Mackinac Island (pronounced “Mac-in-Fear”) is located in the Mackinac Strait, on Lake Huron, between the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan. Technically, the island is not located on the peninsula, but the island is considered to be the destination of the “Upper Peninsula”.
I have lived on the island, mostly seasonally, since 1989. I spent three winters on the island, when almost everything was boarded up.
Over the years, I was asked the same questions again and again by tourists visiting the island. I collected some of the most common questions about Mackinac Island. I hope this sheds light on the secrets of Mackinac Island.
Why are there so many weight loss stores on the island?
The simple answer to this question simply lies in the fact that “the leaching flow is equal to the demand”. Mackinac Island has seventeen stores of fiction, and each of them is engaged in a lively business from May to October. Nearby tourists can not get enough fiction.
What is the best fiction on the island?
People often ask me, but there is no right answer. Each fiction store has its own particular style. Some fiction stores sell a creamy, almost sticky product. And others sell more old-fashioned, crumbly fabrication. The good news is that every fashion store on the island offers free samples, so you can try everything before you decide.
Where does the Mackinac Bridge meet Mackinac Island?
The Mackinac Bridge connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. Although it has the same descriptive name as the island that "Makinyak", there is no physical connection. The only way to get to the island is by ferry or plane. Remember: there are no motorized vehicles (cars) on the island of Mackinac, so the bridge that brings cars to the island will make little sense.
Are there no cars? What happens if someone needs an ambulance?
Okay, you brought me there. We have emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, police cars (SUV) and ambulances. In winter, when the island is completely closed, you will see cars and trucks of utility companies. For the most part, however, there is no doubt that a tourist will see one motorized car during the summer season.
Do they live here in winter?
Several sturdy showers remain on the island in winter. According to the most recent census data (2010), Mackinac has 492 in-person “residents”. However, many of the permanent tenants leave the island for a couple of months when the boats stop working.
When do boats stop?
According to representatives of Arnold Transit, they will "work as long as they can, allowing ice conditions." At some point, usually in mid-January, the lake freezes to such an extent that ferries close on ice. Arnold Transit, one of the three ferry companies serving the island, estimates that the boats will start working again on March 15. However, this winter the boats did not start again until the first week of April.
What to do in the winter?
Little. At the time of this writing, only a few businesses are open: The Mustang Lounge, The Village Inn Restaurant, McKinack Island Medical Center and Doud Grocery Store - Michigan’s oldest family-owned grocery store, is the way. In addition to these, we have places of worship, a school and a public library.
However, if you enjoy winter sports and wonderful outdoor recreation, the island of Makinak is a great place to visit in the winter. You can snowmobile, hike (with snow boots) or cross-country to name a few. In winter, the island is mostly quiet, and if you “get away from it all” —your motivation — Makinak Island is mostly absent for people in the winter months.
How do people get supplies when boats stop working?
There are several ways:
1. UPS and USPS can bring packages.
2. People can come and go by plane if they choose. The round-trip ticket is $ 50.
3. You can walk or snowmobile across the frozen lake. However, it can be dangerous, and it is not authorized or recommended by the Coast Guard. If you decide to visit the island of Mackinac across the "bridge" of ice, be sure to get spare items and a fully charged cell phone. Never go alone, and in groups it is best to travel through a single file.
Anything else I should know before visiting the island of Mackinac?
Yes! When children get out of the boat and see horses everywhere, it can be very interesting. However, please do not allow your children to drink horses. They work, and you no longer need to drink a workhorse than to love a seeing-eye dog.
In addition, just because people ride bicycles does not mean that there are no tracks on the road. For some reason, this concept seems to save the majority of tourists who simply warm along the wrong side of the road, looking at fiction stores. Like roads on the mainland, this often leads to accidents. Please stay on the right side of the road.
Finally, if you're going to stay on the island for the night, here's a hint: first look at the beautiful places on the beach (B & B) on the island, especially if you travel without children. You save money compared to large hotels.
