Mackinac Island is 5.2 nm from St Ignace, short ferry ride got us there in 20 minutes. On our way we could see the forested limestone bluffs with cottages atop that dominate the southwest coast of the island.
And then the Big Mac bridge connecting the mainland with the Upper Peninsula and the Mackinac lighthouse.
As we turn into the harbor we see the Grand Hotel, built in 1887, that started the islands long history of tourism.
The southern harbor is lined with hotels and businesses, guarded over by Fort Mackinac high up on the bluff.
We departed the ferry and walked past all the tourist shops and fudge stores, heading to the fort. All along the way we had bicycles and horse drawn carriages pass us on the street. Cars are not allowed on the island as they were banned in 1898.
We arrived at Fort Mackinac to experience the bugle revelry and raising of the flags. Was quite a steep climb to the fort entrance. Costumed re-enactors greeted us and throughout the day explained the forts history, demonstrated rifle and cannon fire and gave us a glimpse of what fort life was like in 1898.
Here is a photo of what the fort looked like in 1898.
History of Fort Mackinac
The location of a Fort Mackinac was used by the French and Indians as a major trading post. When the French ceded their land possessions after the Seven Years War, Britain took control of the site, hoping to continue the lucrative fur trade. The British moved their fort which was in current day Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island, actually sliding the structure over the ice across the Mackinac Straits in 1780. The fort then began a history of sporadic use and expansion, which continued when the Americans took over the fort in 1796. Note : The British held on to this site well after our independence from Britain.
The fort only engaged in one battle in July 1812, when the British and their Indian allies invaded and took control of the island marking the first land engagement of the War of 1812. The fort was lost to the British who overwhelmed the American forces 10 to 1. The fort was returned to the United States after the war and remained active til 1895.
At that point a Michigan politician successfully convinced the Federal Government to make Mackinac Island and its fort the Second National Park. A few years later, the federal government was unable to continue the minimal funding it provided and the State of Michigan stepped in to support Mackinac Island and its fort.
There were some tremendous view from the fort of the town and harbor below.
After climbing all over the fort and it’s 13 buildings, we visited one of the first houses constructed in the town which supported the fur trade and the fort, called McGulpin House. One of its interior walls was partially exposed to allow us to see its log and dovetail construction. Also saw one of the oldest churches, aptly named Old Trinity Church.
Next we visited the American Fur Co store, which was a reproduction of the store that was established by John Jacob Astor. Astor continued in the goods and fur trade business until 1834, when he sold the business and soon after the fur trading industry came to a halt.
We headed back to the boat retracing our steps down the main retail street and had lunch at a waterfront cafe and stepped into a few stores.
Along the way we admired the many old Victorian homes and inns and their gardens.
We also stopped into the Butterfly Conservancy and enjoyed watching the hundreds of butterflies.
We then took our tired feet back to the ferry station and ferried back to St Ignace.
Day 87 August 16 on to Mackinac Island in our own boat Mile 5 Total mile 3775
Woke to a blustery day and readied to leave the dock at St Ignace for the short 5.2 mile trip to Mackinac Island.
On the way had a good view of the Mackinac Bridge and the Round Island Lighthouse which guides freighters through the Straits of Mackinac.
We got settled in our slip at the Mackinac State Marina and waited out the light rain before we took off to explore the island on our bikes.
Our bike ride started by heading into town which is fudge shops, restaurants and hotels, with the occasional tourist shop. We had to be very careful cycling as you had to stay out of the way of the horses and other bikes and avoid people crossing the street. After successfully navigating town we stopped at its far east end to get lunch. The restaurant allowed us great views of the boats and freighters in the Straits of Mackinac.
Continuing our bike ride we rounded the south side of the island and headed up the west side. We stopped regularly to take in the rocky beaches and cedar forests,
Oohed and aahed over the unusual limestone seastacks, some with caves in them.
climbed to the top of the western bluff to a Pontiac’s lookout. I can see why the native Odawa tribe used this bluff as you have a magnificent view of all the Strait. ( the point was named in honor of a major figure, Chief Pontiac, of the Odawa)
at the top of the bluff we also took in the summer”cottages” and shared the streets with many a horse drawn carriage.
We turned around to head back into town at the point we’re the British landed to capture the island during the War of 1812. On our way back we stopped at The Old Stone Church dating from 1900.
Then on to the Grand Hotel an 1880 hotel, the first on the island. We walked through the hotel lobby and parlor enjoying the memorabilia of movies shot here and famous people who visited the hotel.
Grand Hotel has the largest veranda in the world which of course we had to sit on and enjoy the plentiful geranium planters all along the porch.
Then we took the elevator to the top floor and enjoyed a drink on the Cupola Bar and it’s grand view of the Straits of Mackinac.
On our way into and out of hotel we took lots of pictures of the horses and carriages belonging to the hotel.
Leaving the hotel, we walked through the secret garden on the grounds which had what looked like a river of inpatients and lots of other beautiful flowers and shrubs. Took us awhile to find the entrance to the garden. Guess that is why it is “secret”.
On the way back to the boat we saw some cute summer cottages, just off Main Street. One had a magnificent garden.
We were getting tired, believe it or not, so we rode our bikes back to the boat and rested!
Upon returning to the boat we were hailed by Marshall and Diana on Escape so we caught up with their travels. Afterwards a groups of people stopped in front of our boat, obviously wanting to talk with us. That is how we met Ed, owner of three different Grand Banks. Having to sell his last boat a few years before, he lit up when we offered for him to come board. So many memories came back to him as he toured the boat. We were so glad to meet him and help him relive such vivid parts of his past. By the way, he really liked the boat, but I’m sure you already guessed that!
Later that night we discovered we were all lit up from the light from another boat and enjoyed the lights of the town across from the marina.
