Horses and bicycles dominate the streets of downtown Mackinac Island. Photo: Mackinac Cowgirl.
Perhaps no place in the United States has cultivated an atmosphere of romance more carefully than Mackinac Island. With its horse-drawn carriages, its “painted lady” cottages, profusion of lilacs, and grand views, it is no wonder that travelers say that it is “alive with a feeling of romance.”
Somewhere In Time, a 1980 movie starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, tells the story of a young playwright who travels back in time to find true love on Mackinac Island. Whatever you think of the movie (which was initially panned but has become a cult classic), it’s an appropriate metaphor for Mackinac Island (pronounced—and sometimes spelled—”Mackinaw Island”). The island’s residents have worked hard to transport lovers back to a bygone era of Victorian charm and horse-drawn carriages.
Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. Stepping onto the island is a little like stepping back in time; its 500 permanent residents boast of the Victorian charm of their village. Automobiles are prohibited on the island; people get around on foot or bicycle, or (if you’re a tourist) by horse-drawn carriage. Eighty percent of the island is occupied by Mackinac Island State Park: “There are 1,800 acres under canopies of cedars and birches,” according to the park’s web site. “Limestone bluffs tower over wildflowers and crystal waters.” Although camping is prohibited, the park offers several historic sites: Fort Mackinac, built by the British during the American Revolution, provides a panoramic view from the island’s highest point, and early 19th century downtown buildings that recreate a time when the island was a hub for the fur trade. Several of the park’s historic sites are located on the mainland, including a reconstructed 1715 French fur-trading village and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.
Art galleries and two butterfly gardens are among the island’s other attractions. The 10-day Lilac Festival, held in June, is the highlight of the island’s busy summer schedule. The festival celebrates the island’s famous lilacs with the world’s longest horse-hitch parade, free outdoor concerts, boat cruises and garden tours, among other activities.
The island caters to tourists with dozens of lodging and dining options, many featuring a Victorian ambience. It’s also a popular wedding destination, and offers many wedding-related services as well as a wedding guide. As with any island tourist destination, prices are higher than what you’d expect on the mainland—visit in the off-season and you’ll get a better deal but fewer activities.
Useful resources for your Mackinac Island Honeymoon
Mackinac Island guides at TripAdvisor
Read visitor reviews of the island’s top-rated hotels, bed and breakfasts, and attractions; also, compare room rates to find the best deal.
Mackinac Island Tourist Information
A content-rich site listing almost everything you need to plan a trip to Mackinac Island. Note that the site sells advertising; you need to click on the “more listings” button in order to get beyond the “featured listings.”
- Interactive Map of Mackinac Island: Check out the very cool flash-animated interactive map of the island, which provides a great overview of the island and its attractions. Click on “tour” icons to view 360° photos of the island.
Mackinac Island Official Tourism Bureau
The official web site of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau contains much of the same information as the Mackinac Island Tourist Information web site in a simpler format.
- Mackinac Island Calendar of Events: Check here for a detailed calendar of events for the upcoming year.
A Wedding Trip to Mackinac Island
“Especially in the evenings, when many couples and lovers stroll the quiet streets together, the Island comes alive with a feeling of romance,” Lynn Conway writes. Her account of her wedding and honeymoon is full of travel details and beautiful photos that make it a good travel guide for anyone planning a trip to the island.
Mackinac Island slideshow (on Flickr)
Mackinac Island videos
Still looking for ideas? Check out this list of 52 of the world’s most romantic vacations.
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