MACKINAW CITY: COME FOR THE FUDGE, STAY BECAUSE THE WAVES WON’T LET YOU LEAVE

August 25-28, 2026

We were meeting Howie’s brother and sister-in-law at the Straits State Harbor marina on August 25 which worked out perfectly with our trip from De Tour. Howie cleaned the boat a bit and we enjoyed spending time with Ken and Vicki. Even though Wednesday was rainy, we headed out to the ferry and went to Mackinac Island for the day.

Had a great time time on a horse drawn carriage tour that took us through the downtown Mackinac area, Grand Hotel area, through the Mackinac Island State Park and to Arch Rock.

We had a wonderful lunch at Icehouse BBQ on their patio. We had Bella with us, so it was a nice that we were able to find a quality restaurant with an outside area. Everyone had an “adult beverage” which made the ferry trip back to Mackinaw City that much more enjoyable.

Ken and Vicki left early the next morning with the thought that we would be heading to Petoskey marina. Well, we did leave the Straits State Harbor and headed under the Mackinac Bridge, though we definitely did NOT get to Petoskey. Once under the bridge, the waves started slamming the boat head on. Everything had to be battened down-refrigerator doors were tied, fruit basket put inside a cabinet, all cabinet doors taped, every item in the bathroom put in a cabinet or down on a shelf where it couldn’t move. When I realized there were no bale out marinas and we had 35 miles of the crazy 2-3 foot waves, we decided to head back to Mackinaw City.

It was a relief to get back to the marina. We tied up and stayed another night. Actually had an enjoyable time going through the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime museum.