Mackinac Island is most famous for not allowing any motor vehicles on the island. (Although we did see motorized emergency vehicles.)
Since it is beautiful weekend in August, the island is super crowded. So crowded in fact that NO rental bikes are available.
This is our third visit to Mackinac Island and the busiest. Bicycles are everywhere! Many younger bicyclists are just learning how to brake and steer. The streets of Mackinac Island can present a dangerous situation for the unsuspecting pedestrian, so we walk defensively!
The town is quite charming and beautiful on this sunny August day.
Flowers are in full bloom and amazing. Given their short season, the gardeners must be quite busy in the spring!
On our previous visits, we did not see Arch Rock. Arch Rock is an amazing example of Mackinac Island’s breccia formation. It once stood as a solid rock formation. About 4,000 years ago, the lake waters slowly eroded the softer material in the center of the formation. The center eventually collapsed into the water leaving the solid firm limestone arch we see today. To see the arch, you need to climb 207 steps. The views on the way up are amazing!
As it was so crowded during our trip, the restaurant wait times and lines were extreme. However, we were able to secure reservations at the nicer places without any issue. A shout out to 1852 Grill Room for the best meal we had on our cruising voyage yet!
For those coming to Mackinac Island and staying by boat, be wary of the wake within the harbor. This harbor was probably the “rockiest” so far.
We had a wonderful stay on Mackinac Island. For those planning to visit, I suggest traveling in September or October. The weather should still be warm, the crowds a bit smaller, and bikes plentiful to rent.
