What It’s Really Like to Live on Mackinac Island

Living and working on Mackinac Island appears to be quite the adventure. Cars, big box stores, and movie theaters are all left behind for several months while workers take the ferry over to their summer home.

They spend the summer working in one of the many fudge shops, petite boutiques, or fine restaurants that help give tourists a perfect vacation.  

I give every worker on the island an A+, because without them what kind of place would the island be?

Living and Working on Mackinac Island

Recently on my island adventure, I caught up with Stephanie Blackmer. Stephanie has lived and worked on the island for the past six summers. During the trip, I got to discover and learn more about what life is like on the island for those who call it “home” instead of “vacation.”

She said the best part of living on the island is seeing the beauty of the island every day. Coming down the hill in the morning and seeing the kites fluttering over Windermere Point, her view at work, or the Grand [Hotel] lit up at night.

Asked if she gets homesick, she said, “Summer time in Michigan is my home to me. Campfires, road trips, beaches…but yes I do wish I had more time to spend with my family.“

Blackmer admits that her original plan was to spend five summers there, but she couldn’t say no to an additional year and sees herself here for many more. She stays from early May until early October and has worked everywhere, from fudge shops to bars to fine dining restaurants.

Fudge is synonymous with the island, and it’s hard for Stephanie to pick her favorite spot. She said, “I have honestly only ever had fudge from two shops. So I cannot pick one fairly. I have heard that you are supposed to get samples from every shop and then do a blind taste test. That’s really the only way to decide for yourself!“

This summer, Stephanie works at the Carriage House restaurant (attached to the Iroquois Hotel) and has been there for almost her entire time coming to the island. Although she works many hours, she says the time is worth it and she wouldn’t trade it for any other job.

One of Stephanie’s favorite things to do at Carriage House is, on a warm sunny day, sit out on the beautiful veranda with some friends, a cheese plate, and a bottle of champagne, and just enjoy the beautiful gardens, views, and company.

Stephanie said she also enjoys visiting the Seabiscuit, the first bar she ever visited on the island. She said there’s great food from breakfast to late at night, fantastic staff, and always a good drink.

I really couldn’t argue with that. While dining at the Carriage House, I couldn’t get over the stunning interior of baby blue walls, Mackinac-themed paintings, and a grand piano for entertainment. Not to mention the view of Lake Huron! Sometimes, five freighters can be spotted throughout the day.

Most of the employers on the island set up housing for employees. Many employees bike or walk a mile or so into town every day.

Blackmer said she walks because she has witnessed one too many bike crashes on the island. I can believe that! Town in the summer is swarmed with bicyclists.

Rain or shine, she enjoys the walk and being on the island. She usually carries a backpack during her journey into town because island weather is unpredictable. It’s filled with everything from a raincoat to shorts to sweatshirts and mittens.

When she gets a chance to relax, Stephanie loves to spend time in quiet spots on the island. One of her favorites is close to her work, which makes is convenient when she’s on break. Sitting on the back porch of the library. Whether she’s reading or just taking in all the beauty, she usually can manage a short nap as well!

So there you have it! Island secrets from a local. What do you think? Would you ever consider working on the island?

Personally, I think it would be a blast. I’d really love connecting and meeting others who are sharing the same journey. What a great adventure to tell for years to come!

This article was originally published in 2015.