Mackinac Island + Lake Huron & Lake Michigan Love

As we were closing up camp this morning, our neighbours came over to say hi and share some sightseeing ideas. Katie and Steve are from Ohio but have travelled around the NY area so they had some great suggestions! We really appreciated it and love how many really great people we’ve met so far on this trip!

Today, we were excited to have a short drive to our KOA at St. Ignace, which is near both Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.  We had an hour-and-a-half in the truck—just enough time for the kids to check in with their teachers and start their assignments. I had to remind them to look up from their work a few times to enjoy the beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Michigan. 

Once we’d set up camp and finished schoolwork and lunch, we took a Lake Huron ferry ride to Mackinac Island. Across the island’s rich history, it was home to Indigenous people, fur traders, soldiers, French, British and Americans. Cars aren’t allowed on the island, so it was a great place to explore with the kids and the dogs. This was Maggie and Remi’s first time on a ferry, and they both seemed to enjoy it. Remi tried to make friends with anyone who would give him some love. Maggie just rested her head on my lap. 

The village on Mackinac Island was charming. With horse-drawn buggies transporting people to different locations on the island, you could almost imagine you were walking down the street during the fur trade era. They even used a horse and wagon to collect the waste from the garbage bins in town. You can even “rent a horse” and just ride through town. Ariel was especially excited about that! 

We walked along Main Street and found an outside patio for a late lunch. We love to eat locally, and this time we enjoyed some fresh lake perch. After a dip of the toes in Lake Huron we caught our ferry back to St. Ignace. Ron and I want to come back someday (minus the kids and dogs) to experience the magic of this place. There are some beautiful hotels and cozy inns on the Island that would make a nice getaway.

Before heading back to camp we drove to the shores of Lake Michigan and spent some time along the sandy shore.  The kids built sand castles, and Ron and I watched the sun set. We had a fun day exploring cool sites and on the ferry ride with the dogs, but I believe that building sand castles on the shore was the highlight for the kids. I am happy we were able to give them this time to get their hands dirty and their feet wet.  

I took my picture of my toes in the waters of Lake Michigan, and then we headed back to camp.  Once the kids were tucked in, Ron and I did some laundry.  I am so thankful that all our campgrounds have had laundromats, especially after a sandy day like today.  Ron was extra excited because we were able to watch Monday Night Football on the laundromat TV while we did laundry. Watching football is a lot more fun for us now that we have a Fantasy Football league with my family. Ron and I enjoyed sending my mom and dad texts since our teams were matched up against theirs (In case you’re wondering, our teams won. Sorry mom and dad, lol). Being far apart with Covid preventing us from seeing them in Canada, moments like this make them feel close. 

Goodnight from Michigan!