buy fudge and visit the old fort, but you definetly won't want to stay there. There is an admission charge just to check-out the porch at the Grand Hotel. It's very expensive to stay there. Your children will tire after all the walking around. The ferry's run back and forth all day, to either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. Although it's beatiful, there's not really too much to see and do. There are no cars. You can rent bikes, though.

We have been going to Mackinaw every summer for the last 40 years. Be sure to try the smoked white fish from Bell's Fishery in Mackinaw City. It's wonderful.
I hope you get to go. You and your kids will love it. Have a great trip.

Topping. I have the same question and wonder if there is some updated info??

I would definitely stay in Mackinaw City as there are a ton of motels/hotels and all price ranges. Also a lot of shops and restaurants. There are ferries going to Mackinac at all times of the day so you should have no problem getting over there and back and still having time to really look around the island. Do check out the Grand Hotel. It is so historic and beautiful. As far as St Ignace goes I would drive over there at most (to cross the bridge) and not stay there. Just not that much there. The Casino is not worth you time unless you just love Casinos. Have fun!!

The ferry to Mackinac Island costs about
$18 for adults and $9 for kids. AAA members get a discount. It doesn't really matter which company you use. They all claim to be the fastest to the island!

We like to stay in Mackinac City at Clearwater Lakeshore Motel. It is on the beach and most rooms have a great view of the Mackinac Bridge. Their website is http://www.mackinawcityclearwater.com/.

I would suggest paying to stay on the island for at least one night -- I've been there several times (stayed once off the island) -- the most wonderful time on Mackinac Island is after the last ferry has departed and it is no longer crowded. That is when it truly becomes a scene out of the movie "Somewhere in Time" (filmed at the Grand Hotel with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour).

We were just there last weekend and here's what we did - worked out very well for all ages!

Stopped in Mackinaw City for dinner and a little shopping at Mackinaw Crossings. There are all sorts of restaurants there, from fast food to sit down. Went to the theater there and saw "Reflections" which was fantastic! Everyone was on their feet and singing along - it was a musical review showcasing music from the 1930's-1980's. I would definitely say it's a don't miss for anyone that is in the area.

Afterwards we crossed the bridge into St. Ignace and spent the night at Best Western Harbour Point. This was a great motel, with one indoor and one outdoor pool, nightly bonfire and beautiful view. Our room opened up to the water and we slept with our sliding glass door open - listening to the waves made us feel like we were on a cruise ship.

Next morning, drove back over the bridge and ate breakfast at the Pancake Chef. Then took Shepler's ferry to the island. It was a little chilly on the upper deck, but down below it was just fine. We toured the fort, rented bikes for a few hours, ate lunch at Mission Point and did some shopping.

We didn't do the carriage rides, but it looked like a lot of people were. The Governor has her summer home on the island and she was there, as were a bunch of big wigs from the Detroit-area for a conference, so it was pretty packed on Main Street, but there were still plenty of little nooks and crannies to get away from the crowd.

For $59 you can get a family pass to see the fort on the island, the fort in Mackinaw City, and two other things that I can't remember right now. It's good for an entire year, so I think that would be the way to go.

I think all of the ferries are probably the same, all of the bike rental prices are the same, and all of the fudge is the same. A lot of the clothing and souvenir-type things are pretty pricey on the island, and they have the same stuff at Mackinaw Crossings for a lot less money (plus you don't have to haul it around the island all day).

The two other places the family pass is good are Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse just east of the Bridge in Mackinaw City and Historic Mill Creek 3 miles east of Mackinaw City.

There are free evening concerts along the lakeshore in Mackinaw City several evenings a week and a free laser show at the Crossings at dusk every night.

There is also a free Mackinac Bridge Museum above Mama Mia's on Central Avenue.

You can experience the Island after the crowds have gone back, without staying overnight on the Island by taking a ferry back to the mainland as late as 11pm.

IMHO the best fudge is at Marshall’s Fudge http://www.marshallsfudge.com/index.html

Keith

Try to go for the Lilac Festival. It's gorgeous. The year we went, it was the second week in June.