Mackinac Island
During the course of this Great Loop adventure, Florida, South Carolina, the Chesapeake Bay, New York City including the Hudson River, and the Trent-Severn Waterway have all been memorable in their own distinct ways. But, as much as I liked all of those, Mackinac Island has them all beat. It is truly spectacular here. As far as I know, this is the only place in the USA where cars and other motor vehicles, including golf carts, are banned. Instead, horse-drawn taxis and bicycles move people about the island. I saw a horse-drawn wagon with an Amazon box on it for delivery!
People get here by ferry, private boat, or charter flight from the mainland. There are a number of hotels and resorts here and all the luggage is delivered by wagon to the destination. Restaurants of all varieties can be found here as well as loads of ice cream and fudge shops. I felt compelled to sample at least one each of the fudge and ice cream establishments. I’m pleased to report they are safe for human consumption.
Beyond all of the above, they have a miniature golf course here. What so remarkable about that you may ask yourself - after all, don’t all resorts and tourist destinations have at least one? You would be correct but have you ever seen one without side walls and concrete and with REAL grass? Me either! See pictures below.
The tug Olive L. Moore, a mere 96 years old pushing an ore barge. Apparently she was built initially to transit the Chicago River with a low air draft. Obviously, it has been retrofitted with an elevated wheelhouse.
Lake Huron lighthouse
Horse-drawn wagons being loaded for delivering goods around the island
One of the Mackinac Island hotels
Another hotel
Miniature golf on real grass.
The main street a little way out of town
One of the resorts. Guests and luggage delivered by horse and wagon.
The main shopping area
A small inn at the edge of the main street