Mackinac Island

History

Mackinac Island has an early written history (1887) made by a son of an Ottawa chief and a certified interpreter for the government of the United States. Andrew Blackbird explains how an independent, small tribe, Mi-shi-ne-macki naw-go, became united with Ottawa located in north Lake Huron. Mi-shi-ne-macki naw-go was virtually defeated by Senecas of New York one winter. There were only two people who ran away by hiding in a natural cave situated in the island. To honor the tribe, the Chippewas and Ottawas named the town “Mi-shi-ne-macki-nong”. John R. Bailey, MD of Fort Mackinac made his history known in 1895 called “Mackinac formerly Michilimackinac”, explaining a number of the early recorded existence of French traders on Mackinac, with a huge party of Ottawas and Huron going to Three Rivers in the year 1654, as well as an adventurer who made a canoe voyage in the year 1665.

Area and Climate

Known to be America’s “all-natural” theme park, Mackinac Island has escaped the enormous transformation of time, with limitation to transportation of foot, bike, buggy, and horse and is surrounded by water.

The town’s Victorian image is improved and maintained by a populace of 500 residents, as well as summer residents, thus preserving bluff cottages in their earliest state. Children simply adore their somewhat brand new “mobility”, discovering the natural and historic appeal of Mackinac Island State Park that is admired and credited as among the 10 finest in the US by National Geographic.

Here, you will find that the residents are gracious and warm even during the place’s short, yet one-of-a-kind cross country and winter holiday season. You are sure to get great deals during fall, winter and spring; however, the fun just never stops when it comes to putting a new standpoint in the idea of relaxation.

The town receives 27” of rain each year, which is lower than the US average of 37”. It receives 60” of snowfall yearly, which is higher than what an average US city receives every year (25”). Mackinac Island has 159 sunny days, with July having the highest temperature of about 75 degrees and January having the lowest temperature of 12 degrees.

Real Estate and Cost of Living

The approximate value of a condo or home in 2000 was $189,800 and $208,417 in 2011.

2011’s mean cost for all home units was $407,415, $354,741 for townhomes and attached units, $145,121 for mobile homes, $425,895 for detached homes, $308,517 for 2-unit structures, $345,527 for 3- to 4-unit structures, and $580,486 for 5-unit structures or more.

The town’s cost of living in March 2012 was 87.7, which is lower than the US average of 100.

Lifestyle and Things to Do

For pure and absolute splendor and beauty, you can explore the Mackinac State Park, which is among the most astounding gems of Mother Nature. Its natural wonders consist of abundant rolling forests; snowshoe adventures; dazzling vistas that overlook the sparkling waters; cross country skiing; tall limestone bluffs; and horseback, hiking and biking trails.

Established 3 years subsequent to Yellowstone, Mackinac Island State Park is the 2^nd national park of the United States and has more than 80% of the whole landmass of the island and is open throughout the year for free.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is the biggest and oldest buggy and horse livery worldwide and is Mackinac State Park’s official tour. Delight in the narrated trip through downtown, where you’ll get off the 2-horse hitch to enjoy the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, as well as the carriage museum. Then there is the 3-hitch carriage that will take you to Arch Rock going to Boreal forest, having stopovers at the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac.

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World and Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory are two more places you shouldn’t miss. Both have butterflies in different colors and sizes that dance among the tropical plants.

Floor Plans