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It is unlikely that the first thing that someone thinks of when they think of the state of Michigan is an island. Michigan, which is located in the northern half of the United States and bordered by four of the great lakes, has many hidden treasures both on land and offshore. Foremost, travelling to the island itself requires a handful of steps. Mackinac Island is off the cost where the upper peninsula and lower peninsula are joined together through the Mackinac bridge which stretches to just under 5 miles in length. This location requires is a fair distance of driving depending on which end of Michigan you anticipate tackling it from. There are a handful of ports that utilize speed boats, ferries, and other private travel avenues to connect to the island itself. There are many options for ferry rides ranging from modest boats that provide extensive exposure to the elements of Lake Huron. While other speed cruises provide a brief overview of the land, the bridge, along with a speed arrival to the island port. Arriving to Mackinac Island feels like travelling to a different era in the United States. There are no automobiles on the island, there are mansions hidden off bike trails, and there is plethora of chocolate and saltwater taffy shops on Main Street. It may not be a terrible idea to prepare for your trip to Mackinac Island with some light hiking and walking. Mackinac Island feeds into an 889-foot altitude which is near its top tourist location, Arch Rock. The island has several bikes and walking trails throughout the island that allow visitors to travel at their own leisure. Attractions on the perimeter of the island include food stands, historically relevant ports and artifacts, and Devil's Rock. Further into the center of the island are another handful of interesting, yet non-conforming components of this island. Fort Mackinac was established in 1780 when the settlers first arrived. Along with the fort itself, there are a handful of surrounding buildings, museums, and other monuments from the 19th century. In addition to the Fort are ongoing displays relating to Native American history, art, and maps. The final largest component of the mainland are the horses. The horse drawn carriages on the island are not for cosmetic effect. Horses have lived on Mackinac island since the early 1700s where they were first utilized as labor to transport ice back and forth from Michigan. Throughout the island there are museums commemorating the different horse trainers, carriages, and supplies used to transport the earliest stages of goods. Although Mackinac Island has many historical ties and connections, it is very modern. There are many food venues, tours, and physical activities for individuals of all abilities to engage in and enjoy. Mackinac Island is particularly nice to visit in the summer months where the weather is on average 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is refreshing to disconnect from the world and visit an unexpected island treasure in the midst of the Midwest.