Mackinac Island in the Winter

How to Visit Mackinac Island in the Winter

Visiting Mackinac Island in the winter is a unique experience that I highly recommend to every Mackinac Island fan. For anyone used to the crowds that frequent Mackinac Island during the summer, it will be a shocking experience to feel like you are on the island by yourself.

I visited Mackinac Island in December 2016 and January 2022. During both visits, there were many times when I felt like I was the only one on Mackinac Island.

When you visit Mackinac Island in the winter, don’t expect the same experience as a summer visit. Almost all of the hotels, restaurants, and shops will be closed. Also, snowmobiles will replace bicycles, and you may even see a few vehicles on the island assisting with construction.

To learn more about what is open during the 2021-22 Winter Season on Mackinac Island click HERE.

Still, even without the typical amenities that Mackinac Island offers, a winter visit gives tourists a chance to see a side of Mackinac Island that typically only the locals see. There is nothing more beautiful than a fresh snowfall on Mackinac Island.

Winter on Mackinac Island - A Winter Picture of Mackinac Island's Arch Rock
A Winter Picture of Mackinac Island's Arch Rock

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

How to Visit Mackinac Island in the Winter - Table of Contents

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How to Visit Mackinac Island During the Winter - Getting to Mackinac Island

The two most common methods of getting to Mackinac Island in the winter are taking the ferry or flying. A third method is sometimes available if the ice bridge has formed connecting British Landing to St. Ignace. In this section, I am going to focus on the first two methods.

During the winter season, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry operates winter service via the steel-hulled “Mighty” Huron. The Huron has been providing winter service for many years and was originally owned by Arnold Transit Service. In addition to having ice-breaking capabilities due to its steel haul, the Huron also has a heated interior.

The Mighty Huron is the Lifeline of Mackinac Island in the Winter
The Mighty Huron is the Lifeline of Mackinac Island in the Winter
The Might Huron Docked at Mackinac Island During the Winter
The Might Huron Docked at Mackinac Island

The Mighty Huron runs between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island up to three times a day until the ice fully freezes. During my visit in December of 2016, I took the Mighty Huron to and from the island.  The ride on the Huron takes around 30 minutes from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island.  You can access Star Line’s Winter Schedule by clicking HERE.

The Mighty Huron Returning to St. Ignace During the Winter
The Mighty Huron Returning to St. Ignace

Please note that Shepler’s does not offer winter service and that there is no winter service from Mackinaw City. It is advised to check Star Line’s website often as ice conditions can deteriorate quickly. 

Shepler’s dry docks their ferries in Mackinaw City.  Star Line dry docks their ferries (except the Mighty Huron) in St. Ignace.  It is quite a sight to see all of the ferries out of the water.  In Mackinaw City, you can walk right up to the Shepler’s Ferries

Shepler's Ferries Dry Docked for the Winter in Mackinaw City During the WInter
Shepler's Ferries Dry Docked for the Winter in Mackinaw City
Star Line's Catamaran Dry Docked in St. Ignace During the WInter
Star Line's Catamaran Dry Docked in St. Ignace
When this Area Freezes Mackinac Island is Only Accessible by Airplane
When this Area Freezes Mackinac Island is Only Accessible by Airplane

Once the harbor freezes, Mackinac Island is only accessible by airplane. Great Lakes Air offers air taxi service from St. Ignace for $35 each way. Although it is sometimes possible to get a flight by showing up at the airport, reservations are always recommended.

Great Lakes Air requires two paid fares per flight, meaning that if you are traveling by yourself, you will have to pay for two seats.

Great Lakes Airplane at Mackinac Island Airport During the Winter
Boarding My Flight from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace

The flight from St. Ignace takes between six and ten minutes, depending on if you have to circle the island before landing.

There is also an option to fly from airports that are further away. Recently, I was quoted the following prices: Pellston to Mackinac Island – $350 each way, Alpena to Mackinac Island – $750 each way, Sault Saint Marie (MI) to Mackinac Island – $350 each way, and Traverse City to Mackinac Island – $800 each way. These quotes were per flight and included luggage and up to four passengers.

Great Lakes Air Planes are Limited to 4 to 6 Passengers and Luggage
Great Lakes Air Planes are Limited to 4 to 6 Passengers and Luggage

Freight service is offered by the Arnold Freight Company as long as ice permits. Otherwise, all freight will have to be flown in by plane.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Arnold Freight Company Services the Island During the Winter
Arnold Freight Company Services the Island During the Winter

The final method of transportation is by snowmobile across the ice bridge. Some years, the ice is thick enough for travel between British Landing and St. Ignace. I do not recommend this method as it is difficult to tell how safe the ice is, and there is always a risk associated with this transportation method.

How to Visit Mackinac Island During the Winter - Where to Stay

During a winter visit to Mackinac Island, there are limited accommodation options. Three properties, Above Mackinac Condos, the Pontiac Lodge, and the Village Inn Suites, are open all winter.

In addition, the Cottage Inn, Mackinac House, Small Point Bed and Breakfast, and Lilac Tree Hotel are open for a limited period of time during late December and early January.

During my most recent winter stay, I stayed at the Pontiac Lodge. Located on Main Street, I found that this hotel was the perfect place to stay in the winter. In addition to its location, the Pontiac Lodge has a kitchenette area that includes a microwave and refridgerator. With limited dining options, a kitchenette allowed me to microwave my own food.

 

The Lilac Tree Hotel is Open During Parts of the Winter Season
The Lilac Tree Hotel is Open During Parts of the Winter Season
The Pontiac Lodge is Located on Main Street Just Past the Bicycle Street Inn
The Pontiac Lodge is Located on Main Street Just Past the Bicycle Street Inn
Room 26 at the Pontiac Lodge - Mackinac Island, Michigan
Room 26 at the Pontiac Lodge
Pontiac Lodge Room - Mackinac Island, Michigan
Pontiac Lodge
Pontiac Lodge
Pontiac Lodge
Pontiac Lodge
Pontiac Lodge

How to Visit Mackinac Island During the Winter - Where to Eat

There are three dining options during the winter season on Mackinac Island. For sit-down dining, the Mustang Lounge is open year-round.

The Mustang Lounge is Open Year Round
The Mustang Lounge is Open Year Round
Winter on Mackinac Island - Doud's Market
Doud's Market

Another option is the local grocery store, Doud’s Market. Doud’s Market has many prepackaged meals that can be microwaved.

A third option is the Broken Spoke, which has limited hours. I was told they were open as of December 1st, but during my visit to the island, they were closed.  It appears that the Broken Spoke is currently (as of 1/20/22) open on weekdays.

How to Visit Mackinac Island During the Winter - Getting Around Mackinac Island

There are a few different ways to get around Mackinac Island in the winter. These methods include walking, riding a fat-tired bicycle, snowmobiles, and a horse-drawn taxi.

For locals, snowmobiles become the main method of transportation after the first snowfall. There are no options for renting snowmobiles on Mackinac Island, so tourists will have to bring their own. Snowmobiles are allowed on the Huron if space permits. Once the ferry stops running, there is no way to get your snowmobile to Mackinac Island unless the ice bridge has formed.

There is a strictly enforced speed limit on Mackinac Island.  25 miles per hour is the maximum speed allowed.  The limit drops to 20 miles per hour in town.

 

Snowmobiles are the Main Method of Transportation During the Winter on Mackinac Island
Snowmobiles are the Main Method of Transportation During the Winter on Mackinac Island
A Snow Mobile on Main Street During the WInter
A Snow Mobile on Main Street
Snowmobiles Must Follow a 25 MPH Speed Limit (20 In Town)
Snowmobiles Must Follow a 25 MPH Speed Limit (20 In Town)

There are 12 pairs of horses (24 total) that remain on Mackinac Island during the winter. Some of these horses pull horse-drawn taxi carriages. Taxis must be reserved in advance, and I highly recommend calling multiple days in advance. The number for Mackinac Island Taxi Service is 906-847-3323.

If you are arriving by plane, you will need a taxi to get from Mackinac Island Airport to the downtown area. Only one or two taxis are operating, so the more notice you give the taxi service, the better.

A Horse-Drawn Taxi During the Winter on Mackinac Island
A Horse-Drawn Taxi

It is much more common to see cars on the island in the winter.  In addition to police, fire, and ambulance, there are often a variety of construction vehicles on Mackinac Island during the winter.

Vehicles are More Common on Mackinac Island During the Winter
Vehicles are More Common on Mackinac Island During the Winter

I spent a lot of time walking around Mackinac Island. Be sure to dress warmly as the temperature can often fall below zero. Factor in the windchill, and it can feel as cold as 20-30 below.

Visiting Mackinac Island During the Winter - Photos of Mackinac During the Winter Season

I am constantly asked by people visiting my website and following me on social media for photos of Mackinac Island during the winter. The photos below are of some of Mackinac Island’s most popular tourist destinations. To make it easier to navigate, I’ve divided this section by location.

Visiting Mackinac Island in the Winter is a Unique Experience
Visiting Mackinac Island in the Winter is a Unique Experience

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Main Street

One of the highlights of the winter season on Mackinac Island is the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The Christmas Tree is located in the middle of Main Street across from Star Line Dock and is typically lit during a ceremony during the first week of December. This year’s ceremony took place on December 3rd.

The Mackinac Island Christmas Tree in the Center of Main Street
The Mackinac Island Christmas Tree in the Center of Main Street

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

The Mackinac Island Christmas Tree in the Middle of Main Street
The Mackinac Island Christmas Tree

For tourists that have visited Mackinac Island in the past, a winter visit will offer the chance to see a virtually empty Main Street. It is an odd feeling to walk down Main Street seeing the businesses, restaurants, ferry docks, and hotels closed.

Main Street During the Winter Season
Main Street During the Winter Season

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Star Line Docks During the Winter Season
Star Line Docks During the Winter Season
Shepler's Ferry Docks in the Winter
Shepler's Ferry Docks in the Winter
Winter on Mackinac Island - Walking Out on the Shepler's Ferry Dock
Walking Out on the Shepler's Ferry Dock
Winter on Mackinac Island - Murray Hotel
Murray Hotel

With so many colorful buildings on Main Street, tourists will be able to capture some beautiful pictures of the bright-colored buildings contrasting with the white snow.

I Love the Contrast Between the Windermere Hotel and the Snow
I Love the Contrast Between the Windermere Hotel and the Snow
Winter on Mackinac Island - Inn on Mackinac
Inn on Mackinac

There are very few buildings open during the winter on Mackinac Island. One building that is typically open is the Mackinac Island Public Library. If you are looking for a place to warm up, consider spending a few minutes inside the library.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Mackinac Island Public Library
Mackinac Island Public Library

Market Street/Cadotte Avenue

During a winter visit to Mackinac Island, it is common to see more people on Market Street than on Main Street. Market Street is the street located directly behind Main Street and has a mix of hotels, shops, and services for Mackinac Island’s permanent residents.

During a winter visit, be sure to check out the yellow house on the corner of Market Street and Cadotte Avenue. This house is one of my favorite homes on Mackinac Island, and the yellow house provides a great photo opportunity with a snowy background.

Winter on Mackinac Island - The Yellow House on the Corner of Market Street and Cadotte Avenue
The Yellow House on the Corner of Market Street and Cadotte Avenue

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Despite the fact that the Carrousel Shops had a sign saying they were open, that was incorrect. The shops were definitely closed.

The Carrousel Shops are not Actually Open During the Winter
The Carrousel Shops are not Actually Open During the Winter

Another one of my favorite buildings is the Lilac House Bed and Breakfast. Its purple-colored exterior is another one of my favorite winter photo opportunities.

Winter on Mackinac Island - The Purple Lilac House on Market Street
The Purple Lilac House on Market Street

Market Street is home to many essential services on Mackinac Island. These include the courthouse, fire department, medical center, post office, and bank. With these buildings all being located on Main Street it is obvious why it has so much winter traffic.

The Mackinac Island Post Office is Open Year Round
The Mackinac Island Post Office is Open Year Round

The public restrooms on Market Street are closed during the winter season. There are no public restrooms available during winter on Mackinac Island.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Looking Towards the Public Restrooms and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours Queue
Looking Towards the Public Restrooms and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours Queue

Cadotte Avenue is the street that leads up towards the Grand Hotel from Market Street. During the winter, it is definitely worth the walk up Cadotte Avenue to photograph the Little Stone Church.

The Little Stone Church During the Winter
The Little Stone Church

Further up Cadotte Avenue is the Grand Hotel. During my December 2016 visit, the Grand Hotel had some major renovation work done. It is common to see construction and renovations on Mackinac Island during the winter.

Looking Up Cadotte Avenue During the Winter
Looking Up Cadotte Avenue
The Grand Hotel During the Winter
The Grand Hotel

The Water

When visiting Mackinac Island in the winter, tourists are often stunned by the beautiful ice formations that form in the waters of Lake Huron. As the ice freezes, it creates chunks of floating ice that can look like anything from squares to pancakes.

Winter on Mackinac Island - View from the Star Line Dock
View from the Star Line Dock

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Winter on Mackinac Island - The View from the Shepler's Ferry Dock
The View from the Shepler's Ferry Dock

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Eventually, Lake Huron freezes enough that visitors can walk out onto the lake. Please be careful, as it should never be assumed that walking out on the ice is 100 percent safe.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Looking Towards the Lighthouses
Looking Towards the Lighthouses
Winter on Mackinac Island - Looking Towards the West Bluffs
Looking Towards the West Bluffs
Winter on Mackinac Island - Windermere Point Looking Towards Main Street
Looking Towards the Lighthouses from Near Devil's Kitchen

As the winter progresses, blue ice forms on the shores of Mackinac. Blue ice has a bluish tint to it that is a result of a lack of bubbles in the water. This lack of bubbles allows the light to pass through the ice without interference causing it to appear blue.

Blue Ice Between Mackinac Island School and Devil's Kitchen
Blue Ice Between Mackinac Island School and Devil's Kitchen
Zoomed in on the Blue Ice
Zoomed in on the Blue Ice

In the photos, the blue ice did not appear to be very blue. I believe it was because of the angle of the sun. It was still a unique experience seeing the sections of ice that appeared to be perfectly cut.

It Looks Like the Ice was Cut into Perfect Squares
It Looks Like the Ice was Cut into Perfect Squares

During my January 2022 visit, it was interesting to see how the ice doesn’t freeze equally. The area Straits of Mackinac area froze quickly while the open waters near the end of the Shoreline Trail still had plenty of unfrozen water.

Winter on Mackinac Island - The View from the End of the Shoreline Trail
The View from the End of the Shoreline Trail

Mackinac Island State Harbor closes in the middle of October. Walking by the harbor, winter visitors will experience a strange view of the normally busy harbor completely empty.

Winter on Mackinac Island - An Empty Mackinac Island State Harbor
An Empty Mackinac Island State Harbor
Winter on Mackinac Island - Mackinac Island State Harbor
Mackinac Island State Harbor

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Lady Liberty in Front of Mackinac Island State Harbor
Lady Liberty in Front of Mackinac Island State Harbor

Fort Mackinac and Marquette Park

Marquette Park is beautiful in the winter and is a great place to let children play in the snow. The park is open 24-hours and is one of the few places that still has picnic tables, benches, and trash cans available during the winter season.

Marquette Park is a Great Place to let Children Play in the Snow
Marquette Park is a Great Place to let Children Play in the Snow

Fort Mackinac is not open during the winter season. This closure doesn’t mean that you can capture great photos of the fort from Marquette Park.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Marquette Park Sign and Fort Mackinac
Marquette Park Sign and Fort Mackinac

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Fort Mackinac Watch Tower
Fort Mackinac Watch Tower

Be sure to walk up to the top of Fort Street for one of the best views on Mackinac Island. 

Winter on Mackinac Island - Looking Down Fort Street
Looking Down Fort Street
Winter on Mackinac Island - Marquette Park from Fort Street
Marquette Park from Fort Street

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Once you have climbed the hill, I also recommend spending some time in the interior viewing attractions such as Skull Cave, Arch Rock, and Fort Holmes.

The Interior Entrance to Fort Mackinac During the Winter
The Interior Entrance to Fort Mackinac

Windermere Point

Windermere Point is one of my favorite places for photographs, regardless of the season. This belief is especially true during the winter season. Located just before the beginning of the Mackinac Island Boardwalk and across from the Windermere Hotel, Windermere Point provides a great view of the Round Island Passage Light, Round Island Lighthouse, and the Straits of Mackinac.

Windermere Point Looking Towards Main Street
Windermere Point Looking Towards Main Street

There are two trees that I love to photograph during each visit to Mackinac Island. I have never taken a bad picture of the birch and ash trees at Windermere Point.

Winter on Mackinac Island - The Birch Tree at Windermere Point
The Birch Tree at Windermere Point

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Winter on Mackinac Island - The Ash Tree at Windermere Point
The Ash Tree at Windermere Point

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

During my January 2022 visit, it was interesting to see how the ice froze overnight. When I photographed Windermere Point the first day, there was open water. The next day, the ice had completely frozen over the area.

During My Winter Trip to Mackinac Island the Water Near Windermere Point Froze Overnight
During My Winter Trip to Mackinac Island the Water Near Windermere Point Froze Overnight

The Boardwalk and Shorline Trail

Two of the best places for winter hiking are the Mackinac Island Boardwalk and Shoreline Trail. Both of these paths are typically cleared during the winter, making hiking much easier once substantial snowfall has occurred.

The Mackinac Island Boardwalk begins just past Windermere Point and ends just past Mackinac Island Public School. When walking the Mackinac Island Boardwalk visitors, will have great views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge.

Winter on the Mackinac Island Boardwalk
Winter on the Mackinac Island Boardwalk

The Shoreline Trail begins at the Greens of Mackinac, just before Mission Point. Following the Eastern Shoreline of Lake Huron, the Shoreline Trail provides beautiful views of the open water.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Beginning of the Shoreline Trail
Beginning of the Shorline Trail

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

During my January 2022 visit, I captured some amazing photos of the sunset while walking the Shoreline Trail.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Mackinac Island Shoreline Trail
Mackinac Island Shorline Trail
Winter on Mackinac Island - Mackinac Island Shoreline Trail
Mackinac Island Shoreline Trail

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Winter on Mackinac Island - One More Beautiful View from the Shoreline Trail
One More Beautiful View from the Shoreline Trail
Winter on Mackinac Island - Mission Point Resort from the Shoreline Trail
Mission Point Resort from the Shoreline Trail

The Interior

Some of Mackinac Island’s most famous sights are located in the interior of the island. These sights include Arch Rock, Fort Holmes, Skull Cave, Sugar Loaf, Lookout Point, and more. I highly recommend a winter hike through the interior of Mackinac Island to see a side of these beautiful places that most Mackinac tourists don’t have a chance to see.  The easiest way to get into the interior is to walk up the hill on Fort Street. 

The Best Way to Get to the Interior is to Walk Up Fort Street
The Best Way to Get to the Interior is to Walk Up Fort Street

Once at the top of the hill, turn left at the Governor’s Summer Residence and head towards the interior entrance to Fort Mackinac. From there, all of the top attractions are within a one-mile walk.

Once in the Interior, Walk Towards Fort Mackinac
Once in the Interior, Walk Towards Fort Mackinac

Some of the hiking paths are closed to hiking in the winter as they have been groomed for cross country skiing. As a result, hikers should use the roads. For example, instead of taking the Arch Rock Nature Trail, hikers should take Arch Rock Road to get to the Arch Rock Viewing area.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Arch Rock Road
Arch Rock Road

For those interested in a night hike, there are a few scheduled Turtle Treks. These hikes follow a path lit by hanging lanterns.

Winter on Mackinac Island - A Hanging Lantern for the Mackinac Island Turtle Trek
A Hanging Lantern for the Mackinac Island Turtle Trek

Arch Rock

The first place that I visited during my hike of the interior was Arch Rock. There was no one else at Arch Rock during my time of visit. Be sure to walk out on the platform to get a great view of M-185 and Lake Huron.

The Arch Rock Viewing Area is Empty in the Winter
The Arch Rock Viewing Area is Empty in the Winter
Winter on Mackinac Island - Arch Rock
Arch Rock

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Arch Rock Viewing Platform
Arch Rock Viewing Platform

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Winter on Mackinac Island - The View from the Arch Rock Viewing Platform
The View from the Arch Rock Viewing Platform
Winter on Mackinac Island - The View from the Arch Rock Viewing Platform
The View from the Arch Rock Viewing Platform
Winter on Mackinac Island - The View from the Arch Rock Viewing Platform
Another Arch Rock View

I do not recommend trying to climb the steps to Arch Rock in the winter. They can be covered in ice and snow and are a hazard for falling.

Fort Holmes

One of the best views on Mackinac Island is from the top of Fort Holmes. This location is the island’s highest point. To avoid walking up the steps, Fort Holmes can be reached by walking up the path behind the cemeteries. The path first stops at Point Lookout. From Point Lookout, it is a short walk to Fort Holmes.

Be Careful Using the Fort Holmes Stairs
Be Careful Using the Fort Holmes Stairs
Winter on Mackinac Island - Fort Holmes
Fort Holmes

In addition to going inside Fort Holmes, be sure to spend some time looking and photographing Lake Huron from all angles. Visitors should get great views of the lighthouses and the Mackinac Bridge.

Inside Fort Holmes
Inside Fort Holmes
Looking Towards the Parade Grounds from Fort Holmes
Looking Towards the Parade Grounds from Fort Holmes
Winter on Mackinac Island - Mackinac Bridge from Fort Holmes
Mackinac Bridge from Fort Holmes
Winter on Mackinac Island - Round Island Passage Light from Fort Holmes
Round Island Passage Light from Fort Holmes

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Round Island Lighthouse from Fort Holmes
Round Island Lighthouse from Fort Holmes

Point Lookout and the Sugar Loaf

Like Fort Holmes, the easiest way to get to Point Lookout is to take the path that begins behind the cemeteries. This path will make it so winter tourists can avoid the snow-covered stairs.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Sugar Loaf from Point Look Out
Sugar Loaf from Point Look Out

This photo is available for purchase.  To purchase, click HERE.

Point Lookout provides a great view of the Mackinac Island Sugarloaf. Once at Point Lookout, be sure to walk to Fort Holmes, which is just a few hundred feet further up the path.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Zoomed in on the Sugar Loaf
Zoomed in on the Sugar Loaf

Skull Cave

Another interior attraction that I stopped at during my winter hike through the interior of Mackinac Island is Skull Cave.  Skull Cave gets its name based on a story told in the Memoirs of Alexander Henry.

Henry said he went into the cave and realized it was too small to be explored. After breaking some tree branches to serve as bedding, Henry fell asleep. At daybreak, he felt an object under him that was not part of his tree branch bed, and to his horror, he realized that the cave was full of human bones and skulls.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Skull Cave
Skull Cave
Winter on Mackinac Island - Zoomed in on Skull Cave
Zoomed in on Skull Cave

The Cemeteries

On the way to Point Lookout and Fort Holmes are three cemeteries. The first cemetery I stopped at was the Post Cemetary. The Post Cemetery is the most interesting and historic cemetery on Mackinac Island. During early US military history, soldiers were buried in the location where they died instead of being sent home to be buried by their families. As a result, there are 108 fallen soldiers buried on Mackinac Island.

Since the burials date back to the War of 1812, many of the original wooden crosses have long decayed or disappeared. Of the 108 buried in Post Cemetery, only 39 have their names on their tombstones. The rest of the tombstones say “US Soldier” or “Unknown Soldier.” The US Flag at the Post Cemetery is one of only a handful of flags in the US that continually flies at half-mast. This is even true during the winter season.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Post Cemetery
Post Cemetery

The other cemetery I visited was St. Anne’s Cemetery. An interesting side note is that during the creation of the entrance gate, the architect asked for the exact dimensions of the horse-drawn hearse. The gate was built at the precise height of the hearse not taking into consideration that there would be a driver sitting on it. As a result, the road in the picture below goes around the gate instead of through it.

Winter on Mackinac Island - St. Anne's Cemetery
St. Anne's Cemetery

Everything Else

There are a few things that don’t fit any of the other categories. As a result, I made an extra section called “everything else.”

M-185

M-185 is the only state highway in the State of Michigan that doesn’t allow motorized vehicles. In the summer, M-185 is typically full of bicyclists attempting to peddle all eight miles around the island.

During the winter season, the bicycles are replaced by snowmobiles. Remember that the speed limit is 25 MPH and is strictly enforced.

Winter on Mackinac Island - M-185
M-185

Mackinac Island Public School

Mackinac Island Public School is a fully functioning school that is in session during the winter season. During my visit, a team from Na Tah Wahsh, Michigan, was competing against Mackinac Island in boys basketball. The team played the Mackinac Island Lakers on Friday evening and then again on Saturday morning. Typically, Mackinac Island’s opponents spend the night in the gym and almost always play the Lakers in back-to-back games. Na Tah Wahsh won the first game 66 to 34 and the second game 67 to 30.

As I was arriving at Mackinac Island Airport, the Na Tah Wahsh basketball team was waiting to depart. To get to the airport, they were given a ride inside the Mackinac Island Ambulence.

 

School is in Session During the Winter on Mackinac Island
School is in Session During the Winter on Mackinac Island

Lighthouses

One of my favorite places to photograph on Mackinac Island is the two lighthouses.

The Round Island Lighthouse was initially built in 1895 and served as a manned lighthouse until 1947.

In 1972, a storm almost destroyed the Round Island Lighthouse. As a result, the Round Island Lighthouse became a Michigan historical sight in 1978. The lighthouse was refurbished to prevent additional damage. In 1996, the Round Island Lighthouse was relit.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Round Island Light - Photo Taken at the Top of Fort Street
Round Island Light - Photo Taken at the Top of Fort Street

In 1947, the Round Island Passage Light was constructed. It serves as an unmanned lighthouse, marking the narrow channel between Round Island and Mackinac Island.

Winter on Mackinac Island - Round Island Passage Light - Photo Taken from the Top of Fort Street
Round Island Passage Light - Photo Taken from the Top of Fort Street

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