I would say one of the things every Michigander must do at least once in their life is take a trip to the Upper Peninsula, cross the Mighty Mac, and take a ferry ride to visit and explore Mackinac Island.

Step One: Crossing The Mighty Mac

Wendy Reed, Townsquare Media
Wendy Reed, Townsquare Media
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According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, the Mackinac Bridge is currently the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the world.

Mackinac Bridge
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
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The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere.

Mackinac Bridge at night
Thinkstock
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The total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 26,372 feet.

credit: Bill Phillips / mackinacbridge.org
credit: Bill Phillips / mackinacbridge.org
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According to mightymac.org, the Mackinac Bridge Walk has been held every year since 1958. The first bridge walk was during the bridge's dedication ceremony in June 1958, and only 68 people walked across the Mackinac Bridge that year. The walk has been held on Labor Day every year since 1959. Most years the Michigan Governor leads off the start of the Bridge Walk, and President George H. W. Bush led the walk in 1992.

Step Two: Taking A Ferry Across Lake Huron To Mackinac Island

There are two different ferry companies that can get you to Mackinac Island, Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry and Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry FB
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry FB
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Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry FB
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry FB
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Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry FB
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry FB
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Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry FB
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry FB
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Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry FB
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry FB
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Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry FB
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry FB
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Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

Now that you've made it to Mackinac Island, you have a lot of exploring to do. Get ready to do some walking or biking around the island because no cars are allowed, the only horsepower you will see are actual horses pulling things around on carts.

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau FB
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau FB
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Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau FB
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau FB
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Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau FB
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau FB
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There are so many fun things to do on Mackinac Island such as:

-fudge making

-walk or ride a bike around Mackinac Island

-golf

-enjoy a spa or massage

-take a walking tour to learn about the history of Mackinac Island

And The One Thing You Need To Check Out On Mackinac Island Is The Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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The Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1887 as a summer retreat for vacationers who traveled to Michigan by train and came to Mackinac Island via steamer and boat.

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Throughout its tenure as America’s Summer Place, one family nurtured and guided the hotel’s growth to a highly acclaimed and much-beloved getaway.

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Today, this National Historic Landmark continues to beguile guests with old-world hospitality and charm, inspired enhancements, and a heritage to be preserved for generations to come.

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Check Out These Must-See Grand Hotel Before And Now Pictures

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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The ballroom at the Grand Hotel before

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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The ballroom at the Grand Hotel now

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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The outside of The Grand Hotel before

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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The outside of The Grand Hotel now

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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The Grand Hotel pool before

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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The Grand Hotel pool now

IG mackinacisle
IG mackinacisle
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Mackinac Island before

IG mackinacisle
IG mackinacisle
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Mackinac Island now

Here Are More Incredible Pictures Of Mackinac Island Before

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Haldimand Bay is the first stop for all island visitors. The bay was named after General Fredrick Haldimand, the governor of Canada throughout the American Revolution when Fort Mackinac was first built.

Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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Grand Hotel FB
Grand Hotel FB
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