Mackinac Island is one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Michigan. The island is extremely popular in the summer but there are some advantages to visiting in the fall.
Mackinac Island is truly a gem of the Midwest. It is one of the few places that still allows you to step back in time.
There are no vehicles allowed on the 8-mile island which means that your transportation is either walking, riding a horse or a bicycle.
You can bring your own bike or rent one there. Your journey to Mackinac Island starts with either by private boat or a take a 15-minute ferry ride from Shepler’s departing from Mackinac City or St. Ignace.
1. There are Fewer Crowds at Mackinac Island in the Fall
The locals call the tourists who visit up north “fudgies.”
You will find lots of fudge options and lots of tourist on the island in the summer. If you do not enjoy visiting places with lots of tourists in a small concentration, considering visiting the island in the fall after the kids go back to school.
There is a big contrast between the number of people on the island in the summer versus the fall.
2. Take Advantage of Lower Prices at Mackinac Island in the Fall
Anytime that you visit a popular destination during peak season you will pay a premium.
For better rates, options, and availability to choose from, book a stay in the fall.
3. Enjoy Great Weather and Beautiful Colors on Mackinac Island in the Fall
I LOVE summer weather but I have still found visits to the island to be really enjoyable in the fall.
The weather is still really beautiful which means that you can still enjoy biking and hiking around the island and in the crisp evenings you can snuggle by a fire.
4. End of Season Sales in the Fall
The end of season deals are another advantage of visiting the island late in the season.
Stores are getting rid of their inventory and as their tourist season winds down you can find fantastic deals on apparel and other merchandise.
You can find out more about fun things to do in Northern Michigan here.
Melody
This was one of our best fall trips! We stayed at the Grand Hotel during the Somewhere in Time weekend! If you love that movie, you would love this weekend!
Grimsa
I loved the pictures..Thanks for the reasons..I am so going there!!
Daniel
Never visited Mackinak but will surely do if I’m around North Michigan! Looks really great
Beth A Hague
I booked ours for the 2nd week – will just miss you! Has always been on my bucket list – SO EXCITED!
Nedra McDaniel
October is an AWESOME time to visit Mackinac Island! You will have an amazing time there!
Heather
Thanks for this post… just booked our Mackinac vacation for first week of Oct.
Jai
Mackinac has always been on my list. Thanks for sharing and renewing my interest in this lovely destination.
Cheryl Sterling
I love Mackinac Island! We used to visit every 3-4 years and only caught the lilac season once. My son and his girlfriend (now wife) worked there during the summer one year. It’s a little gem not many people know about.