Recently, my parents and I took a vacation to Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City. Here are some tips if you are planning a trip to these locations.

 

1.)    If you have friends from Michigan who love Mackinac Island and have been there multiple times, ask them to give you the scoop. This is a step we took, and I’m glad we did because it gave us some perspective in choosing what to see and do in the time we’d allotted.

2.)    Renting bikes and circling the island was my favorite part of the entire trip, but if you’re taking a carriage tour too, don’t bother to stop and climb the bazillion steps at Arch Rock. Wait for the carriage to stop there. Your legs will thank you.

3.)    Don’t neglect the historical sites at Mackinaw City. Colonial Michilimackinac is fun because the actors give you historical information about the reconstructed fort.

 

4.)    If you visit the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, don’t wear flip flops. You aren’t allowed to climb the lighthouse without secure footwear, and unless you want to choose a pair of shoes from the community pile next the lighthouse steps, wear sneakers.

5.)    Don’t forget the Icebreaker Mackinaw in Mackinaw City. Decommissioned in 2006, this ship is open for tours and gives insight into the world of winter shipping on the Great Lakes. Once again, I’d recommend sneakers because of all the climbing of ladders within the ship. Ladies, I’d suggest avoiding skirts or dresses for the same reason.