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Day 1

Starline Ferry, South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI, USA
Pink Pony, Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI, USA

Drove 6 hours from Cleveland to the ferry port in Mackinaw City. There are different lots and different costs for where you can leave your car. There is a free option that has a shuttle to the ferry. We took the Starline Ferry, 20 minute ride. There are people at the docks that will take your luggage since there aren’t any cars on the island.

Ate at the Pink Pony – a Mackinac staple, very good.

We stayed at the Cottage Inn, which was an easy walk from the dock. Loved the inn, owners were very friendly, good breakfasts and rooms. Would stay there again.

FYI the island is spelled Mackinac but pronounced “mackinaw.”

Day 2

St Anne's Catholic Church, Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI, USA
Round Island, Mackinac Island, MI, USA
Yankee Rebel Tavern, Astor Street, Mackinac Island, MI, USA

It was rainy most of the day so we didn’t spend too much time outside. We walked past St Anne’s Church and along the southeastern shoreline for views of the Round Island Lighthouse and beaches. Spent a lot of time stopping in gift stores and fudge shops.

Had dinner at Yankee Rebel – crowded, it was ok.

Day 3

Arch Rock, Arch Rock Road, Mackinac Island, MI, USA
Fort Mackinac, Huron Road, Mackinac Island, MI, USA
Grand Hotel, Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI, USA
Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI, USA
Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island, MI, USA
1852 Grill Room, Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI, USA

First thing after breakfast was a walk to Arch Rock, neat to see.

Took a private carriage tour around the island that was arranged by our inn. Wasn’t necessary to do a private tour but it was convenient to not have to wait in line for the public tours. It’s the quintessential Mackinac experience.

After the carriage tour we walked to Fort Mackinac. If you’re interested in history, it’s a pleasant stop for a couple hours. Good views of the shoreline.

Then walked up a giant hill to the Grand Hotel. Very glitzy and expensive, and you have to pay to walk around the grounds if you’re not a guest. Wasn’t worth the cost of admission.

We walked down Main Street for some shopping and take pictures on our way to Mission Point. We sat outside at a bar at the resort. They were showing free movies so we watched part of one. Went to dinner nearby at 1852 Grill Room (highly recommend).

Took the ferry back the next morning and drove home. The weather in May was pleasant, even though it rained and a local on the ferry said the bumpy ride in was very atypical.

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Mackinac Island

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