Haldimand Bay
Mackinac Island
Historic Location
Inhabited Since 900 AD | Sacred and StrategicThe Annishinaabe found Mackinac Island around 900 AD. Lore says that the island was the first to rise after the Great Flood. The Annishinaabe people believe the Great Spirit resides on the island and used the island as a tribal gathering location and to bury many great chiefs.
Europeans arrived in the 1600s. It is believed that Jean Nicolet was the first to arrive during an expedition to trade goods with Native Americans. Missions came soon after and were a main focus of the island along with the fur trade. The first military presence was French with a garrison sent sometimes between 1679 and 1683. The British took control of the island after the French and Indian war and subsequently built Fort Mackinac in 1780.
The island became a popular tourist destination after the civil war. It made history yet again as the second designated national park in 1875. Ultimately, the federal government transferred control of their holdings on Mackinac Island to the State of Michigan in 1895, creating the first state park in Michigan.
The United States officially acquired the straits including Mackinac Island in the Treaty of Paris (1783). The British recaptured the fort and island in the War of 1812. The United States won the island back in the Treaty of Ghent in 1815.
Motor vehicles were restricted on the island in the late 19th century. This ban continues, with the exception of city emergency vehicles (ambulance, police cars and fire trucks), city service vehicles and snowmobiles in winter.
Port of Haldimand Bay
Current day Haldimand Bay is a bustling port from May to October each year and a quiet oasis the remainder of the year.
Local attractions
Forts | Arch Rock | Sailing Races | MuseumsThis no motorized vehicles allowed island is a popular tourist location that can be very busy from June through September. Attractions include historical forts, geological formations, art museum and shops, butterfly houses, and more.
Cruising Crew Needs
Water/Pump Out
Water is always free at the Mackinac Island State Harbor with pump out available for $10. The water and pump out station is on the west side of the marina. Be sure to tie off securely as the ferry walker is pretty rough here at times. Open mid-May to mid-October.
Fuel
Fuel is available in limited quantities at the hardware store by filling jerry cans. You will not be able to directly fill your boat here.
Ice
Ice is available at Doud’s Grocery. They produce their own ice here so even when there are shortages around the State you can still get ice here. They typically have plenty on hand but will also ensure they have some just for you if you call ahead of time.
Groceries
The longest continuously operated grocery store in the United States is located in the small town of this remote island. Doud’s may not carry many varieties of the items you are looking for but they will likely have at least one brand or variety.
They also boast some pretty amazing deli foods and pizza. We particularly like the cherry chicken salad.
Hardware
The hardware store is located at the start of the Coal Dock in the middle of town behind Mackinac Island Taxi. Hours can be sporadic but are typically 9-4 Monday through Thursday and 9-2 on Fridays and Saturdays.
There is a place to tie up a dinghy or small boat nearby but it is too a high dock that is difficult to step up to. Otherwise it is about a quarter of a mile walk from the State marina.
Laundry
There is only one small laundry facility on the island and it is often busy. It is tucked away above Ryba’s Fudge Shop on the west side of town. You must ascend a flight of stairs to get to it. There are four washers and four dryers when all of them are working.
It is about a half mile walk from the State marina to the stairs. The stairs are across the hall/alley from the entrance to Ryba’s.
Cruisers’ Notes
This bay is protected on all sides except the southwest. Ferries come and go from the bay regularly (often every half hour) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days during the tourist season (Mid-May to Mid-October) and a little less frequently the remainder of the year.
Marinas
The Mackinac Island State Harbor is the largest of the marinas available for transient slips. In fact, the state marina does not allow seasonal rentals. Reservations can be made at https://midnrreservations.com/. The marina also fills open slips on a first come, first serve basis. Hail the marina on 16 or 9 upon arrival to the island. If you don’t have a reservation, plan on waiting in the area for a bit. The facilities include a new restroom and shower building, trash disposal, water fill, pump out, and dog run (on leash). The bathroom building contains one washer and dryer set; however, they are often in need of repair. The marina can accommodate up to a 20 ft draft and 75 ft long vessel.
East Dock is available for transients as well. The dock is east of the state marina. Details for this dock can be found at eastdockllc.com. Dockage is $7 per foot July 13th through August 10th and $6 per foot the remainder of the season. Electric is an additional daily fee of $10 for 30 or 50 amp service and $20 for 100 amp service.
The Mackinac Island Main Dock (otherwise known as the Starline Dock or Mackinac Ferry Dock) offers transient space on the north side of the dock. No reservations required but space is limited. Last known pricing was $2.50 a foot per day. The Starline/Mackinac Ferry Company building at the start of the dock contains restrooms and is where payment should be made.
All docks are in close walking distance to town and many attractions.
Mooring and Anchoring
The harbor is also home to a private mooring field and a sand over rock bottom anchorage where you will want to use your heaviest gear for staying power. Occasionally the mooring field has moorings available for transients less than 20,000 pounds. Contact Mark for further information.
Just outside of the harbor to the east is another anchorage that protects from all but the east. The bottom is thick sand and has better holding that inside the harbor. It is also free from the wakes caused by the ferries.
Dinghies can pull up to the state marina. The marina may charge $5 per day for dinghy access but that will also include access to facilities.
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