Discover the Magic: Top 13 Fun Facts About Mackinac Island You Never Knew!

1. Horsepower Haven

Next time your horses are spooked by a Tesla, remember Mackinac Island: an idyllic haven where horses hold the reins and cars know better than to tread. This whimsical paradise, where a whinny outranks an engine's roar, was established in 1898 when a group of quick-thinking carriage men successfully turned M-185 into America's only motor vehicle-free state highway. So, grab your bike, lace up your sneakers, or hitch a ride in a charming horse-drawn carriage, because on Mackinac Island, horsepower takes on a whole new meaning.
Source => mackinacisland.org

2. Horse-drawn Cupid Island

When love and marriage trot happily into the sunset like a regal pair of neighing newlyweds, there's one picturesque island that's always game to play horse-drawn Cupid: Esteemed for its romantic ambiance, Mackinac Island offers the unique experience of antique carriage rides by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, making it the ultimate wedding destination for couples seeking memorable matrimonial moments and a heartwarming trot around the island's historic churches and scenic gardens.
Source => mict.com

Did you know that on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, chickens outnumber humans 6 to 1? With over 450,000 of these feathery residents roaming freely, they truly rule the roost! 🐔 Uncover more quirky facts about Kauai here.

=> Fun Facts about Kauai

3. Mackinac's No-Car Dating Profile

If Mackinac Island had a dating profile, it'd say "into long walks, bikes, and carriage rides": there are absolutely no cars allowed on the island, so visitors and residents alike rely on foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage for transportation, and even prefer snowmobiles and skis to snowblowers or plows in the winter.
Source => mackinacisland.org

4. Time-Travel on M-185

Feeling wheel-y nostalgic for the 19th century? Pedal back in time on Mackinac Island's M-185: America's only state highway where cars have been outlawed since 1898, making horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and good ol' foot travel the only ways to explore its scenic 8-mile loop with majestic views of historic landmarks like Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, British Landing, and Devil's Kitchen!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Fudgies' Crowned Victory

If life on Mackinac Island were a game of Candy Land, the victorious players would be crowned in fudge: Mackinac Island is home to a sweet thirteen fudge shops and produces a whopping ten thousand pounds of handcrafted fudge every day during the tourism season, earning visitors the affectionate title of "fudgies."
Source => gandernewsroom.com

6. Fudge Fever Histories

If you've been hankering for a slab of history that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further: Mackinac Island has had fudge fever since Victorian vacationers churned out their sugary concoction on marble slabs, paving the way for the fudge-loving Murdick family to open the island's first candy shop in the 1880s. Now boasting 13 fudge shops, Mackinac proudly churns out five tons of scrumptious fudge daily during peak season, firmly establishing its role as a slice of sweet heaven on earth.
Source => mackinacisland.org

7. Pirate-filled Lilac Festival

Ahoy, lilac lovers and pirate enthusiasts! Sail away to a blossoming bountiful of events where you can plant flowers, toss bags of corn, and even brush up on your swashbuckling skills: During Mackinac Island's Lilac Festival, visitors partake in activities like Lilac Planting Seminars with expert Anne Borowicz, a Michigan Cornhole Tournament at Windermere Point, live music in Marquette Park, and a Great Lakes Pirate Festival at the Mackinac Island Ferry Company Dock #1.
Source => mackinacisland.org

8. Time-Trotting Rendezvous

If you've ever dreamed of somersaulting through space-time for an unforgettable rendezvous, then prepare to be starstruck by this whimsical island's annual celebration: Mackinac Island hosts a Somewhere in Time Weekend at the Grand Hotel, where attendees can revel in film screenings, appearances by cast members like Jane Seymour, themed activities, cocktail receptions, costume promenades, and exclusive access to filming locations, all while supporting Seymour's Open Hearts Foundation through raffle ticket sales.
Source => grandhotel.com

9. George Washington's Cold One

If you've ever dreamed of stepping back in time, kicking back, and crackin' a cold one with George Washington, Mackinac Island might just be your supernatural stomping ground: Boasting the first French settlement in the Great Lakes and a key military outpost during the War of 1812, the island offers Fort Mackinac tours filled with historical exhibits, reenactments of 19th-century life, and a ghastly Haunts of Mackinac tour that gives you a spine-chilling window into haunted sites and eerie happenings.
Source => mackinacisland.org

10. Mackinac's Hollywood Glamour

Lights, camera, Mackin-action! This Michigan marvel is more than just a fudge-filled paradise for your taste buds: Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel has doubled as a glamorous Hollywood film set for cinematic gems like This Time for Keeps (1947) and the time-trotting romance Somewhere in Time (1980), attracting devout fans who gather at the hotel every October for a totally timeless rendezvous.
Source => grandhotel.com

11. Remote Trail Exploration

It's a wild time "trailin' to one of the most remote locations in the United States: Forget about that overcrowded swanky island getaway and work those leg muscles instead, because Mackinac Island offers over 70 miles of trails waiting to be explored! As a bonus fact: the island is over 80% state park, which means you can enjoy footpaths through the woods, paved trails along the bluffs, horse trails, and mountain biking paths till your heart's content – all with the help of a handy map from the Tourism Bureau booth.
Source => mackinacisland.org

12. 1887 Swanky Suite Life

Party like it's 1887 at the swankiest digs on Mackinac Island: The Grand Hotel offers not only one- but two-bedroom suites with modern amenities, unique designs, and stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits, all while treating guests to their Modified American Plan, which includes breakfast and dinner daily in the Main Dining Room – and don't forget the stocked bar for suites with parlors!
Source => grandhotel.com

13. Narnia-Like Winter Wonderland

If you've got that "sleigh bells ring, are you listening" kind of vibe seeking a winter wonderland getaway, you might just find the perfect frosty retreat in the heart of Mackinac Island: this lovely winter-dusted location lives up to its name, with a whopping average of 94 inches of snowfall each year, particularly in the month of January! While ferries may freeze up for the winter, your chances of escaping to this Narnia-like wonderland aren't entirely dashed. Brave the chilly winds with the trusty Winter Ferry, and you'll find lodgings like Above Mackinac Condos, Bicycle Street Inn, and Village Inn Suites open year-round to welcome you into their cozy embrace as you scoff at summer tourists and embark on zoomy snow-laden adventures like hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing!
Source => mackinacferry.com