Ever wonder what life is like on Mackinac Island in the winter? Where locals, islanders and year-round residents trade in their bikes and horses for snowmobiles?
Sara Wright, who has called the island home since 2006 and works as a photographer on the island says, “In the wintertime, you just get weekends off and relax and take in the beauty.” That’s because in the summer many of the employees can work 60+ hours a week.
The first stop on our winter island tour is the Grand Hotel. They closed for their season back in late fall. As you can imagine, everything is in hibernation mode. The maintenance team is hard at work though, getting ready for this upcoming summer season.
Dusty Coleman, the maintenance lead says, “There’s something new every day. There are two different sides to my job on the summer side and the winter side. The winter is when we actually get into big projects and renovations.”
As for fun activities, the locals love to cross country ski. Sara admits, “I ski probably 2 hours a day like every other day in the wintertime.” Local volunteers groom the trails so you can find your way around the island.
And of course, what’s a trip to Mackinac Island without making your way to the iconic downtown? Less than 500 people call the island home November through April. “There’s not very many people at all. Sometimes you only see like 50 people the entire winter,” explains Sara.
When you make your way downtown, don’t be expecting to buy pounds of fudge or take a carriage ride– there are few businesses open. , America’s oldest family-owned grocery store is open, you can find the bank open and operating, the library, the , and are taking guests and if you’re looking for a place to rest your head, you can head to the
Tonight, the streets are closed for their Bynoe Street Hockey League. A league that brings everyone together to celebrate their tight-knit community. “It’s a riot. It’s fun to watch and fun to participate in,” says Chad Bennett, a year-round resident.
No matter who they root for, or how they choose to spend their days, year-round residents seem to agree on one thing…
“I can’t even imagine leaving this place. It feels like our own little special place.”
For more information on visiting Mackinac Island,
Want to check out a production put on by locals and the ? They will be performing “The Music Man” on April 17 and 18.
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