After traveling the length of the state, you arrive in Mackinac City and find the docks where ferries wait to take tourists to the island. Other than ferries, the only way to get to this small island is by airplane.

You buy a ferry ticket, have your car parked, and your bags tagged and loaded onto a ferry. Soon, you are in line waiting to board your ferry. Once on board, you make your way to the open top level. Soon, the ride begins.

Before long, the details of Mackinac begin to take shape. You see Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, and the main street of the town, all of which are surrounded by lush trees. From this distance, the island seems especially peaceful. As the ferry approaches the docks, you descend the stairs to join the line of tourists preparing to disembark. The instant you step off the ferry, you feel as if you have entered a different time.

Mackinac Island Hotels and Places to Stay

Peering down the docks, you glimpse the main street. Though bustling with tourists, the streets are fairly quiet. Several horses trot peacefully by. No cars are allowed on the island, which adds to the calm, relaxing atmosphere and also makes you feel as if you have gone back in time. You amble down to the joy-filled main street. Now what? Since the Victorian era, Mackinac Island has been known fondly as a tourist trap. The ending c is pronounced like a w , making it Mackinaw. Though the island is very cold in the winter and is often difficult to get to once the Straits freeze over, the weather in the summer is pleasantly warm.

This is easy to understand, especially when you consider how beautiful the island is naturally. Every year Mackinac holds a Lilac Festival, since the island is known for its beautiful and fragrant lilacs. Considering both the natural beauty and touristy fun, there are ten things that everyone who visits the island should do. Shop — Mackinac Island has a nice assortment of shops lining the main street.

While most of these are touristy, selling mostly sweatshirts and souvenirs, there are some higher-end shops. Though this toy shop is primary for children, kids and grown-ups of all ages will enjoy spending time in this colorful, whimsical store that sells all kinds of toys from trains and kites to the most technologically advanced gizmos. Other stores sell jewelry, moccasins, and lilac-scented soap. Stay overnight — The best way for you to get the full Mackinac experience is to stay overnight on the island. However, this hotel is pricy and guests must follow some strict rules. For those who want more freedom at less cost, there are plenty of options.

The rooms are always clean, comfortable, and colorful. Also, since the doors to each of the rooms open directly to the outside, guests can come and go as they please, which allows for a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere. See the Grand Hotel — As was mentioned earlier, those who choose to stay on the island may not choose to stay at this pricy hotel. However, visitors should still see it. Built during the Victorian era, this enormous hotel has housed a variety of guests for generations. The grounds around the hotel are always stunning and well groomed, hosting a variety of colorful plants and flowers.

The inside of the hotel is beautiful, as well, but those wishing to see it must first pay admission.

Admission also allows you access to a number of stores located inside the hotel, including clothing stores, a tea shop, an art gallery, and a toy shop. All guests and visitors must adhere to the rules which emphasize Victorian manners. Now, for an admission fee, visitors can see what it would have been like to live in the fort.

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The fort also has rifle and cannon firing demonstrations. It is a great place for kids to visit, too, with plenty of interactive exhibits, including a giant fife, a cannon with sound effects, and dress-up soldier outfits. Right in front of the fort is Marquette Park, a large, grassy area where many visitors enjoy eating picnics and relaxing on warm, sunny days. Here, also, there is an interesting exhibit in a replication of a Native American dwelling.

Wade in the Straits of Mackinac — Mackinac Island is surrounded by beautiful, blue water. Though the beach is rocky, the water may be a welcome relief on a hot summer day.

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However, you may not want to immerse yourself fully, since the Straits are chilly year-round. The Lilac Tree Spa is our premier spa located downtown. Start Relaxing. See what others did while they stayed at our hotel. See The Fun. Let your worries dissolve here. Enjoy a leisurely pace, or move at the pace of business. Whichever your trip calls for.

Our highly trained and courteous professionals want to make your stay as comfortable and accommodating as possible. When you step into our hotel, you step into a world of hospitality and courtesy. They feature two room suites with balconies, economical main street rooms, Jacuzzi suites, and spa amenities. Read More. We always have something going on at the hotel. View Events.