Winter On Mackinac Island

VENTURE TO MACKINAC ISLAND WHEN IT’S SHROUDED IN SNOW TO RIDE FAT-TIRE BIKES, SKI AND SNOWSHOE QUIET TRAILS, AND DISCOVER AN INTIMATE SIDE OF THIS SUMMER-BUSTLE PLACE.

- Eric Olsen

Reaching back into my memory bank I recognize that, for me, the things that end up being truly lasting and exciting all start in the same way—as an image. Figurative or literal, imagery is a huge motivator for me—big surprise since I’m a photographer, right? My desire to experience Mackinac Island started out this way, too.

I should admit that I have not been to Mackinac Island since a grade-school field trip. I often pass by popular tourist areas on my way to some far-flung or hard-to-reach locale. I am a wilderness junkie, I am stubborn, and I thoroughly enjoy traveling to places that are hard to reach. Mackinac Island, Michigan’s most renowned tourist destination, has not been on my radar. This I discovered, is unfortunate.

A photography scouting trip brought me to Mackinaw City. I found myself strolling the streets long after sunset, with a fall chill in the September air. Totally unprepared for cold, I strolled from shop to shop hunting for a new sweater. After much hunting and now comfy in my new sweater, I did something I don’t usually do: I walked toward the busiest parts of this bustling town. Alone, I sat and people-watched, and to my surprise, I had a wonderful time. As the crowds thinned, I too moved on. Finding a vantage point just west of town I began to photograph the Mighty Mac.

Warm in my sale-rack sweater, I sat on the brisk shoreline feeling pleased and warm. Looking past the bridge I noticed the flickering lights of the Grand Hotel floating above the horizon. I wondered if there were people looking at that same bridge from that small little rock. Thinking back to my childhood trip to the isle, I couldn’t remember what the bridge looked like from that distant shore. This single thought was enough to get me to purchase a ferry ticket the next day.