For most of the 19 th century, Mackinac’s eastern shoreline was difficult to explore, covered by huge boulders and thick vegetation. Francis LeBarron as one of Mackinac Island’s two “ natural arches of the Gothic order.” Over the following decades, a thick undergrowth of young trees blanketed the island landscape, which had been previously cleared for firewood. Beaumont Museumįor many years, a small boat was the easiest way to access Fairy Arch (1872)įairy Arch was first described in 1802 by Dr.

History of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.Other notable caves to discover is the Eagle Point Cave and Devil’s Kitchen. When he woke up the next morning he realized he had been sleeping on top of bones! Skull Cave was used as a sacred burial site and is still standing today. While he was there, he found refuge in a cave. If you’re not a big fudge fan like me, you must at least enter into the shops to watch it being made! Explore Old Burial Cavesįor those adventurers who love getting off the beaten path, this one’s for you! During an attack in Pontiac’s War, the Native Americans smuggled a fur trader was smuggled onto Mackinac Island. While Murdick’s Fudge is the original here, Joann’s, May’s and Ryba’s Fudge shops exist on Main Street as well. Mackinac Island is known world wide for their 200 year old handmade fudge. Read More: A Tour of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island Eat Mackinac Homemade Fudge Have a cocktail in a rocking chair on the longest front porch in the world, admire the quirky interior decor and splurge on meals or traditions like afternoon tea for an additional price. This fee grants you access to most of the amenities of the Grand Hotel. If you’re unable to afford those prices, do what I did and take an interior tour for $10. If you have the ability to splurge on a hotel room here, it will be one of the best experiences ever (so I hear). It’s a timeless accommodation with a long list of distinguished guests. The Grand Hotel is a place directly from an 1800s storybook. One of the most grand accommodations in the world sits on a hill overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Stumble upon century-old cemeteries and view indigenous trees like the White Pine, the material of which the Grand Hotel is made of. Take some time walking, biking or horseback riding through the 70 miles of trails in the State Park. No matter where you go on the island, you’re sure to stumble upon the Mackinac Island State Park as it makes up 83% of the land here. Take a Nature Walk through the Mackinac Island State Park Formed thousands of years ago from wind and water erosion, Arch Rock rises nearly 150 feet above the water, spanning fifty feet wide and giving the perfect see-through to the serene waters of Lake Huron. Visit Arch RockĪn absolute stunning natural formation can be found on the east side of Mackinac Island near the shoreline. The M-185, or Lake Shore Drive, runs 8 miles around the outside perimeter of the island and the best part? Cars are banned here so you only need to look out for horses and people!īring your bike with you to Mackinac Island via the ferry or check out Mackinac Cycle or Ryba’s Bicycle Rental near the ferry docks to rent a bike for a small fee. If you want to see more of Mackinac Island than the horse and carriage ride will show you definitely rent a bike! It’s one of the more popular things to do but for good reason.

Arch rock mackinac island state park