Exploring Mackinac: Angola's Island Neighbor

Mackinac Island is a resort area in Lake Huron, Michigan, USA. It is located in the Straits of Mackinac, between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The island is 8 miles (13 km) in circumference and covers 4.35 square miles (11.3 km2) in land area. The only ways to get to the island are by ferry or airplane. Ferries to Mackinac Island can be accessed from Mackinaw City on Michigan's Lower Peninsula, or St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula. The island is known for its ban on motor vehicles, with exceptions only for emergency vehicles, city service vehicles, and snowmobiles in winter. It is also famous for its fudge, and lilacs, for which it holds an annual festival. So, how far is Mackinac Island from Angola, Indiana?

Travel to Mackinac Island by ferry or plane

By Ferry

Two companies operate ferry boats to Mackinac Island: Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Mackinac Island Ferry Company. In the primary tourist season from late April through October, ferries depart from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace every 30 minutes or so. The ride to Mackinac Island takes about 15–25 minutes. Tickets can usually be purchased online in advance, but reservations are not required. Both companies offer day and overnight parking options and allow visitors to bring their bikes on board for a small fee. Pets are also welcome.

By Plane

If you are flying into the region, you can take a commercial or private flight to Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) or Chippewa County International Airport (CIU). From there, you can take a shuttle to the ferry docks in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and then a ferry to Mackinac Island.

You can also fly directly to Mackinac Island Airport, which has a 3,500-foot runway capable of handling propeller planes and small jets. During the winter, flying is sometimes the only way to reach the island. From the airport, you can take a horse-drawn taxi to your accommodation.

Explore the island by foot, bike, or horse

As cars are banned on Mackinac Island, exploring the island on foot, by bike, or on horseback is a great way to get around.

By Foot

Fort Mackinac, built by the British during the American Revolutionary War, is a great place to start your exploration of the island. Visitors can tour the officers' quarters, bathhouse, and post office, and watch rifle and cannon-firing demonstrations. Marquette Park, a large grassy area in front of the fort, is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic.

The downtown streets of Mackinac Island are lined with shops and restaurants, and it's a great place to stroll and take in the Victorian architecture. The Indian Dormitory, now home to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, is also worth a visit. The museum showcases Mackinac art from prehistory to the present and includes a children's art studio.

By Bike

An 8-mile road follows the perimeter of the island, and there are numerous roads, trails, and paths that cover the interior. M-185, the United States' only state highway without motorized vehicles, makes a circular loop around the island, offering stunning views of the shoreline.

One popular bike route takes you past Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch that overlooks the Straits of Mackinac, and Sugar Loaf, a limestone formation covered in small caves and crevices. You can also bike to Fort Holmes, built during the War of 1812, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way.

By Horse

Horseback riding tours of the island are available, and this is a great way to experience the beauty and history of Mackinac Island. You can also call a carriage to pick you up or climb into an open one. Carriage tours are available, some of which will take you to the haunted areas of the island!

Visit Fort Mackinac

Fort Mackinac is a must-see for anyone visiting Mackinac Island. The fort is located on the bluff overlooking the City of Mackinac Island and Haldimand Bay, within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park. It is accessible by a ferry ride from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. You can also fly to Mackinac Island Airport or dock a private boat in the island's harbour.

Fort Mackinac is a historic site, with the oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures. The fort boasts exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments and family life within the fort. Visitors can explore the officers' quarters, bathhouse, post office, and many other interesting buildings. The fort also offers rifle and cannon firing demonstrations, making it an exciting and educational experience for both children and adults.

In addition to its military significance, Fort Mackinac also served as a home for soldiers and their families. It later became the headquarters for Mackinac National Park, attracting tourists who continue to visit the island today. A ticket to Fort Mackinac includes admission to Historic Downtown Mackinac, where you can explore sites such as Biddle House, the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, and more.

When planning your visit to Fort Mackinac, it's important to check their hours of operation and event schedules. Typically, the fort is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the last admission and ticket sold at 6:00 p.m. There are various programs and demonstrations throughout the day, including rifle and cannon firing demonstrations, drill activities, dress parades, and more!

A visit to Fort Mackinac is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once called it home. With its rich history, interactive exhibits, and stunning views, Fort Mackinac is a highlight of any trip to Mackinac Island.

Shop and dine downtown

Mackinac Island is a great place to shop and dine downtown. The downtown streets are lined with a nice assortment of shops and restaurants.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are at least 13 fudge shops on the island, with Murdick's being the first place on the island where fudge was made. There are also plenty of options for those looking for savoury food. The restaurants cater to a range of budgets, and most serve American food. Some popular options include the Chillin and Grillin Waterfront Cafe, The Village Inn, The Carriage House, and The Gate House.

If you're looking for a place to eat with a view, try Carriage House Dining at Hotel Iroquois, which offers waterfront dining and an open-air patio. For a more casual dining experience, there's Horn's Gaslight Bar and Restaurant, which offers traditional American and Southwestern cuisine in a friendly 19th-century saloon atmosphere.

There are also plenty of options for coffee lovers, including the Lucky Bean Coffeehouse, which serves coffee beans from Marquette’s Velodrome. Starbucks lovers will also be pleased to know that there is a Starbucks on the island.

For those who want to shop, there are stores selling jewellery, moccasins, lilac-scented soap, and much more. One shop that stands out is Great Turtle Toys, which sells a colourful and whimsical array of toys for children and adults alike.

Stay overnight at a hotel, inn, or bed and breakfast

If you're looking to stay overnight on Mackinac Island, you're in luck—the island offers a delightful variety of hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. In fact, there are over 1,600 unique lodging rooms available! Here are some options to consider:

Hotels

Mackinac Island is home to several charming hotels, including the famous Grand Hotel, a Victorian-style hotel built during the Victorian era. The Grand Hotel offers exceptional accommodations, with each guest room individually decorated, bringing a different theme to life. Other notable hotels include the Bicycle Street Inn & Waterfront Collection, the newest hotel on the island, and the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront, which features outstanding harbor views and two-room suites with balconies.

Inns

For a more intimate experience, consider staying at one of the many inns on the island. One popular option is Haan's 1830 Inn, an early Greek Revival home with nine unique guest rooms beautifully appointed with fine antiques and period touches. Another option is the Harbour View Inn, which offers a cozy and comfortable stay with four distinct buildings to choose from.

Bed and Breakfasts

If you're looking for a more home-like experience, Mackinac Island has several bed and breakfasts to choose from. One popular option is Bay View Bed & Breakfast, a Grand Victorian-style home built over a century ago in 1891. Another option is Cloghaun Bed & Breakfast, one of the oldest Victorian homes on the island, offering a traditional bed and breakfast experience.

No matter your preference, Mackinac Island has a variety of lodging options to choose from, each offering its own unique charm and amenities. So whether you're looking for a luxurious stay at the Grand Hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast experience, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay on Mackinac Island.

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