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Life on Mackinac Island – Mackinac Island Public Schools

Mackinac Island, named #1 Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure Magazine, is a popular vacation destination, but it’s also home to a thriving community. That’s right, many visitors don’t realize that around 500 year-round residents call Mackinac Island home. It’s not just a great place…

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5 money-saving tips for visiting Mackinac Island on a budget

An experience of Mackinac Island is priceless. Still, it can feel good to save a little money here and there when we can. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to keep costs in check while visiting Mackinac Island. From free things to do on Mackinac Island to money-saving tips that stretch your…

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How Mackinac Island gets electricity

Ever wonder how Mackinac Island gets electricity? After all, there’s no power plant on Mackinac Island. No massive installation of solar panels. Instead, Mackinac Island gets power from cables running under the water from St. Ignace, several miles away on the mainland. That’s pretty much the same…

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5 ways of getting to Mackinac Island from Pittsburgh

It’s an 8-hour drive from Pittsburgh to the Mackinac Island ferry docks in Mackinaw City, at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. From there it’s just a short ferry ride to the “Crown Jewel of the Great Lakes.” You could leave tomorrow morning and be here in time for dinner and a magical Mackinac…

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10 ‘Supernatural’ Sights to See in Mackinac Island State Park

Not only does Mackinac Island feel like a world away from the daily routine of life. Some of the incredible sights in Mackinac Island State Park actually look as if they’re out of this world. While there are perfectly natural causes for the existence of iconic Mackinac Island rock formations such as…

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Think Mackinac Island is crowded? Think again

When you hear the name “Mackinac Island” you might think of a bustling downtown full of bicycles, horse-drawn carriages and fudge shops. For sure, that’s true. But Mackinac Island is much, much bigger than that. Although the entire island measures only 3.8 square-miles, there’s a whole world to…

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The fascinating past of Mackinac Island's Skull Cave

More than 260 years ago, what was then known as Fort Michilimackinac came under attack during Pontiac’s War, a Native American attempt to overthrow British rule in the Great Lakes. Under the guise of a lacrosse game, a coalition of warriors invaded the fort and routed the British who controlled it…

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Why you can find lots of international foods on Mackinac Island

When you think of northern Michigan food and beverage, things like whitefish, pasties and craft beer might come to mind. Ackee? Not so much. Yet, you can find the national fruit of Jamaica on the shelves at Doud’s Market on Mackinac Island during the primary visitor season from April through…

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See if you can conquer these Mackinac Island fitness challenges

Mackinac Island is home to some of the world’s most incredible sights and some of its most interesting history. Iconic landmarks such as the ancient Arch Rock and 19th-century Fort Holmes make for great sight-seeing. Did you know they also can be part of a great workout? You can take in the beauty…

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