Mackinac Island is an idyllic getaway situated on Lake Huron just above mainland Michigan. A 30-minute ferry ride brings you to the island. Automobiles are not allowed on the island in order to preserve its timeless, unhurried feel. This is perfect place for bicycling along the lakeshore, taking a horse drawn carriage ride, reliving history at Fort Mackinac, and just enjoying time with your family.
Mackinac Island was originally the second national park in the United States, with Yellowstone being the first. In 1895, the park was transferred to the State of Michigan. About 80 percent of Mackinac Island remains state park land, with over 1,800 wooded acres under management. On Mackinac, you'll find beautiful Victorian houses perched on the bluffs along the lakeshore, over 60 miles of biking roads and trails through the state park area, a quaint village filled with shops and historic buildings, and so much more.
Although the island only has about 600 year-round residents, more than 1 million people visit Mackinac Island each year. Guests and islanders get around by walking, bicycling, riding horses or taking horse drawn carriage rides. Kids love visiting Fort Mackinac, a restored eighteenth-century historical military outpost with reenactments, costumed guides, and rifle and cannon firings. Families also enjoy strolling through the island's butterfly conservatory, taking in a family-oriented magic show, and visiting Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Fort Holmes to see the spectacular marine views.
The Grand Hotel is an elegant, world-class hotel known for its enormous 660-foot front porch -- the largest in the world. The Hotel served as the setting for several movies, including the 1979 classic "Somewhere in Time" starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The Hotel has plenty of activities for families: a 500,000 gallon serpentine swimming pool, private golf course, tennis courts, exercise trail, saddle horses, bike rentals, and carriage tours. Movies are shown regularly for adults and children, and dancing is a popular evening activity for adults. The Grand offers several special packages and promotions throughout the year as well as Internet specials on their website, Grand Hotel. For more information, call 800-33-GRAND.
