Grand and Glorious
Michigan Holiday May 2024
I joined fun loving senior adults for a visit to the northern reaches of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Our trip featured Holland during Tulip Time, and Mackinac Island which is surrounded by crystal clear waters of Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
The original name for the island, given by the Anishinaabek tribe, was Michilimackinac. It means Great Turtle.
(The ending “c” is silent, so Mackinac is pronounced Mackinaw.)
Our Michigan holiday was grand and glorious!
Photos Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
SGG1 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
After a day traveling by motorcoach, we began our sightseeing at Tulip Immersion Garden in Holland.
Of the many Tulip photos I captured while in Michigan, these are my favorites.
SGG5 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I noticed a hiking trail on the perimeter of Tulip Immersion Garden and wandered a few minutes among Ferns and Pine Trees.
SGG7 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
We experienced Spring all over again in Northern Michigan forests.
I saw a plethora of wildflowers, including these beauties called Lily Of The Valley.
SGG9 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
At the Civic Center in Holland, we browsed fine art at an Art in Bloem exhibit. Using varied mediums and techniques, local artists skillfully depicted windmills and colorful Tulips.
This was my favorite among dozens of Art in Bloem works. Karl Burdak titled his acrylic painting “In the Park.”
SGG11 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Lunch on Day 2 was served at Evergreen Commons where older adults are inspired to live active and generous lives.
Women in authentic Dutch outfits inspired and entertained us with traditional dances.
SGG12 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Our Michigan adventure continued at Windmill Island Gardens in Holland.
These are examples of replica structures there, including a wayside inn, fisherman’s house, and an orphanage.
SGG16 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
This stained glass windmill hung in a retail shop at Windmill Island Gardens.
SGG15 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I heard this magnificent instrument before I saw it. At first, I presumed the music was played by a live band.
The street organ was a gift from the City of Amsterdam after World War II.
SGG17 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Blooming flowers and flowering shrubs were everywhere at Windmill Island Gardens.
Below are Azalea, Lily Of The Valley and Bleeding Heart specimens.
SGG18 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
In the 1950s, Holland’s leaders committed to preserving and promoting the city’s Dutch heritage.
They were able to procure the last working windmill allowed to leave Amsterdam. The historic windmill is called “de Zwaan,” which means “the Swan.”
The Dutch company that constructed the windmill.
SGG26 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Leaving Windmill Island, we drove to Mackinac City where we boarded a ferry for a brisk and scenic cruise through the Straits of Mackinac to Mackinac Island.
I was awestruck by the crystal clear water between Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas.
SGG27 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
We cruised past a historic lighthouse, a lovely church and other splendid buildings as we approached Mackinac Island.
SGG28 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
These were my first impressions of the luxurious Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. We were privileged guests there for part of three days.
Since 1896, motorized vehicles have been prohibited on Mackinac Island. So, we were delivered to The Grand Hotel by horse-drawn carriage.
SGG30 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
From Grand Hotel’s manicured lawn and lavish gardens, we could see the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence.
SGG31 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Others opted for shopping, exploring historic areas, riding bikes or taking carriage rides around Mackinac Island.
I spent most of my free time hiking in Mackinac Island State Park, which covers 80 percent of the island.
The Arch, pictured here, is the most impressive of Mackinac Island’s natural features.
Below are more images I captured while walking paved and natural surface trails on Mackinac Island. The enormous rock is called Sugar Loaf.
SGG39 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Our group reconvened the afternoon of Day 4 to tour Mackinac Island by horse drawn carriage.
Among other attractions, we visited Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory.
This Owl Butterfly, posing against a stained glass window, was my favorite among the hundreds of tropical Butterflies that flitted about us. Three more are shown below. Did you spot all three?
SGG43 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I explored The Secret Garden our last morning at The Grand Hotel.
SGG41 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I caught a splendid sunrise among this stand of tall trees, some of which leaned severely, I suppose from high winds during their youth.
SGG44 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
One last look at The Grand Hotel from The Secret Garden before our departure from Mackinac Island.
Thankfully, our return drive to Knoxville was spread across two days.
SGG45 Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
After breakfast on Day 6, we visited the Ark Encounter, a life-size replica of Noah’s Ark in Williamstown KY.
This is the stern of the replica Ark that took more than 1000 craftsmen six years to build. The fascinating tourist attraction is 3 1/2 hours drive north from Knoxville.
According to Genesis chapter seven, Noah lived to be 950 years old. Biblical scholars estimate Noah required, at minimum, several decades to construct his Ark.
I captured these photos inside the replica Ark.
The enormous Ark Encounter replica of Noah’s Ark
We arrived at First Baptist Knoxville late afternoon. By then, I was ready to exit the motorcoach, retrieve my luggage, and say goodbye to my traveling friends.
Thank You for viewing these photographs and reading my narrative of a Grand and Glorious trip to Michigan. As you have time, I hope you will also enjoy viewing other photo collections here at InMyTreks.com.