Michigan Trip Day #4
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Coast Guard Cutter in port at Mackinaw City by ferry launch to Mackinac Island.
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From ChatGPT:
The Mackinac Bridge spans five miles across the Straits of Mackinac, linking Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas since 1957. Known as “Big Mac,” it was once the world’s longest suspension bridge between anchorages. Towering 552 feet above the water, it carries I-75 and endures fierce winds, ice, and traffic, serving as both a vital transportation link and an enduring symbol of Michigan engineering. Annual bridge walks celebrate its history and allow pedestrians to cross safely.
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Light houses on entry to Mackinac Island port.
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Mackinac Island from the ferry.
Windermere Hotel.
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From ChatGPT:
Main Street on Mackinac Island is the lively heart of the island, stretching along the waterfront between the ferry docks and Marquette Park. Lined with historic hotels, fudge shops, boutiques, and bike rentals, it reflects the island’s Victorian charm. With no cars allowed, the street bustles with pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-drawn carriages, offering views of the harbor and Fort Mackinac while capturing the island’s relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere.
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From ChatGPT:
Horse-drawn carriages are central to daily life on Mackinac Island, where automobiles have been banned since the late 1800s. Serving as taxis, delivery vehicles, and tour transports, the carriages preserve the island’s historic character. Operated by trained drivers and teams of horses, they move visitors along tree-lined roads at a gentle pace. The sound of hooves and carriage bells has become an iconic part of the island’s timeless, Victorian-era atmosphere.
Main Street with Fort Mackinac in the background.
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Even the mini-putt course on the island is over-the-top.
From ChatGPT:
The Greens of Mackinac Mini Golf is a popular Mackinac Island attraction inspired by famous holes from the historic Grand Hotel Golf Links. Set on a bluff overlooking the harbor, it features creatively designed holes, landscaped greens, and scenic views, offering a fun, family-friendly way to experience the island’s golf heritage.
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Absolutely brilliant!!!!
Mission Point Resort.
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From ChatGPT:
Lakeshore Drive on Mackinac Island traces the island’s edge for approximately 8.2 miles, offering one of its most scenic routes. Open only to pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-drawn carriages, it provides sweeping views of Lake Huron, limestone bluffs, and passing freighters. The mostly level road circles the island, passing natural rock formations and quiet shoreline stretches, making it a favorite for biking and leisurely carriage rides while showcasing the island’s natural beauty.
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From ChatGPT:
Arch Rock Viewpoint on Mackinac Island overlooks one of the island’s most famous natural landmarks, a massive limestone arch rising above Lake Huron. Reached by stairs or trail, the viewpoint offers sweeping views of the water, surrounding forest, and distant Mackinac Bridge, making it a popular and memorable photo stop.
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The next several images are from Fort Holmes; the highest point on the island.
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This is the larger fort on the island; Fort Mackinac.
From ChatGPT:
Fort Mackinac sits high on a bluff overlooking Mackinac Island’s harbor, offering commanding views of the Straits of Mackinac. Built by the British during the American Revolution, the fort later served U.S. forces for decades. Today it operates as a living history museum, with restored buildings, period reenactments, cannon demonstrations, and exhibits that highlight the island’s strategic military and cultural importance.
Fort Mackinac covers about 13.9 acres atop a limestone bluff on Mackinac Island. Within that area are 14 historic buildings, parade grounds, ramparts, and lookout points, all enclosed by stone walls.
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The front of Fort Mackinac.
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The Little Stone Church.
The Grand Hotel.
From ChatGPT:
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a historic luxury resort, famous for its 660-foot-long porch—the world’s longest—and sweeping views of Lake Huron. Opened in 1887, it exudes Victorian elegance with period décor, lavish gardens, and formal dining. Accessible only by ferry, bike, or horse-drawn carriage, the hotel hosts social events, concerts, and traditional afternoon teas, offering guests a timeless, upscale retreat that blends historic charm with the island’s serene, car-free environment.
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A view of the 660-foot-long porch.
Grand Hotel pool.
Some of the beautiful private residences on Mackinac Island.
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From ChatGPT:
Mackinac Island has a year-round population of roughly 500 residents. The number swells dramatically during the tourist season, when thousands of visitors arrive daily in the summer months, but only a small, close-knit community lives on the island throughout the winter.
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Freighter and a cruise ship off the shore of Mackinac Island.
