The Untold Truth about Mackinac Island ❄️ Life on the Island in the Winter

[@greenthumb8266]

8:02 that is quite literally my grandson Brendon in Doud’s store , imagine my surprise just randomly watching this in 2023 and see my grandson lol.

[@RestlessViking]

It must have been a little crazy!

[@cindyirish8671]

"Ride like the winded..." This was great!

[@cd6243]

😂😂😂 that was funny

[@andygrow6814]

I sure do miss it up there. Spent the first half of my life living on the island about 2/3 of the year...and winter was HANDS DOWN my favorite time. Sure wish we would have had fat bikes back then!

[@nancyaustin9516]

I’ve been to the island in May, around Mother’s Day a couple times-you’ve convinced me I should go in the winter! I would never go at the height of summer-too many people.

[@marymcguffin9370]

I live in Michigan all my life I got married on the island during the winter, it was beautiful, snow shimmered like crystals the sun was bright, and the sky was sooo beautiful, and it was cold but the beauty was breathtaking, the marriage didn't last but the memories of Mackinaw in the winter will last forever, I love Mackinaw island ❤

[@JillianSiobhanMal]

Wow touching story even tho it turned out different. I hope you go back after a group of us are going to be investing into the Island pretty heavily. Lots of renovations and COLORS 😁👏🏻. Blessings to ya!

[@D-Martin]

I've always wondered what the island was like in winter. Thanks for giving us a look!

[@RestlessViking]

Our pleasure!

[@mianelson882]

I love living in Michigan. Amazing people. Someone payed his toll but he left the money as a tip for the man. What an amazing community.

[@NativeNatureoutdooradventure]

Love it too Michigan is sweet

[@bethknighten1736]

I live in the Great Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. I'm native and yes it does take a special breed to be able to live in the Great Northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I hope you get a chance to come in the summer as well! There's a Lot of Amazing places to visit and things to Learn about! God bless your Journeys 😇🙏

[@brookeshaffer4377]

So thrilled to know those hard working horses get a reprieve from the asphalt and tourists.They certainly deserve this Thanks for another interesting video👍

[@davidskinner7951]

I worked on the island during the '96 and '97 summer seasons. I miss the representation of people from around the world working together and building lifelong relationships and memories

[@knknn7286]

Worked an end of season in 85 and agree

[@notnek202]

Worked at the Grand Hotel 85 & 86 summer seasons.

[@rogered5499]

I love your attention to local details and how you talk positively towards each other

[@timothydavis5026]

I was a little kid when my grandpa taught me, as a true Michigander, you should always pay the toll for the vehicle behind you on the bridge. Every time I cross, as long as I have the money for it, I do just that and think of him fondly.

[@mykel7691]

Thank you for this! I’ve always been curious about Mackinac in the winter.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@JillianSiobhanMal]

Wow thanks for the rare peek into the winter on the island! 👏🏻🇺🇸

[@mollypitcher9380]

1- nice personalities 2- excellent editing 3- what a farce Covid was 🌸

[@johnmcleod5123]

The new world order is not kidding and not gonna stop. World wide depopulation

[@LisaHouserman]

I agree on ALL points that you made especially point number 3! I mean, I have no words, which is rare LMAO.

[@YeOldeTraveller]

Glad you didn't lose anyone to the farce. I lost several, but I guess that is also a farce as far you are concerned.

[@deekang6244]

Not to those of us who lost family.

[@jacquelinevanbierk]

The people on the island are amazing, such a great community. I have not been there in the winter, but I live in Mackinaw City, the lake looks stunning frozen over. 😊. The island is so magical, especially all the hiking trails and all the beautiful mansions. I do prefer it off season though 😅 Great video! Thank you.

[@YeOldeTraveller]

Winter is a magical season in many places. If you ever get the chance to see Yellowstone in Winter, take it. The experience is unlike any other visit to that park.

[@billhazard4946]

Absolute Dreamland in the winter, use to ride the ice bridge out in the winter on sleds, spent our honeymoon out there in the 70s ,rented horse's Sharon's left the top of the island flat out to stable didn't see her for an hour. Great times!!!

[@RestlessViking]

That’s pretty awesome!

[@alexpatyababa5221]

Dude you crack me UP! Your videos are amazing an so comforting, so many good memories being up north with my Dad, truly love this state. Will be watching more!

[@RestlessViking]

Wow Dude! Thanks a lot, I appreciate you.

[@SonjasSEAcrets]

Love the island and this view of it makes me want to go in winter now! Thanks!

[@enabrawner71]

Went every summer as a child, but a month on the island is on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing! 🐞

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks for watching!

[@therashiko]

Happened upon your video and it reminded me of the trip my wife and I made up there at the same time. I was the guy standing by the Pontiac Lodge waiting for our taxi to the airport around the ten minute mark. Recognized you straight away on here. What a coincidence! Been visiting Mackinac for years and we're planning to move in for keeps in a few years, but that was our first time up in the off season at winter. Hopefully you can enjoy the place again sometime soon!

[@RestlessViking]

Wow!! I remember that! You made the video (at least your voice). Moving in for keeps? Nice! I think that would be very enjoyable! Great to see you again! LOL!

[@paulharwood1281]

Excellent video I never really gave it a lot of thought about life on the island in the winter and the history about the Forts.

[@Roger-hp1yg]

That was an awesome video thanks for sharing. Mackinac Island one of my favorite places to go to in the spring n summer. Thank you again for the video.

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks Roger!

[@cd6243]

I absolutely love mackinac island-- we went every summer and stayed at the grand hotel 😊 🙏🏻 it was awesome

[@MainlightDrone]

That was super interesting! Loved it!

[@RestlessViking]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@juli6497]

I LOVE that you don't do peak tourist season stuff. These are adventures for those of us that LIVE here full time. Thanks so much. :)

[@RestlessViking]

Glad you like them! And thanks for watching!

[@Ellis1127]

Ride like the “winded” 👏👏👏 awesome episode!

[@amypullman6644]

My favorite tour yet! Keep them coming. I may just make this trek myself. Thank you for your personal and candid island tour! 11/11/23

[@campana317]

this video is great! been here multiple times in the summer. definitely have to make a winter trip!

[@RestlessViking]

It is a completely different experience!

[@pegelliott4058]

Thank you I have lived & worked on the island during the season for several yrs. Going & spending g Christmas is on bucket list!

[@RestlessViking]

Happy holidays!

[@jeffreybrege7672]

Having grown up nearby I always wondered what it was like their in winter.Thanks for this....

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks for watching!

[@totoed82]

great winter visit. thanks for sharing. enjoyed it.

[@adidas20zero]

Oh yes thank you!!!!

[@billhazard4946]

Awesome video Viking, rest of the country needs to see why Michigan such a great state thanks Chuck have a safe one

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks Bill!

[@wendellellison3482]

Wonderful video. A winter visit has been on my list for a few years now. Gotta make it happen.

[@RestlessViking]

Yeah! We hope you do!

[@lisamarie9506]

Thanks for the memories! Back in college I took a job on the island. I met great people but by the fall I was ready to escape "Macatraz". Worked Key West that winter and then left the gypsy life. I've been back a few times but never in winter. Looks like fun! Take care you two

[@slippery1958]

Been to Mackinac Island several times in the winter. Went across the ice on a snowmobile.

[@mattnoble655]

I love you videos, Keep them coming,. Having grown up in Michigan you two do the things that I have not been able to do. I also am a lot warmer lol Good Stuff

[@dive7mmwet]

Winter it's so cold there! We love to scoot over in summer, and before the Grand hotel was sold personally knew the owner Dan!! haven't returned since COVID! Too crowded ☹️

[@RestlessViking]

Very crowded in the summer. In the winter, we get a chance to meet the islanders, which is such a different perspective of the island.

[@catlover4331]

Can't afford to stay at the Grand Hotel Minimum $650 + a night. They also have an evening dress code after 6:30 pm. Not interested in that either. Reserve a yr ahead and you can find savings.

[@dougreynolds2813]

thanks for showing me things i never took the time to see.

[@mr9c1driver59]

We have stayed in that suite twice, once in June and once in December when they lit the tree. I hope you were able to hit the Mustang Lounge and the Rusted Spoke Bar. Great video.

[@RestlessViking]

Only the mustang was open, cause of the restrictions, etc.

[@DestinationsDelight]

New to the channel thus is such a awesome place to visit and enjoy.

[@locoj7036]

Always wondered about the island in the winter. Thank you

[@kevinbalcom1696]

my favorite video ! ( so far ) thanx for all the shared info ! please keep doing what you do

[@RestlessViking]

Thanks!

[@midlifetravelers6151]

Many years ago, we flew over in February and stayed at the hotel on the east part of the island. Mission Point? Then we were invited to the high school basketball and girls volleyball that played back to back. Then my high school kids were invited to their winter dance and they got rides back to our rooms on the residents snow mobiles. It was quite the winter experience.

[@RestlessViking]

That actually sounds like a good time. Especially visiting with the locals.

[@berlin_berlin_11]

Good one

[@johnnyhensler]

Thank You For Sharing ❤️

[@paulbalogh4582]

Best time to be there!

[@zacharywalters8139]

I played soccer for Cheboygan with the guy who sold you the tickets 😂. I've spent many summers on that beautiful island!

[@RestlessViking]

😂🤣

[@HFarms1955]

I worked on the fur trading building in the late 80's. Got there on a Monday, took 3 days to get material from the dock. Boss was mad and locals told us not to piss the delivery people off!!! Boss did, didn't get our material for another week. Horses names were PD AND DANNO. My nickname was pd, and my buddies name was Dan, we called him danno. All went well after these pleasant stories were exchanged!! Best construction site i ever worked on in my 29 years!!

[@badapple65]

Went there as a kid with my parents and two brothers and it poured rain non-stop. We cut the stay short. 3 boys with nothing much to do drove our parents nuts. I’ve always meant to return someday.

[@MrBradleyDavid]

I’m sold! I may bring the whole family to the island this coming Christmas/New Years, as I saw that video too. My awesome wife with a cute pet name (Hot Date) and I did a trip to Tahquamenon falls two winters ago. Who knows? We may hit Beaver Island now that we know it’s a plane ride away.

[@nycsox987]

Awesome video. Neat.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

Our family tradition is to roll all windows down when you cross the Bridge. This prevents taking the foul lower peninsula air to the U.P. We do this no matter what time of year and no matter what the weather is doing. I've had a lot of cold winter crossings.

[@2011griz]

nice look into winter in da U.P. [ well, it's neither above or below the bridge ... but close enough i guess. ] ;) nice vid you guys ... thanks once again for doing this.

[@matthewgross6958]

Great adventure! On my bucket list.

[@RestlessViking]

Its an interesting place in winter for sure.

[@LadyYoop]

Pure awesomeness! Pure Michigan eh!

[@RestlessViking]

😂😂

[@paulbalogh4582]

Mac in the winter is the BEST!

[@texmex124]

The market was very well stocked

[@catlover4331]

Was just there last month August. Loved it. We stayed at Mission Point. Everything is very expensive in the summer. Winter looks great just no shopping. 👍

[@RestlessViking]

We do save some money in the winter without the shops being open. 😅

[@Chadswonderfulwalkingtours]

Great meeting ya today. I'd love to show ya Mackinac Island

[@RestlessViking]

Even greater meeting you sir! We might take you up on that. We'd absolutely love a tour with the second best tour guide of the Island

[@Chadswonderfulwalkingtours]

@@RestlessViking Of course !!!

[@brucelachniet8698]

William McSauba 1843-1932 BIRTH 15 OCTOBER 1843 • Pine River, Mackinac County, Michigan DEATH 5 MARCH 1932 • Suttons Bay, Leelanau, Michigan great-grandfather

[@LiveLaughRV]

Loved this winter tour. The island sure looks different and quiet compared to summer. We'll be visiting mid to late August. Any suggestions for island lodging for a night or two?

[@RestlessViking]

We stayed at the Pontiac Lodge. Pretty good digs. But, that is the extent of our knowledge LOL. A room with a view (of all the action in summer) was kind of nice. Being downtown seemed like it had its own charm and in summer, it would be an interesting place to watch the crowds and boats.

[@marymarkovski5248]

Love the Island in winter. The best!

[@tommyg5729]

interesting, I think I would enjoy the quiet and solitude. give me time to finish the book Ive never started.

[@RestlessViking]

LOL.

[@christianholliday2370]

We've taken the fort! 😆

[@RestlessViking]

😄

[@RawRanch]

They deserve this great rest.

[@marianacamplese9519]

I want to visit would love to visit. Look like fun. You two are so cute together.

[@RestlessViking]

Thank you 🤗

[@joshstephens7683]

Great video. We are staying @ the pontiac lodge soon, what room number was this?

[@RestlessViking]

Excellent! We stayed in Suite 30. I think it was the largest suite they have. Have a great trip!

[@DH-tp9ns]

Wow, this looks like a fun trip, the wife and I have to try. It looks like you started out at the Casino correct? We're going in September, then we'll plan our winter trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@RestlessViking]

We did stay at the casino, but only because it was the only hotel available that night. We arrived after midnight and left early. . .

[@jillmackie6012]

Nice to watch on a HOT day. 😅

[@RestlessViking]

😂😂😅

[@Lvaladez114]

❤😉

[@RustyorBroken]

Sounded like a Pete Rose rookie card in the spokes of that bike.

[@RestlessViking]

Noisy aren't they?

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

You are grumpy host but I ended up liking your no nonsense approach. Please be nice to female, Poppins? Looking forward to more of your expeditions. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimwright5828]

“Be nice to female!” 😂

[@douglasreed5685]

your wife is wonderful! you are a lucky guy1

[@troymilks7342]

Hokey Pete! Wine and cooking?! You haven’t sold out to the popular overlanding template have you???

[@RestlessViking]

Yeah - a little bit in this video. But, there is yet to be a template! LOL.

[@SoCalFreelance]

Visions of The Shining kept entering my mind for some reason 🤔

[@RestlessViking]

😂

[@GearheadRob319]

'Poppins" Lol

[@jimwright5828]

Could you add a little more information on Major Holmes? I think he deserved a little more than you gave him.

[@markfancher5676]

You forgot the cheese with your wine

[@texmex124]

How much was the suite in your hotel

[@704ab]

Mackinac is Winter is a bunch of intoxicated people on snowmobiles with trailers going over the ice to St. Ignace to buy food and supplies. The whole 'no motor vehicles' thing ends when the tourists leave ;)

[@mattwoody1089]

So nice to be an american

[@NativeNatureoutdooradventure]

My uncle owns a restaurant on Mackinac island

[@shirleyanderson8441]

How did he get a car on Mackinac Island?

[@texmex124]

Was there any heat in the bike shop….the employee was full gear coat and gloves

[@RestlessViking]

No. It isn't open in the winter. They will meet you there for a bike rental reservation though.

[@texmex124]

@@RestlessViking just found your channel this morning. Will enjoy watching all the other videos, as life slows down this winter. I did like and subscribed

[@7rays]

“Change Oil Soon”

[@alanboulee5453]

Is there a horse fairy? (spelling intentional)

[@livenfree]

How do they get all those horses off of the island?,

[@RestlessViking]

By boat. They have cargo boats that run back and forth. They start taking horses off in August right after the peak season.

[@susanrooney4702]

Is Poppins her real name? Please and thank you!

[@RestlessViking]

It is, but it isn't here legal name. ;-)

[@judithryle2113]

Suprised the horses don’t wear blankets

[@jodyrewa688]

Is that your lucky hat?

[@RestlessViking]

Haha! Kind of. I’m resistant to change. It is actually reasonable unlucky, but Poppins and my daughter got it for me years ago. I promised to wear it for a long time. ;-)

[@judithryle2113]

Looks miserably cold

[@seanjones2456]

"It's one degree outside." fart sound

[@SteveandSusiesHomestead]

Wow No beard

[@judithryle2113]

No thanks. I hate being cold

[@edbiernot4852]

Can't watch with masks on, political statement