A Place That I Love: A Tour Drivers Perspective of Mackinac Island

by Walter Kitter

Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron. It is about 8.2 miles in circumference. It is one of four crown jewels that are within the borders of Michigan. Upon arrival, you will notice a lot of bicycles, horse-drawn carriages some for hauling freight, others for shuttling people to and from their hotel, the maroon carriage is the Grand Hotel bus, taxis, and public tour carriages. People are walking on the streets and sidewalks as well. If you arrive in late May or early June, you will have a chance of catching the lilacs in bloom.
The smell of fudge fills the air. There are five authorized motorized vehicles allowed on the island. They are police cars, fire trucks, ambulances,
an assortment of maintenance vehicles for the electric company, and snowmobiles, which is the main mode of transportation for the approximately 450 to 500 permanent residents in the winter. One of the best and easiest ways to get around is by bicycle. Most people who visit the island think that Main Street and downtown is it. There is more to the island than the eighteen or so fudge shops and tourist stores. It is part of the experience, but not the whole experience.
I am a U.S Army Veteran with 13 years of service.
I worked on Mackinac Island for thirteen years.
In that time I also graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. In College is when I found that I love to write. In 2015 I was a Fire Lookout for BLM in Ashland Montana. I am currently working at a local Grocery store. Some things I like to do fly fishing, tying my own flies, and hunting for the experience and the company I keep. Walking, snowshoeing, are the ways I like to clear my head.

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