Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine | JUL ’19 19mynorth pets | up north
PET-FRIENDLY
MACKINAC ISLAND
Headed to the island? Don’t
leave your best friend behind!
TEXT BY KIM SCHNEIDERBREED: Border Collie | HOME: Mission Point Resort
FAVORITE THING: Meeting guests from around the globe.Nick
SLEEP PET-FRIENDLY AND POSH
Mission Point Resort offers 38 pet-friendly rooms in its Straits
Lodge, all newly remodeled. Book “Pooch at the Point” for the
best value and to get the cool gift of a personal pet bowl. The
resort even has a signature bedtime read about pets—the story
of Nick the resort dog. Note: Those luxe Carhartt beds may
be just for the dogs, but you get the jacuzzi. MISSIONPOINT.COMDOGGY PADDLE
Here, that phrase doesn’t refer to a swimming style. It means
that when you go for a paddle you take your dog along.
Book a guided sunrise trip with Great Turtle Kayak Tours to
glide along the ferry docks or the sunset trip to see the sun
sink behind the Mackinac Bridge. Just note on your online
registration form that you'll be bringing the pooch (and his
or her life jacket). MACKINACKAYAK.COMFERRY TOGETHER
Dogs are free on ferries if they ride on your lap or a kid's
fare if they need their own seat. Just remember the island's
leash law starts on the boat (to avoid dog overboard!) and
continues on busy Main Street to avoid collisions with horses.
“We get a lot of dogs that come up and spend the day with
their owners to swim, hike around the island,” says Chris
Shepler, Vice President of Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry.
SHEPLERSFERRY.COMA TRAILER OF THEIR OWN
Some dogs are basket-sized, perfect for riding up front when
you rent a bike from one of the many island outfitters. For
dogs who need to spread out a bit, rent a trailer to pull
behind as you cruise the trails.DOGS CRAVE FUDGE TOO
Some 10,000 pounds of Mackinac Island fudge is made daily
during peak tourist season—a throwback to the days when
Victorian vacationers got hooked on sweets (first maple syrup
harvested by the island's Native Americans—later, fudge).
Ryba's dips dog treats in a dog-friendly favorite: peanut
butter fudge. RYBA.COMFORT FIELD TRIP
Your dog will be the best educated in obedience class
after a trip through historic Fort Mackinac where pets are
welcome and water bowls are liberally scattered throughout
the grounds. You need only worry if your pup is skittish
around loud noises—interpreters regularly do cannon and
rifle demonstrations. If so, walk to the more remote Fort
Holmes located at the island's highest point (the views are
amazing). MACKINACPARKS.COMKim Schneider is a long-time travel writer specializing in Michigan adventures,
food and wine. The Midwest Travel Journalist Association has named her Mark
Twain Travel Writer of the Year, and she's the author of the recently-published
PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSION POINT RESORT book, 100 Things to Do in Traverse City Before You Die. kimschneider.net