MACKINAC ISLAND, MI -- Both ferry lines are carrying passengers, some bikes are lined up to be rented and a handful of restaurants are opening this weekend as Mackinac Island wades carefully into its summer season with what its mayor has called a soft, soft opening.

Today is the beginning of a big, cautious exhale for Michigans top tourism destination. The island has remained closed to almost all but essential workers since mid-March as officials there followed Gov. Gretchen Whitmers stay-home executive order during the coronavirus crisis. The current statewide stay-home order has been extended to June 12.

While the governor allowed bars and restaurants to reopen in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan ahead of Memorial Day weekend, island officials decided to remain closed to tourists for the holiday to give themselves and businesses another week to prep new health and safety amenities.

I am still very, very concerned about keeping everyone on Mackinac safe and healthy, Mayor Margaret Doud said this week during a special City Council meeting held via video on Zoom. She said officials and island businesses have worked hard to not only keep island residents safe during the past few months, but planned diligently to set up precautions as the island begins to reopen to guests.

We cannot go backward. If we do, we know what is going to happen, she said, talking about the specter of a second shut-down that would keep tourists away from the island.

She reiterated that she wants to see a gradual, controlled opening phase where employees and tourists alike remain vigilant as far as social distancing, sanitizing and hand-washing, and wearing masks in enclosed spaces.

I think we can do it. We have to keep our eye on the ball.

The million-dollar view from the lawn of the Inn at Stonecliffe, where a new beer garden and food truck-style dining is making its debut. Photo courtesy of the Inn at Stonecliffe.

Phasing in the islands summer tourism season has a lot to do with lodging. Some of Mackinacs larger resorts wont be reopening until later in June. Grand Hotel will see its first guests on June 21, while Mission Point will reopen on June 25. Mackinac State Historic Parks attractions on the island, including Fort Mackinac, will open on June 19.

For an updated list of when specific hotels, B&Bs and attractions will open, see the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau website.

The islands public health task force distributed a set of recommendations for businesses as they work to reopen and bring over employees during this new era. Guidance on daily health checks, an initial quarantine period and best practices for keeping everything sanitized is included.

Tourism officials have been working with city leaders to roll out some public hand sanitizing stations and signage for island guests. More signs in business windows and sandwich-board style signs in public areas reminding people about social distancing and health/safety precautions are expected to be placed as more things reopen.

During the soft-soft open the only things you can do on the island are take a ferry ride, rent a bike, shop and eat, said Mackinac Island Tourism Executive Director Tim Hygh.

Mission Point's 18-acre grounds hug the Mackinac Island shoreline along the Straits of Mackinac. Photo courtesy of Mission Point.

Going forward, city leaders are looking for more ways to allow for social distancing on what can be a crowded Main Street during the summer and fall season. They are exploring ways to reduce bicycle parking on that main thoroughfare where bikers, walkers and horse-drawn carriages are often in tight proximity.

The current situation will mean changes for some favorite spots. For example, Stonecliffe Inn has temporarily closed its Cudahy Chophouse and instead opened the Mackinac Island Food Truck and Beer Garden on the inns expansive back lawn overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Mission Point Resort is offering a wider selection of to-go meals and picnics from its kitchens, and has increased its outdoor seating options.

For more information on the islands early season, see the tourism bureaus website.

For ferry service schedules, check the Star Line and Sheplers websites.

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Mackinac Island eases into summer season with soft, soft opening - MLive.com