IS MACKINAC ISLAND OVERRATED? |

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We heard a lot of mixed reviews about Mackinac Island before visiting. Some people love it and others complain about the horse manure smell. We thought about skipping it as an overly touristy destination in Northern Michigan, but after doing a little research, decided we had to figure it out for ourselves. Join us as we explore Mackinac Island and decide if it truly is the crown jewel of Michigan or simply overrated. #MackinacIsland
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_ ⏱️ AIRSTREAM VIDEO CONTENTS ________________________
00:00 - Is Mackinac Island Overrated?
00:23 - Where is Mackinac Island? #Northern Michigan
00:44 - Taking a ferry to Mackinac Island, Michigan
01:05 - About the Mackinac Bridge, the 5th longest suspension bridge in the world
01:35 - Breakfast from Lucky Bean Coffee House on Mackinac Island
02:35 - Renting a horse and buggy from Jack Livery Stable
04:20 - Downsides of renting a horse and buggy
06:00 - History of Mackinac Fort
07:14 - Grabbing lunch at The Gate House on Mackinac Island
07:30 - Getting lost biking Mackinac Island on a tandem bike
09:40 - Visiting Arch Rock on Mackinac Island
10:25 - Should you give a tandem bike a try?
11:20 - High Tea at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
12:38 - History of the National Landmark the Grand Hotel
13:20 - Should you stay in St. Ignace or Mackinac City?
13:50 - Would we come back to visit Mackinac Island again?
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🐴 Jack Livery Stable: www.jacksliverystable.com/
🍔 The Gate House: www.grandhotel.com/dining/the...
🏩 The Grand Hotel: www.grandhotel.com/
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[@markwilliams8488]

"IS MACKINAC ISLAND OVERRATED?: No, not by a long shot. We flew from Alaska to visit West and Northern Michigan in June, 2023. My wife's first island visit, my second (school field trip early 1970's was my first.) A highlight: The Pancake House deep fried whitefish - good grief; it's almost worth a trip from AK just for that. Lots to see on the island, even the Sheppler's Ferry was a pleasant adventure. Don't hesitate; just go, you'll so enjoy it!

[@ignition1991]

Awesome video. So fun! This is my favorite place on Earth. I am so glad you got to go and hang out. I encourage you to come back in every season and look for times to stay overnight.

[@Wanderlocal]

Thanks for joining us for the premier, ignition1991! We will definitely be back to Mackinac Island. Maybe even during the winter months. Lauren + Daniel

[@KayWolters-ok9jk]

Overnight is a must

[@SnowDogsVlogs]

I am so glad you guys made it to the Island, even if you didn't get to do it all! It's hard to pull off everything the island has to offer in one day, but it always leaves you many reasons to come back and do it again!

[@KayWolters-ok9jk]

Overnight makes it so much more fun expensive yes but worth it

[@killerjase1]

So many memories I use to work on that island about a decade ago man time flies. Was doing an internship during college days in hospitality. Meet some great people and friends.

[@janemiller7512]

My husband and I have traveled to the island just about every year of our 31 year marriage. We have taken our children to the Grand Hotel even when they were young! We have also stayed in other B&B’s and hotels. Our favorite is the Grand and Island House. Bringing your own bikes makes the interior or the island easier to traverse. This treasured oasis is not to be missed!

[@Bigheartrolling]

Omg! The horse and buggy ride! Lol.

[@susankula7709]

I have been to the island many many times and I NEVER get tired of it. I have even gone alone a couple times. Plenty to do.

[@vickiconard2258]

We did the horse and buggy too! Loved the island!!

[@Wanderlocal]

Yay! Wasn’t it a fun experience?!?!

[@C00lpenguin5]

My best friend and I are visiting Mackinac Island in late May 🌳

[@hammockinparadise]

Thank you for this! I grew up going to the UP of Michigan every year and your video brings happy memories. ❤️

[@Wanderlocal]

Hi, Expattravel! We're glad you enjoyed the video. You must have had an amazing childhood. This area is so beautiful! 😍Lauren + Daniel

[@XLC-zd8dn]

Its been so long since I was last at Mackinac Island. Now I want to make it a stop on one of our future travels.

[@Wanderlocal]

XL1200C2004 - You knew about this place, and didn't tell us? 🤣 Just kidding. We LOVED it here. You'll definitely have to stop the next time you're out this way. Oh, and someone just told us about a small blacksmith shop on the island where you can make your own knife from a horseshoe. And, apparently the fudge is amazing! 😍We're definitely coming back soon. L+D

[@XLC-zd8dn]

@@Wanderlocal - Totally checking that blacksmith out! I do remember the fudge being near world famous quality.

[@andysukosd8177]

You guys are so funny, the horse and buggy, OMG ! I am still laughing. Great video guy’s, love watching. Thank you so much for making me laugh.

[@michelleconcannon7584]

Congratulations! I had never driven a box truck either when we bought our Merced Class C. I wouldn’t tow our travel trailer either, that was another reason we switched. I really like the van is white and not silver. Exciting times!

[@fanychanan2667]

I always walk up the hill , beautiful view I so miss the island

[@joliettraveler]

What is really overrated is the dinner at the Grand Hotel. Not worth half the cost. Much better places to eat on the island.

[@fr33bird7891]

I just went in July and it was wonderful. There was way more to do than 1 day allows. The city had a lot to do as well. We also went to Whitefish Point.

[@hshalom9113]

Watchin however think the horse is the professional☺ 'Finally!' Horsey thunk it all when it walked away . . . lol 😂😂😂 Have fun. . .

[@njstan8188]

Living 20 miles south of the bridge. I'm always interested in what people think of our piece of heaven - northern Michigan.

[@williamwooten6156]

It sucks

[@rachaele349]

Great Mackinac Video! As a native Michigander I had no idea you could rent your own horse and buggy without experience. How fun! Yes please do come back! My husband is running a half marathon there in two weeks! Maybe next year for you and Daniel? Did you stay at Straits State Park?

[@rachaele349]

Oh and I’ve been snowmobiling over to the Island in the winter and it is in fact a once in a lifetime experience. It’s one of the top 5 favorite things I’ve done ever!

[@NomadDogAdventures]

So bummed I missed the premiere but so happy I can still watch! This video was simply amazing :) Mackinac is still some place I have yet to visit.

[@NomadDogAdventures]

Missing so much only means going back again 😜

[@Brvfan2012]

All just beautiful. Sorry I just drove by when I was up that way. Maybe next time

[@Wanderlocal]

Brvfan2012 - We totally get it! If it hadn't been for a few locals recommending Mackinac, we may have passed by as well. You'll definitely have to stop the next time you're in the area. It is SO worth it! L+D

[@markfancher5676]

A great teaching tool

[@tejaswitalla506]

Nice adventure.

[@catlover4331]

It's fun to go experience the hole island idea. Only issue I have is the hotels on the island are over priced but nothing you can do. It sells out all the time.

[@Wanderlocal]

Cat Lover - very interesting! Lauren + Daniel + Dash

[@Jason45G]

Once you stay on the island, you will ALWAYS stay on the island. During peak times after the crowds go back across on the ferries. That's when Mackinac truly becomes magical. I was wondering why the crowds seemed light. Then you said after labor day. It made sense. My wife and I are moving our trip from July this year to September or October.

[@larrysproul9424]

We always go just after labor day . You will enjoy it a bit more and the weather is still great .

[@Sabor724]

Hi Chicos G bless you its beutiful place super

[@WiltonWanderlust]

Amazing video as always! You guys do such a great job! Thank you for taking the time to learn about the island and give accurate facts and for learning how to spell and pronounce Mackinac! I used to live and work on the island in my 20's, so it's very sentimental and my favorite place on the planet! I worked at Hotel Iroquois, The Village Inn and Betty's Gifts, all during different summer seasons. Betty's Gifts went out of business 2 summers ago and there's something else in that spot now. All the employers provide employee housing, most of which is up in the middle of the island, so my commute involved plenty of exercise every day. I only live 36 miles away and I try to go back as often as possible. My husband and I were last there on August 4th. You definitely have to get a hotel room and stay more than one day to see everything there is to see, but you can also see a little more each time you go for a day trip, too, until you've seen it all. I'm glad you picked Lucky Bean Coffeehouse. Their coffee is wonderful! A tip for next time, try The Mustang Lounge for lunch. Their food is absolutely amazing! Of course, the food is good everywhere, though, so it's not like you can pick the wrong restaurant, lol! The title of this video scared me at first, though. I was definitely hoping you didn't think it was overrated, lol! Some people do, though. They call it a tourist trap and refuse to go. They don't know what they're missing! If you happen to be interested, I do have a playlist of videos I've made on Mackinac Island on my channel.

[@willdaxter]

Hello Wilton, what a beautiful story. I'm also going to work on the island this summer. Thanks for the advice. I'll also watch the videos on your list. Thank you!

[@FreeSpirit47]

An aspect that many people don't see, is that Mackinaw City, where the ferry's depart, has a different spelling to differentiate from the spelling of the Island of Mackinac. Much earlier, the island name was Mitchimakinak, was a sacred area with a large Native American population. Native Americans thought the island shape looked like a large turtle which is what mick means. When it was "owned" by France, many Native Americans were forced from the island. The French re-named the island Mitchillmackinac.

[@FreeSpirit47]

When England took possession of the island, the name was shortened to Mackinac Island. It was a very strategic military location, Fort Mackinac, when the USA took possession of the island. The US Army drove the remaining Native Americans off the island to be resettled onto reservations. During the construction of homes & hotels, the graves of over 1,000 people to include mostly Native Americans with some American soldiers or others who had died on the island. There were so many graves, the crews that were building homes, hotels & other structures, were told to keep building, right over top of the graves. This was deeply upsetting to the Native Americans, yet there was nothing they could do about it. Many people believe that desecrating the graves contributes to the constant hauntings that happen, mainly at The Grand Hotel where the most sacred lands of the Native Americans were & where most of the graves were.

[@LivingtheSilverLife]

We want to go there so bad!! One day. Looks like ya'll had a great time.

[@larrysproul9424]

We live in the area , Its a great tourist attraction however I have not done the horse and buggy ride .

[@billhazard4946]

To bad ya didn't stay on the island,after labor day the rates go down and it's a different world out there after majority of people leave. We go up for long weekend before color time it's worth doing some year. Thanks and stay safe

[@CommunityUUG]

I want to visit but I feel like I'm not fit enough. The walking and riding bike, especially uphill would be challenging for me. On top of that I'm asthmatic 😭 But it's so pretty there 🥺

[@Wanderlocal]

Hi, Nonya! We promise that you'd be fine. While we are always looking for the most extreme way to experience something, a majority of the people there simply rode the ferry across from the mainland to spend an enjoyable day walking the streets - while occasionally stopping at a cafe, local shop, or many other unique stops along the way. And, if you don't feel like walking, they have horse drawn carriages that are guided so you can learn about the history along the way. You'd have an amazing time here! We loved it and can't wait to go back! L+D

[@livelongandprospermary8796]

You can bring your own bike if you have one. Also recommend staying for at least 3 days on the island so you can spread your exploring out. That way you can nap in the hotel in between. You can also rent horses and explore a bit from atop a horse if you’re into that. They’re VERY tame horses (bigger = slower). I’ve been an amateur rider for abt 10 years but my husband had never been in a horse and he was fine. I also saw a horse bump into a bunch of bikes and he snorted and moved on. I was braved for a freak out but the horse didn’t care! (They do have helmets which I recommend as they make you more confident)

[@CC-si3cr]

I have asthma too! Depending how severe your asthma is there are things you can do to prepare for this trip. Outline a plan with your doctor and start working out with a trainer. If you truly want to walk the entire time you are there it is possible to have a great time.

[@KayWolters-ok9jk]

Take a carriage ride and learn the history and see most of the sites

[@greyferguson9319]

Have been there many times, have spent a night or more also. Harbor/marina is very busy. Week ends and summer holidays are so crowded. Good to rent bike and get away from people. Disappointing when all the elites and Islanders show up...hoity toity & all their dogs. Go off season and midweek.

[@Wanderlocal]

Hi, Grey! Lauren and I (Daniel) were just talking about that. We talked to a few locals who said that we should come back in the winter. They said it looks like a winter wonderland - people playing hockey on the ice, snowmobiles, and lots of 'cool' stuff to do! It's on our list.

[@canadafragrancereviewerdia9119]

What a beautiful island. The hotel is so gorgeous but did you know that they say its haunted, i guess the whole island is in places. But i still want to go.

[@sjfranklin50]

I have worked at the Grand Hotel on the night shift as security and i can honestly say that there is no haunting going on at the hotel. It is just hype that has been passed on from year to year to try and attract people to the hotel.

[@danabe3220]

Those horse farts are non toxic to breathe unlike car exhaust. Give me a horse and buggy any day.

[@joslyn_s]

No fudge?! Whattttt!!

[@Wanderlocal]

😭Joslyn, you are so right! We passed the fudge place, but ran out of time before we had to catch the ferry back. We'll DEFINITELY get fudge next time!!! L+D

[@KayWolters-ok9jk]

You can mail order it Murdock s. Brown and white checker the best

[@Nikkiv4u]

I've been there about a dozen times as a Michigander. I will say, I'm surprised you got drone footage. If you didn't get permission, I suggest removing those shots - big fines possible.

[@Wanderlocal]

Hi, Nick! Thanks for the heads up. We genuinely appreciate it. In our travels we see a lot of people flying without the proper permissions or licensing. We're good to go on our end. Oh, and isn't this place amazing?! We'll definitely be back one day. We've heard it's a cool place to visit in the winter. Have you ever been around this time of year? L+D

[@Nikkiv4u]

@@Wanderlocal No, I stay below the thumb when it starts snowing. Lol Pro tip for the next time you are there: check out Forge a Memory. It is a little blacksmith shop that teaches you how to make your own knife out of a horseshoe. Soo coooll!!!

[@Wanderlocal]

😍 This is Daniel. Making your own knife out of a horseshoe - yes, please!!!! That sounds amazing and would be such a cool experience. We would definitely have to film that. Thanks for the recommendation! You’re awesome. 🙌

[@Nikkiv4u]

@@Wanderlocal Cheers bud, have fun on your travels! If you will still be in northern Michigan this weekend, my girlfriend and I are vending at an event that would make for some killer content - in Traverse City. She runs a female-only Facebook group with ~ 18k members.

[@Wanderlocal]

I wish we were. We’d definitely love to come. We’re slowly making our way to NYC for the marathon on November 7th. 😬 Wish us luck. 🙌

[@LaFamiliaguild]

Why audio so loud?

[@MrGeorgewf]

Terrible loud music.😮

[@leighmartin853]

Y’all are so cute! But that hair! D! The mullet has to go!!! 😂😂

[@greghanson5864]

What? Mackinaw island no fudge?! Turn around!

[@joslyn_s]

I know! No fudge?!

[@Wanderlocal]

Right, Greg and Joslyn! 😭We're so sad that we missed it. This just gives us a reason to come back soon! L+D

[@tonyjacobo3020]

What the fudge!!! You guys didn’t get the fudge? Lol

[@Wanderlocal]

Haha Tony, I know right? Just another reason we have to go back! 😍

[@bobchooper114]

Butterfly house, food, bars, horse crap, horse piss, bikes, fudge, chocolate strawberries, and a whole lot more 😋

[@Wanderlocal]

😂 That is one heck of an abbreviated way to outline everything there - BUT YOU NAILED IT! Lauren + Daniel

[@MsSITFan]

PLEASE correct your video - his name is Christopher REEVE (not Reeves)! Chris used to correct people, saying "I put the S on my chest", so as his friend, I now do so in his memory.

[@Leeeeem]

Horses look depressed.

[@melissasirek6388]

I thought you were going to say first thing first......getting fudge. lol Not coffee.

[@Wanderlocal]

🤣 Every day starts with coffee for me! Daniel

[@bethhudson7318]

Will not return until city council allows REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION for disabled folks (like me) who require Class 2 e-assist. Town denied me, even with a letter of medical necessity.

[@Wanderlocal]

That is sad. We've been in European cities where accessibility is a much bigger priority than we see here in the states. We're big advocates for people with disabilities and we support you!!! ❤️

[@bethhudson7318]

Filed a claim w Michigan ACLU. Look up Bertrand v. Mackinaw Island - precedent has already been established - hope they take the case!

[@CC-si3cr]

7:58 Uh, that sign! How did you just stop in front of it and not say anything??? "INJURE / KILL A WORKER $ 7500 + 15 YEARS" WHAT?! What if it was an accident? Why is this even a sign???

[@Wanderlocal]

Good catch!

[@VKrulikoski]

You eat hay and water and see how you smell. Lol! :)

[@Wanderlocal]

🤣 Vicki, you made us both laugh out loud. Great comment! 🙌 Lauren + Daniel

[@pahanin2480]

Super overrated

[@Wanderlocal]

Pahanin - as much as we loved it, there are definitely people that share your sentiment. We genuinely appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. 🙏 Lauren + Daniel

[@joebeach6289]

Coming from someone who's a local, absolutely it's overrated.

[@williamwooten6156]

And over priced and boring asf

[@joebeach6289]

@@williamwooten6156 yes sir very accurate.

[@superh2923]

😂😂😂

[@lyleschull6516]

Overrated it's just a great place to visit time and time again

[@MrGeorgewf]

Music is loud and annoying.

[@Wanderlocal]

Sorry about that! It gets better in future videos.

[@TrueWalker88]

I really dislike bloggers who make these sensational clickbait video titles. Just be sincere. You don't have to degrade yourself for money.

[@704ab]

Meh. Horsesht Island. LOL.

[@bettystallard3601]

dull

[@Wanderlocal]

Hi, Betty! Thank you for taking the time to watch our video, and comment. We genuinely appreciate it. We know we're not everyones cup of tea, but we do thank you for giving us a try. Lauren + Daniel

[@maggiesomewhere4800]

Just returned from the island and I would have to say it is very overrated. I realize you expect to pay a lot for food but every single thing there is to do cost money there. The island was overcrowded in this video does not show that. I am a super animal lover, but some of the places like Mission Point were ruined by all the dog crap that was in the grass really decide before you go to find out from people who have been there if this is a trip worth taking. I would say no more than 3 days and you will be bored and out of cash

[@KHH-87]

Wow, is her voice annoying……..