About My World, Part 2

Two popular tourist destinations in the UP happen to be islands. They are at opposite ends of the UP and couldn't be more different.

Mackinac Island is on the eastern end of the UP. Actually, it is between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas and can be seen from the Mackinac Bridge. Mackinac Island is preserved as a Victorian resort area. While there ARE modern conveniences, there are no motorized vehicles allowed. All transportation is by foot, horse, or bicycle. During the Victorian Era, Mackinac Island became a popular summer resort area. In the 1890s, rich industrialists and meat packers began to build their summer homes here. To this day, Mackinac Island is a more expensive area to visit. One of the most famous landmarks on the island is the Grand Hotel. Several movies have been filmed here and you can still take a walk on the Grand Hotel's Front Porch (the world's longest at 660 feet)--for a fee, of course.

Isle Royale National Park is very different than Mackinac Island. While Mackinac Island is all about comfort from a bygone era, Isle Royale is all about raw, complete wilderness. Isle Royale gets less visitors per year than Yellowstone National Park gets in one day. This helps preserve Isle Royale, as visitors ARE limited. (Although I don't think Isle Royale is in any danger of being overrun by tourists any time soon.)

Located in the western part of Lake Superior, Isle Royale is much closer to Minnesota and Ontario than to Michigan--but it still is officially owned by Michigan. The only way to get to the island is by boat or seaplane. (Or possibly crossing the ice during the winter--but who in their right mind would want to do that?) The only mode of transportation is by foot. While there are some housekeeping rooms with private baths for accommodations, one should look on Isle Royale as strictly a camping experience.

What makes Isle Royale unique is its isolation. 99% of the park is designated wilderness and because of the isolation, many of the animals on the island have little fear of people. It is common to be able to watch much of the wildlife going about daily business. This wildlife includes: moose, beaver, fox, etc. While there are wolves on the island, it is rare to actually see one--there are, however, signs such as tracks, etc. Going to Isle Royale, as well as Mackinac Island, is a step back in time--just into two different times!

Now for full disclosure. I have never been to Isle Royale or Mackinac Island--I just can't bring myself to go on the boat or ferry to get to the places. I think it would be fantastic to go to Isle Royale and see a moose--which I guess is not a hard thing to do! The moose have the tendency to visit campsites and to show up on hiking trails. Mackinac Island would be a wonderful place to have a luxurious vacation--only I'm too cheap to pay the prices. Oh, well. But I wanted to let others know a little more about my world.

(When following the link for Isle Royale, be aware it is written by someone with quite flowery language--not my cup of tea. However, the pictures on the site are fantastic and there is a lot of good info about the island.)