Mackinac at Thanksgiving
 

Would Thanksgiving on Mackinac Island be an enjoyable experience? Wed-Friday from Detroit or too arduous and cold? Thanks for any advice?

I visited Mackinac briefly years ago, but I would have to say planning Thanksgiving there might be a risk. If the weather is bad (and it is very far north so it could be quite nasty by them) it seems you would have a hard time getting there (by boat) and I even harder time getting around once you are there since there are no cars on the island.

The places for tourists on the Island are almost completely closed that time of year. You would find more in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, where more businesses stay open through Christmas and some stay open year around, but it will still be rather limited. At least from the mainland, you would be in a position to day trip to Tahquamenon Falls, Petoskey, the casinos, etc.

There has been some very nice weather in the area during that weekend in recent years, but historically the snow has usually arrived to stay by Thanksgiving. It will be colder on the Island.

The area has a stark beauty that time of year, I took these photos on Thanksgiving weekend two years ago: http://www.mightymac.org/01nov.htm

Only one ferry runs that late in the season, Arnold Line runs a single boat from St. Ignace. The first ferry leaves the mainland at 7:30AM and the last one leaves the Island at 4:30PM.

Keith

I have to agree with the other posters...I live in the area and if there is no snow, it can be downright ugly and desolate looking. If you get some snow, it can be beautiful....it is really an iffy time of year to visit there.

We visited Mackinac Island mid-October a few years back and it was downright freezing-had to buy a winter coat. We had travelled from Chicago where it was chilly but this was like 30 degrees. Also, we were there on the last weekend everything was opened (although most was already closed) and could see that any later would have been really cold and barren, especially once the leaves fell. They were gorgeous in mid Oct. though.

Very much appreciate all your responses! Since we are newly arrived to Troy, MI and have family flying in from both Coasts to congregate for a week, we're trying to find someplace to go for 8 adults and 2 toddlers over the Thanksgiving weekend. At least we'll delete the Mackinac idea. Any other suggestions from the cognescenti?

Hey...I used to live in the Troy area and still have friends there! Before I offer any advice, what exactly are you looking for? Cabin/condo to hang out for a week? Winter type sports? Just a restaurant for Thanksgiving day? If you could give us some of your ideas, I am sure you'll get a lot of suggestions!

We will be in our condo (another rented one to accomodate all the family)for a few days either before or during Thanksgiving but 10 days in Troy seems a bit boring to everyone therefore as a good host, we thought of spending 3-4 nights enjoying this new area (to all of us)and wanted to show off this locale at its best-anywhere is fine though I am getting the idea that winter around here is severe. Thanks for any advice.

The winters vary. Southern Michigan usually has much less snow than northern. On the other hand, it gets occasional freezing rain.

I think you would have more fun at that time of year in the Traverse City area.

If you are starting on Wednesday, that would be a nice time to visit Frankenmuth on the way north. All the Christmas time stuff would be in place, but you would avoid the crowds that will fill the place on the holiday weekends.

Keith