Great Lakes Cruise Destination: Mackinac Island

>ride, all of which are readily available on the island.
Mackinac Island, makes a wonderful a brilliantGreat Lakes cruise passengers will find that
destination, and lucky passengers on Great Lakesbesides touring the fort or shopping, there is
cruises often get to stop there.always a trip to sample the world famous
Mackinac Island is a jewel in the middle of theMackinac Island Fudge which is made fresh daily in
Great Lakes and is a port of call for many Greatan island shop. The historic areas of town also
Lakes cruises. The island is located nearly in thehost regular demonstrations of early American
center of the Great Lakes waterway, making itcrafts, and Great Lakes cruisers might find the
an easy stop for Great Lakes cruise ships.tour of the island's reputedly haunted locations
Centuries ago Mackinac Island was recognized byinteresting.
the natives as a holy place, a place to meet andIf passengers haven't had enough of cruising the
bury their most important and honored chiefs.Great Lakes, there are higher observation points
The first Europeans visited the island in the 1600s.where one can look down on the harbor area and
These were explorers, missionaries and furwatch the flow of Great Lakes cruise ships and
traders, the famed "Voyageurs" of that era.local ferries as they bring passengers on and off
Today, Great Lakes cruise ships regularly stopthe island.
and let passengers visit and tour the island fortThen there is the butterfly house. Many people
along with the host of local shops and businessesdon't know that the 3rd oldest live butterfly
that line the main street. There is also ferryexhibit in the country is located on Mackinac Island.
service available from the mainland for those whoThis is an 1800 square foot tropical garden filled
want to visit but have no interest in cruising thewith hundreds of different butterflies. A butterfly
Great Lakes. There are several ferry serviceshouse is odd thing to find in a Northern climate,
available and both luxury cruise ships and localand Mackinaw Island is perhaps an even odder
ferries regularly stop here.location to find it, but this is an exhibit that is well
Mackinac Island is non-motorized, meaning thatworth the visit. It's this type of unique flavor that
motorized vehicles are restricted to emergencymakes Great Lakes Cruises different from any
uses only. So Great Lakes cruisers should plan toothers.
walk or rent bicycles, horses, or catch a buggy