Mackinac Island

Yesterday was tourist John going to Mackinac Island and seeing why this place has such a great reputation. This island has been a gathering place for people since 1000 BC and became a vital security point that created a fort built by a Fur company then enlarged by the British and became a part of the US. First a fur gathering center and then a fishing center and now a tourist center that maximises the 5 to 6 months they are open. There are about 500 people who live here year round and where there were 84 kids in the k-12 school with four who graduated. Summer hits and about 2000+ workers come to service the multi-thousand tourists. Most are college kids and many love working here.
The biggest difference you notice the moment you arrive is there are NO cars. You either walk, ride a bike or ride one of the horse drawn carriages. So quiet and relaxing.
The Grand Hotel is the biggest draw, besides the fort, and has been a famous destination since the 1800s.

First view from the water - big!!

Road up to Hotel

How many people actually see this warning before they talk a horse drawn carriage

This could be your view all day long if you were the driver. They have to take care of their horses as well.

The other way to see the sights - bikes

main street

Those trailer have no tractors - Cold storage only The horses carry the loads

More tourists arrive every half hour

Through the forest sections a larger three horse carriage is used

View of the fort from the harbor

I have seen too many old forts on this trip, but I looked thru the gate

Grand Hotel has a very well taken care of carriage.

Harbor view

View from the Fort

Downtown carriage

Company parking lot

Great way to spend a summer morning 

Stone Church

These guys are working with the carting services and have lived their whole lives on the island.

If you are ever close to this section of the Great Lakes you must get here, book a room in the Grand Hotel and find a porch to sit rock and relax. Great way to spend a summer in the states.