Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island sits just off  southeast side of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Lake Huron.

Although we hate to leave Suttons Bay, we are excited because we're going to be visiting Mackinac Island! We cross the Mackinac Bridge, which separates Lake Michigan and Lake Huron into Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 

The bridge is an impressive structure and at 5 miles long is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere.

Just across the bridge we are in St. Ignace where we have reservations at Straits State Park. 

We make our ferry arrangements the night before and prepare our bike. Mackinac Island does not allow any motorized vehicles, so we'll be taking our bikes with us. Unfortunately, electric bicycles are considered motorized, so I'll take my bike but leave the battery at home. 

The next morning, it's a short downhill bike ride to the ferry. You better believe I'll be whining about not having my battery all the way home!!! I'm not spoiled...

The ferry is actually quite fast. We opt to sit below because the open air topside is so packed. As it turns out, below deck is pretty sparsely occupied and the wind is fairly brisk because of the speed of the boat. 

 

We stop in at Doud's Market and get a quick lunch, which we have in Marquette Park, next door. 

Then we head off on the 8+ mile bike ride around the island. No cars! Whoopie! All freight, parcel or package delivery is done by horse and wagon, or by bike.

The air (and water) is refreshingly cool and clean, 

and the ride gives you an incredible feeling of freedom! It's a ride that you should take if you ever visit the island. The road that circles the island is flat, so if you take your time and enjoy the scenery, it's an easy ride. 

One of the famous landmarks on the island is Arch rock. 

Lake Huron

We cap off the day with dinner on the water. It was worth waiting for a later ferry to allow the afternoon crowds leaving the island to clear. We were able to sit on a sparsely populated top deck on the ride home.  

...and yes, I did whine about the uphill bike ride home!