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All Blog Posts (152)

Mackinac Island in 1944

Here's an episode of James A. Fitzpatrick's 'Traveltalks' films that were produced by Metro Goldwyn Mayer between 1930 and 1955. Fitzpatrick produced over 200 of these short films that visited locations around the globe.

In this film, there's some great images of the island that capture a moment in time. Be sure to notice the dirt roads and condition of the Biddle House, the oldest home on the island. In some… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on August 22, 2010 at 8:00am — 2 Comments

Round Island Lighthouse preservation moves forward

If you are on Mackinac Island this Saturday, August 21st, make sure to visit Windermere Point at 10:30am for a special event. After years of work and the formation of the Round Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, the Society ,the US Forest Service and the Hiawatha National Forest will sign a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU, as it is known, recognizes the Society as the cooperating preservation organization for the Round Island Lighthouse.

This is an important step in the preserv… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on August 19, 2010 at 8:30am — 2 Comments

New for 2010 on Mackinac Island

The nature of Mackinac Island is that it doesn't change too much. It's historic buildings, fort, cottages and natural landmarks keep fans returning time and again. But like any tourism destination, some change is inevitable and even good (especially if it involves food).

After some careful investigation, which often involved repeated visits to some establishments, here's my list of what's new on Mackinac Island this season.

The big news is the opening of the… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 6, 2010 at 8:30am — 9 Comments

Happy 4th of July! Have a safe and fun holiday!

Happy 4th of July! Have a safe and fun holiday!
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Added by Cindy Lopez on July 4, 2010 at 6:28pm — 1 Comment

Mackinac Art Museum opens ahead of schedule

After months of hard work and receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy, the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum opened Friday, July 2nd at 10:00am, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. Just in time for the Independence Day crowds, the newest addition to the family of Mackinac Historic State Parks is certain to be one of the most popular attractions on the island. Housed in the former Indian Dormitory on the east side of Marquette Park, the museum has one of the best locations on Mackina… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 4, 2010 at 9:00am — 3 Comments

Round Island Lighthouse Open House is July 10th

If you are on Mackinac Island on July 10th, be sure to make the trip to Round Island for a rare opportunity to visit the lighthouse. Free tours will be conducted by Freeland Boy Scout Troop 323 from 10:00am to 4:00pm, weather permitting. The cost for round-

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Added by Mike Forrester on June 27, 2010 at 5:00pm — 10 Comments

Grandparents & grandkids take on Mackinac Island

I wrote this article for the September 2008 edition of Michiana Family Magazine

About 25 years ago, m

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Added by Kathy Strukel on June 23, 2010 at 4:31pm — No Comments

A trip to the top of the Mackinac Bridge

On Thursday, June 17, 2010, my wife Jeanine and I had the rare opportunity to visit the top of the Mackinac Bridge. Each year, the Mackinac Bridge Authority awards a few non-profit organizations around the state with Tower Tour Certificates, which they use for fund-raising. Our certificate came from an auction that benefitted special programs in the Pinconning (MI) School District.

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Added by Mike Forrester on June 18, 2010 at 10:30am — 4 Comments

Reflections on Mackinac Policy Conference

I attended the Mackinac Policy Conference for the first time this year and Mackinac Island certainly was great!

We stayed at the Iroquois Hotel which was very nice. Beautiful surroundings, nice quiet early mornings on the front porch watching the joggers get their workouts in. A short walk up the street put us on the porch of the Grand Hotel with amazing views, food and work sessions! The staff was top-notch, buffets, service and more!

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Added by Andrew Johnson on June 10, 2010 at 9:28am — No Comments

Does anyone know if they allow dogs anywhere on the Island? I want to take my Lab with us when we go…

Does anyone know if they allow dogs anywhere on the Island? I want to take my Lab with us when we go.
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Added by Cindy Lopez on June 9, 2010 at 4:29pm — 2 Comments

Mackinac Island Blog/Grand Hotel Social Media Meet-Up is June 18th

If you are on Mackinac on Friday, June 18th, you're invited to the east front porch of Grand Hotel for a social media get-together from 5:00PM to 6:30PM. The hotel will provide light refreshments to all our blog, Twitter and Facebook friends. Evening attire not required! We do ask that you RSVP with your name so we can place your name on the guest list. Otherwise, you will have to pay the $10 entry fee. Please send me (mike@mackinacislandblog.com) a note with the name of all attendees and we'll… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on June 8, 2010 at 8:00pm — 2 Comments

Mackinac Living Magazine no longer being published

I inquired today with Island Publication about when the next issue of Mackinac Living magazine will be out and I was informed that due to degenerating advertising base, they will no longer be publishing the magazine. I was disappointed to hear that as I thought it was a great publication. Continue

Added by Karen Snyder on June 4, 2010 at 4:43pm — 2 Comments

Horses arriving on Mackinac Island

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Added by Mike Forrester on June 1, 2010 at 12:07pm — 4 Comments

Fire Season

Hello everyone. How is everyone doing these days? I have a timely question and a discussion. What is everyone doing to help protect their place of employment due to Forest Fires? Or for that matter what about your work units? Seems like there are way to many kitichen fires due to grease spilliage on to the burners, and poof your out of a job. Please be careful an with your campfires when camping in the off time. remember what "Smokey the Bear has allways said, only you can prevent forest fires"… Continue

Added by Larry Razek on May 21, 2010 at 3:26pm — No Comments

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Hello everyone and Happy Mother's Day!! I hope that all the Mother's have a great day as they go to their favorite Island and feast on the great food that the Island's Hotel Restruants have to offer, wether it be sweet or savory, may you enjoy!!! Then to top it off, go to the Grand for a Grand Pecan Ball Icream or some Ryba's Fudge. All you Mother's be blessed on your day!!!! Continue

Added by Larry Razek on May 9, 2010 at 12:43pm — 1 Comment

Grand Hotel readies for another season

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Added by Mike Forrester on April 30, 2010 at 7:00am — 2 Comments

Friesians on Mackinac Island

Brenda Horton shared the link to this video/slideshow with me, and naturally I had to share it with you. Enjoy! Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on April 11, 2010 at 7:30am — 1 Comment

Happy Easter,Everyone! Have a wonderful blessed day, enjoy!!!

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Added by Cindy Lopez on April 4, 2010 at 9:16am — 4 Comments

Round Island Foghorn

Hello everyone.

Does anyone remember the Foghorn that used to blare from the Old Light House? Does anyone have a copy of it or if you do can you embedd it as a favor to me? Please either post here, or send me an email to bruce.razek@yahoo.com. Is anyone on Facebook? My Facebook id is Larry Razek. Please add me up and I'd like to chat with anyone....

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Added by Larry Razek on March 21, 2010 at 11:16pm — No Comments

Arnold Line announces start of 2010 season

Great news for Mackinac Island fans. The 2010 season just got a little closer with today's announcement that Arnold Line will begin service to the island on Monday, March 15th. Intially three roundtrips daily, with perhaps the exception of no Sunday service. The schedule is not on their website as I write this, so there could be some changes from the information I know at present.

Knowing that the ferries are starting is my unofficial signal that spring has arrived and that the island o… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on March 11, 2010 at 12:20pm — No Comments