In the photo at left, Mackinac Island is known for buildings with beautiful architecture. However, it also has 70 miles of trails. In the photo at right, This is a view of Mackinac Island’s bike path from an overlook. Cycling is a popular island pastime. (Photos courtesy of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau)

By CHRISTIE MASTRIC

Journal Staff Writer

MACKINAC ISLAND — The Michigan island noted for fudge, not allowing cars and the cult movie “Somewhere in Time” is preparing to welcome visitors later this month as the busy tourist season begins.

“There is something special about the excitement that comes with the start of another season and welcoming visitors back to Mackinac Island,” said Tim Hygh, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau executive director, in a news release. “This year we’re celebrating a number of exciting anniversaries that demonstrate the deep history and culture of the island, and our island community has been hard at work planning a special season for guests.”

One of the island’s most notable happenings this season is the 125th anniversary of the motorized vehicle ban. In fact, Mackinac Island’s 8.2-mile M-185 is the only state highway in the U.S. where motorized vehicles aren’t allowed, according to Mackinac Island Tourism, which represents the bureau and the Mackinac Island Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Steph Castelein, events and marketing coordinator of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, said events commemorating the anniversary will be announced later in the season.

“We’re just putting an emphasis kind of back on the horses,” Castelein said, with the vehicle ban being the biggest part of the island being a horse-driven community. “It’s something that, obviously, Mackinac Island is recognized for. People want to see a place that doesn’t have vehicles.”

Mackinac Island also will mark the 75th anniversary of the Lilac Festival, commemorating the island’s signature blooms, many of which were planted over two centuries ago, Mackinac Tourism said. This year’s 10-day celebration, set for June 9-18, will include a parade, a 10K run and walk, daily walking tours, line dancing with the West Michigan Bootscooters and more.

“The lilacs on the island are just amazing,” Castelein said. “They grow uniquely and just very, very well with the whole island being a limestone rock. So, they just thrive in the cool climate with the winds and cool air coming from the lake.”

She said over 200 lilac varieties grow throughout the island, with the biggest concentration found on Marquette Park.

Mackinac Island, surrounded by Lake Huron, also will welcome back many events throughout the season, including the annual Fudge Festival, Fourth of July Fireworks Display, W.T. Rabe Stone Skipping Contest, Bayview Mackinac Race, Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac and others.

Another celebration this season is the 125th anniversary of Mackinac Island’s Wawashkamo Golf Club. As one of Michigan’s oldest golf courses, visitors can play through history on the links-style golf course located on the grounds of the Battle of 1814, Mackinac Tourism said. This summer there will be an official celebration on Aug. 3-5 commemorating the history of the course.

A Mackinac Island favorite, the Pink Pony, also is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The iconic restaurant will debut a special 75th anniversary logo featured on staff uniforms, pint glasses and more items available for purchase at the Pink Pony Store and online. Mackinac Tourism suggests people try a specialty anniversary drink and watch for announcements about a celebration in the fall.

“They’re just a classic place to stop at on the island,” said Castelein said, who noted that dining options include outdoor seating by the water.

Upgrades underway

Mackinac Island Tourism said resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other properties have been upgrading amenities, renovating spaces and preparing for guests to arrive this spring.

≤ The Chippewa Hotel has upgraded in-room technology, added new mattresses, updated bathrooms and is working on other enhancements such as fresh paint and revamped flooring.

≤ Fort Mackinac’s Post Commissary building is being renovated to serve as the new home for the Fort Mackinac Museum Store. A temporary theater will reside in the former museum store featuring “The Heritage of Mackinac” movie.

≤ The Grand Hotel is introducing a range of updates across the property including Cedar Grove, a new BMX track, miniature golf at the Gem and a new greenhouse. It will also celebrate the grand opening of Mackinac Island Pizza Co., expanded outdoor seating at Woods Restaurant and The Jockey Club, and interior decor updates.

≤ The Inn at Stonecliffe will remain closed for the season while work on an extensive renovation is underway. Reservations are expected to open for 2024.

≤ The Island House Hotel’s Ice House BBQ and 1852 Grill Room are welcoming refreshed spaces, including new floors and updated menus. The hotel has completed renovations to corridors and will stream a new documentary telling the story of Island House Hotel in all rooms.

≤ Lilac Tree Suites will debut its newly upgraded front desk and lobby area this season. It also has focused on cosmetic updates over the winter, including upgrading showers.

≤ Mackinac Island State Harbor will welcome a new, fully accessible building just off the east end of Main Street complete with new bathrooms, showers and a laundry facility available to people using the harbor’s boat slips. The project, led by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is expected to be completed later this summer and will open in late July.

≤ Mission Point Resort is debuting a complete renovation of the Main Lodge lobby to create “Mackinac Island’s Newest Living Room” complete with revitalized decor, new furniture, revamped bell stand operations and more. Round Island Kitchen has also undergone major enhancements of the patio deck seating and renovations of the interior space.

≤ Patrick Doud’s Irish Pub is making its debut on Main Street this season. Fifth-generation islanders Andrew and Nicole Doud are celebrating the history of Mackinac Island’s original founders by dedicating the pub to Patrick, who built the building where the pub resides, as well as many others on the island.

Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry will both resume full service to and from the island on April 21.

Castelein said the ferries will begin a week before the opening of some hotels to give staff a chance to retrain.

Mackinac Island, though, is more than hotels.

She said 80% of the island is a state park: Mackinac Island State Park, with 70 miles of trails as well as opportunities to ride horses and gaze at sunsets.

“We’re expecting a busy summer,” Castelein said. “It’s a place to go explore.”

For more information and to stay up-to-date on season updates, packages, general happenings and more, visit www.mackinacisland.org

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.