From Detroit to Mackinac Island

updated 2:04 p.m. ET July 24, 2006

Set in the waters separating Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, Mackinac (pronounced Mack-i-naw) Island is one of Michigan's loveliest and most romantic destinations. Cars are strictly prohibited; visitors get around the island on foot, bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages. The lack of modern transportation cultivates the sense of 19th-century nostalgia pervading the island, a veritable repository of beautifully restored Victorian homes. Mackinac Island State Park (tel. 906/847-3328, summer only) constitutes 80% of the island. For more information, contact the Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce (tel. 800/454-5227; www.mackinacisland.org).

The oldest structure in Michigan, and one of the few remaining Revolutionary War-era ruins in the nation, Fort Mackinac (tel. 906/436-4100; www.mackinacparks.com) looms high on a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Originally a British outpost, Fort Mackinac was conquered by American soldiers 20 years after the Revolution. In addition to housing historic ruins, the Fort hosts Victorian children's games; bagpipe, bugle, and drum corps music; hourly rifle and cannon firings; and military reenactments performed by costumed interpreters.

Another prime vantage on the straits can be had from the porch at the Grand Hotel (tel. 906/847-3331), a National Historic Landmark. The veranda exudes romance and is a focal point on the world's largest summer hotel, built in 1887. For $10 you can tour this lovely landmark hotel , drink cocktails, and take in the view. The price of your ticket will be deducted from any hotel restaurant meals.

If you like to bike, take a spin around the island, following an 8-mile circuit on Mich. 185 (Lake Shore Rd). The view of the straits is spellbinding from here and you can rubberneck without fear, given the prohibition on motorized vehicles. Bike rentals are available throughout downtown, at $5 per hour for one-speeds, $6 to $8 per hour for tandems. Ask about day rates and children's seats.

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For an easier tour of the island, travel via horse and buggy with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours (tel. 906/847-3307; $17 adults, $7.50 children 5-12). Trips begin near the boat docks in the center of the shopping district and last about 2 hours. Sites include the Governor's Mansion, the Grand Hotel, and Arch Rock -- a boulder with a gaping 30- by 40-foot hole gouged in it by waves and glaciers.

The island's newest attractions include two butterfly conservatories. The Mackinac Island Butterfly House, McGulpin Street behind St. Anne's Church (tel. 906/847-3972; $5 adults, $2 children 6-12); and the Wings of Mackinac, north of the Grand Hotel on Carriage Road (tel. 906/847-9464; $5 adults, $2 children 5-12). Downtown, a smattering of shops and galleries are worth an afternoon stroll. Don't leave the island without sampling its famous fudge -- many downtown shops sell the island's favorite confection.