Northern Michigan

The Ultimate Urban Escape

Part 2

By Laura Blattner

Of course, you can't come this far in Northern Michigan and deny yourself the opportunity to take a step back in time and visit Mackinac Island! We took the Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry, a 25-minute Catamaran ride through the waters of Lake Huron, to the beautiful island. Seating was comfortable, and there was plenty of room to bring the baby right on the ferry in his stroller. If you're planning to stay the night on the island, the Arnold Line also offers fast, efficient baggage handling on the ferry.

Once you arrive on the island, you'll quickly discover why it is so unique! Automobiles are banned on Mackinac Island, so instead of facing traffic jams and parking problems, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see rows of horse-drawn carriages waiting to take you on a tour of the Island. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offers an excellent tour of the island, lasting approximately two hours and making several stops at popular points of interest, including the famous Grand Hotel (where the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed). But don't plan on roaming around the hotel or beautiful grounds unless you pay the admission fee.

As we bounced along the streets of Mackinac Island in our "surrey with the fringe on top," our tour guide shared all sorts of interesting facts about the island and its residents. Be sure to include this tour with your visit – you'll be doing a lot of walking on this car-free island, and your tired feet will welcome the leisurely ride and lovely scenery!

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