MI Best - Mackinac Island Takeover - June 4, 2023

When we chose the stories for this edition, all the events and dates were accurate. As always, find the mostup-to-date information on the event/activity website, Facebook page or other direct information source.

Mackinac in Bloom! t

he concept was simple: Invite people to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride on Mackinac Island while the lilacs are in full bloom.

Over the past three-quarters of a century, that original idea for Lilac Day back in 1948 has blossomed into a 10-day celebration with a Lilac Queen and court, a horse-drawn parade and a variety of other fun activities including a 10k run, poster contest, bounce house for kids, walking tours, gardening programs, live music and so much more.

Yet, the heart of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival that marks its 75th anniversary this year remains the same as always – welcoming visitors to see and smell the magnificent, sweetscented lilacs. That’s why people travel from all over the world to Mackinac Island this time of year, year after year!

Why not come on up and experience the pageantry yourself?

Even though the Lilac Festival is a cherished tradition, perhaps it’s all new to you. Or maybe you’ve heard of it but have never known why it’s such a beloved aspect of Michigan culture.

Well, this guide is for you. And we hope you’ll use it to plan an unforgettable visit to the No. 1 Best Island in the Continental U.S. this month, while Mackinac is in bloom!

Why Are There So Many Beautiful Lilacs on Mackinac Island

SP

the story of Mackinac Island’s lilacs goes back much farther than the festival that began in 1949.

Lilacs aren’t native to Mackinac Island, nor anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere, for that matter. Instead, they were brought to the island.

The earliest documentation of lilacs on Mackinac Island comes from an 1861 journal entry by the writer Henry David Thoreau, who visited the summer before he died of tuberculosis.

Another influx of the flowers came when the Hubbard family moved to Mackinac Island from New Hampshire. Many European immigrants brought lilacs to New England and planted them near

their farms for good luck. So, when the Hubbards moved to Mackinac Island and began farming, they planted lilacs.

Some of the lilac stems near that farm, which later was developed into cottages in an area known as Hubbard’s Annex on the west side

of the island, are about 100 years old. And because they are offspring of older stems that were also about 100 years old, it has been about 200 years since lilacs were brought to Mackinac Island, estimates Jeff Young, a master gardener and coauthor of “Lilacs: A Fortnight of Fragrance on Mackinac Island.”

During the past two centuries, lilacs have flourished on Mackinac Island. They find good growing conditions in the island’s shallow, well-drained soil with a high pH level due to the underlying limestone. Adequate rainfall and a good hardening each winter have strengthened the lilacs to the point that they are the largest in the country – with some stems larger

than two feet across at the base. Horticulturists that visit Mackinac Island are amazed by the size of the lilacs because they don’t see them that big anywhere else. Young knows of no older or larger lilac stems in the United States or Canada.

As more people built homes on Mackinac Island in the late 1800s, they brought lilacs with them, too. Then, to attract more visitors, the Lilac Festival was created after World War II. Residents, businesses and the state park planted lilacs everywhere.

Now, wherever you go on Mackinac Island, you see beautiful lilacs and enjoy the flower’s pleasing fragrance.

What is

the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival?

It is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island, a 10-day celebration of the island’s gigantic lilacs. This year marks the 75th annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival!

When is the Lilac Festival?

June 9-18

What is this year’s festival theme?

Mackinac in Bloom

Where can I find the schedule of events?

SCAN THIS QR CODE OR VISIT WWW.MACKINACISLAND.ORG/ MACKINAC-ISLAND-LILAC-FESTIVAL/

Will there be a parade this year?

Yes! The Grand Parade marks the Lilac Festival finale on Sunday, June 18. Marching bands, horse-drawn floats, the Lilac Queen and Court, clowns and more are set to parade down M-185, starting at 4 p.m. The route begins at Mission Point Resort on the sunrise side of Mackinac Island and heads west past Marquette Park onto Main Street, where the parade ends at Windermere Point on the west end of downtown.

Where can I see the lilacs?

Everywhere! Lilacs are abundant and in a variety of locations on Mackinac Island. The biggest concentration is in Marquette Park, where there are more than 115 lilac plants and 75 species. Some of the oldest lilacs in Michigan, including the biggest one in the state, are in front of Harbour View Inn. Be sure to check out the twisted lilac trunks along the boardwalk from Windermere Point to Mackinac Island Public School west of downtown.

How do I sign up for Lilac Walking Tours?

Registration is not required for walking tours or planting sessions with our festival’s lilac expert. Just meet at the designated spot and join the walk and talk as you make your way through Marquette Park and some downtown areas.

Will it be super busy on the island because of the festival?

Yes and no. Since it is such a beautiful time to see the unique lilacs, the festival has gotten busier over the years, especially the second weekend that features the Grand Parade. You won’t be shoulder to shoulder with visitors but be sure to book early if you are looking to spend the night! Because the Lilac Festival isn’t a typical “festival” with wristbands, tickets and a sectioned-off area, there’s plenty of space to spread out and appreciate the flowers around the entire island.

What efforts are being made to care for the lilacs on the island?

The Mackinac Island Preservation Fund has been established to maintain and promote the health of the lilacs. You can support the fund by purchasing “Lilacs: A Fortnight of Fragrance on Mackinac Island.” The 150-page coffee table book is filled with amazing photos, local poetry and history of all things lilacs on Mackinac Island. Soon, you can also support the fund by buying lilac-themed Mackinac Island puzzles!

for The People’s Choice in the Lilac Festival Poster Contest

the top 20 entries in this year’s Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Poster

But

The

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VOTE ONLINE OR VISIT WWW.MACKINACISLAND.ORG/ MACKINAC-ISLAND-LILAC-FESTIVAL/ LILAC-POSTER-CONTEST.

sunshine warming your face. Gulls squawking while flying by. The sweet smell of lilacs in the air.

Ah, springtime on Mackinac Island!

Take a deep breath and you’ll find the scent of lilacs takes you to a special place, a special person, a special time. Lilacs seem to have that effect. And they’re extra special on Mackinac Island.

Not only are there more than 250 kinds of lilacs on Mackinac Island, but the lilacs you see today are from the same lilac plants that were here over 200 years ago. The rich history and importance of lilacs is documented in the book, “Lilacs: A Fortnight of Fragrance on Mackinac Island.”

Show -andTell: Get the Book on Mackinac Island Lilacs

SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT, WWW.MACKINACISLAND.ORG/ LILAC-CARE-ON-MACKINAC-ISLAND/

What To Do With Your Car

When Visiting Mackinac Island

SP ON SORED BY Mackinac Island Convention and Visitor Bureau

The Mackinac Bridge doesn’t connect to Mackinac Island. Instead, the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere links Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas, just a few miles west of where Mackinac Island rises out of Lake Huron like a great turtle shell.

Since you can’t drive to the island, the vast majority of visitors take a ferry boat. The ferries depart from both Mackinaw City at the southern end of the bridge and St. Ignace at the northern end. The ferry docks are where visitors typically leave their cars for the length of their stay on Mackinac Island.

Two ferry companies – Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Star Line, now known as Mackinac Island Ferry Company – operate out of both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Both companies offer daytime and overnight parking for customers, with different options and pricing available.

OPTIONS FOR MACKINAC ISLAND VISITORS:

Written by lifelong Mackinac Island summer resident Sue Allen with master gardener Jeff “The Lilac Man” Young, “Lilacs” shows just how big of an impact the beautiful flowers have on this little island. In addition to fascinating history, “Lilacs” showcases many of Mackinac Island’s amazing lilacs through gorgeous photography by Jen Wohletz.

If seeing the lilacs in bloom in person is on your bucket list, the best time to visit is June around the time of the annual Lilac Festival. Their sheer size is something to behold, as some of the oldest lilacs reach 18 feet high when they bloom! And the warped trunks and twisted bark tell stories from ages ago.

It’s hard to say an exact date for peak bloom. However, with such a wide variety of species on Mackinac Island, you’re sure to see a cascade of color because some plants are early bloomers, and some are late bloomers.

TO PURCHASE THE BOOK,SCAN THIS QR CODE OR VISIT WWW.MACKINACISLAND.ORG/ LILAC-BOOK-ORDER-FORM.

Both ferry companies offer free day parking in lots at or near the ferry docks in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. In some cases, the ferry companies use shuttles or trams to transport you from the parking lot to the ferry dock.

Both ferry companies offer premium dock side parking for day-trippers as well, for a fee.

Both ferry companies provide overnight parking, too.

Mackinac Island Ferry Company offers unsecured overnight parking for free or secured parking in Mackinaw City for a nominal daily fee. Shepler’s offers overnight parking for a nominal daily fee in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.

Both ferry services also offer premium parking in Mackinaw City at a higher price point.

Both ferry companies provide handicap-accessible parking and parking for large vehicles such as RVs. Mackinac Island Ferry Company also offers valet parking in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available.

Day Trip Tips for the 75th

Annual Lilac Festival

Arrive early!

this year’s 75th annual Lilac Festival is June 9-18, with the Grand Parade slated to step off at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 18. Ferry boats depart from the mainland in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace as early as 7:30 a.m.

“It’s a good idea to arrive early for any day on Mackinac Island to really get the most out of a day trip,” said Stephanie Castelein, events and content manager for the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.

“With the parade, if you want to take a carriage tour, visit Fort Mackinac and bike around the island, you’re going to want to arrive early to fit it all in.”

Experiencing the Lilac Festival’s Grand Parade is something every Michigander should do at some point.

8 More Things To Do during the Lilac Festival

ENJOY A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE TOUR

– See Mackinac Island from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage by going on a narrated tour that stops by notable sites including Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac and Grand Hotel. Public tours depart throughout the day, or you can reserve an intimate, private tour. You could also get behind the wheel, er, reins, of your own horse-drawn carriage and drive one yourself. Or ditch the carriage and ride horseback into the middle of Mackinac Island on a guided or unguided trail ride.

HIT THE WATER IN A KAYAK

– Paddling off Mackinac Island is a fantastic way to relax and get a workout at the same time. Great Turtle Kayak Tours offers a variety of guided excursions that range from short, scenic trips for beginners to circumnavigations of Mackinac Island that last four to six hours, and snorkel trips, too. In addition to expert instruction, Great Turtle guides share a wealth of informative and entertaining details during your tour. Both single kayaks and tandem kayaks are available, as well as stand up paddleboards.

BIKE AROUND MACKINAC ISLAND

– How many people can say they’ve biked all the way around an island? You can rent a bike or bring your own on the ferry and pedal safely around the outer rim of Mackinac Island on M-185, which is the only state highway in the country without cars. It’s 8.2 miles around, which takes about an hour at a leisurely

pace. For a more intense ride, head up into Mackinac Island’s interior where there are more than 70 miles of paved and dirt trails to explore and cool sights including Sugarloaf, Cave of the Woods, Crack in the Island and more.

SHOP DOWNTOWN

– Browse the charming boutiques, delightful gift shops and inspiring art galleries up and down Main and Market streets and beyond. Each and every store is a unique destination, and you’ll discover items you can’t find anywhere else. Be sure to look for 2023 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival shirts and pins for sale in many downtown locations. And whenever you need more than a nibble of fudge to keep you going, just pop into one of the many intriguing restaurants and pubs for a delicious meal and a drink or two. There’s no rush when you’re on island time!

BOARD A SIP ‘N SAIL CRUISE

– For a sunset party on the water, a Sip ‘n Sail cruise is the way to go. The 81-foot Isle Royale Queen III supports large groups with a full-service cash bar, live entertainment, restrooms, heated cabins and multiple viewing areas on deck as you enjoy an incredibly scenic 90-minute cruise out to the Mackinac Bridge and back. While the Sunset Cruise is the most popular Sip ‘n Sail, you can book a variety of other trips including happy hours and Sunday mornings, too.

SAMPLE FUDGE

– Where else in the world can you visit 13 fudge shops – yes, 13! – all within a short walk of each other? Nowhere. Mackinac Island fudge makers churn out five tons of the tasty treat each day during peak tourism season. And

Here are a few more tips for watching this year’s parade:

• The parade route runs along Main Street from Mission Point Resort on the southeast corner of the island to Windermere Point on the west end of downtown.

• Windermere Point and Marquette Park at the foot of Fort Mackinac tend to be the busiest stretches, so find a spot nearer Mission Point for smaller crowds.

Announcers are placed at several points along the parade route to share information about the entries. Try to sit near one of the announcers to learn more about each parade participant.

The Lilac Festival is the kickoff to the summer visitor season on Mackinac Island.

In addition to the parade, activities include free lilac walking tours, planting seminars with master gardeners, a 10k run and more.

it’s not just the fudge that’s a draw. Watching the actual fudge-making has been ingrained in the Mackinac Island experience for generations. Shops put the process on display for all to see – marble slabs, wooden paddles and all. Plus, Mackinac Island fudge shops all offer free samples to help you settle on your favorite!

EXPLORE HISTORIC FORT MACKINAC

– Fort Mackinac dates to 1780 when the British moved it across the ice from the mainland, where it was originally built by the French. The redcoats still held the fort as late as 1815, nearly 40 years after the Americans declared independence! The fort has been restored to how it looked in the late 1800s, and you can tour it and see demonstrations of life as it was on Mackinac Island back then. There are many other historic attractions on Mackinac Island, too, including an old blacksmith shop, early 19th-century houses, a historic fur company store and the Dr. Beaumont Museum that tells the incredible story about medical experiments on a man with a hole in his stomach!

ENJOY THE GREAT LAKES PIRATE FESTIVAL

– Don an eye patch and head to the Mackinac Island Ferry Company’s main dock from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, for a free event full of costumes, competitions and cruises. There will be a live pirate band, pirate trivia, family-friendly photo ops, food and drinks and more. Plus, you can board the Good Fortune pirate ship for evening pirate cruises with music, dancing and even a cannon blast!

So, there’s eight things to do besides smelling flowers during the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. And we haven’t even mentioned having a picnic in Marquette Park, stargazing from Mackinac Island’s highest point at Fort Holmes, taking a selfie at Arch Rock, surviving the Haunted Theater, playing golf on a battlefield at Wawashkamo Golf Club or browsing Mackinac Island’s unique shops and art galleries. And, of course, you’ll want to find a favorite restaurant, too!

That’s tip No. 1 for a day trip to Mackinac Island. And it’s especially true during the iconic Mackinac Island Lilac Festival.

Mackinac Island named

Best Summer Travel Destination by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI

ichigan’s most popular tourist spot just added another award to its treasure chest. Mackinac Island has been named the Best Summer Travel Destination in the country by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards.

From its quaint downtown filled with fudge shops, restaurants and boutique shopping to its waterfront resorts and cozy B&Bs, it’s no wonder the island has hit the top of so many travel lists. Today’s award comes on the heels of other recent big accolades, including being named Best Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure, and one of the Best Places to Visit by TripAdvisor.

“Mackinac Island is a remarkable place, and our community works so hard to make it the special place it is today,” said Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud. “We are honored to be recognized for an accolade of this stature and look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy this treasured island for years to come.”

This year, visitors will have lots of new things to see and do. A new Irish pub and Mexican taqueria are opening downtown, and a BMX bike track is

opening outside Grand Hotel. Other restaurants will offer newly expanded patio seating for island lovers who want to catch the fresh breezes off the Straits of Mackinac. There’s also a full slate of Great Lakes cruise ships that plan to stop at the island this summer.

The USA Today 10Best honor was based on results from a month-long public online vote for the nominated spots. The full list of the Best Summer Travel Destination winners can be found online at www.10best.com.

“We are thrilled to be named the Best Summer Travel Destination by the USA TODAY 10Best heading into the 2023 season,” said Tim Hygh, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau executive director. “Those who have visited Mackinac Island know how special this place is and it truly is one of those destinations that sticks with you even after you’ve left. The island’s atmosphere, scenery and people encapsulate a truly magical vacation experience, and this award reflects that.”

For some visitors, Mackinac Island is a bucket-list trip. For others, it’s a special place they return to as often as they can. They love the history

Paradise found!

of the military forts, the beauty of the Victorian architecture found in the East Bluff and West Bluff homes, and the sound of the horse-drawn carriages coming down the streets. “Mackinac Island holds a special place in Michigan’s history and has long been a cherished destination appealing to travelers far and wide,” said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We’re proud to receive this meaningful recognition for our state and encourage everyone to make the time to visit Mackinac Island to truly experience what this unique island has to offer every type of traveler.”

As the 2023 season gets underway, there will be lots to celebrate on the island this summer. Some notable milestones: 125 TH

OF THE ISLAND’S MOTORIZED VEHICLE BAN

Both passenger ferry companies are already running for the season, and more businesses on the island are opening each week. For a list of season-opening dates, check the tourism bureau’s website, www.mackinacisland.org/season-updates.

Photo courtesy of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau