Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Edging the island's shoreline is Hwy 185, the only Michigan highway that doesn't permit
cars. The best way to view the incredible scenery along this 8-mile road is by bicycle;
bring your own or rent one in town for $8 per hour at one of the many businesses. You
can loop around the flat road in about an hour.
The two best attractions -
Arch Rock
(a huge limestone arch that sits 150ft above
Lake Huron) and
Fort Holmes
(the island's other fort) - are both free. You can also ride
past the
Grand Hotel
, which boasts a porch stretching halfway to Detroit. Unfortunately,
if you're not staying at the Grand (minimum $240 per night per person), it costs $10 to
stroll its long porch. Best to admire from afar.
Fort Mackinac
HISTORIC SITE
( 906-847-3328;
www.mackinacparks.com
; adult/child $11/6.50; 9:30am-6pm Jun-Aug,
9:30am-4:30pm May & Sep-mid-Oct; )
Fort Mackinac sits atop limestone cliffs near
downtown. Built by the British in 1780, it's one of the best-preserved military forts in the
country. Costumed interpreters and cannon and rifle firings (every half-hour) entertain
the kids. Stop into the tearoom for a bite and million-dollar view of downtown and the
Straits of Mackinac from the outdoor tables.
The fort admission price also allows you entry to five other museums in town along
Market St, including the Dr Beaumont Museum (where the doctor performed his famous
digestive tract experiments) and the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop. The
Mackinac Art Mu-
seum
(adult/child $5/3.50)
, housing Native American and other arts by the fort, is the
newest member of the fold.
Sleeping
Rooms are booked far in advance during summer weekends; July to mid-August is peak
season. The visitor center website has lodging contacts. Camping is not permitted any-
where on the island.
Most hotels and B&Bs charge at least $180 for two people. Exceptions (all are walk-
able from downtown) include the following.
Bogan Lane Inn
B&B$$$
( 906-847-3439;
www.boganlaneinn.com
; Bogan Lane; r incl breakfast $90-130)
Four rooms,
shared bath.
Cloghaun B&B
B&B$$$
