One of Michigan’s gems, Mackinac Island, sits at the top of the mitten and is home to charming stores, picturesque hikes and, of course, lots of fudge shops. The small island is only 4.35 square miles and does not allow any sort of cars or motorized vehicles, except for a firetruck and an ambulance. Instead, bicycles scatter the streets and horse drawn carriages function as taxis. For such a small island, there is a rich history that dates all the way back to the 17th century, when Fort Mackinac served as a United States base during the War of 1812.
As an out-of-state student, I’ve always told myself I wanted to see more of Michigan than just Ann Arbor and the Detroit Metro Airport. I made the effort to drive up there this summer with my family and really get the “Great Lakes experience” that all of my midwestern friends pride themselves on. I can say with confidence that Mackinac Island definitely lived up to the hype and has got me already planning my next trip up north.