The important thing to know about this island is that no motorized vehicles are allowed, including electric bikes unfortunately. You can rent a bike on the island or bring your own. The ferries charge a fee for bikes, but it is a lot cheaper than renting one. This area on the ferry is for bikes and luggage for people staying overnight on the island.
Masks are required on the ferries at all times and in all stores on the mainland or the island. You don't wear a mask--you get kicked out. One thing to remember is that this part of northern Michigan is very isolated during much of the year, and has had almost no Covid 19 cases. So, hoards of tourists from the cities and other states are a serious hazard to the residents and employees, to say the least for the visitors themselves. I was very happy to see everyone wearing a mask.
Some of the morning ferries take a slightly longer path and go underneath the Big Mac bridge. West of the bridge is officially Lake Michigan, and east of it is officially Lake Huron.
The Grand Hotel. Very expensive, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience to stay in a historic building. Also, once the day-tourists, or "fudgies" leave, the island is a different place.
The main village on the island. The fort that protected the fur traders from the British and others is on the upper right.
The Island House hotel--the second oldest hotel on the island. I stayed here with my family many years ago. The houses on the ridge behind it are among the few private homes on the island. Incredibly expensive, as well!
Main street with shops, restaurants, and a lot of bikes.
A tour carriage. Tip: If you want to take a tour, buy your ticket as soon as you arrive because they sell out fast.
The next two photos are of drays. These are freight wagons that haul just about everything. Live on the island and need a new refrigerator? It has to come by ferry and then be delivered by dray.
Fort Mackinac was built by the British in 1780, but the island had been used by Native Americans for centuries. A mission was founded here in 1670 by Father Jacques Marquette.
A taxi, but these also get booked up in advance.
The results of 300 horses that reside on the island. Need a summer job? You can get one as a street sweeper of horse droppings.
Another dray wagon.
And the far west end of town looking at the lake.
One of the popular hotels of the west end of town.
Heading home on the ferry to Mackinaw City.
The houses on the bluff are all privately owned and incredibly expensive to purchase, assuming one might go up for sale. Mostly, they are passed down through families. I tried to take a taxi for a ride past these houses, but gave up waiting for it to arrive.
Driving north on the bridge. Little scary because of the winds, however.
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