A stack of fliers for Shepler’s Ferry caught my eye as I checked out of the hotel. The day before I sat in Ontario, Canada, phone lying on top my oversized road atlas, trying to decide where to go next on my solo road trip. Michigan’s upper peninsula — somewhere I’d never been but always wanted to go — kept drawing my eye. So with my Priceline app open, I ran a search for a mystery hotel and struck a deal in lovely Saint Ignace. I drove through Canada until I reached Michigan, then headed towards the U.P.
I didn’t need to grab that flyer. Billboards on my drive through town had already taught me that Shepler’s ran a ferry service out to Mackinac Island — another place I was interested in visiting. And I get a ferry ride?! Bonus! I drove two short miles, bought a round trip ticket to the island, and did yoga on the shore of Lake Huron with a traveling team of cross country girls while waiting to board the double-decker ferry. With temps in the 50’s, I opted for a seat inside the spacious, window-lined inside deck. Sixteen scenic minutes later, we pulled up to the island.
I was in for a big surprise when I got to land. Can you guess what it was?
The shoreline was bedazzled with grand examples of Victorian architecture (which, by the way, is my favorite) and I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as we approached. Piles of bicycles waited next to the docks with signs beckoning their rental. That could be fun. I hadn’t been on a bike since I rented one to ride the city walls around Xi’an, China in 2018 (pic below).
Speaking of, can you spot me? I’m second from the right.
Remember when I said I had a big surprise to learn when I got to Mackinac Island? You see, I didn’t research anything before hopping aboard that ferry. This girl just wanted to have fun! So I didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t to find horse-drawn utility carts hauling luggage for the disembarking guests. My sleuth brain was beginning to suspect cars may not be a thing on this island.
I walked out to Main Street and confirmed my suspicions, finding a scene so perfect it looked like a Hollywood movie set. Bikes adorned the sides of the road, each tidily parked. The clomping of horse hooves and jingling of bells echoed down the street. A crisp breeze, richly scented with earth, rustled the flags into formation. Storefronts were decorated for fall. Picturesque benches sat outside many, each one beckoning for someone to sit and enjoy the day.
That someone was not going to be me! I wanted to see as much of the island as I could.
I stopped at the first bike rental stand I saw. That’s where I learned motorized vehicles have been banned on the island for more than 125 years. Only three modes of transportation are available: horse-drawn vehicle, bicycle, and foot. Outfitted in a jacket and pair of gloves, I rented a bike, hopped on, and headed down Main Street — not a wobble in sight. Guess it’s true what they say about never forgetting (I may have forgotten how gears worked tho … shhh). Six years since the last time I’d been on a bike? You couldn’t tell.
I rode without purpose, figuring I’d go wherever the road took me until I tired out. In love with the local architecture, I soaked it all in, consuming it with a side of sunshine and fresh air. By now I’d seen a few signposts and learned I could take Lake Shore Boulevard to circle the entire island — and it was only 8.2 miles. Yeah, that was a no-brainer. Off I went. Find-my-own-adventure, I like to call it.
I stopped at British Landing for lunch. An aptly-named spot where British soldiers climbed on shore and captured the island’s fortress during the War of 1812, the Americans on the island — previously unaware the country was at war — surrendered as soon as the enemy arrived.
The crisp fall air kept me in check as I peddled around. Exertion coupled with sunlight and hours spent in the open air turned a 50-something degree day into the perfect temperature setting. I only complained when riding around some of the windier corners of the island. Brrrrr!
I have a thing for seagulls. I’ll admit it now. Roll with it.
Every turn in the road was gorgeously outfitted with the best mother nature had to offer. Not a single twist was left untouched with splendor. An authentic environment — free of motorized vehicles and beaming with horses and life — fed the ambiance. The only thing that would make Mackinac Island more perfect (for me) would be tasting salt on the breeze.
With a smile on my face and 8.2 miles behind me, I returned my bike and climbed aboard the return ferry. My road trip was nearing its end and it was time to make the journey back towards home. One day I’d like to go back and spend more time in the island. An overnight stay in one of the island’s gorgeous hotels has definitely made my bucket list.
Have you been to Mackinac Island? What should I go see the next time I’m there? Leave me a comment. And thanks for stopping by!
Wanna find out what happens next? Subscribe! Cause the truth is, even I don’t know, but I always seem to have something up my sleeve. See you next time …
Travel Date: October 13th, 2024
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