A Catholic Pilgrim Traveling to Mackinac Island and Northeastern Michigan

Thirteen years ago, the military planted us at Tyndall AFB. Little did I know that while there, I would meet one of my best friends ever. In fact, her whole family became family. Over these past 13 years, we’ve been stationed together four times and made countless memories together. We’ve done so much stuff together as families, we literally could write a military book about all our adventures. I simply can’t imagine life without her or her family. They are just a part of us now and the love goes deep.

When we first met them, Dawn and Shawn told us all about their lake house in Michigan. They wanted to take our family to experience lake life there. I’ve been hearing about it so much that before I went, I felt I knew the place already. However, the timing was never right, until recently.

We are all in Ohio together now and the stars aligned perfectly for us to visit over the 4th of July. Our family was so excited to see all the places that we’d heard so much about. I know for our friends, too, it was exciting because everyone loves to show off their “place.” Our friends did a great job of playing host family for the week and all the sights did not disappoint.

This will be a bit of a different blog. We stayed with our friends at their lake house, so I won’t be offering a place to stay. They aren’t Airbnb ready. HA! I understand that most people aren’t often traveling to the upper northeastern part of The Mitten. But, I want to show you the beauty and the Catholicity that can be found there. And, if you ever find yourself there…well, I’ve got good suggestions.

Mackinac Island

The day after the 4th of July, my friend and I took our big girls out for a tour of Mackinac Island. Mackinac sits within Lake Huron straight north of The Mitten. I had never heard of Mackinac Island until my friend was telling me all about it when we first met at Tyndall. It sounded neat. Neat, however, is an underwhelming word to describe it. It’s wonderful in a thousand ways.

You have to reach the island by ferry which takes about 15 minutes. When you pull in, you feel as if you’ve left the modern era completely behind. There are no cars; everyone bikes, walks, or takes horse-drawn carriages. It’s almost magical like Disneyland except for no rides. The flowers are gorgeous, the houses are quaint and whimsical, and the shopping area is cobbled-stone happiness. The crowning jewel of the island is the Grand Hotel which can be seen as you ferry in. Be sure to check out this magnificent hotel if you can.

Where To Eat

If you can, get a reservation for the buffet lunch at the Grand Hotel. This will allow you access to the hotel and the food is very good. Come hungry because you will want to try all the things. However, if you can’t get into the Grand Hotel, there are plenty of places to eat at on the island.

Must dos

Spend time enjoying the sights. The island is beautiful. A mission was founded there in the 1600s by Jesuits to help the local Native Americans, so the Catholic roots run deep. If you can, rent a bike and tour the island. We didn’t have time on our trip, but I would love to return and hop on a bike to see the sights. Also, be sure to get some fudge. Oh, yes, the fudge is a must.

Northeastern Michigan

Obviously, I haven’t visited the whole area, but there are a few things I’d like to mention for travelers to see. If you are from Michigan, please feel free to share your ideas in the comments.

Lake Huron

Can you say “huge?” This lake is huge. So much so, that I forgot it was a lake and thought it was the ocean. It lacked the salty sea air smell, though, so that kept bringing me back to the whole lake thing. Lake Huron is big and beautiful, but she’s a northern lake which means she can get wickedly cold and dangerous. She gets all my respect.

Old Presque Isle Township

As you check out Lake Huron in northeastern Michigan, stop in at The Portage Store and Deli for some ice cream. Our friends treated us to this gem on a sunny day and everyone had a good ice cream mustache.

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

I’m a fan of lighthouses. Like a big, big fan. They are hugely symbolic to me with regards to Christ and our faith. If there is a lighthouse near me, I’m there. Michigan has oodles and oodles of lighthouses. I got to visit two while sightseeing around The Great Lake State. The first was a lighthouse built in 1840 and it was completely charming, though it is said to haunted. Ooooooo…

New Presque Isle Lighthouse

By new, they mean built 30 years after the older one. So, in 1870. This lighthouse is literally about a mile away from the other one. I climbed to the tippy-top of this one and the views are awesome. The light keeper’s house is right next door and you can tour it for free. Kids will like getting a glimpse of how people used to live back in the early 1900s. This house was so nice that I could even take up residence there. Bonus: It ain’t haunted.

Catholic Must See

After we left Mackinac Island, my friend wanted to show us a place called “The Cross in the Woods” located in Indian River, Michigan. She said it was a little out of our way but totally worth it. She assured me that “I would love it.” She knows me pretty darn well because I did love it.

Before we arrived, she and her daughter had explained that the crucifix is huge. But, you just can’t picture something perfectly until you lay eyes on it. I wish I had a picture of my face when I finally saw this ENORMOUS crucifix. It’s big folks, like really, really big.

Plan to spend some time here. There is a path in the woods (hence the name) to follow with many different places to stop for prayer. More than anything, I bet you are just gonna want to sit and stare at the cross. It really does take your breath away.

We spent time with our friends’ extended family which was nice because we’ve known them for some time now. When we arrived, the grandpa said, “Welcome to God’s country!” I can see why he makes such a proclamation. The lakes are beautiful. Huron is immense, intimidating, but very grand. Mackinac Island is a place I must return to–must. It is so very special and I need to see the Catholic Church on the Island.

I learned a lot, too, on the trip. Michiganders have all kinds of slang. It took me awhile to figure out what the U.P. meant. (Upper Peninsula if you don’t know. ‘Cause there are two parts to Michigan.) Yoopers are what people from the U.P. are called. Funny name. Lol!

So, if you are ever a Fudgie in the Wolverine State, (tourist traveling north in Michigan) check out some of these great places.

Until next time, travel well, Catholic Pilgrims!