An epic tale of "The Great Turtle" and Mackinac Island
- Abigail Gaston
- Nov 8, 2017
- 3 min read
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Although putting stories down on paper is one of my favorite hobbies, it is not what I usually post about. Typically, my posts are centered on cheap travel; however, today, I felt the urge to tell a mythical story of the formation of Mackinac Island, one of my favorite Michigan vacation destinations. So, if you are ready for a fascinating short tale then please, keep reading!
Located just beyond the tip of "the Mitten" and positioned comfortably in the chili waters of Lake Huron is a small piece of land, just under 4 square miles in size, formally known as Mackinac Island. This beautiful land was once known as Michilimackinac, a Native American word that represents “the Great Turtle.” As the Native American legend goes, the island was formed by the body of a single turtle that left its bale and the area they settled in Lake Erie, and set forth on a lone journey north through Lake Huron.
Persuaded and guided by the strong desire to discover where the bright, mysterious lights of the North came from, the turtle successfully fought through the vicious winter elements of Northern Michigan, until he reached the head of Lake Huron. Mother Nature’s heavy winds and cold temperatures finally proved to be far too powerful for the turtle to battle and the solo traveler decided it was time to rest and wait it out. So, he halted his expedition right there in the northern tip of Lake Huron.
Although it is likely that the turtle was just resting and riding out the bad winter elements that were adversely affecting his journey, the motionlessness of the turtle and the cold water, mixed with the bitter cold air temperature and strong winds, caused the turtle to freeze in place right where he rested, and various surrounding entities to freeze around him.
When spring arrived, the ice and snow began to melt away. Hibernators awakened from their long sleep and the earth around the turtle began to turn vibrant once again. However, the once enthusiastically mobile turtle remained motionless still. As the days grew further and further away from winter and movement around the turtle continued to increase, the turtle still laid motionless, however, stable, in the tip of Lake Huron.
Over an unknown period of time, a miraculous thing occurred. The once small turtle happened to grow into a rather large body. He grew roots in the deep merky waters of Lake Huron and became covered with beautiful, colorful grass, plants, flowers and rock formations. This precious land, land that became cherished by the early Native American tribes who eventually roamed and settled on "The Great Turtle," became known as magical land.
To this day, “The Great Turtle” is still celebrated on Mackinac Island; one event being on New Year’s Eve. When many cities around the US are counting down ball drops, Mackinac Island is celebrating the New Year with “The Great Turtle Drop” and, yes, you too can attend this fun celebration. All it takes is braving the Northern Michigan below zero temperatures and periodic high winds, and willingness to take a fairy from the main land to the island in the dead of winter.
Honestly, do not be scared; it is not as brutal as it sounds. I have traveled to Northern Michigan many times during winter months and each time was a very fun and unique expereince. And, trust me when I say that honoring the myth of "The Great Turtle" was one of the niftiest and fun New Year experiences I have had and definitely recommend it to anyone looking to do someting different and outside the proverbial box during the New Year holiday.
Another large event honoring "The Great Turtle" is "The Great Turtle Race;" a 5.7 mile trail walk/run that usually takes place each year in October.
Learn how to have an epic adventure on Mackinac Island here.
Learn how to how to plan a romantic vacation to Mackinac Island with your true love here.
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