SHOPPING
SHOPPING
M
ackinac has been a hub of
commerce and trading for
centuries. After the War of
1812, fur trappers came to the Island
to trade their animal pelts for food
and provisions.
As the fur business faded in the 1870s,
tourism grew to become Mackinac’s
primary industry. Island residents
adapted to the changing business
environment f rom furs to tourism.
Native Americans and Islander entre-
preneurs successfully began selling
souvenirs to Island visitors. Woven
sweet grass baskets, carved trinkets,
pottery and birch bark novelties were
typical items sold to Island visitors to
remember their visit to Mackinac.
These were the f irst souvenirs sold
on Mackinac.
Ever since, visitors to the Island have
wanted souvenirs of their own to
take home. Buying a keepsake item,
a memento or reminder of Mackinac
is a wonderful idea, but the merchan-
dise has changed quite a bit since
those early years. Mackinac’s shops
offer high quality clothing, gifts,
games, jewelry, sunglasses, soaps,
knives, hats, wine, books, artwork,
shoes, custom embroidered shirts,
sweats and jackets emblazoned with
Mackinac Island logos on them.
Because there are no chain stores,
shopping malls or formula retail on
the Island, shopping here means
you’ll find unique small town charm
and distinctive, memorable one-of-a-
kind treasures.
Most of the retailers are in close prox-
imity so you can visit a wide variety of
stores and boutiques in a short peri-
od of time. Main Street and Market
Street are located downtown within
easy walking distance from all hotels
and boat docks. You will find one of a
kind clothing stores, toy stores, jew-
elry shops, fine home gifts, souvenir
shops and art galleries filled with
beautiful works of local artists and
artisans.
Mackinac Island is full of wonder-
ful shops and charming boutiques.
Whether it’s something you need,
something you want, or a gift from
Mackinac to bring home to someone
you love, you’ll find it at one of the
many retail merchants on Mackinac
Island.
2015 /
2020
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Inside Mackinac 45