Mackinac Island / Oshkosh 2008

ScottSchmidt · #1 11-11-2008, 02:09 PM

There were some great Oshkosh 2008 write-ups this year so I thought I would share a day trip we took to Mackinac Island. http://www.airnav.com/airport/KMCD
Mackinac Island is part of Michigan located in Lake Huron. What makes Mackinac Island different is that cars and motorized vehicles have been banned since 1898, but they do have an airport. When you visit Mackinac it is like stepping back in time. The island is famous for its fudge and the Grand Hotel.
Here are a couple of links if you want to read more about the history of the island and the hotel.

Mackinac Island
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackinac_Island

Grand Hotel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_H...ckinac_Island)

We decided to fly up to the island on Sunday, the day before the show started. I had been to Mackinac Island when I was about 13 years old with my parents and they were at Oshkosh again this year with their trailer. My dad is from Minnesota and he had his 50th high school reunion a week before Oshkosh. So the four of us loaded up in the plane on Sunday morning and headed up.

The island is 201 nm from Oshkosh (straight line). We departed Oshkosh and overflew Green Bay, Door County, and then cut across a couple of islands located in Lake Michigan (South Fox Island and Beaver Island).
The flight in the RV-10 is about 1 hour 15 minutes.

ScottSchmidt · #2 11-11-2008, 02:09 PM

Approaching Mackinac Island

As we approached the island I called the unicom and requested a taxi to come pick us up at the airport. They are 2 HP taxis on this island so make sure you are not in a hurry. Mackinac Island is on "Island Time" just like many of the Caribbean Islands.

Picture of the whole island

Runway carved in the center of the island

As we make our short final we overflew one of the taxi's going to pick someone up.

We tied down on the front row and headed to the FBO. There were quite a few planes there but they have plenty of room.

ScottSchmidt · #3 11-11-2008, 02:10 PM

Our 2 HP taxi showed up and we were off to the main street to get some lunch. It takes about 15 minutes to get from the airport to the main street. I can't remember the cost but it wasn't too bad, it was cheaper than a New York cab and even smelled better.

Even the street cleaner is horse powered.

The Grand Hotel taxi approaching

Our taxi driver recommended the Carriage House for lunch and it was a great recommendation. It is on the right hand side as you are just coming into town.

ScottSchmidt · #4 11-11-2008, 02:11 PM

In the summer you have two options to get the island, boat or plane. In the winter you can snowmobile to the island across the frozen lake.
Here is one of the boats coming in.

There are tons of bikes on the island to rent. Most people get around on the bikes. There is also a road that goes around the island. We didn't rent any bikes this trip but next time we would like to take some more time and ride around the island.

As I mentioned before, the island is famous for its fudge. We stopped by and grabbed a box for the RV-10 group dinner we were having later Sunday night back at Oshkosh.

We strolled around the town and checked out the fort, the harbor and then walked up the Grand Hotel. We thought we could go in and check it out until we saw the sign and heard it would cost $20 (I think) just to go inside.
So we just stayed outside and took some pictures.

ScottSchmidt · #5 11-11-2008, 02:11 PM

We walked back to the airport and headed to Door County Cherryland Airport for gas.

I wanted to get gas before heading back to Oshkosh in case there was a long wait. When we landed they literally rolled out the red carpet.
They were very helpful at the airport.

Getting back into Oshkosh was no issue and we had a great day of flying and sightseeing.

We headed for the RV-10 dinner and put out all the fudge which quickly disappeared.

So maybe next year you can plan a day to run up to Mackinac Island.
We will do it again!

N8RV · #6 11-11-2008, 02:23 PM

Thanks for sharing that TripTik, Scott! Very enjoyable. My wife's been wanting me to take her up there for years, and maybe that will be one of our first destinations when I finish N8RV.

DeltaRomeo · #7 11-11-2008, 02:29 PM

Jaw dropping gorgeous, Scott. Thanks for sharing your usual top-notch reports with us again!!!

b,
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mackd · #8 11-11-2008, 03:06 PM

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us, Scott! I've been to Mackinac Island many times, but only once via air (and that in a C172) and it was a blast. One of my dreams is to go back there in my RV, once it's done. Thanks for the great pics and added inspiration.

pat · #9 11-11-2008, 03:16 PM

Very nice pictoral and write up. Even though I live in michigan, I have been to the island several times by plane and boat. It is a must do for all. very historical and fun. BTW on any given weekend the Grand Hotel will host 6-8 weddings and receptions in a single day. talk about logistical nightmare (all those mothers-in-laws to deal with

terrykohler · #10 11-11-2008, 03:25 PM

Great write-up and pictures. We stop at the island 3-4 times per year, usually just for lunch or dinner. From SE Michigan (KPTK) it's less than 1:30 flight time. For those adventureous enough, you can also visit the island in the winter. For a couple of months, the straits are frozen over and the only way on or off the island is via airplane or snowmobile. Only about 500 people live there year round, but you can still get a taxi and a couple of bars are open for burgers or sandwiches. Just west of the Grand Hotel and further up the hill are several large mansions, one of which is maintained by the State of Michigan, and is a summer residence for the sitting Governor.
Terry