Frank Boles of the Mackinaw Area Historical Society Releases New Book Detailing 150 Years of Tourism at the Straits
Contact:
Mackinaw Area Historical Society Communications
Email: mflynn83@gmail.com
Mackinaw City, MI — The Mackinaw Area Historical Society is proud to announce the publication of a new book by its vice president, historian Frank Boles. The book — titled Visiting Mackinac: 150 Years of Tourism at Michigan's Fabled Straits — explores how Mackinac Island and the surrounding Straits region transformed from a remote Great Lakes outpost into one of Michigan’s most beloved tourist destinations.
“Visiting Mackinac” traces the evolution of tourism in the region over more than a century and a half. Boles chronicles how early steamboat and train travel opened the island to visitors from across the country; how the rise of middle-class tourism reshaped local economies; how luxury resorts like Grand Hotel helped put Mackinac on the national map; and how successive generations of residents, business owners, and preservationists navigated the tension between development and community character. Through archival research and compelling stories, Boles reveals how Mackinac’s beauty, community devotion, and strategic accessibility made it a tourism gem.
Boles draws on his decades of experience as a historian — having served as director of the Clarke Historical Library and earlier working at the Bentley Historical Library — bringing depth and nuance to the region’s story.
For anyone interested in Great Lakes history, heritage tourism, urban development, or cultural preservation, “Visiting Mackinac” offers a compelling look at how a once-quiet island community became a lasting symbol of vacation, nostalgia, and regional identity. It contextualizes Mackinac not just as a beautiful destination — but as a living example of how tourism, economy, and community values intersect and evolve over time.
The Mackinaw Area Historical Society supports efforts to preserve and share the history of the Mackinac Straits region. As vice president, Frank Boles brings scholarly rigor and personal passion to these efforts, and this new volume represents a major contribution to regional history and public understanding of what makes Mackinac unique.
Publication Details
Publisher: Michigan State University Press
Pub Date: December 1, 2025 Michigan State University
Format: Paperback, PDF, and EPUB available
ISBN (Paperback): 9781611865516 Michigan State University
Price: US $37.95 Michigan State University
Availability
“Visiting Mackinac: 150 Years of Tourism at Michigan’s Fabled Straits” is available for purchase directly from Michigan State University Press, as well as through major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Interested readers may buy the book now via the MSU Press catalog here:
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About Mackinaw Area Historical Society (MAHS)
The Mackinaw Area Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of Mackinaw City and the surrounding areas. Through educational programs, exhibits, and community engagement, MAHS aims to connect residents and visitors with the rich historical tapestry of the region.
For more information about the Mackinaw Area Historical Society, please visit www.mackinawhistory.com
About Heritage Village
Heritage Village is an outdoor historical museum showcasing a collection of restored buildings and artifacts that reflect life in Northern Michigan. The Village offers educational tours, seasonal events, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Heritage Village is located just west 2 miles west of downtown Mackinaw City on Central Ave.
For more information about Heritage Village and upcoming events, please visit www.mackinawhistory.com