Family time: Mackinac Island

I think Mackinac Island is one of Michigan's most interesting tourist locations. I have only been a handful of times, but each time, I am in awe of how beautiful and serene it is.

Late last night, we decided we would take the kids for the day. We weren't sure how it would go. There were a lot of variables that could lead to disaster. You never know what you will get with a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old, but we try to not let that stop us. But with an hour-and-half drive plus a 20 minute ferry ride plus missing naps, we really did not know how it would go.

IT WENT AMAZINGLY!

It was a great day filled with some great memories that our kids won't remember. But oh well, we will and it was great.

For readers who don't know anything about Mackinac Island, here are some fun facts:

• Mackinac Island is reachable only by boat or plane. 
• The modes of transportation on Mackinac Island are limited to foot, bike and horse-drawn carriage  Cars were banned in 1898.
• The Grand Hotel features 385 guest rooms, and no two are decorated the same. Five U.S. Presidents have lodged at The Grand. The Grand Hotel also has a 660-foot long porch — the world's longest porch.
• Mackinac Island is three miles long (to the east and west) and two miles wide (to the north and south).  The circumference of Mackinac Island is 8 miles.
• The entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
• Fort Mackinac was built by the British. The U.S. was given it through the Treaty of Paris of 1783. The British captured it during the first battle of the War of 1812. It was given back to the U.S. through the Treaty of Ghent in 1815.

Ready to go on the ferry ride from St. Ignace.



Our first stop on the island was to Fort Mackinac



Calan loved the kid center at Fort Mack, especially the larger than life fife.



Calan helping Bob dress up in the historic apparel.



Then we headed to lunch at the infamous Pink Pony.



After lunch, we rented bikes and a bike trailer to take the kids around the island.



Bob got the lucky duty of pulling the trailor.



We took it slow around the island and enjoyed all the views.



They lasted 2 miles and then slept the next 6. It was great!



As we neared the end of our bike ride, we stopped at the
island's public school playground so Calan could play for awhile.



Two tired but happy parents after a successful family trip to Mackinac Island.