Our Family's Epic
Mackinac Island Adventure

Biking M-185 — America's Only Car-Free State Highway

We jumped right in by renting bikes near the ferry landing. The island's iconic 8.2-mile perimeter loop — M-185, officially the only car-free state highway in America — is flat, paved, and loaded with views. We packed water and snacks, started early, and cruised through state park forests and along the shoreline.

Killer stops at British Landing for quick bites and Arch Rock for those cliff-over-turquoise-water shots. Chance and Kaitlyn crushed it, spotting deer and wildflowers while Joanne and I soaked in nonstop lake panoramas. Took us a couple relaxed hours with plenty of breaks — real adventure, not just a ride.

🐴 Horse-Drawn Carriage Through Town

To give the legs a break and lean into the classic island feel, we hopped in a horse-drawn taxi carriage. Our own private rig with a driver sharing stories as we rolled past Victorian mansions and gardens. The kids were all smiles, waving at everyone — total vibe.

Rolling through Main Street in our private horse-drawn carriage — Victorian storefronts, American flags, and zero cars in sight.

Fort Mackinac — History That Actually Hits

History hit hard at Fort Mackinac, the clifftop outpost with sweeping straits views. Costumed interpreters ran live weapon demos — rifle cracks and full cannon fire that boomed across the water. Chance and Kaitlyn were locked in (and properly hyped by the explosions). They tried on gear in the interactive kids' area and explored the restored buildings. Timing it for the firing demo is non-negotiable.

Fort Mackinac's restored grounds — perched above the harbor with the Straits of Mackinac stretching behind.

Cannon firing demo at Fort Mackinac — costumed interpreters, a real cannon, and Lake Huron as the backdrop. Loud and awesome.

🍫 Fudge — Island Tradition Done Right

Fudge was mandatory. We hit the classics like Ryba's and Murdick's on Main Street — watching it stirred fresh on marble slabs, generous samples, every flavor imaginable. We left with bags of the good stuff. If you're on Mackinac Island and you skip the fudge, you're doing it wrong.

🏛️ Grand Hotel — The Perfect Closer

We wrapped things in style at the Grand Hotel — that 1887 legend with the world's longest porch. Day passes got us on the grounds. Joanne and I posted up on the patio with cold drinks and rocking-chair views while Chance and Kaitlyn went hard on giant chess on the lawn — oversized pieces and plenty of competitive laughs. Elegant but laid-back, exactly the right closer.

Chance and Kaitlyn on the Grand Hotel grounds — lilacs in bloom, marina behind them, and the whole afternoon ahead.