The Untold Truth about Mackinac Island ❄️ Life on the Island in the Winter

In the winter, life on Mackinac Island slows down to a crawl.
➡️ The only people left are those brave souls who venture out in those low temperatures looking for an adventure and find it at every turn! We take you along with us as we explore some of the great places on the island which will hopefully make your vacation truly memorable whenever you decide to visit.
We’ll show you the Forts ; Fudge Shops (now unfortunately closed); Arch Rock - one side is green while other has blue water), which offers breathtaking views no matter where you stand.
➡️ We must admit three days wasn't enough time, there was never really enough time to learn all the fascinating things about all the micro cultures that exist, even in our own backyard.
We pull the curtain back on life on Mackinac Island in the winter.
💬 Let us know what you think of the Mackinac Island in the comment section below.
👉 We appreciate every thumbs up and would love, if you’d consider subscribing to the channel!!
Thank you so much for visiting 👋
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🎥 Welcome to the Official Restless Viking KZread Channel where we peek behind Life's Curtain.
I'm Chuck "the Viking" and Martha "Poppins".
Chuck - I am the former director of the Fortune Bay Expedition Team.
➡️ Today, I am an expedition leader, adventurer, pilot, sailor and explorer. Poppins - I'm an educator, culture junkie and adventurer.
We travel the world less traveled. 🗺️
➡️ We hope to entertain, inspire and share knowledge through travel. We visit "non-tourist" destinations, remote locations and we get there in uncommon ways. 🎯
We'll explore unique and out-of-the-way places, meet others, and share interesting knowledge.
🎬 Definitely subscribe to our channel and hit the bell to never miss a Video 🔔
********************
👍 Let’s Connect!
Follow Restless Viking on your favorite Social Media
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Facebook ➡️ / restlessviking
✅ Visit our Blog and sign up for our newsletter: www.restless-viking.com/
✨ And don’t forget to subscribe to the Channel!
kzread.info...
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⏰ Chapters:
00:00 - Intro and Preparation
01:34 - Mainland Horse Farm
03:37 - Ferry to the Island
04:54 - Arrival
05:18 - Accommodations
06:18 - Winter Shopping on the Island
09:01 - Touring the Island
11:11 - The Forts on Mackinac Island
13:39 - Arch Rock
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#MackinacIsland #MackinacIslandWinter #RestlessViking

Пікірлер: 133

  • @mollypitcher9380
    @mollypitcher93807 ай бұрын

    1- nice personalities 2- excellent editing 3- what a farce Covid was 🌸

  • @johnmcleod5123

    @johnmcleod5123

    2 ай бұрын

    The new world order is not kidding and not gonna stop. World wide depopulation

  • @greenthumb8266
    @greenthumb82668 ай бұрын

    8:02 that is quite literally my grandson Brendon in Doud’s store , imagine my surprise just randomly watching this in 2023 and see my grandson lol.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    8 ай бұрын

    It must have been a little crazy!

  • @cindyirish8671
    @cindyirish86713 жыл бұрын

    "Ride like the winded..." This was great!

  • @cd6243

    @cd6243

    3 жыл бұрын

    😂😂😂 that was funny

  • @D-Martin
    @D-Martin3 жыл бұрын

    I've always wondered what the island was like in winter. Thanks for giving us a look!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Our pleasure!

  • @andygrow6814
    @andygrow68143 жыл бұрын

    I sure do miss it up there. Spent the first half of my life living on the island about 2/3 of the year...and winter was HANDS DOWN my favorite time. Sure wish we would have had fat bikes back then!

  • @davidskinner7951
    @davidskinner7951 Жыл бұрын

    I worked on the island during the '96 and '97 summer seasons. I miss the representation of people from around the world working together and building lifelong relationships and memories

  • @knknn7286

    @knknn7286

    Жыл бұрын

    Worked an end of season in 85 and agree

  • @notnek202

    @notnek202

    Жыл бұрын

    Worked at the Grand Hotel 85 & 86 summer seasons.

  • @brookeshaffer4377
    @brookeshaffer43773 жыл бұрын

    So thrilled to know those hard working horses get a reprieve from the asphalt and tourists.They certainly deserve this Thanks for another interesting video👍

  • @mykel7691
    @mykel76912 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this! I’ve always been curious about Mackinac in the winter.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for stopping by!

  • @bethknighten1736
    @bethknighten1736 Жыл бұрын

    I live in the Great Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. I'm native and yes it does take a special breed to be able to live in the Great Northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I hope you get a chance to come in the summer as well! There's a Lot of Amazing places to visit and things to Learn about! God bless your Journeys 😇🙏

  • @timothydavis5026
    @timothydavis502611 ай бұрын

    I was a little kid when my grandpa taught me, as a true Michigander, you should always pay the toll for the vehicle behind you on the bridge. Every time I cross, as long as I have the money for it, I do just that and think of him fondly.

  • @slippery1958
    @slippery19583 жыл бұрын

    Been to Mackinac Island several times in the winter. Went across the ice on a snowmobile.

  • @billhazard4946
    @billhazard4946 Жыл бұрын

    Absolute Dreamland in the winter, use to ride the ice bridge out in the winter on sleds, spent our honeymoon out there in the 70s ,rented horse's Sharon's left the top of the island flat out to stable didn't see her for an hour. Great times!!!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    That’s pretty awesome!

  • @SonjasSEAcrets
    @SonjasSEAcrets3 жыл бұрын

    Love the island and this view of it makes me want to go in winter now! Thanks!

  • @mianelson882
    @mianelson8823 жыл бұрын

    I love living in Michigan. Amazing people. Someone payed his toll but he left the money as a tip for the man. What an amazing community.

  • @NativeNatureoutdooradventure

    @NativeNatureoutdooradventure

    2 жыл бұрын

    Love it too Michigan is sweet

  • @MainlightDrone
    @MainlightDrone3 жыл бұрын

    That was super interesting! Loved it!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Thank you!

  • @campana317
    @campana3173 жыл бұрын

    this video is great! been here multiple times in the summer. definitely have to make a winter trip!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    It is a completely different experience!

  • @paulbalogh4582
    @paulbalogh45828 ай бұрын

    Mac in the winter is the BEST!

  • @dougreynolds2813
    @dougreynolds28139 ай бұрын

    thanks for showing me things i never took the time to see.

  • @jacquelinevanbierk
    @jacquelinevanbierk Жыл бұрын

    The people on the island are amazing, such a great community. I have not been there in the winter, but I live in Mackinaw City, the lake looks stunning frozen over. 😊. The island is so magical, especially all the hiking trails and all the beautiful mansions. I do prefer it off season though 😅 Great video! Thank you.

  • @marymarkovski5248
    @marymarkovski52483 жыл бұрын

    Love the Island in winter. The best!

  • @enabrawner71
    @enabrawner713 жыл бұрын

    Went every summer as a child, but a month on the island is on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing! 🐞

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @Roger-hp1yg
    @Roger-hp1yg3 жыл бұрын

    That was an awesome video thanks for sharing. Mackinac Island one of my favorite places to go to in the spring n summer. Thank you again for the video.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Roger!

  • @cd6243

    @cd6243

    3 жыл бұрын

    I absolutely love mackinac island-- we went every summer and stayed at the grand hotel 😊 🙏🏻 it was awesome

  • @therashiko
    @therashiko3 жыл бұрын

    Happened upon your video and it reminded me of the trip my wife and I made up there at the same time. I was the guy standing by the Pontiac Lodge waiting for our taxi to the airport around the ten minute mark. Recognized you straight away on here. What a coincidence! Been visiting Mackinac for years and we're planning to move in for keeps in a few years, but that was our first time up in the off season at winter. Hopefully you can enjoy the place again sometime soon!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wow!! I remember that! You made the video (at least your voice). Moving in for keeps? Nice! I think that would be very enjoyable! Great to see you again! LOL!

  • @jeffreybrege7672
    @jeffreybrege7672 Жыл бұрын

    Having grown up nearby I always wondered what it was like their in winter.Thanks for this....

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @dive7mmwet
    @dive7mmwet2 жыл бұрын

    Winter it's so cold there! We love to scoot over in summer, and before the Grand hotel was sold personally knew the owner Dan!! haven't returned since COVID! Too crowded ☹️

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very crowded in the summer. In the winter, we get a chance to meet the islanders, which is such a different perspective of the island.

  • @catlover4331

    @catlover4331

    Жыл бұрын

    Can't afford to stay at the Grand Hotel Minimum $650 + a night. They also have an evening dress code after 6:30 pm. Not interested in that either. Reserve a yr ahead and you can find savings.

  • @rogered5499
    @rogered54999 ай бұрын

    I love your attention to local details and how you talk positively towards each other

  • @totoed82
    @totoed823 жыл бұрын

    great winter visit. thanks for sharing. enjoyed it.

  • @DestinationsDelight
    @DestinationsDelight3 жыл бұрын

    New to the channel thus is such a awesome place to visit and enjoy.

  • @amypullman6644
    @amypullman66447 ай бұрын

    My favorite tour yet! Keep them coming. I may just make this trek myself. Thank you for your personal and candid island tour! 11/11/23

  • @paulharwood1281
    @paulharwood12816 ай бұрын

    Excellent video I never really gave it a lot of thought about life on the island in the winter and the history about the Forts.

  • @adidas20zero
    @adidas20zero Жыл бұрын

    Oh yes thank you!!!!

  • @berlin_berlin_11
    @berlin_berlin_117 ай бұрын

    Good one

  • @mr9c1driver59
    @mr9c1driver593 жыл бұрын

    We have stayed in that suite twice, once in June and once in December when they lit the tree. I hope you were able to hit the Mustang Lounge and the Rusted Spoke Bar. Great video.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Only the mustang was open, cause of the restrictions, etc.

  • @billhazard4946
    @billhazard4946 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video Viking, rest of the country needs to see why Michigan such a great state thanks Chuck have a safe one

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bill!

  • @paulbalogh4582
    @paulbalogh45825 ай бұрын

    Best time to be there!

  • @MrBradleyDavid
    @MrBradleyDavid2 ай бұрын

    I’m sold! I may bring the whole family to the island this coming Christmas/New Years, as I saw that video too. My awesome wife with a cute pet name (Hot Date) and I did a trip to Tahquamenon falls two winters ago. Who knows? We may hit Beaver Island now that we know it’s a plane ride away.

  • @locoj7036
    @locoj70363 жыл бұрын

    Always wondered about the island in the winter. Thank you

  • @midlifetravelers6151
    @midlifetravelers61513 жыл бұрын

    Many years ago, we flew over in February and stayed at the hotel on the east part of the island. Mission Point? Then we were invited to the high school basketball and girls volleyball that played back to back. Then my high school kids were invited to their winter dance and they got rides back to our rooms on the residents snow mobiles. It was quite the winter experience.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    That actually sounds like a good time. Especially visiting with the locals.

  • @mattnoble655
    @mattnoble6555 ай бұрын

    I love you videos, Keep them coming,. Having grown up in Michigan you two do the things that I have not been able to do. I also am a lot warmer lol Good Stuff

  • @kevinbalcom1696
    @kevinbalcom16962 жыл бұрын

    my favorite video ! ( so far ) thanx for all the shared info ! please keep doing what you do

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @RawRanch
    @RawRanch2 жыл бұрын

    They deserve this great rest.

  • @HFarms1955
    @HFarms19558 ай бұрын

    I worked on the fur trading building in the late 80's. Got there on a Monday, took 3 days to get material from the dock. Boss was mad and locals told us not to piss the delivery people off!!! Boss did, didn't get our material for another week. Horses names were PD AND DANNO. My nickname was pd, and my buddies name was Dan, we called him danno. All went well after these pleasant stories were exchanged!! Best construction site i ever worked on in my 29 years!!

  • @johnnyhensler
    @johnnyhensler Жыл бұрын

    Thank You For Sharing ❤️

  • @lisamarie9506
    @lisamarie950611 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the memories! Back in college I took a job on the island. I met great people but by the fall I was ready to escape "Macatraz". Worked Key West that winter and then left the gypsy life. I've been back a few times but never in winter. Looks like fun! Take care you two

  • @wendellellison3482
    @wendellellison34828 ай бұрын

    Wonderful video. A winter visit has been on my list for a few years now. Gotta make it happen.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    8 ай бұрын

    Yeah! We hope you do!

  • @juli6497
    @juli64979 ай бұрын

    I LOVE that you don't do peak tourist season stuff. These are adventures for those of us that LIVE here full time. Thanks so much. :)

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    9 ай бұрын

    Glad you like them! And thanks for watching!

  • @nycsox987
    @nycsox9872 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video. Neat.

  • @zacharywalters8139
    @zacharywalters8139 Жыл бұрын

    I played soccer for Cheboygan with the guy who sold you the tickets 😂. I've spent many summers on that beautiful island!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    😂🤣

  • @JamieSmith-fz2mz
    @JamieSmith-fz2mz Жыл бұрын

    Our family tradition is to roll all windows down when you cross the Bridge. This prevents taking the foul lower peninsula air to the U.P. We do this no matter what time of year and no matter what the weather is doing. I've had a lot of cold winter crossings.

  • @2011griz
    @2011griz7 ай бұрын

    nice look into winter in da U.P. [ well, it's neither above or below the bridge ... but close enough i guess. ] ;) nice vid you guys ... thanks once again for doing this.

  • @matthewgross6958
    @matthewgross69582 жыл бұрын

    Great adventure! On my bucket list.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    2 жыл бұрын

    Its an interesting place in winter for sure.

  • @pegelliott4058
    @pegelliott405810 ай бұрын

    Thank you I have lived & worked on the island during the season for several yrs. Going & spending g Christmas is on bucket list!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    10 ай бұрын

    Happy holidays!

  • @Lvaladez114
    @Lvaladez1149 ай бұрын

    ❤😉

  • @LadyYoop
    @LadyYoop10 ай бұрын

    Pure awesomeness! Pure Michigan eh!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    10 ай бұрын

    😂😂

  • @christianholliday2370
    @christianholliday2370 Жыл бұрын

    We've taken the fort! 😆

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    😄

  • @catlover4331
    @catlover4331 Жыл бұрын

    Was just there last month August. Loved it. We stayed at Mission Point. Everything is very expensive in the summer. Winter looks great just no shopping. 👍

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    We do save some money in the winter without the shops being open. 😅

  • @brucelachniet8698
    @brucelachniet86984 ай бұрын

    William McSauba 1843-1932 BIRTH 15 OCTOBER 1843 • Pine River, Mackinac County, Michigan DEATH 5 MARCH 1932 • Suttons Bay, Leelanau, Michigan great-grandfather

  • @LiveLaughRV
    @LiveLaughRV3 жыл бұрын

    Loved this winter tour. The island sure looks different and quiet compared to summer. We'll be visiting mid to late August. Any suggestions for island lodging for a night or two?

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    We stayed at the Pontiac Lodge. Pretty good digs. But, that is the extent of our knowledge LOL. A room with a view (of all the action in summer) was kind of nice. Being downtown seemed like it had its own charm and in summer, it would be an interesting place to watch the crowds and boats.

  • @Chadswonderfulwalkingtours
    @Chadswonderfulwalkingtours7 ай бұрын

    Great meeting ya today. I'd love to show ya Mackinac Island

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    7 ай бұрын

    Even greater meeting you sir! We might take you up on that. We'd absolutely love a tour with the second best tour guide of the Island

  • @Chadswonderfulwalkingtours

    @Chadswonderfulwalkingtours

    7 ай бұрын

    @@RestlessViking Of course !!!

  • @jillmackie6012
    @jillmackie6012 Жыл бұрын

    Nice to watch on a HOT day. 😅

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    😂😂😅

  • @marianacamplese9519
    @marianacamplese95198 ай бұрын

    I want to visit would love to visit. Look like fun. You two are so cute together.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you 🤗

  • @tommyg5729
    @tommyg5729 Жыл бұрын

    interesting, I think I would enjoy the quiet and solitude. give me time to finish the book Ive never started.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    LOL.

  • @douglasreed5685
    @douglasreed56853 жыл бұрын

    your wife is wonderful! you are a lucky guy1

  • @DH-tp9ns
    @DH-tp9ns Жыл бұрын

    Wow, this looks like a fun trip, the wife and I have to try. It looks like you started out at the Casino correct? We're going in September, then we'll plan our winter trip. Thanks for sharing.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    We did stay at the casino, but only because it was the only hotel available that night. We arrived after midnight and left early. . .

  • @SoCalFreelance
    @SoCalFreelance Жыл бұрын

    Visions of The Shining kept entering my mind for some reason 🤔

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    Жыл бұрын

    😂

  • @joshstephens7683
    @joshstephens76833 жыл бұрын

    Great video. We are staying @ the pontiac lodge soon, what room number was this?

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent! We stayed in Suite 30. I think it was the largest suite they have. Have a great trip!

  • @GearheadRob319
    @GearheadRob3192 жыл бұрын

    'Poppins" Lol

  • @RustyorBroken
    @RustyorBroken3 жыл бұрын

    Sounded like a Pete Rose rookie card in the spokes of that bike.

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Noisy aren't they?

  • @jimwright5828
    @jimwright58288 ай бұрын

    Could you add a little more information on Major Holmes? I think he deserved a little more than you gave him.

  • @markfancher5676
    @markfancher5676 Жыл бұрын

    You forgot the cheese with your wine

  • @stevehinnenkamp5625
    @stevehinnenkamp56253 жыл бұрын

    You are grumpy host but I ended up liking your no nonsense approach. Please be nice to female, Poppins? Looking forward to more of your expeditions. Thanks for sharing.

  • @jimwright5828

    @jimwright5828

    8 ай бұрын

    “Be nice to female!” 😂

  • @troymilks7342
    @troymilks73423 жыл бұрын

    Hokey Pete! Wine and cooking?! You haven’t sold out to the popular overlanding template have you???

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah - a little bit in this video. But, there is yet to be a template! LOL.

  • @mattwoody1089
    @mattwoody1089 Жыл бұрын

    So nice to be an american

  • @shirleyanderson8441
    @shirleyanderson8441 Жыл бұрын

    How did he get a car on Mackinac Island?

  • @alanboulee5453
    @alanboulee5453Ай бұрын

    Is there a horse fairy? (spelling intentional)

  • @livenfree
    @livenfree2 жыл бұрын

    How do they get all those horses off of the island?,

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    2 жыл бұрын

    By boat. They have cargo boats that run back and forth. They start taking horses off in August right after the peak season.

  • @7rays
    @7rays3 жыл бұрын

    “Change Oil Soon”

  • @NativeNatureoutdooradventure
    @NativeNatureoutdooradventure2 жыл бұрын

    My uncle owns a restaurant on Mackinac island

  • @jodyrewa688
    @jodyrewa6883 жыл бұрын

    Is that your lucky hat?

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    3 жыл бұрын

    Haha! Kind of. I’m resistant to change. It is actually reasonable unlucky, but Poppins and my daughter got it for me years ago. I promised to wear it for a long time. ;-)

  • @susanrooney4702
    @susanrooney47022 жыл бұрын

    Is Poppins her real name? Please and thank you!

  • @RestlessViking

    @RestlessViking

    2 жыл бұрын

    It is, but it isn't here legal name. ;-)

  • @seanjones2456
    @seanjones24562 жыл бұрын

    "It's one degree outside." fart sound

  • @704ab
    @704ab2 жыл бұрын

    Mackinac is Winter is a bunch of intoxicated people on snowmobiles with trailers going over the ice to St. Ignace to buy food and supplies. The whole 'no motor vehicles' thing ends when the tourists leave ;)

  • @SteveandSusiesHomestead
    @SteveandSusiesHomestead2 ай бұрын

    Wow No beard

  • @edbiernot4852
    @edbiernot48522 жыл бұрын

    Can't watch with masks on, political statement