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If you’ve never visited or vacationed in Mackinaw City or on Mackinac Island, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. It’s one of the most beautiful, quaint gems of the Great Lakes region.
Here are the top 12 things to do when you get there, as recommended by Vacation Idea Magazine:
Mackinaw City is a village at the northernmost point of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Its location also marks the meeting point of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Visitors can cross the Straits to reach Michigan’s Upper Peninsula by way of Mackinac Bridge or one of the ferry services.
There are many historic landmarks, including lighthouses, forts, and parks to explore. Or relax on any one of the city’s sandy beaches, and stargaze at Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Finally, there are plenty of shopping options and restaurants serving up delicious eats.
1. Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
In 1945, Captain William Shepler opened a small snack bar for passengers who waited for their ferry to Mackinac Island.
He believed a more efficient and faster ferry service was needed, so he started his own company. Capt. Shepler started with one boat and shortly after added a second boat that was piloted by his son, Bill Jr.
These two speedboats offered distinguished and efficient service to passengers and were named “Miss Penny” and “The Fiji.” Many decades later the company still flourishes and is run by William’s son and grandchildren. The most recent boat added to the fleet was “Miss Margy”, who provides a first-class riding experience.
311 S. Nicolet Avenue, Mackinaw City, Michigan 49701, Phone: 231-436-5023
2.Colonial Michilimackinac
Fort Michilimackinac was constructed by French soldiers in 1715. The fort functioned as a fur trade center and refueling post.
This area also served as a place where French and British officers met to discuss war tactics. And it was a meeting place for explorers who were setting off to discover the western territory of the U.S.
Then in 1781 the fort relocated to Mackinac Island because the British suspected an attack from American soldiers was imminent. Years later a state park was created here in 1909 and it occupies 37 acres of land right along the Great Lakes shoreline.
102 W Straits Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49770, Phone: 231-436-4100
8. Del Sol
Del Sol designs and sells a proprietary brand of color-changing clothing and accessories. Co-founders, Robert Pedersen, and his son-in-law, Steve Schone, had the idea to combine sunshine with clothing.
In 1994, they came up with the science for t-shirts that could change colors when exposed to sunlight.
Once removed from the sunlight, these same t-shirts changed back to their original colors. Del Sol started as a small time operation in Murray, Utah and now they have locations in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and the U.S. Their motto is ‘creating fun, joy, smiles, and memories for everyone under the sun.’
128 S Huron Ave Unit 38, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, Phone: 952-222-8649
Read more from Vacation Idea Magazine here.