Free wheelin’ on uncrowded streets

To help you discover this special spot in full color, the cost of my book 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die is falling because I will pick up your state sales tax and mailing, making your price just $18 (one per order, limited time offer). 

Even if you can’t visit until later, you can enjoy the deal while planning your future island escape. Just send a check for $18 to: Lines & Letters Communications, PO Box 316, Naubinway, MI 49762. Click here for more about purchasing my books.

Most visitors who hop a ferry to Michigan’s Mackinac Island think of the spot in the Straits of Mackinac as a summer place. That’s natural, since the boats that shuttle passengers from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace can’t fight the icy waters during winter, and lodging is hard to find from November through April.

Horses pull carriages on the car-free island

Even the horses that provide genuine horsepower on the automobile-free island head to the mainland for boarding over the long, cold months.

But Autumn can be the best time of year to explore the 3.8 square miles of this scenic bump of land situated between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan mingle.

This was a sacred place and a gathering place for Ojibway Indians who named the island Michilimackinac, Land of the Great Turtle, for the turtle’s back they thought it resembled. Missionaries, fur traders and the military landed on the strategic island and in the late 1800s the steamship and railroad companies established the tourism industry that thrives today.

Fort Mackinac tower overlooks the town

The fresh, clean air, scenic natural formations, historic sites and Victorian architecture still enchant visitors, and the weather can be surprisingly warm and pleasant.

Restaurants, bars and accommodations aren’t as crowded and the already slow pace of the island is even more leisurely in fall. Fewer bicyclists pedal the shop-lined streets and 8-mile perimeter road, and hikers enjoy even more solitude on the 70 miles of state park trails.

Charming B&Bs are an alternative to the island’s large hotels

Plus, there are lodging deals and end-of-season sales on sweatshirts and other souvenirs. You’ll even find a sale or several on fudge, the freshly made confection that’s been an island favorite since Henry Murdick started making it there in 1887—the same year Grand Hotel opened.

In fall, weeknight room rates are often lower than weekends, when special events are an added incentive for an island escape, including the Fall Fudge Festival, October 2-4.  Previously a summertime event, the autumn version offers more because in addition to its sweet activities, it also coincides with  MACKTOBERFEST as well as Grand Hotel’s Somewhere in Time weekend (see below).

Most businesses do shut down from late fall to spring; click here for closing date info.

MORE FALL EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND
Click here for the tourism bureau’s full calendar

Under the Radar Farm-to-Ferry Taste of Michigan September 21-23 at Mission Point Resort: Great food from Michigan chefs and fun with Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman of the popular PBS TV show Under the Radar.

Somewhere in Time October 3-5: Fans of the 1979 movie starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour dress in period costume to watch the film, socialize and visit locations used in the time travel romance, shot on the island.

Mackinac Island Halloween Weekend October 24-26: The island’s festive close to “the season” is celebrated with sales, Saturday morning’s Great Turtle 5.7 mile Run/Walk & Half Marathon, Main Street trick-or treating and adult masquerade parties at downtown saloons.

Close the Grand October 26-27: It’s the time of year when the Grand Hotel staff moves the white rocking chairs from the porch into storage, empties the pantry and assesses the season. Meals are  casual and there’s a presentation by the always-entertaining hotel historian Bob Tagatz on what it takes to close “America’s Summer Place” for the winter.

When better than the ghostly season to explore spooky spots and prowl for the paranormal on guided Haunts of Mackinac tours?
On October 17 only, check out the Haunted Maze at Grand Hotel.

And, it’s so photogenic. Shutterbugs love the natural beauty, of course, but also the detail of the architecture and contrast of fall colors and clear blue sky against historic structures painted white and in pastel shades.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

Visitor Info Clicks:

Mackinac Island
Pure Michigan

Mackinac Island is located between B and D on the map

Shops and hotels decorate for the harvest season

All stories and photos copyright Kath Usitalo unless otherwise noted