Tuesday, October 6th, 2020
Today we were going to spend the day on Mackinac Island and the weather was perfect. We took an early ferry and Matilda was not thrilled about the ride. Our ferry ride to the island included a ten minute detour under the Mackinac Bridge.
As we got close to the dock on Mackinac Island we passed the Round Island Passage Light and the Round Island Light which are located about 4 tenths of a mile apart.
Round Island Light 
Round Island Passage Light 
Looking at the lights from the island. 
Zooming in on the lights from Mackinac Island.
We walked along the main street and headed up toward Fort Mackinac. Since we had the dog we walked around the fort but didn’t go in. We also walked past the Governor of Michigan’s summer residence.
Fort Mackinac 
Michigan Governor’s summer residence
We then started walking toward the Arch Rock. Our walk took us by some beautiful homes along the waterfront.
When we were at the top of one of our climbs we looked out over Mackinac Island and Lake Huron. The view was spectacular and the lake water looked like the waters of the Caribbean.
Our walk included passing by Mission Church which was built in 1829 and is the state’s oldest surviving church. St. Anne’s Catholic Church was also on our walk and it was built in the 1880s during the Victorian period. Many weddings are held in the church.
Mission Church 
St. Anne’s Catholic Church
Since it was late in the season the Mackinac Harbor was not busy at all.
We were very careful to keep our social distance and wear our masks. We had pizza to go and ate it on a park bench! Matilda was quite interested in our lunch!
Since we already walked just shy of 6 miles we decided to take a carriage tour. It took us around the island. The horses scared Matilda. She hid behind our legs when a horse was near and there were quite a few that she saw!
The historic Grand Hotel is a famous landmark on the island. It was built in the late 1800s and boasts about its world’s largest porch.
Arch Rock was a favorite stop for us. It is a natural rock bridge made of limestone.
looking out from Arch Rock 
Arch Rock
We left not long before the last ferry back to St. Ignace. Matilda was just as thrilled going back as she was on our ride over to the island. She was happy to get in the car and head back to our campsite to watch the sunset again.
We walked out on the dock. 
Matilda enjoyed the new smells.
After our busy day on Mackinac Island, we enjoyed the relaxation of the campfire!
Thank you for another virtual vacation it’s so nice of you to share!! Brings back wonderful memories.