Exploring Mackinac Resort Island in Northern Michigan

I was born and raised here in Michigan, and as a child, we traveled often to camp during the summer. We never did big trips to Disney, or trips to hotels. Our vacations always consisted of camping. Our favorite places to camp were always in the upper reaches of the Lower Peninsula, and the Upper Peninsula itself.

We crossed the Mackinac Bridge countless times, which stems between Mackinaw City, and Saint Ignace, and bridges the upper and lower peninsula together. We stopped at all the great sites along the way- Colonial Fort Michilimackinac, Castle Rock, Lake Huron & Lake Michigan, and many more places.

However, we had never taken the time (or money!) to cross to Mackinac Island, which is located closer to the Upper Peninsula side than the lower, and in the Lake Huron side of the bridge. Mackinac Island is famous for fudge, and the Grand Hotel, which sports the longest covered porch in the world.

Yesterday, my daughter had a field trip to Mackinac Island, and after arranging the money and babysitting, I was able to tag along! The trip was free for the kids, but it cost us adults $40 each, to cover our tickets to the various attractions, and the ferry over to the island.

Our trip started with us meeting at the school at 6:45 am. By that time, it was already warmed up enough that I didn't need a sweatshirt- a sign of a super warm day ahead! The bus ride was 3 hours, with one pit stop along the way.

When we got there, we were boarded onto a ferry, and my group of girls chose to sit up top. Now, on the shores of Lake Michigan, the temperature drops a bit, because of a welcoming cool breeze coming off the water. However, when you get on the ferry, and start traveling at the speed it does, it gets down right frigid, even if it was 80 out yesterday.