MACINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN
 

Greetings:

This summer Hubby, Wife, and Daughters 17yo and 13 yo will make a whirlwind tour of the Macinac Island, MI area. We will enter the area traveling from Marquette, MI and we will stay in Petosky, MI. What would you suggest we do as we only have one full day and two partial days in the Macinac Island/Petosky area? We hope this route will take us to places that will give us a taste and sense of your great state. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!

First, re: spelling and pronunciation: It's spelled "Mackinac" BUT it's pronounced "Mackinaw."

Here's a helpful video http://www.mackinacisland.org/video-tours/

Second, when you drive across from the UP, take note when you go over the bridge toward Mackinaw and Petosky, that the island will be on your left -- and note the whole BACK of the island (most northern part) where you will not be able to go. It is all that remains of an Ojibwa settlement/reservation; and at least when we were last there, we asked a few questions and learned that there are still some residents there who come into the Park and town area to work.

If you are physically able, suggest you rent bikes to explore the island. The road that circles the island is mostly flat. Or, rent a horse and buggy.
You have to try the fudge.
On the island, visit the Fort and at least walk (ride) by the Grand Hotel and the magnificent, long, wooden porch.
Unless you're going to Sault Ste. Marie, I think the most scenic route is US 41 from Marquette to US 2 which largely follows the lake.
Mostly when visiting we just relax and enjoy life without the cars.

There is no place on Mackinac Island where you cannot go.

On your way either to or from Petoskey, be sure to drive M-119 between Cross Village and Harbor Springs. Is a narrow winding road with the trees spread over the road in a "tunnel of trees." Much of it is along a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.

If your schedule permits, have a meal at Legs Inn in Cross Village. It is filled with folk art and they serve wonderful Polish food at reasonable prices.

http://www.mightymac.org/mackinacisl...acisland12.htm

Keith, are you saying the Ojibwa 'reservation'/enclave has been turned over to the park now? There used to be no connecting road from their area into the park or the town.

I think that someone pulled your leg.

Although about a 5th of the Island's 500 year around residents are Native Americans, they do not have a separate enclave. All of Mackinac Island, including the State Park, is part of the City of Mackinac Island.

The north end of the island has been served for a long time by both British Landing Road and state highway M-185 which circles the island. M-185 is 100 years old, though it was not paved until about 60 years ago.