The Mackinac Blog

Pink Pony Store – Now Offers Online Shopping

Earlier this year we stopped into the new Pink Pony Store at the Chippewa Hotel and did some Pink Pony shopping. (Here are a few photos from our visit.) The good news is that you can shop online year-round at https://chippewa-hotel.myshopify.com/

Pink Pony Store – Photo Gallery (Click on photos for captions & slideshow view)
 

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Earlier this year we stopped into the new Pink Pony Store at the Chippewa Hotel and did some Pink Pony shopping. (Here are a few photos from our visit.) The good news is that you can shop online year-round at PinkPonyMackinac.com
The new Pink Pony Store at the Chippewa Hotel. You can shop online year-round at PinkPonyMackinac.com
The new Pink Pony Store at the Chippewa Hotel. You can shop online year-round at PinkPonyMackinac.com
The new Pink Pony Store at the Chippewa Hotel. You can shop online year-round at PinkPonyMackinac.com
The new Pink Pony Store at the Chippewa Hotel. You can shop online year-round at PinkPonyMackinac.com

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Pink Pony Store – Photos on Facebook >>>

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Pink Pony Store Website >>>

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THE 2025 ANNUAL MACKINAC BRIDGE WALK – September 1, 2025

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The 2025 Annual Bridge Walk is currently scheduled for Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Any updates will be posted here as the event approaches.

The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 to accommodate the 2025 Annual Bridge Walk.

No bus transportation across the bridge will be provided as part of the event. Walkers who decide to walk across the entire bridge will need to arrange their own transportation back to the end of the bridge where they started after the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon. There is limited parking space available west of the Mackinac Bridge Authority plaza area.

For those seeking alternative transportation during the event, the local Mackinac Island ferry companies offer transportation between St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, and Mackinac Island, as well as between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. Local transportation companies also offer shuttle service between various locations.

There is no fee or registration required to participate in the walk. The walk begins at 7 a.m. You may start walking any time after the governor’s party starts the walk at approximately 7 a.m. No one will be permitted to start after 11:30 a.m., so make sure you arrive early.

The walk begins in St. Ignace at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and in Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge in the Lower Peninsula. To participate in the walk you may:

– Walk form either end of the bridge, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city you started from, where your transportation is located. The turnaround points will move towards the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if you start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m. or you will be turned back.

– Walk from either end of the bridge and continue across to the other side. This option is most like previous bridge walks. However, since bus transportation across the bridge will not be provided, walkers who choose this option will need to arrange for their own transportation back across after the bridge reopens at noon. Walkers who do not reach the midpoint of the bridge before 10 a.m. will be turned back.

– Walk from either end of the bridge, continuing across to the other side, then walking back to the end of the bridge you started from. This option will mean a 10-mile round trip for participants. If walkers in this option do not reach the midpoint of the bridge on their return trip by 10 a.m. will be turned back.

Walkers will use the left-hand outside paved lane as they walk onto the bridge, regardless of which end of the bridge they start from. Walkers who turn back at the midpoint will turn right, then return using the opposite side outside paved lane. Walkers who choose to cross the entire bridge will stay in the left-hand outside paved lane all the way across.

The Michigan State Police and other official personnel will be available in the event of an emergency.

Please note, there are no restrooms on the bridge and the average length of time to walk the bridge is about two hours. Portable toilets will be available in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.

Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the bridge during the walk. Prohibited items include signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons and similar types of devices. With the sole exception of working service dogs, no animals are allowed. Walkers must stay away from bridge railings. The inside lane in both directions will remain open for emergency vehicles.

Except for pre-qualified, registered participants in the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, no running or racing is permitted on the bridge. Playing tag on the bridge is not permitted and no smoking on the bridge, please. For information on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, please go to www.michiganfitness.org or contact the Governor’s Council at 517-347-7891.

You will receive a numbered bridge walk certificate at the completion of your walk. Certificates will be distributed at both ends of the bridge. Individuals under the age of 18 should have the permission of a parent or guardian to participate in the walk. Any two or more people walking together should make plans for a meeting place in the event that they become separated during the walk.

Disclaimer of liability: Before beginning the walk, all participants should carefully determine that they are physically fit and medically able to participate in the annual walk since the physical strain of the walk could lead to serious health problems. Participants should also understand that walking involves risks of injury from falls due to the surface condition of the bridge, contact with other participants, and the effects of weather including high heat and/or humidity.

THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, MACKINAC BRIDGE AUTHORITY, ST. IGNACE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MACKINAW CITY CHAMBER OR COMMERCE, AND ALL THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, VOLUNTEERS AND SPONSORS ASSUME NO OBLIGATIONS WITH REGARD TO SUCH RISKS AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY ARISING FROM ANY WALKER’S PARTICIPATION IN THE ANNUAL WALK.

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Visit Mackinac Bridge Walk Website >>>>

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Mackinac Bridge – Photos From Instagram

Tag your Mackinac Bridge Walk instagram photos with #mackinacbridge and they will appear here in our Mackinac Bridge Instagram Photo Stream.

Instagram post 18018276274512975 Painting the Mighty Mac with lights. 

📸: michiganskymedia 

#PureMichigan #MackinacBridge #UPTravel

Painting the Mighty Mac with lights. 📸: michiganskymedia #PureMichigan #MackinacBridge #UPTravel ...

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Instagram post 18020209183521482 Each summer we await the bloom of The Secret Garden 💐 This year our amazing Grounds Team, led by Director of Grounds, Drew Butterfield, planted 42,000 grape hyacinths, 12,000 tulips, and a variety of alliums to create the stunning 2023 Secret Garden design.

#GrandHotelMichigan #AmericasSummerPlace

Each summer we await the bloom of The Secret Garden 💐 This year our amazing Grounds Team, led by Director of Grounds, Drew Butterfield, planted 42,000 grape hyacinths, 12,000 tulips, and a variety of alliums to create the stunning 2023 Secret Garden design. #GrandHotelMichigan #AmericasSummerPlace ...

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Instagram post 17920914157743093 Mackinac never ceases to amaze us! Calm waters and colorful sunsets all weekend! 

www.theinnatstonecliffe.com

Mackinac never ceases to amaze us! Calm waters and colorful sunsets all weekend! www.theinnatstonecliffe.com ...

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Instagram post 18196875568046984 #blueice #mackinacbridge #mackinacwinter #mackinacisland 
#puremittigan

#blueice #mackinacbridge #mackinacwinter #mackinacisland #puremittigan ...

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Instagram post 18000751432636115 We are one week away from our annual Celebrate Michigan offer! ☀️ Mark your calendars and get ready to book on Sunday, March 19! ☀️ 

Guests will be able to enjoy some of the lowest rates of the season, plus breakfast and dinner daily, complimentary miniature golf on The Gem, 25% off golf on The Jewel and more. We can't wait to welcome you to a Season of Adventure at Grand Hotel! 

#GrandHotelMichigan #AmericasSummerPlace

We are one week away from our annual Celebrate Michigan offer! ☀️ Mark your calendars and get ready to book on Sunday, March 19! ☀️ Guests will be able to enjoy some of the lowest rates of the season, plus breakfast and dinner daily, complimentary miniature golf on The Gem, 25% off golf on The Jewel and more. We can't wait to welcome you to a Season of Adventure at Grand Hotel! #GrandHotelMichigan #AmericasSummerPlace ...

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Instagram post 17957319766922225 Meet Glendon, serving the Section One of the Main Dining Room for his 31st Season. Glendon is from Montego Bay, Jamaica and says "Returning each season is always one big family affair! We are all family at Grand Hotel!"

#GrandHotelMichigan #MackinacIsland

Meet Glendon, serving the Section One of the Main Dining Room for his 31st Season. Glendon is from Montego Bay, Jamaica and says "Returning each season is always one big family affair! We are all family at Grand Hotel!" #GrandHotelMichigan #MackinacIsland ...

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Instagram post 17960586935189776 Winter is my favorite time to visit the Mackinac Bridge. Who goes to the island in the winter? Might be time for me to get over there and do a combo trip. Got any tips for me? I’m all ears. Plus eyes, nose, and the rest 🙃

Winter is my favorite time to visit the Mackinac Bridge. Who goes to the island in the winter? Might be time for me to get over there and do a combo trip. Got any tips for me? I’m all ears. Plus eyes, nose, and the rest 🙃 ...

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Instagram post 17939592656830354 Mackinac Blues - will we get them this winter. Hope so. 

#mackinacbridge 
#puremichigan
#blueice
#mightymac

Mackinac Blues - will we get them this winter. Hope so. #mackinacbridge #puremichigan #blueice #mightymac ...

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Instagram post 18087934351711774 It's not Halloween, but it looks straight out of a horror movie: The Mackinac Bridge looked like it disappeared into some scary-looking fog Wednesday afternoon.

"Unfortunately, what you're seeing today is not fog surrounding the mackinacbridge but smoke coming from the wildfires and our neighbors to the North," the Mackinac Bridge Authority posted on Wednesday. 

Check the link in our bio for more.

#detroit #michigan #mackinacbridge #wildfires #canada #canadianwildfires #fog

It's not Halloween, but it looks straight out of a horror movie: The Mackinac Bridge looked like it disappeared into some scary-looking fog Wednesday afternoon. "Unfortunately, what you're seeing today is not fog surrounding the mackinacbridge but smoke coming from the wildfires and our neighbors to the North," the Mackinac Bridge Authority posted on Wednesday. Check the link in our bio for more. #detroit #michigan #mackinacbridge #wildfires #canada #canadianwildfires #fog ...

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Instagram post 17973177022598825 The bridge to the stars! 
I.e. the Mackinac bridge! 

Connecting the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan, this iconic suspension bridge made travel to Michigan's upper peninsula a breeze when it opened in 1957.  The bridge is expected to see it's 200 millionth vehicle crossing this year! 

This image consists of my most detailed milky way to date - 17 mins in total exposure time!  That allows for all this wonderful detail to shine through.  Then it was blended with a non tracked foreground. 

Gear - nikonusa z6 (astromodified by spencerscamera ) + sigmaphoto 40mm art lens + sliktripods + skywatcherusa tracking mount and miopstrigger Smart plus remote. 
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#bridgesofinstagram #mackinacbridge #puremichigan #michigan #ipulledoverforthis #milkyway #milkywaychasers #visualart #artofvisuals #astrophotography #epic_worldpics #splendid_shotz #huffpostgram #upperpeninsula #truenorth #upnorth #uptravel #longexpoelite #landscape_nightscape #nightscaper #nightphotography #bridgesoftheworld

The bridge to the stars! I.e. the Mackinac bridge! Connecting the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan, this iconic suspension bridge made travel to Michigan's upper peninsula a breeze when it opened in 1957. The bridge is expected to see it's 200 millionth vehicle crossing this year! This image consists of my most detailed milky way to date - 17 mins in total exposure time! That allows for all this wonderful detail to shine through. Then it was blended with a non tracked foreground. Gear - nikonusa z6 (astromodified by spencerscamera ) + sigmaphoto 40mm art lens + sliktripods + skywatcherusa tracking mount and miopstrigger Smart plus remote. . . . . . #bridgesofinstagram #mackinacbridge #puremichigan #michigan #ipulledoverforthis #milkyway #milkywaychasers #visualart #artofvisuals #astrophotography #epic_worldpics #splendid_shotz #huffpostgram #upperpeninsula #truenorth #upnorth #uptravel #longexpoelite #landscape_nightscape #nightscaper #nightphotography #bridgesoftheworld ...

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Instagram post 18049561634446545 🌉 Driving across the Mackinac Bridge is a treat for some. But it's a terror for others. The 5-mile bridge that connects Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas is a scary sight for some drivers. Luckily, there is help for those who fear the trip across. The Mackinac Bridge Authority's Drivers Assistance Program was created specifically to help those drivers. Anyone can simply call a number, and a Mackinac Bridge Authority employee will show up to drive your car across the Mighty Mac.⁠
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"We have people available 24 hours a day, doing multiple things," said Ned McLennan, maintenance supervisor for the Mackinac Bridge Authority. "One of those things is the Driver's Assistance Program."⁠
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_____⁠
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🚗 The service is completely free.⁠
McLennan said workers are happy to help. They would rather drive a vehicle across the bridge than have a worried motorist freeze up. "And, yes, some drivers have stopped abruptly in the middle of the bridge. That can create a dangerous situation," McLennan said.⁠
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"If they are worried or think they will have a problem, it's better to stop and ask," he said.⁠
"It doesn't matter what type of vehicle you drive because these workers can handle anything. They all have commercial driver's licenses, and many have motorcycle endorsements.⁠
"We can drive anything, and we have," McLennan said.⁠
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For more info: link in our bio. 🔗⁠
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#mackinacbridge #bridge #mackinac #michigan #funfacts #allfacts #facts #fact #didyouknowthat #didyouknow

🌉 Driving across the Mackinac Bridge is a treat for some. But it's a terror for others. The 5-mile bridge that connects Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas is a scary sight for some drivers. Luckily, there is help for those who fear the trip across. The Mackinac Bridge Authority's Drivers Assistance Program was created specifically to help those drivers. Anyone can simply call a number, and a Mackinac Bridge Authority employee will show up to drive your car across the Mighty Mac.⁠ ⁠ "We have people available 24 hours a day, doing multiple things," said Ned McLennan, maintenance supervisor for the Mackinac Bridge Authority. "One of those things is the Driver's Assistance Program."⁠ ⁠ _____⁠ ⁠ 🚗 The service is completely free.⁠ McLennan said workers are happy to help. They would rather drive a vehicle across the bridge than have a worried motorist freeze up. "And, yes, some drivers have stopped abruptly in the middle of the bridge. That can create a dangerous situation," McLennan said.⁠ ⁠ "If they are worried or think they will have a problem, it's better to stop and ask," he said.⁠ "It doesn't matter what type of vehicle you drive because these workers can handle anything. They all have commercial driver's licenses, and many have motorcycle endorsements.⁠ "We can drive anything, and we have," McLennan said.⁠ ⁠ _____⁠ ⁠ For more info: link in our bio. 🔗⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #mackinacbridge #bridge #mackinac #michigan #funfacts #allfacts #facts #fact #didyouknowthat #didyouknow ...

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Mackinac 8 Mile Road Race – September 6, 2025

Race Start Time is 9:30 am on Saturday, September 6!

End your Summer with the Mackinac 8 Mile Road Race

Join us for the 54th anniversary of this exciting, summer-ending event. You will experience Mackinac Island in one of the oldest and most scenic races in Michigan. The Island is a unique destination that can only be reached by ferry. Step back in time to a bygone era where travel is done by foot, bicycle, carriage or horse. With up to 1,600 runners and walkers, this is definitely a race you and your family will never forget!

Great Race Shirt and Medal!

A great long sleeve shirt
Commemorative Mackinac Island Eight Mile finisher medal\
Free race photos

2025 Mackinac Island Trio Series!

Register for three RunMackinac races (either the Fort2Fort 5 Mile or the Lilac Festival 10K, plus both the Mackinac Eight Mile and the Great Turtle Trail Race) and you will receive a special Mackinac Island Trio Series medal. This will be a separate medal from the other finisher’s medals you will receive at the completion of all three races, and will be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon. To register for the Trio, go to either the Fort2Fort or Lilac 10k races and you will see the registration box. You can also register individually for all three events and be eligible for the Trio and the medal.

Special Rates at Mission Point Resort for the 8 Mile Race and the Trio Series!

Mission Point is holding rooms for all RunMackinac events at special rates – if you call to reserve rooms for your three Trio races and tell them you are doing the Trio, you will receive a 10% discount. Call 800-833-7711 to get the 10% Trio discount.

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Visit Run Mackinac Website For More Information >>>>

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Mackinac Island Road Races On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Mackinac Island Road Races Page On Facebook.

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Visit Run Mackinac Website For More Information >>>>

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Grand Hotel – Wellness Weekend Retreat – September 8 -10, 2023

Wellness Weekend Retreat

Arrive Friday, September 8 • Depart Sunday, September 10, 20223

Description

Experience something new by slowing down. This Wellness Weekend Retreat at Grand Hotel will help you recharge, be present and learn how to experience a more meaningful life. There is no better place to disconnect to reconnect than Mackinac Island.

Friday

Opening Circle + Laughter Yoga

Gentle Yoga + Sound Bath

Saturday
Morning Yoga + Meditation

Koshas + The Higher Self

Art Therapy

Ayurvedic Massage + Restorative Yoga

Yoga Nidra + Sound Bath

Sunday
Morning Yoga

Closing Circle

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel Accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Special welcome amenity
  • Wellness activities throughout the weekend including yoga sessions, art therapy and more
  • Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
  • Special discount on ferry tickets

This Wellness Retreat Weekend can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>

Ego Vs. Love (Higher Self) Lecture – includes self-affirmations to use for when the ego feels triggered. Handouts attached.

Self-Care with Ayurveda – Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga. It is the oldest medical system on the planet. This lecture includes a quiz for students to understand their Ayurvedic dosha and information on keeping their dosic constitution balanced. I include the practice of Abhyanga, a self-massage technique using herbal oils that are specific to the participant’s dosha. This can be followed by restorative yoga, which is very slow, meditative, and nourishing.

Laughter Yoga – the practice of pure joy and playfulness. This is great for group bonding at an opening circle. It opens hearts, minds, and lifts spirits. Awesome ice breaker.

Koshas – the five layers of the human experience and how to practice self-care for every part of your being. I believe that this is information every person should have to understand themselves better. Ancient wisdom for our modern lives.

Yoga Nidra – Also known as yogic sleep this is a guided meditation designed specifically to calm the nervous system and create deep nourishing rest. Good for the last part of the day, can be combined with sound healing.

Sound Bath – Euphoric and transformational just begin to describe this opportunity to release that which no longer serves our highest and greatest good. Participants enjoy the sounds of antique Tibetan singing bowls, alchemy quartz crystal singing bowls, koshi chimes and symphonic gongs. These healing vibrations will touch every cell of the physical body while balancing our energetic, spiritual, and emotional selves.

Art Therapy – Using the right side of our brain is important. It’s the part of the brain that remembers we are connected to everyone and everything. It’s often a place where people feel challenged and have little breakthroughs. We tend to lose touch with our creative side as we age.

*Subject to Michigan 6% sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and a $12.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability. A 30-day cancellation policy applies.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Grand Hotel Page On Facebook.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel – Welcome Fall Package – September 15 -17, 2023

Grand Hotel - Welcome Fall Package

Arrive Friday, September 15 • Depart Sunday, September 17, 2023

Description

Kids, bring your parents to Grand Hotel this fall for a weekend full of activities for young-at-age and young-at-heart. Enjoy breakfast and dinner daily and a tour of the Grand Hotel Stables. Be sure to take advantage of our bike rental discounts to explore the beautiful fall foliage of Mackinac Island!

Package Includes:

  • Accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Saturday Stable Tour
  • Discount on Bike Rentals (based on availability)
  • Saturday History Lecture with Bob Tagatz
  • Complimentary Lawn Games and Recreation Courts
  • Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
  • Special discount on ferry tickets

The Welcome Fall package can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>

*Subject to Michigan 6% sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and a $12.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability. A 30-day cancellation policy applies.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Grand Hotel Page On Facebook.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Horses of Mackinac Island – Fall Departure to Winter Pastures

As the summer tourist season ends on Mackinac Island, many of the horses leave the island for winter pastures on the mainland in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The sight of the departing horses being led through the streets of downtown Mackinac Island is always bittersweet scene of late summer and early fall. Here are some of the latest photos.

Horses of Mackinac Island – Fall Departure to Winter Pastures – Photo Gallery (Click on photos for slideshow view)

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

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