News — Explore Mackinac

M-185 is the only interstate in the ENTIRE country to ban automobiles. When cars were first invented, they came to the island. But in 1898, they were banded to protect the way of life on Mackinac Island.  Bikes play such an incredibly important role on Mackinac Island, as the main way of transportation for most people. Have you adventured much on Mackinac? M-185 is an iconic spot to bike when visiting the island, but next time you’re here for more than a day, we recommend trying some of the trails that are a little off the beaten path! Here are...

Horses and bikes are an essential piece of Mackinac Island’s history and current way of life! Have you ever stopped to think about how groceries get from the supplier to Doud’s Market?  When getting groceries to Mackinac Island, a truck is loaded with supplies. The truck drives to the Arnold Freight Ferry Dock  in Saint Ignace to await a ferry ride across the Straits of Mackinac. After the ferry ride, the truck is unloaded on the docks onto a horse drawn drey. The drey then transports the groceries to Doud’s Market. The horse usually pulls on the side street, where...

  When visiting Mackinac Island, there are so many different options of things to do, places to visit and restaurants to eat at! If you’ve been more than once, you usually have a list of your favorite places to visit and stop by.  If you’re a local, work on the island for the season, or have visited enough times, then you know what we’re going to say is a local favorite: a picnic lunch from Doud’s Market. Doud’s Market has a full service deli at the back of the store. The meat at the deli is sliced daily and then...

  Chances are, if you have been to Mackinac Island before, you have done the typical bike ride around the island, a picnic thanks to fresh selections from Doud’s Market, wandering through the shops downtown and then dinner on the island before either staying on the island for the night or heading home via the ferry.  But have you ever wondered what else is on the island to explore? Here are some of our favorite hidden spots on Mackinac Island: Mackinac Island Solider’s Garden: This hidden gem on the island is a peaceful place. From many years ago, you will...