Circling Mackinac Island

“Living each day as if it were your last doesn't mean your last day of retirement on a remote island. It means to live fully, authentically and spontaneously with nothing being held back.” ~ Jack Canfield

In Michigan, Mackinac is something of a magical land that means something different to each person. To me, it was school trips to the fort. When my mother suggested we head over to Mackinac while up north, I wasn’t too keen on the idea. Mackinac Island on Labor Day weekend sounded like a terrible idea. But I freely admit that I was wrong.

We had a long run schedule for that Sunday and the loop around the island is 8.2 miles. An excellently horrible idea was hatched. We could do our long run around the island. Of course, it ended up being our slowest eight-mile run as we stopped every five minutes for photo opportunities and side adventures.

We woke up early and took the ferry out to the island. After a quick stop for a cup of coffee at Lucky Bean Coffeehouse—it was that early—we started our run heading east (counterclockwise around the island). First, as we headed out of town we passed Island House, Sainte Anne Church and Mission Church, one of the oldest churches in Michigan.  

Passing around Mission Point, there is a lovely view of Lake Huron as you enter Mackinaw Island State Park. We stopped by Dwightwood Spring and walked up the 207 steps to Arch Rock. It was most definitely worth it and we got to see the formation from both sides. We even walked up to the Nicolet Watch Tower for lofty view. It’s interesting to think that what were once strategic vantage points are now outlooks for our enjoyment.  

Around the far side of the island, we detoured inland to Friendship’s Altar and back out to British Landing, where the British and their allies landed to take the island in 1812. We passed Sunset Rock and Devil’s Kitchen before climbing—this time only 205 stairs—up to the West Bluff. We caught a lovely view of the bridge (and from here you can walk over to the Grand Hotel).  

We headed back down to see the first of two Somewhere in Time locations. I’ve never seen the movie, but my mother was excited. I snagged her picture at the marker placed where the main characters first meet in the movie. After our trek we were joined by my stepdad and the puppy. (They aren’t quite as enthusiastic about running as we are.) 

Post run we were starving as one can imagine. At this patio restaurant Bistro on the Green, we sat under orange umbrellas as we enjoyed cocktails: Bloody Marys and a Lavender Lemonade. These we complemented with sandwiches—a Bistro Burger, an Eggplant Sandwich and a Lobster Roll—and sides of fries and salads. The restaurant has a lovely view of Lake Huron and the Round Island Lighthouse, but mostly we were just happy to sit and visit in the sunshine—because after lunch we hiked inland. 

We had to stop at the Somewhere in Time gazebo, a must photo op if traveling with a couple. From there we headed up—more stairs—to Fort Holmes. We’d all been to Fort Mackinac on prior visits, but Fort Holmes was reconstructed in 2015, so it was a completely new experience.

From the fort it’s an easy hike over to Sugar Loaf. There’s more stairs, but you get to go down them this time. If you only have time for two hikes, Sugar Loaf and Arch Rock are on the must see list. And after more hiking through the woods, we found the Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery. Of the roughly 108 burial sites 69 are unknown.

Finished with our hike we back toward town. We took a gander at the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence and crossed town to the home of William Backhouse Astor and the Little Stone Church.

After a little shopping in town, we dined at Ice House BBQ. This restaurant is a bit hard to find as it is in the backyard of the Island House. But it was nice and quiet. The barbeque was delicious. Our vegan had the Grill Portobella Stack; the herbavores had Beef Brisket and Pulled Pork. Try the BBQ sauces! Mom even ordered a burger for the puppy as a reward for her being such a trooper.

 

Side Note: Mackinac Island is quite accommodating to dogs. Check ahead of time with the Tourism Bureau for restaurants and venues (even hotels) that allow dogs.

Phew! It was a long day travelling all around and through the island. My mother said, she’d never done anything so completely as our day on the island. And it was still light out as we rode the ferry back to St. Ignace.

What your favorite thing to do on Mackinac Island? Have you ever gone to place and experienced only a tiny portion of what it had to offer?