Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron, is nestled in the straights of Mackinac where the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan meet. The island is 3.8 square miles in area and only accessible by boat. Mackinac Island’s commitment to preserving the history, nature, and beauty of the Island, it is the perfect place to construct a green building.

History of Mackinac Island

Before the settlement of the island by the French in the 17th century, the island had long served as a settlement for the Native American Tribes of the Great Lakes. During the colonial era Mackinac Island was a strategic position for the area's lucrative fur trade. Mackinac's strategic importance in the Great Lakes led to the creation of Fort Mackinac during the Revolutionary War by the British.

After the Civil War, Mackinac Island became a popular tourist destination. Many of the Island's historical building were built during this era, including the famous Grand Hotel. The entire island is considered a National Historic Landmark because of the large amount of effort put in to the restoration and preservation of the island and over 80% of the island is part of the Mackinac Island State Park.

Mackinac Island Today

Mackinac Island is home to some of the world's most breath taking natural scenery and architecture. The use of personal motorized vehicles is prohibited on the Island. Rather, residents and visitors enjoy horse drawn carriage tours, horse drawn taxi service, trail riding, or other modes of transportation: biking, hiking, sailing, boating, kayaking or simply walking around the island. Not to mention it also has some of the cleanest air in the world due to no car emissions.

For more information on Mackinac Island please visit: www.mackinacisland.org