The TRUTH About Visiting Mackinac Island! Nobody Tells You This! 

My parents and younger sister lived there year-round for 3 years. I worked there for 2 summers. Met my husband there my second year. We honeymooned there in 1977. Took our children there in 1991.

Born and raised in MI, visit the island every summer and it never gets old. It transforms in the evening after the last ferry leaves. One of my favorite places on earth.

I'm 56 years old and still remember my 1st visit to Mackinac and Mackinac Island back in the 70s. One of my fondest memories is riding around the island on bikes. My dad was winded just like you were. Michgan native but i've lived in SC for 20 years, ready to retire and ready to return to Mackinac with our RV.

Great videos! We love Mackinac Mill Creek!! A few Michigan terms. U P, not ‘up’, is when you want to reference the Upper Peninsula. A troll is one who lives below “the bridge”, hence, making us trolls. If you live in lower MI, and your heading north, you’re always going “up north”, but not the UP “up north.” That’s just simply the U P. We’re true Michiganders, but a few things we had to chuckle at, and of course, along with you. 😉1) Remember, south of the bridge is not the UP. Once you cross “the Bridge”, THEN you’re in the UP, 2) good luck finding a Walmart up there. Closest one was in Cheboygan, pro “shh-boy-gan” 3) You can get samples at ALL the fudge shops on the Island. Makes your fantastic day spectacular!! 4) Glad you brought your own bikes, it’s way cheaper, even with the ferry cost. 5) Michigan roads are thee worst! That tar and stone, it’s how we do it. Not saying we agree with it. 6) You MUST watch what happens at the end of a season on Mackinac when Lake Huron and Michigan freeze over!! 7) NO, our bridge is NOT like the San Francisco bridge!! Lol!! We have beautiful, clear days when you cross the bridge. The water is crystal clear and the color of the Caribbean. No joke!! 8) Our mosquito’s will carry you away, there’s tons of them and we complain about everyone! 9) Our sunsets are compared to no other sunsets!! 10) The UP speed limit? What speed limit? 11) We reference where we live by the use of our hand!! Your left hand palm facing you, with your right pointer finger, point and say “we’re from Grand Haven, right here”. 12) NOT “paste-ee’s”, those go on your ….. it’s “past-ee’s”, we were waiting for that one!! 13) We drink pop, not soda. You bake with soda. 14) When you’re sick, you don’t get medicine, you get Vernor’s. It’s ginger ale, the only ginger ale! But, you just say “you want some Vernor’s?” Or “honey, pick up some Vernor’s please” 15) If your born and raised in MI, you’ll ALWAYS be a Michigander, and “I’m from, (insert raised left hand, ready to point to your town) ______!!” Safe travels!! 💕

I visit the Island every year. I used to bike around the Island, a total of 8.2 miles. Then I started walking around the Island when biking became too difficult. Another thing that is never mentioned is that biking around the island requires a real effort as you are constantly riding into a headwind. Now I go there for a day and stay around the downtown area, then spend 6 or 7 days wandering around the U.P..

I was born and raised in Alpha, Michigan, (U.P.) 213 Miles west of Mackinaw City. Only after I was married did I spend the day on the Island. As you know, you bike, walk or take a horse wagon ride wherever you go. My wife and I sat close to the horses. It was in the early 1980s, and the horses must have eaten beans because we were treated to music the entire ride. This is what I remember of Mackinaw Island!

That was truly the most sincere “Lord have mercy” I have ever heard! 😂❤️❤️😂 Love your family!

wow this made me nostalgic. thank you for this. brings back a lot of fond memories. for me. my youngest is now 22. my middle child lives 100 miles away. it hasn't been 'cool' to trip with mom and dad for a decade now. we are Michiganders. so weve been to 'the island' multiple times but it is always fun watching 1st timers. fun fact. there is a speed limit on the island. you can not bike faster or you will get a speeding ticket. Hope you enjoyed it. couple years ago. my wife and I Kayaked to the island. had our bikes ferried over. stayed in the yellow b&b right next to the Mackinac wheels bike shop. I love Michigan. some day you'll have to do the water fall tour in the UP. btw. beautiful family. savor this time.

My family and I have been to Mackinac Island quite a few times over the years. We usually stay at the Straits State Park in St. Ignace (that's north of the bridge). There's just something about crossing that bridge that makes the trip worthwhile. Even towing our fifth wheel across it is an experience. This video must have been shot during last summer though, as the island is currently covered in snow. The island is a great place to visit due to its rich history and beautiful scenery. We ride around the entire island every time that we visit. The exhibitions at the fort are not to be missed. The fudge.... Well, you can't go to the island and not get some of the famous fudge. Glad that you enjoyed your visit. Next time go into the U.P. and visit Tahquamenon Falls, the Whitefish Point shipwreck museum and the Soo Locks in Sault Saint Marie. All of these are great places to visit.

I rented a horse there one time and I never made it to the trail. Damn horse threw me head over heels! I also worked there for a summer and it is a fun place to stay overnight. Hope you get to enjoy it again! New sub!

So excited to finally sit down & watch this particular video, because we had a fabulous time there in September ‘21. More exciting was when you pulled into the exact campground we stayed at…then you blew our minds when you parked in the EXACT SAME CAMPSITE!!! Small world! P.S. We also ate lunch at Weinerlicious😉 Loved your video!

I just found this video: Thanks for the laughter. It has been close to 40 years since I last went to The Island. Your video brought back so many great memories.

Brother, we absolutely noted in our Mackinaw Island video, its all you unless you are riding a horse. I loving laughed my butt off, simply because Maria wore me out walking all over that place. Loved the video, Mackinaw is one of our favorite places. We are headed back this summer/fall. Oh, and I set the tire pressure. No soft or hard here. Reason is less rolling resistance and easier to pedal.

we went to Mackinac Island last August, we rode around the island on bikes, we're in our early 60's, yes we took many breaks lol, but so beautiful!

I am 66 and remember our class field trip to Mackinac Island. I still have the polished rock -- we all got one at this guy's wonderland of a rock shop! Thanks for posting!

Watching you, Lee in this video just makes me want to catch up with you guys some day and hang out with someone so relatable! haha! I could almost say all you said and the actions of that hot dog was so understanding with what???.... bacon??? cheese??? HEAVEN!!!! Only thing missing is some chopped up red onion. Another great video as we are rapidly becoming addicted to seeing what you all are up to next. We do have to run into each other one day..... I do believe we would drive both our wives respectfully insane hanging out! Be safe all!

I think your kids will treasure this time with you guys forever 👋👋👋💯💯💯💕💕💕😎😎😎

you have a wonderful family enjoy your vacation.

Thanks for sharing your adventure!

I mountain bike all the time…Lee you had me rolling from laughter. “These bikes are not meant to come off”. Yes I carry a gauge but I like my tires squishy!

Loved the video. I was just there with my sisters just after Christmas 2022. The ferry was still running, as there was no ice yet. Yup, you gotta have some fudge when you go there. It would be a sin if you didn't. One local on the island warned me not to "step in the brown stuff", (horse exhaust). Oh yea, Wienerlicious in Mackinac City was a 'must do', in season of course. It was closed when my sisters and I were there. But I have eaten there.

Oh, you're killing me here with the ferry accommodations, etc. Both Star Line and Shepler's have FREE parking with transportation to/from the docks. If you have bikes, you can go to the dock to drop off your bikes and other passengers then go park and ride their tram back to the docks. Also, from Mill Creek, there is free transportation for one of the ferry's (I believe Star Line). My personal preference is Shepler's but both get the job done. Star Line offers a Cyber Monday discount every year so if you know you will be visiting the Island in the next season, then it is something to check into. Our preference for camping in Mackinaw is the State Park campground just outside Mackinaw City. There is a National Dark Park nearby that is great for viewing the Aurora Borealis AKA the Northern Lights (if you happen to go at a time that there are solar flares). Love Mackinac (we go every year as part of the Scouts Honor Guard program). Watching this in January in Michigan just makes me look forward to the summer even more!

Great video really enjoyed it. Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground is an awsome campground and yes I have to agree the hills on the island can kill you.

I also Highly recommend Darrow's just west of the highway

Really enjoyed this. I haven't been to Mackinac Island since 1988 or the U.P. since '89. Butterfinger Blizzard's my favorite.

My husband and I are born and raised Michiganders. We've ridden our bikes around Mackinaw Island many many times. In 1993 we had our 10 month old daughter in a bike seat behind me and our 4 yr old son riding his little bike with training wheels. It took us a while and we had to take a lot of breaks but that tough little guy made it all the way around that island with only few tears shed! The 10 month old slept through it all. I dont know what we were thinking! Lol He's 34 yrs old now and fortunately doesn't remember that day lol And for the record you can over inflate a bike ride, I once blew a bike tire up because I put to much air into it lol

G'day guys, loved the video. It's added to our list. Safe travels

We go to Mill Creek campground every year for a week. Very clean and comfortable. Nice view too!

We were there July of 2023 and found the Popcorn shop and a bunch of different flavors........we had a great trip up to Munising, MI to go out on the boat to view Pictured Rock National Seashore....... Good talking with you this past weekend at Jeepin with Judd 2024.......Happy Trails !

Next time Mackinac go for 4th of July! We stayed 4 days at Island House including the 4th. It was the best 4th ever! We felt so connected to our fellow Americans while watching the fireworks. Hope to return this summer!

I'm a Mackinac Island addict. This one caught my eye. I like your fam. I'm now a subscriber! Thank you!

You guys are awesome funny. Thanks for sharing your video for showing me Mackinac Island. I am an avid cyclist and enjoyed your bike stuff. ;)

Do go back and stay in a B&B. Nighttime on Mackinac is magical. Explore the interior of the island.

You found the best fudge on the island....Murdick's Fudge. I worked there for 5 summers. Mackinac Island is a real treasure. So much history and beauty. Your video was the best! ❤

You will find the proper tire pressure written on the side wall of each tire. You should have a high quality compressor for the truck and trailer anyway. Always check your tire pressure on all of the truck and trailer wheels prior to each time you move. Too low a tire pressure can cause the tire to over heat and blow out. A tire temperature pressure monitor (TTPM) is the easiest way to constantly monitor the tires as you drive. Over the years, I have had kids put glass bottles in front of my tires, giving me a flat on the way. Kids have also let out the air while I was shopping at a supermarket and I normally would not have known that, but the TTPM monitor was alarming when I got back to the truck. Some bystanders told me it was kids. I also hope your GPS is for RVs so you avoid routes not designed for large vehicles. Don

Stumbled across this unique video, refreshing, love it and your family! Keeping it real.

I see on your map that you are missing Alaska. You should really try to make it up here. Not only is Alaska beautiful but the drive up here is amazing. If you do, I would plan at least a month.

What they really don't tell you is, when you're doing tree work on the island, when you're in a tree and horses see your rope moves they freak out AND the drays that haul your brush are ALWAYS late. Trimming and removing trees on the island is a PAIN!

Absolutely essential to have a pressure guage that will help you not exceed the max (and risk popping a tube) but not be underinflated (and have to work harder peddling). I prefer a dial gauge. And get a 12v or reg portable air pump. Makes the work easy.

This place place! I’ve been there several times. I will go back this year. Would love to live there. My horse can go with me. A dream come true for me! Rent the horseback rides. You will love it. Did you see the arch? Beautiful! Your bikes will kill you!!! But it’s downhill when you turn around. Hit the Pink Pony to eat. It’s on Main Street. Get outside seats. Magical memories for our families.

Great video, congrats on 3 years on the road!🎉

22:42 Apparently ebikes being outlawed (except class 1 for certain people) isn't being enforced.

Great video, beautiful family

I discovered your channel via this video, and in the month since, I have been watching all your videos. 🤗🥰 I love seeing your rich family adventures. Every video contains moments of levity, and I love your editing style. The map-zoom you do for your location is so cool. Thanks for the fun, high-quality videos where we follow your adventures! And....if you ever get a chance to stay overnight on Mackinac, it is 100% worth it. We stay for 5 days at a time. One year we were stranded there for 10 days, due to our transmission getting replaced over in St. Ignace. No better place to be stranded!

Hysterically funny you guys! Love the humor!

We stayed at that campground last year and it was a beautiful place to stay. Would recommend 💯

I’ve worked there for 8 years now and I waited to see if I would pop up and @25:56 I go driving by on my carriage and also born and raised there my family has been there for generation my family’s been there since the fort was operational.

We visit and stay on the Island every August for the last 17 years. From experience if you’re going to get away from the downtown area or the relatively flat M185 road going around the island…..be in shape with your cardio. The interior of the island is outstanding with its countless foot trails, look out rock, fort Holmes, crack in the island etc… but getting to them will require going up hill! The most gradual incline is by the Grand Hotel with the steepest on the East side of town by the fort. Don’t miss the East Bluff Trail that leads to Arch Rock, picturesque with no better views of the straights!!!

I love, love, love Mill Creek Campground and Cabins!!!!

How can you miss 😂Weinerliscious? You can see it from the expressway…….You can’t miss it.😊

I took my children to Mackinaw Island. My youngest was 18 mo old and riding a horse there. Shucks we all did...my 3 sons and I. Really fun.

We loved to stay in Wilderness State park. The island.and the fort in Machines City has rich rich history.Worth seeing and kearning.

I have lived in southwest lower Michigan for 59 years and been on the Island 1 time and don't remember a thing about it because I was so small the bike my dad rented had a kids seat and i had to ride in it I think my mom said I was like 3 years old, and my dad said it was the worst ride he had ever been on because I would fall asleep and would lean on one side then the other and it was hard to stay up on two wheels but the views were great,as a side note the only time cars were on Mackinaw Island was when they made the movie Somewhere in Time with Jane Seymour and Cristopher Reevs as far as I know of. love the videos you guys are great.

You should have went into that church, then there's another one on the main drag so beautiful.

Trying to get to your camp site in the tourist areas is why I camp in the National Forest campgrounds or State Forest campgrounds in the U. P. No frills and less people.

That climb up to the Grand Hotel is ridiculous. I didn’t make it all the way and had to walk a bit. Oh and I agree once the bikes are secure on the rack they are a pain to do over again. Couple that with the fact that our RV 5th wheel approved bike rack didn’t last the summer, and in our 62 day trip we barely used the bikes, they aren’t coming with us again. I’ll rent bikes when necessary. My poor sons bike was brand new when we started and lit looked like it was 5 years old when we finished. He wasn’t happy with me. 😂

Another great video! Speaking of bikes and racks, we totally agree with Lee! We just got our 2 nd rack to try out. This one is promising. It’s made in America and is called QuikRStuff. So far we are liking it! You don’t need tools to install and it’s rated for being on the back of our tow vehicle. I am not trying to be a commercial, sorry. We are on our first trip with it.

Yes I check the air pressure in my bike tires with a gage not an avid bicycled either and look for something easy to store and remove the bikes I am just saying you guys do you and have fun glad you like Michigan

When you guys go visit Illinois you have to see Springfield IL and all the Lincoln sites, you should go to Petersburg IL and see Lincoln’s New Salem. We recommend you stay at the double J campground in Chatham IL. We don’t recommend that you stay at the Koa in Springfield as it’s not that great and not really big rig friendly. Double J, costs a bit more but your close to Walmart and easy peasy to get into and out of and it’s secure!

I was born and raised in MI, and I was 45 the first time I went to Mackinac Island, and it was only for lunch. I didn't get the attraction. I now live in WI and can't wait for you to visit and see what you think of our state. There is more here than just the Packers! FYI - You call it summer we call it constriction season! Safe travels!

Gotta go next door to El Zarape. Much better. Also Lume will help after the bike ride. 😉

We call the hill by the fort the "hill of death". Life goal is to get to the base of the fort without stopping.

I use my Viair which has a PSI gage on it. I don't fill to max PSI on the tire, I feel that is a bit too much, about 10 under.

I was up there in June of 2022. I have family that lives in Cheboygan.

Yup its beautiful and historic. I've riden bicycle around it many times. Tipped brews downtown stayed at the Grand. It's nice. Nobody has mentioned the horse manure perfume downtown. Lmao.😅

My moms family is from Saginaw Michigan and parts of detroit. I was born in Louisiana. Probably explains why everywhere i turn here people say you are not from here. You have a mixed or midwestern accent. 😆

You have the best music --great job

We have 2 seasons in Michigan Winter and Road construction.

Yes, there is a pressure amount on the side of the tires, and yes, I check it -.

The road project is called "chip and seal". Better than gravel, costs less than full dimensional pavement. Makes an excellent base to add regular pavement to in a few years...

I was with you on the ‘feel test’ until I popped an inner tube last summer. Didn’t pop right away so I thought I was good until I started to fill the other tire and wondered what the big pop behind me was. I guess I will use a gauge from now on.

In montana the seasons are winter, winter, winter and construction… we are covered in snow nine months out of the year

Y’all should probably get e-bikes, they’re electric bikes and they’re amazing to have.

The one time I went to the island (1991), they rented me an old bike with 1962 fat tires and chain and gearing that seemed a bit corroded. With no lubricant. Couldn't get up the first hill. Walked it back to the rental office. No refund. Didn't spend a dime, took the first jet boat back to shore.

You guys forgot 1 thing, you didn’t get ice cream on the island?. The best!

I go to Mackinaw city about 5 times a year. I have never eaten at Weinerlisous. You should have tried the smoked whitefish. Good place to get that is just to the west side of the hiway bridge by Weinerlisous.

Everyone, I believe its only 11 miles bicycling around the island. It’s not that hard for people who are thinking of visiting there.

The island is part of Northern Lower Michigan, my wife and I, both are from about 75 miles from the island.

I have an idea, y’all should make compilations for each season, like a movie, every vid a season in a movie. So so far there would be 3, and y’all are working on 4th rn, just wanted to put that out there

I can't believe you guys didn't go to the Mackinaw Pasty Co or Skalawags Fish & Chips in Mackinaw City. Those are must stops for every visit.

This is on my bucket list ❤️❤️❤️

The tire pumps that I use usually have a pressure gauge built into them. I figured since it’s there I might as well put the recommended pressure.

Although bent, the rack you have is still probably fine for quite a while longer. Your number of straps seems to be overkill. The island does have hills, but if you stay on the perimeter, it's actually relatively flat. You did good for pulling a trailer, I did that for a year or so, it's not easy.

Great video. Thanks

I had no idea. When I think of michigan, I think of auto factories, Detroit crime, etc. Thanks for showing us this wonderful place, and the advice about bike riding. We quit that activity long ago, after ours fell off onto the interstate in Georgia......I didn't have them strapped on very well, and they bounced and slid a long long way, but nobody ran over them, and amazingly they were still rideable, with only minor scratches. Later I found that the rear bumper of the travel trailer was about to fall off. It was cracked at the mounting point to the frame. A big crack. Welded it up with reinforcing angle iron, and it was fine. Later we traded up to a fiver with a slide out bicycle shelf which was much stouter. We quit riding, so it made a great place to put an aluminum diamond plate tool box which holds all the things that get dirty, like chocks, pads, hoses, and cables. It doesn't weigh that much. It's nice especially when it's rainy. Keeps wet stuff out of the basement.

Ill definitely bring my ebike with me when i visit. Hills are hills and I'm 60

Mighty Mac on the island has the best

Totally love their ruban dog.

You guys need a Yakima RV bike rack. They are built heavier than than a normal bicycle rack.

I met Kid Rock on Mackinac Island back around 2005. He told me he felt it was more beautiful than Fiji!

Nice video. Love the bike ride. I would have cut out that you put the handle bars on backwards or upside down. Just saying.

O my gosh you guys are so funny ❤

only have 2 seasons in Mi winter and road construction

I’m from MI. It’s Mackinac Island, with a “c”. Then, Mackinaw City, with a “w”. I know it’s confusing and I don’t know of any Michiganders who know why it’s a different spelling, it just is. Lol. You may want to correct your title.

Shefflers. I have lived in Michigan 67 years. Crossed Mack 50+ times. Never been to Mackinaw Island. No desire. Looks like you had fun.

Nobody warned me mosquito problems in mackinaw. It’s the worst I have ever seen in my life

Love your video

Just found you guys what camp ground are you at. Love the big hot dog.

I hope you've watched 'Somewhere in Time'?!

Yes use a gauge, on your bicycle tires. The higher the pressure the lower the tire rolling resistance, thusly you pedal easier, and can go a longer distance with the same effort.