Lilacs on Mackinac Island are a draw for many visitors. Each year, the Lilac Festival is a 10 day celebration, the first and largest summer event on the island. The island is home to all 23 lilac species, 400+ varieties, and thousands of individual lilac plants.

During the past two centuries, lilacs have flourished on the island. Though the plants aren’t native to Mackinac, they find good growing conditions in the island’s shallow, well-drained soil with a high pH level due to the underlying limestone. Adequate rainfall and a good hardening each winter have strengthened Mackinac’s lilacs to the point that they are the largest in the country – with some stems larger than two feet across at the base.

We like to make a trip to Mackinac Island each year or so, to see the sights and enjoy the shopping, food, and nature.

A couple summers ago when I was pregnant, we visited the island. We had walked around the island several times before, but this time I was 8 months pregnant and I was getting b-i-g. It was a sweltering hot sunny day, and I was feeling a bit swollen after eating some of the best poutine fries for lunch. So we took our first horesdrawn carriage ride around the island to learn the history and facts of the area. (I have since taken these tours two more times, since it’s just a nice leisurely way to see the touristy highlights, and it’s child/family friendly!) They take you for a joyous, relaxing ride through the large natural forest, and stop at points of interest such as Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.

On this particular tour, they pointed out the oldest Lilac bushes on the island. Some Mackinac Island lilac trees are original Victorian plantings, dated at almost 200 years old and were brought to the island during the Colonial era. The tour guide told us about where the best street for Lilac viewing (and floral sniffing) pleasures is, but I don’t remember the proper name of the street - all I remember is the nickname for it: “Lovely Lilac Lane.” I immediately started to imagine what a nail polish color with that name would look like, to commemorate the large and wonderful lilacs of Mackinac Island.

I have since taken a bottle of my “Lovely Lilac Lane” nail polish onto the island to take photos of it with the oldest Lilac plants. They weren’t in bloom and were retired for the season, but wearing this color can give you all the gorgeous Lilac vibes any time of the year!

Here are some additional items in my shop that are inspired by Lovely Lilacs and Mackinac Island!

Lilac Luna: this candle brings lilacs in full bloom into your home for when those lovely blossoms have retired for the year and you still need your lilac fix.  

NEW Coming Summer 2020:

Soon you’ll be able to buy your own bottles of Northern Nail Polish while visiting the island, at Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island.

Have you ever been to the island? What are your favorite attractions and things to do on Mackinac Island? Tell us in the comments below!