About the Island
Mackinac Island, also known as the Crown Jewel of the Great Lakes, is ranked as a Top 10 U.S. Island by USA Today and TripAdvisor. The island is located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. This beautiful island appears trapped in another time with no automobiles, no chain hotels, home of the historic Fort Mackinac, the iconic Grand Hotel, and world-famous fudge. The only way onto the island is by small charter planes, a ferry boat, or with your own personal boat. There are around 500 year-round residents, but it isn’t uncommon for around 15,000 visitors to come to the island daily during the peak season (summer months). Mackinac Island has been automobile free for over 100 years now with walking, biking, and horse-drawn carriages being the only means of transportation. Motorized vehicles have been banned because of their tendency to scare the horses with their loud noises. Therefore, the island doesn’t have stop signs, gas stations, garages, mail trucks, and little to no pollution.
Fun Facts about the Island
- Home to the World's Largest Porch
- Only about 500 full-time residents
- Island name means: Place of the Great Turtle
- Island uses 10 tons of sugar per week