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Mackinaw Island Michigan
is a place that seems lost in time. The island is small - just three miles long, two miles wide and nine miles around the shore. The permanent population is approximately 500, but hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Mackinaw each summer. The island dates back to a time when Mackinaw Island was the fur trading capital of the country, and wealthy businessmen came to build summer homes. Soon word began to spread about this island retreat, and in the late 1800s, it became one of the most popular summer tourist destinations in the country. It was then that many of the Victorian hotels on the island were built to accommodate the thousands of visitors coming to summer here each year. Mackinaw Island is unique, in that no cars are permitted on the island, except for emergencies. Mackinaw Island has also become a center for archeological research and historical construction. Ferries connect the island to the mainland, and in winter there is air service from nearby St. Ignace Airport. Mackinaw Island is located in the northern region of the country, and therefore has a wide range of weather conditions. Wintertime is, of course, quite different from summer on the island, but visitors still come to enjoy cross country skiing and sleigh rides. Many people have come to Mackinaw Island to visit, and decide to move here to open a bed & breakfast or other business. Some operate their businesses only during the busy summer months and work elsewhere in the wintertime.
Given its’ small size and seasonal nature, real estate for sale right on Mackinaw Island is not plentiful, but, what is there is an eclectic mix of modern condominiums, summer cottages and large century old historic homes and everything in between. Rentals are what keep the real estate agents in the area busy, and you will find many friendly and knowledgeable agents on Mackinaw Island and in nearby St. Ignace and Mackinac City across the bay. Whether you are renting for the summer, or considering a purchase of a home, land or commercial property, they will be able to assist you with your decision. If you are considering staying for only a few months or less, Mackinaw Island is known for its’ summer apartments, condos, homes and cottages for rent. Most are available by the week, month or for the whole summer season. Examples of what you might find include gingerbread-laden Victorian cottages that sit high on the bluffs overlooking the lake, or a classic Colonial Revival style cottage that was popular in the early 1900s. Other homes, cottages and apartments are located in the heart of the historic downtown district, just a short walk to shops, restaurants, the docks and other attractions. Most rental homes on Mackinaw Island include complete furnishings, linens, TV, phone, washer and dryer, etc. You need only bring food, clothes and personal items. No housekeeping services are provided for rental homes. If you’re coming to the island to work, or play, for the whole summer, a house rental is going to be more reasonable than living in a hotel.
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