With the wind and waves continuing on Lake Michigan, we delayed our departure and switched from cruising to touring mode here in Mackinaw City. This town of 900 is positioned well to handle the throngs of tourists who swarm here all summer to visit the princess port, Mackinac Island, right across the Strait. Mackinaw City is more practical, spells its name like its pronounced, and offers ferry service, hotels, shops, restaurants and has more fudge stores than bars.
The State of Michigan has developed a first class, reasonably priced ($1.03 to 1.19 per foot) marina system every 20-30 miles along Lake Michigan; Mackinaw City has two—Mackinaw Municipal Marina and the new state-of-the-art, State Harbor Marina with floating docks and wind turbines. We found lots of stuff we needed at Shepler’s Marine Store, and we are even thinking of doing inside boat storage with Shepler's Shipyard next year to be closer to the North Channel and Mackinaw City is a great place to spend a few days.
Mackinac Bridge or “Mighty Mac” is the 5 mile long suspension-type bridge which connects to Upper Michigan, Yooperland. The bridge defines the skyline and is nicely complimented by the shoreline paths and parks. You can tour the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and/or step back in time with a visit to Colonial Fort Michilimackinac. Bob was here 50 years ago when there was only a cannon. Over the years, archeologists have unearthed and Michigan has reconstructed almost the entire fort.
Winter is long here so I thought I would include a picture of the icebreaker, USCG Mackinaw, now dry docked and open for tours. Our thoughts are now turning to tucking in Baby Grand for the season in Northport, 75 miles away. Our season is slowly coming to a close.
The State of Michigan has developed a first class, reasonably priced ($1.03 to 1.19 per foot) marina system every 20-30 miles along Lake Michigan; Mackinaw City has two—Mackinaw Municipal Marina and the new state-of-the-art, State Harbor Marina with floating docks and wind turbines. We found lots of stuff we needed at Shepler’s Marine Store, and we are even thinking of doing inside boat storage with Shepler's Shipyard next year to be closer to the North Channel and Mackinaw City is a great place to spend a few days.
Mackinac Bridge or “Mighty Mac” is the 5 mile long suspension-type bridge which connects to Upper Michigan, Yooperland. The bridge defines the skyline and is nicely complimented by the shoreline paths and parks. You can tour the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and/or step back in time with a visit to Colonial Fort Michilimackinac. Bob was here 50 years ago when there was only a cannon. Over the years, archeologists have unearthed and Michigan has reconstructed almost the entire fort.
Winter is long here so I thought I would include a picture of the icebreaker, USCG Mackinaw, now dry docked and open for tours. Our thoughts are now turning to tucking in Baby Grand for the season in Northport, 75 miles away. Our season is slowly coming to a close.
