Celebrating Michigan through and through…read more
Overall, this is a super cute gift shop that differs from the glut of touristy t-shirt & souvenir shops dominating the main drag in Mackinaw City. I came across this Made in Michigan shop, located in the Mackinaw Crossings outdoor mall, while on vacation at the end of the summer as I was shopping for something more unique, something that didn't scream "you've just bought a tacky souvenir at a tourist trap."
After looking around for a few minutes, I could tell there was nothing tacky or "tourist trap" about this shop. Sure, they sold some t-shirts with a distinct Michigan feel (better quality than most of the local t-shirt shops dotting the street), but beyond that there were hand carved wood chopping boards shaped like the Michigan mitten, seasonings, dressings and jams all produced in Michigan kitchens, unique jewelry, artwork and toss pillows in a nautical theme, clearly a nod to Michigan's "Great Lakes" heritage, and plenty of DIY/upcycled home decor, including old Michigan license plates turned into wall hangings.
True to its name, everything sold in this store is 100% Michigan made, be it artwork, pottery, glassware, home decor/crafts, jewelry, candles, soaps, clothing, food items and more. In other words, if they sell it, it was made in Michigan. I liked not only the concept, but the execution as well. This store did more than just pay lip service to the idea of selling only Michigan-made products by local artisans. It delivered on all counts, including quality, selection and price.
Despite being a gift shop in a popular Upper Michigan tourist town and selling only handmade products made by some of Michigan's finest crafters, artists, etc (not a single commercial/big box retail item is sold in this shop), the prices were quite affordable, surprisingly low, in fact. Truthfully, I expected the prices to be much higher and I would have gladly paid for such high quality, original pieces, though I was secretly jumping for joy at how decent the price point on most things were.
I picked up a dainty "upcycled DIY" necklace for myself for $18, some homegrown jam, fridge magnets (about $2 apiece), and a limited edition print (by a fairly well-known Northern Michigan artist). When all was said and done, I dropped less than $80. It's hard to spend under that just walking into any gift shop in Mackinaw City without buying anything more than a cheap t-shirt and some fudge. In my opinion, it was money well-spent.
I believe there is an official Made in Michigan Store "sister" location in Grand Rapids that is open year-round that sells a very similar product line as well, based on what the salesperson at the register told me as she was wrapping up my items.