Mackinac Island is one of my favorite places in this entire big state of Michigan. I fell in love with it the very fist time I visited with my husband almost 18 years ago. I’ve been back many time since. So many I’ve lost track! Our boys have been there also, and they enjoy it too. You might be surprised how much there is to do on an island that’s only about 3.75 square miles.
Mackinac Island sits out in The Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron converge. The island is to the east of the Mackinac Bridge which connects Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. It’s just a short ferry ride to the island from the mainland.
The pace of life is a little slower on Mackinac island where cars are not allowed. You get around by horse, bike or foot. With the lack of automobiles and abundance of historic architecture, a trip to the island is a bit like a trip back in time. Downtown is lined with restaurants and unique shops. History lurks around every corner of this island that was first settled in colonial times. Outside of town, outdoor enthusiasts find plenty to do, including hiking, biking and boating. If you just want to relax, sink into one of big Adirondack chairs on the lawn of Mission Point Resort and take in the incredible views of The Straits of Mackinac.
You can see the island in about two days. Here’s the must-do list to get the full island experience:
1. Drive over the Mackinac Bridge.
OK, so this isn’t on the island. But driving over the world’s fifth largest suspension bridge is an experience unto itself. I’d hate for you to be that close to the bridge and miss out on driving it. This is likely how you’ll get your first look at Mackinac Island. The views of The Straits of Mackinac from the bridge are amazing. It’s also impressive when you look down, and all you see below you are the waves of lakes Michigan and Huron churning and crashing into each other.
2. Take a ferry to the island.
You don’t really have much choice about this bucket list item. I suppose you could swim, but it’s about six miles across cold, choppy water to Mackinac Island from St. Ignace. If you have your own boat, that’s always an option. Otherwise you can fly into the island’s commuter airport, but that’s an unnecessary expense. So I recommend the ferries. You can take the ferry from either side of the bridge. They depart from Mackinaw City on the south end of the Mackinac Bridge and St. Ignace on the north end. On the boat ride, you’ll see more spectacular views, and you’ll be able to say you crossed the Great Lakes by boat.
3. Take horse-powered transportation.
Like I said, there aren’t any cars allowed on the island. It’s about 3.75 square miles all together and 8 miles in circumference. You can take a horse-drawn taxi to get around town or go on a guided tour around the island in a carriage. If you prefer to be in the driver’s seat, visit the one of the liveries to rent a horse and buggy or see the island by horseback. There are around 500 horses that call the island home during the peak season.
4. Spend the night on the island.
Photo credit: Joey Lax-Salinas
This can be pricey, but it’s worth it. There’s nothing like seeing the island wake up in the morning as local shops get their first deliveries of the day by wagon and boats brings goods from the mainland to the dock. You’ll wonder if it isn’t still 1887.
The Grand Hotel, with its massive front porch and tall white columns, is the holy grail of island accommodations. It’s over 100 years old and exudes the grace and charm of times gone by. All sorts of famous folks slept there. Even U.S. Presidents. One night in a double room will set you back about $336 per person. If that’s a little steep for you, you can find more reasonable prices at smaller hotels, B&Bs and private rentals. Also, consider visiting in early spring or fall when prices are lower.
Even if you don’t stay at the Grand Hotel, you can tour the public areas and dine at the restaurant.
5. Take a bike around the island.
Bicycle is the best way to get around the island during your stay. You can bring your own over on the ferry or rent one from one of the cycle shops on the island. You can even rent a bicycle built for two. M-185, the only state highway in Michigan without cars, is an 8 mile paved road that circles the island. It takes you past many of the must-see landmarks, and you can’t beat the incredible lake views always to your right.
6. Sit in an Adirondack Chair on the front lawn of Mission Point Resort.
Mission Point Resort sits just outside of town. An expansive green lawn flows out from the resort right down to the edge of the water. Adirondack chairs are scattered all across the lawn. There is no more quintessential Michigan summer experience than sitting in one and watching the water the while you relax in the sun. It’s one of the most peaceful experiences I’ve ever had. Even with my boys wrestling each other to the ground just few feet away. The lawn is open to the public, so you don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy it.
7. See the island’s natural wonders.
Arch Rock is a naturally formed limestone rock, 146 feet above the water. It was formed eons ago when lake levels were higher. Devil’s Kitchen is a small cave carved out of the limestone by waves from Lake Huron. Dwightwood Spring is a natural spring flowing out of the limestone cliffs that surround the island.
8. Tour Ft. Mackinac.
The old fort keeps watch over the island’s harbor high up on a hill. The British built and first occupied this fort in 1780. Eventually the Americans took control of it, and it played an important role in The War of 1812. Today it has been restored, so you can see what life was like in a colonial era fort. Interpreters dress in soldiers’ uniforms from the period and demonstrate the use of period guns and canons.
9. Wade in The Straits of Mackinac.
The island’s rocky beaches really aren’t made for swimming, but you can walk down to the water’s edge and dip your toes in the cool waters of The Straits.
10. Eat Fudge.
People have been coming to Mackinac Island to buy fudge for over a century. It’s handmade in the shops while you watch. The sweet smell fills the air downtown. Eat some while you’re there, and take some back to the folks at home. If you come to Mackinac, you have to buy fudge. It’s tradition.
A Little More Information:
Peak Season: June, July and August.
Popular Time to Visit: The Lilac Festival in early June when hundreds of heirloom lilac bushes are in bloom.
Cheapest time to Visit: Early spring and after Labor Day.
Save money any time of year: Stay in a mainland hotel or at a campground in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City.
Other things to do on the island: Golf, hotel spas, fishing charters, Butterfly House tour, Art Museum, tour Historic St. Anne’s Catholic Church, boutique shopping.
Useful Links
Official Island Tourism Bureau
We have done them all & will again with the grandkids! LOVE Mackinaw Island!!!💕💜💜💕😍
I am going for the first time this October 5 other people who have not been there before and we are staying at the Grand Hotel.
Can someone tell me if it has a swimming pool so I know if I should pack my swim suit. Also What kind of weather can we expect?
They have an outdoor heated pool, but it can be on the cooler side that time of year. 60s, maybe low 70s.
Thank you for answering my question. Is this the one they call Ester Williams pool?
Yes, that’s the one!
This place is very special in my life. I first went with my family in 1958, I was five years old and my dad wanted to go on vacation, Shortly thereafter we moved to New Mexico and life happened. Than, three years ago my wife and I were invited to a conference for a week and all we had to pay for was the transportation, I asked where it was to be held? He replied, The Grand Hotel, Macinac Island!
But it wasn’t until we drove over the bridge did I realize what the true reason for my father’s family trip was, that was the year they finished the bridge! He wanted us to be some of the first to experience driving over this new marvel.
The week was unforgettable in so many ways. You truly go back in time and experience what the other half lived like in the early days of the industrial revolution.
We will return someday to the 1800’s.
Oops, misspell, Mackinac, sorry😬
What a great memory to have! Thanks for sharing.
Does the island close? We are visiting the area now and thought about making the drive up but didn’t want to find too many places closed for the season.
The ferries run from the mainland until the bay freezes over. As of right now they’re still running. It’s been warm this fall, so it should be a while until ice forms. Then access is either by plane or snowmobile. There are a few hotels, restaurants and shops that stay open all year. Not as much to do, but not at crowded either.
Kids may not be very interested, but we had fun doing a search for locations from the movie “Somewhere in Time”. Maybe eating fudge should be listed twice :). As always, a great round up!!!
Taking my Mother for her 85th Bday to Grand Hotel for weekend. Room suggestions? I ve stayed on the Island but not The Grand Hotel. I understand the west rooms can have bridgeviews? Appreciate any help. I’ve requested a patio.
I’ve never stayed at the Grand Hotel yet. It’s on my bucket list! So I can’t really recommend a room. Enjoy the weekend though. You will love this island so much!
Very well written!! Sums up mackinac island beautifully. It is undoubtedly the best island i have been to😊
My wife and I are on the east coast until October 11th, and then have a few days to fill before heading to the West Coast. Do you think most of the island will be ‘open’ the 12-15th or do you think that is too late in the season to get the full enjoyment of the island? Thanks in advance for the help!
Most places should be open until the end of October. It is a quieter time on the island, but still worth a visit. Bring warm layers to dress in as it may be chilly!
Beautiful post. Always wanted to go there.
Only went once about 38 years ago, think I was in my mid to late 20’s. Had a blast cycling around the island with a buddy and enjoyed the excellent fudge
we picked up. Then… my entire trip to the island was ruined as I stood on the dock waiting to board the ferry, a seagull flew over… the bird must’ve eaten a very high fiber diet that day or it was ill. He swooped down and pooped ALL OVER MY HEAD AND SHIRT! I’d honestly say it was at least 2 full cups of birds doo! Said that day that I would never return to that place as long as I live!
We are about to go so I was reading all these comments. I have to say I laughed until I cried at your description if this awful mishap. It has happened to me as well but not from a sea gull.
I grew up in Michigan and left as soon as I could after graduation. I’ve been to the island about 4 times, the latest being in 2004. We had planned to go last year, but thanks to Covid we had to wait. Our travel arrangements have been made to spend time with family in Central Michigan, but we are going to take a quick overnight trip to the island. My kids are excited to see what I’ve been talking about all these years. I’m sure I’m going to over indulge on the fudge (the only fudge that I will eat comes from the island).
We are going up in July, wondering if we’ll miss a whole lot if we don’t go on the week end .