MACKINAC ISLAND
A Victorian Vacay
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MACKINAC OR MACKINAW?
Let's Settle the Debate: Is It Spelled Mackinac or Mackinaw?
The short answer: both of them!
The long answer: Mackinac is the name used for the island along with the bridge and straits of Mackinac. Meanwhile, Mackinaw is used for the city (just before the bridge and is where the ferry boats over to the island are situated). They are both pronounced the same way ("Mack-in-awe"), and the distinction was made in 1857 by a man named Edgar Conkling (the founder of the city) to reflect how the word is actually pronouced.
The name Michilimackinac was the original name of the island, and this comes from the early Ojibwa (also called Chippewa) word "Missilimaahkinaank," meaning "at the territory of the Mishinimaki." Now, another question might arise: what is Mishinimaki? According to Mackinac Bridge Authority, it's said that "The Mishinimaki was an extinct division of the Ojibwa formerly living in this region." Michilimackinac was shortened down to simply Mackinac, and is now the present day name of this region in Michigan.
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MORE ON MACKINAC'S HISTORY
Back before colonization occurred and settlers came to take land that wasn’t theirs to begin with, Mackinac Island was ruled by Chippewa and other Native Tribes. I’ve always known Mackinac’s earliest history to revolve around the lives of the Native Americans, especially after learning about the tales about the turtle, based on the shape of the island. Some of the peace of the Chippewa was interrupted when French explorers ventured up north, finding out about this wonderful island. Just like Ludington, Pere Marquette had a large influence in Mackinac after founding Sault Ste. Marie and Saint Ignace. Today, a large statue in the park just below Fort Holmes is put in place to honor his name.
Once the 1700s hit, the fur trading business became the most influential and important industries for the Straits of Mackinac, and it would continue to be the most important up into the 1800s. Because this was a major stimulant of the Mackinac economy, the French decided to build what’s known as Fort Michilimackinac, located in Mackinaw City. Unfortunately, their rule over the fort didn’t last forever, and it would eventually be overtaken by the British after the French & Indian War.
The 20th century saw a shift in less demand in the fur trading business, and a spike in tourism, finding new and innovative ways to keep visitors happy and wanting more. Today, Mackinac Island can be considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Michigan with nearly one million visitors coming to see its cute and Victorian charm every year. Through a petition signed years ago, Mackinac Island remains a car-free zone (which might be rather ironic considering Michigan is the automotive capital of the world), leaving tourists astonished by the island’s character. Mackinac has continued to preserve historical sites throughout the island, including the Biddle House, which was home to Agatha Biddle, an Ottawa Chief, who married a fur trader.
My absolute favorite feature on the island is the biking to and from destinations. Not only can it help me work off any extra fudge weight, but it gives me the opportunity to take in everything about the island without any sort of distractions; on these bikes, I feel as in-the-moment as I possibly can.
MACKINAC IN ACTION
The video to the right does a wonderful job at showcasing what makes Mackinac Island so special. What's even better is that the island is nearing its opening season, and after a year full of uncertainty and fear, the 2021 season is ready for people looking for a getaway stay.
WHAT ABOUT THE WINTERS?
The video above gives a clear explanation as to what exactly happens during Mackinac Island's winters, when the lake is often frozen over and ferries aren't able to transport tourists to and from the island. This video even dabbles into what goes on in the life of a Mackinac student, which is something that I had always been curious to know. From what it sounds like, the Mackinac Island summers are polar opposites from its winters!
THE HAUNTING HOURS
Is Mackinac Island Haunted?
So, are the supposed ghost sightings on Mackinac Island true? One tour guide named Carly Simpson originally may have said otherwise, until she actually took on the night guide role. She says, "I don’t believe in ghosts. Well, I should say, I didn’t believe in ghosts. That is until I became a ghost-tour guide on Mackinac Island." She goes on to talk about her creepy encounters with what she believed to be ghosts. Apparently, the housing for Mackinac Island employees used to serve as a boarding school for 500 Native American children, with 16 deaths among the students. It's been said that they can be seen and heard tossing balls in hallways and kicking over alarm clocks.
Several people have encountered who people now refer to as "Lucy," a girl who has been seen at several different locations on the island throughout the years, and even three soldiers conversing up at the top of Fort Holmes; one minute they're seen, but the next minute, they're gone! If multiple people are having the same encounters with the same types of spirits, then that leads me to believe that maybe Mackinac Island really is haunted. For there to have been multiple battles on this island along with several other tragedies from heartbreak to sickness, it only makes sense for some of these spirits to linger. Though I have yet to see or hear any ghosts myself, taking a walk on the haunting tour was quite the spooky experience. Being in the dark, walking behind a guide in a scary-looking cape, all while discussing spirits and how they haunt the island adds this sort of ominous effect that left my stomach in knots. This tour takes guests, or the ghost enthusiasts, on a trip around some of the most haunted places on the island, giving their histories and backstories along the way. Unsurprisingly, the Halloween season leaves people lining up for tickets to hear about these ghost stories.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Find Out More on Upcoming Events on the Island
73RD ANNUAL MACKINAC ISLAND LILAC FESTIVAL
June 4 - June 13, 2021
A 10-day long festival that is the first and largest summer event. Festivities include the coronation of the Lilac Queen and Court a 10K walk/run, and more!