Mackinac Island

We spent a week in St Ignace and traveled to Mackinac Island. That is definitely the right way to do this area instead of staying in the busier and more expensive area of Mackinaw City. For $40/night we had a spot that overlooked the Straits of Mackinac and beyond into Lake Michigan.

Day one we took the ferry to Mackinac Island. Our ferry went under by the big bridge so that was fun! One moment we were on Lake Michigan, the next on Lake Huron, then back to Michigan. Then it was on to the busy island. So many bikes everywhere! It is a little overwhelming. With my foot still in the boot - no way that was going to work to try to bike or walk, so we splurged for a horse drawn carriage ride. While the bikes certainly give more freedom and access to the island - the carriage ride gives much more information. We started on a 2 horse carriage with Bill and Roscoe as our horses, then switched to a 3 horse carriage for the steeper hills going up to Arch Rock. Then it was by the fort - impressive as it towers over the city. It was fun to see the Grand Hotel but we weren't going to pay $10/apiece to go into it.

For instance - we learned that the horses they use on the island are either Belguim or Percheron. No other breds. The Percheron are born dark - mostly black. Then most of them - at some point in their lives - could be 9 years old, could be 20 years old - start to turn grey. The color change starts at the mane and the body follows turning dapple grey, then eventually totally white. Typically within the course of 9-12 months once the process starts. So interesting!

Another interesting fact we learned was that the Grand Hotel was built in 1887 as a summer retreat for vacationers. Rates at the time were $3-$5 a night depending on the room. Most travelers came by rail to Michigan and then by steamer from Chicago, Erie, Montreal or Detroit to the island. What isn't as common to learn (if it is indeed true) is that when the builder began the project - he was offered a $1 million bonus to split between the workers if they could finish in 90 days time. The reason given was that rooms were already booked for that spring. Working day and night - using laterns in the dark and living in tents while bringing materials across the frozen lake by horse wagons, the crew was motivated to get the job complete. But nearing completion, small things seemed to go wrong - walls would suddenly collapse, small fires in various areas, etc. As these things were repaired - delays occured making them just 3 days late for the deadline. When the construction manager asked for at least some of the $1 million for his crew - he was told no. Somehow he came to learn that the owner had done this damage deliberately to delay them from making the 90 days. The angry workers torn down one entire outside wall and tried to leave the next morning only to find all the boats were gone. The owner made them repair the wall before he allowed the boats to return and the workers to leave.

Some of the houses are gorgeous! The flowers here are so pretty. I guess the island is covered in lilacs in the spring - that would really be a sight to see!

August 2022