Mackinac and Beaver islands are close to one another but worlds apart.
The Beaver Head Light is an 1858 lighthouse that stands at the south end of Beaver Island. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
It’s a thrill to see the entrance to the Grand Hotel when you pull up in a horse-drawn carriage. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
The luncheon buffet at the Grand Hotel is an elaborate affair with fine food, but the real star is the hotel itself. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
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Cars aren’t allowed on Mackinac Island, so bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the preferred modes of transportation. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
The porch at the Grand Hotel is 660 feet long, the world’s largest, according to the hotel. It’s a fine place to spend some time watching the world go by. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
Mackinac Island has been a popular summer holiday destination since the late 19th century. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
Horseback riding keeps tourists busy on Mackinac and offers an entertaining way to explore the island. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
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Costumed interpreters offer tours throughout the day at Fort Mackinac, within Mackinac Island State Park. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
There are more than a few fudge shops on Mackinac Island. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
Sunsets like this one, when the ducks settle in as the pink sky fades, are a must-see on Beaver Island’s western shores. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
Having a car on Beaver Island lets you take your time to explore at your own pace. It’s hard to get lost; just keep driving, and you’ll eventually wind up back in town. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)
