The “all natural” theme park of America. That’s how Mackinaw Island, Michigan is known. The most special thing about Mackinaw Island? There are no motor vehicles! Walking, bicycling, or horse and buggy are your choices for transportation here on this Victorian enchanted island. The island’s Victorian influence and history are preserved, let’s find out a bit more about that. Many, many years ago, natives named the island “Big Turtle”, or mish-la-mack-in-naw, because it seemed to be shaped like a reptile. They then began using the caves on the island as their burial ground. Jean Nicolet, a French-Canadian courieur was the first white man on the scene. In subsequent years, the island saw prosperous fur trading, was home to a British fort, digestion research by surgeon William Beaumont—albeit unexpected research! Later came both commercial and recreational fishing. Due to preservation laws instituted by Congress in 1875, there has been almost no further development on Mackinaw Island. Any future construction was decidedly Victorian in style. These were mainly summer cottages built by wealthy Midwesterners. Today there are about 500 permanent residents and many summer residents. There is so much lovely, peaceful scenery here on the island—come and enjoy it on foot, by bicycle, or by buggy. You’re sure to be warmly welcomed!