Mackinac Island Adventure (Sault Ste. Marie, Petoskey, St. Ignace: house, rent, hotels)

[huntswife42]

I am planning on visiting the Mackinac Island this summer for about 7 days, any suggestions on what activities to look into. This is the first time for me venturing out into that area with my husband and son. If anyone can suggest a nice hotel, restaurants, etc... Thanks for your help.

[lovemaine]

huntswife, We vacationed in the Mackinac Island area a few years ago and we absolutely loved it! We stayed at a hotel in St. Ignace, the Best Western Harbourside. It was right on the lake and very clean (plus they have an indoor pool). The Mackinac Island ferry is right down the street. We also crossed the bridge and spent some time in Mackinaw City. There are tons of shops and restaurants, plus a very nice miniature golf course. Of course Mackinac Island is just beautiful and there is lots to explore there. We took the ferry 2 days in a row. If it wasn't for the pricey hotels there we would have definitely stayed on the island. We really enjoyed the horse-drawn carriage ride, which I highly recommend. We also visited the butterfly house and the Grand Hotel. We spent a lot of time just walking around and checking out all the quaint shops and eateries. And of course we overindulged on the awesome fudge that's sold at every corner!
Have a great trip!

[Mirsk]

Huntswife. I grew up in that area and am moving back in a week. Mackinac is a spectacular place. When on the island you should try some of Murray's fudge (if you like fudge that is). It is also fun to bike/rollerblade/walk around the island or rent a horse and buggy for a few hours. The island is 8 miles around. There are some neat rock formations on the island as well, they are fun to see and hike up too.

The island has many hotels and bed and breakfasts, however they are all quite expensive (well everyone I have seen) In fact the Grand Hotel on the island has the longest porch in the world! I do not remember how long it is but it is LOOOOONG

Mackinac City recently became the proud owners of a new water park. Last I saw there were wave pools and a few waterslides. That might be a fun thing to do while up there. There is lots of shopping there as well. There is also a fun putt-putt golf course there (oh the memories )

Fort Michilimackinac (SP) can also be a very interesting tour if you like history. Besides the Mackinac/St. Ignace area there are several fun things to do north and south of there (within an hours drive.) you might try visiting travelnorth.org I glanced at their site today and they seemed to have a good amount of info on the area.

As far as restaurants go I am not very familiar with what is on the island. There is a good fish and chips place in Mackinac city called "Scalawags" (SP) Head to Petoskey (about a 45 min drive south on US-31 and there are several fantastic places to eat. Whitecaps overlooks lake MI which is always nice. The perry hotel has good food (a little pricy though) Then there are the staffords restaurants. There are several in the area all with different names. They are always a good choice.

And if your son is worried, St. Ignace has all the usual fast food joints. If you go to a fast food place in Mackinac city expect to pay a fortune! I think the only fast food in Mackinac City is Burger King and a KFC. The McDonalds closed when I was in 7th grade.

I will stop rambling now. Hope I have been able to help you some. Take care

[ch718]

I'd highly recommend biking around the island. It's beautiful and has the added bonus of being a good workout (helping to wear kids out!!!). Also the sunsets on the west side of the island are beautiful. If you stay on the main road along the shore, it's very flat. If you cut inland, you'll find that it's really hilly. In fact, I know very few people who can actually bike up the big hill over by the Grand Hotel. OH yeah, I 2nd the fudge suggestion. YUM!!!

[mich2fla]

You will probably cover the island in 2 days. Here are other suggestions:

Check out Tahquamenon Falls in the UP.

Another good spot is to go to Sault Ste. Marie and see the Soo Locks. Do the boat tour thing.

Check out Mystery Spot in St Ignace.

[hyltoto]

I would spend three days on the island and the rest on the mainland nearby. The reason for this is the ferry boat is 20 bucks round trip. My Son is working on the Island again this year. Very nice for college students because there are no cars allowed! Horses and bikes only. The Grand Hotel is magnificent but pricey. The best deal is Main Street Inn and Suites. JOANN fudge is the best! You can rent bikes or bring them across on the ferry at no cost. Everything on the island is expensive, a trip to take though. For restaurants, the Chippewa is the best other than the Grand Hotel. The best value on the Island id the Library. Walk through, and sit on one of the rockers on the back deck and soak in the sun and million dollar view.

You will be surprised on how relaxing it is to have no cars and see the stars!

[daiseydixie]

Yes, September 20, 1975, we had our honeymoon in Mackinaw Island....A dreamy, romantic place.....Imagine....Yes, still married after all these years!! But...the longing to move back to Michigan never ends....So sad to Have to stay here in Florida!!

[travelling_paws]

I'm going up to Mackinac this weekend (first time, I've been in MI almost 5 years) & am looking forward to it. One of the friends I am going with has been printing lots of discount coupons - including for the ferry - from various Mackinac sites online.
I'm looking forward to it - probably a shame we'll only be up there three days!

[pearl]

I lived there for one summer and the absolute best fudge on the Island is May's! Do the bike ride around the Island. Check out when the weekly reception is at the Governor's mansion (It used to be on Tuesday). If the French Outpost is still on the way to the Grand Hotel...stop for a rumrunner...preferably on the way back. You may want to come during the yacht races...there is nothing more beautiful than watching the yachts come in the harbour at sunset!

[mariatherese]

i grew up in st. ignace.

watch out for horse ****. LOL