Private tour in Mackinaw city Mike F
4.9
(9) reviews
3 hours
1
3 hours
1
Mike F.
5.0
Guide rating
22
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 hrs
Avg. response time
I am the original tour guide in the Straits of Mackinac region! Since 1992, I have provided guided tours of the most beautiful areas of Northern Michigan. Known for assisting tour bus operators with fascinating local knowledge of the Straits of Mackinac region, I serve North America's leading motorcoach lines, senior tours and school groups with entertaining step-on guided tours. I'm your guide for the best, unusual behind-the-scene experiences at locations in Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, Sault St. Marie and the Upper Peninsula. A member of the Historical Society of Michigan, my specialty is in providing customized tours for the most discriminating visitors to my area. The author of five books about area attractions, I will give you personal insights about the Mackinac Bridge, the original U. S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw and the new Mackinaw, its new replacement icebreaker, Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel and the Edmund Fitzgerald. I will take you behind the scenes, to places no one else does! May I customize a tour for you, your family or group in the Straits Area? I offer entertaining tours from 20 minutes to all day! I am fully licensed by the county of Cheboygan, Michigan. An award-winning author of five titles about local history, my book about all the things that have happened on the Mackinac Bridge was named a Michigan Notable Book by the Michigan Library Association. I am a member of the Historical Society of Michigan, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, the Mackinac State Historical Parks Associates, and an Associate member of the Michigan Sheriff's Association. No restrictions. I am COVID-19 compliant.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mike F.
Our Mackinac Island assistance begins at the ferry dock or at your hotel doorstep, and can take you to places unseen by other visitors to the Island. We can answer the questions your group will have that only a true "local" will know! Skull Cave, Arch Rock, the Governor's Mansion, the Biddle House, the Beaumont Museum, and Lilac Lane will come alive with our stories and first-hand knowledge of the area. See the eorld famous Grand Hotel* and its grounds. Go to the behind-the-scenes areas of Fort Mackinac* that get missed by the average visitor. If you saw the movies "Somewhere In Time" or "This Time For Keeps" we can take you to filming locations that you'll instantly recognize. Let me advise you on shopping locales and tiny specialty shops that have what you are looking for, so you can save time without walking the Island looking for that perfect keepsake. Separate entrance or admission price for these attractions*
Michael Fornes gave us a thorough tour of the island via bikes. He is very knowledgeable of this area and his love for this island shows. We took this tour early in our stay at the Grand Hotel so that we could better arrange our touring time to see the most. Michael touched on so many interesting points in Mackinac Island and because of him, we had a fabulous time. Thank you Michael and Toursbylocals. Mary Edna Leedy
We had an absolutely wonderful day with Mike. He was right on time and even had the weather changed from rainy to beautiful for us. He seemed to have magical powers. Lol. Mike chose a pace that was perfect for us and we totally enjoyed seeing Mackinac Island with him. He was a Charming gentleman and we would highly recommend him. He was so knowledgeable that there was no question that we asked that he couldn't answer and, being local, told so many interesting stories.
Absolutely fabulous day with Mike. By the end of our tour that we had made a new friend. He knew so much about the island and we really enjoyed his company. He is a wealth of knowledge. He was very flexible in the scheduling of this tour. Our tour was scheduled on the day that has 70% chance of rain, and he was able to change our tour for a nicer day. I would highly recommend him and I would go on a tour with them again
Mike is an excellent tour guide! He is very knowledgeable about Mackinac Island and the surrounding area. We have been to the island multiple times, and he had things to tell us that we had never heard before. He was also very patient with our ability level on all the hills. Mike knew all the best scenic spots, and we got some really great pictures. We had a really great time.
Our tour with Mike was excellent and recommend it to all! We met at free parking and shuttled us to the ferry terminal for a roundtrip ferry ride which was very scenic and pleasant. Mike provided nice commentary during the ferry rides about the ice bridge that forms in the winter and the movement of most of the 550 horses off the island before winter. Once on the island, Mike led us on a great walking tour and wonderful lunch at the Grand Hotel. You'll enjoy your day!
My tour is presented in two formats, as we will walk a little and mostly ride bikes: The Walking Part -- This part of the tour concentrates on the areas where we cannot take bikes, like Mission Point and the Grand Hotel. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, learn history, and hear storytelling. We will be close to public restrooms! The idea is to show you a lot without tiring you out! Once we get to these locations by bike, we walk a bit to see the attractions. The Bicycle Part -- By renting a bicycle, we are easily accessible to the island's landmark scenic sites, including Fort Mackinac, Grand Hotel, Arch Rock, Mission Point and the East Bluff. It's an easy ride with mostly level terrain and shoreside vistas. Single riders work for most guests. But if you haven't been on a bike in years, you will love the adult tricycles for rent on the island! They are the rage! Very stable, they are very popular and so simple to ride. . . the perfect way to get around the island.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Minimal walk, mostly bike on this tour!
Mackinac Island, Michigan, 49757, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Ferry dock on Mackinac Island or your hotel.
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3 hours
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3 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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