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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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What is the dress code on Mackinac Island?

Maybe you’ve heard that Mackinac Island has a dress code. Well, there is some truth to that, but it’s also not quite right. On the one hand, there is no dress code for Mackinac Island itself. Visitors come from all over the world, and they arrive in all kinds of clothing. Whether you prefer shorts…

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Where to see flower gardens on Mackinac Island

If you’re wanting to see flowers on Mackinac Island, you’re in luck! With an abundance of flowers at places to stay, private gardens and in the state park, Mackinac Island is a big-time floral destination. Mission Point Resort offers guided garden tours for both resort guests and visitors. The…

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Running on Mackinac Island

Running on Mackinac Island is, quite simply, one of my favorite things to do. Sharing ideas, suggestions and thoughts about running on Mackinac Island is a close second. Happily, I’ve been doing both for 30 years. I knew Mackinac Island well having spent many a summer day, as a kid and young adult…

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