Mackinaw City - Aug 15, 2007 -

Aug 15, 2007. Today we are going to explore Mackinaw City.

Mackinaw or Mackinac, either way it is pronounced "aw". The original name was Michinnimakinng used by the Ottawa and Ojibwa Indians. Mish = great, inni = connecting sound, maki = fault and nong = land or place. The French shortened the name to Mackinac and the British wrote it as it sounded Mackinaw. So the city is Mackinaw and the Island is Mackinac.

We drive across the Mighty Mac, the bridge and head into Mackinaw City. On the bridge over you can see Colonial Michilimackinac a replica of the original fort. Archaeological digs have been taking place each summer as much of the fort has been restored or reconstructed to the way they were in the 1700's.

Mackinaw City is mainly a tourist town with access to Mackinac Island by ferry. There is a Historical Pathway throughout the city, which we walk and drive and read all the interpretative signs. They deal with the fort, the lighthouses, bridge and Mackinac Island.

We also spend time walking around town, mostly tourist shops, fudge and t-shirts.

The town of Cheboygan is only 14 miles away so we head off that way. This is a regular town, Wal-Mart, Subway, Radio Shack and all the rest. We do hit Wal-Mart and I do some shopping.

On the way back we drive around the canals and find the new Coast Guard Cutter, ice breaker, buoy tender, the Mackinaw.

We stop at a small drive-in with carhops and have lunch, great burgers. From the layout and colors I believe it was an A & W before.

We head back across the bridge and find all the historical signs in St. Ignace before heading back to the park for the evening.