Hydro-Jet Ferry to Island
We took the Star Line Hydro-Jet ferry to Mackinac Island. It was an extended ride that included a view under the Mackinac bridge. It was in the fifties that day and at the speeds we were traveling, it was cold! The lower deck is heated, but I wanted pictures of the bridge so Michelle and I endured the freezing cold outdoors while my mom stayed below. We rode below on the way back. If you’ve never been to this region before, don’t miss out on this ride.
Ferry Arrival at Mackinac Island
These are photos from the arrival to the Mackinac island port.
Main Street
Once your ferry arrives, you end up on main street. Mackinac island doesn’t allow personal cars so travel is by foot, horse and bicycle. The whole island has a turn-of-the-century feel to it. There are so many things to do and see that I would recommend booking at hotel on the island in advance (because they sell out in the summer). Then stay for a weekend and see everything.
Fort Mackinac
We walked to the fort. Michelle and I spent a couple hours at the fort seeing all the exhibits and watching the demonstrations. You can see the soldier firing an old musket. He’s firing blanks, and they repeat this procedure at regular intervals (every hour, I think?).
Inside the block house.
The cannon is fired several times a day and they have a schedule posted when that occurs.
Sights from Lake Shore Drive
After seeing the fort, we continued down Lake Shore Drive. There are many historic buildings along the way.
Saint Ann’s Catholic Church
We stopped in at Saint Ann’s Catholic church. I have more photos, but due to the light level inside the building, my photos were a bit blurry.
Mackinac Island Butterfly House
The butterfly house is a must see. You enter the open area and there are thousands of butterflies flying around you in the open.
The round island light house is on the other side of the channel. The wood house in this sequence is a house next to the public library.
