So, there’s actually such a thing as National Hammock Day. And it turns out that Mackinac Island is a great place to celebrate it.
Not only is Mackinac Island the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination, but it’s also one of hammock maker ENO’s must-visit adventure spots.
Of course, you can’t just hang a hammock across Main Street, where one of Mackinac Island’s horse-drawn carriages might clip-clop right through it. But hammocking is allowed pretty much everywhere in Mackinac Island State Park, which takes up more than 80% of the island. (Note that overnight hammocking is not allowed on Mackinac Island.)
The only places in the state park where hammocking is prohibited are near the “Somewhere in Time” Gazebo (which was featured in the iconic 1980 film starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour), by Anne’s Tablet on the East Bluff and at any paid attractions such as historic Fort Mackinac.
That leaves countless places on Mackinac Island to laze away the day hanging between two trees. Here are just a few of the island’s blissful hammocking spots:
Hammock in the woods of Mackinac Island State Park
At the peak of summer, downtown Mackinac Island is bustling with people and activity. Yet, much of the island within the state park remains virtually empty. You can take a break from the action, sneak away into the forest on more than 70 miles of Mackinac Island trails, and find a private slice of hammocking paradise that’s all your own.
Hammock along the water on the road around Mackinac Island
The only state highway in America that’s car-free is M-185 on Mackinac Island. That’s why you see lots of bicycles on Mackinac Island instead (and, of course, horses!). It’s about a 60- to 90-minute bike ride all the way around Mackinac Island, and it’s common for cyclists to stop along the way, park their bikes on the side of the road and hang a hammock between two trees. The waterfront view is breathtaking, and the sound of waves will lull you into a peaceful sleep.
Hammock at one-of-a-kind Mackinac Island sites
Ever hammocked at the site of a major military landing? Hang a hammock between two trees at British Landing, the historic site where British troops sneaked onto Mackinac Island during the War of 1812 and overtook Fort Mackinac. Located about halfway around the island from downtown, British Landing is a great spot for picnics, stoneskipping and lounging in a hammock.
How about hammocking next to an airport with planes landing? Mackinac Island Airport is located in a clearing in the woods, near Mackinac Island State Park landmarks such as Cave of the Woods and Crack in the Island.
Maybe the most thrilling place to hammock on Mackinac Island is near the edge of a cliff some 100 feet above Lake Huron! Just take the Tranquil Bluff Trail north from Arch Rock on the east side of Mackinac Island and find a peaceful spot with a spectacular view.
There are lots of memorable places to hammock on Mackinac Island, both on National Hammock Day or any other day. Plan to visit Mackinac Island and relax in a hammock soon!
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