Mackinac Island & the Michigan Dunes · Wild n Wonderful Wanderer

The full Northern Michigan loop from the reel. Each stop below has what's verified and its Google Maps pin.

Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI

Fort Mackinac was founded during the American Revolution and captured by the British in July 1812. Cars have been banned in Mackinac Island State Park since 1901.

✅ Good to know

Fort Mackinac was founded during the American Revolution. Source ↗
Americans took control of Fort Mackinac in 1796. Source ↗
In July 1812, the British captured Fort Mackinac in the first land engagement of the War of 1812 in the United States. Source ↗
Fort Mackinac remained an active military post until 1895. Source ↗
The stone ramparts, the south sally port, and the Officer's Stone Quarters are all part of the original fort, built over 225 years ago. Source ↗
Cars have been banned on Mackinac Island's state park land since 1901. Source ↗

📍 Plan this stop

Opens Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI in Google Maps.

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Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, Mackinaw City, MI

The Mackinaw was commissioned on December 30, 1944, and served as the primary heavy icebreaker on the Great Lakes for 62 years.

✅ Good to know

The Mackinaw's keel was laid on March 20, 1943, at the Toledo Shipbuilding Company. Source ↗
The Mackinaw was commissioned on December 30, 1944. Source ↗
The Mackinaw was built in Toledo, Ohio, at a cost of ten million dollars. Source ↗
Congress authorized construction of the Mackinaw on December 17, 1941. Source ↗
Cheboygan remained the Mackinaw's home port her entire life. Source ↗
The Mackinaw served as the primary heavy icebreaker on the Great Lakes for 62 years. Source ↗

📍 Plan this stop

Opens Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, Mackinaw City, MI in Google Maps.

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Earl Young Mushroom Houses, Charlevoix, MI

Over a fifty-year career, Earl Young built twenty-six houses, each designed to blend in with its surrounding landscape.

✅ Good to know

11 homes are included in Charlevoix's Earl Young Local Historic District, along with landscaping features that are original to the site. Source ↗
Over the course of his fifty-year career, Earl Young built twenty-six residential houses and four commercial properties. Source ↗
Each of Earl Young's houses is individually different and was designed to blend in with its surrounding landscape. Source ↗

📍 Plan this stop

Opens Earl Young Mushroom Houses, Charlevoix, MI in Google Maps.

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI

The Dune Climb, about 5 miles north of Empire on M-109, climbs to a view of Glen Lake.

✅ Good to know

There is a picnic area at the bottom of the Dune Climb, and you can climb up the dunes for a view of Glen Lake. Source ↗
The Dune Climb is about 2 miles from Lake Michigan and cannot be seen from the top. Source ↗
The Dune Climb is located about 5 miles north of Empire on M-109, on the west side of the road. Source ↗

📍 Plan this stop

Opens Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI in Google Maps.

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New Presque Isle Lighthouse, Presque Isle, MI

The New Presque Isle Lighthouse is 113 feet tall, the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes that the public can climb.

✅ Good to know

The New Presque Isle Lighthouse is 113 feet tall, with a diameter of 19 feet 3 inches at ground level and 12 feet 4 inches at the parapet. Source ↗
The New Presque Isle Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes that can be climbed by the public. Source ↗
A Third Order Fresnel lens surmounted the tower for over 130 years and could be seen more than 25 miles out in Lake Huron. Source ↗

📍 Plan this stop

Opens New Presque Isle Lighthouse, Presque Isle, MI in Google Maps.

Get directions →

Short on time? Drive just 3 stops

Earl Young Houses → Icebreaker Mackinaw → Mackinac Bridge · 55 miles · about 1 hr 27 min. Route map, verified facts, a save button and gear.

Open the 3-stop route

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