Are you visiting Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan for the first time?
There’s so much to do on this scenic car-free island.
Mackinac Island has a lot of free and low-cost things to do during your visit that you may not be aware of. I’m sharing more to help you make the most of your time on the island.
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Enjoy the Views From Arch Rock
6131 Arch Rock Rd, Mackinac Island, MI
The most popular hike on Mackinac Island is to Arch Rock because of its scenic views.
You can travel east of downtown on the paved road and climb the stairs to the top of the arch, or take the trail that goes behind Fort Mackinac, which takes you to the top of the arch.
It’s 207 stairs from Spring Trail to Arch Rock. Your heart rate will go up, but the views will make it all worth it.
The Milliken Nature Center
The Milliken Nature Center is located within steps of Arch Rock. The free nature center features historic images, and you can learn more about the geology of the island.
There is even an interactive 3D map of the island and public restrooms nearby.
Watch A Fudge-Making Demo
There are 13 fudge shops on Mackinac Island, so there’s a good chance that you can catch a fudge-making demo in action.
Most of the fudge shops have a viewing window where you can observe them making the fudge in front of you.
The first fudge shop on Mackinac Island dates back to 1887, operated by the Murdick Family.
Of course, the best part about visiting the “Fudge Capital of the World” is the samples.
Fudge shops provide free samples to help you decide which flavors you’ll want to purchase later.
Explore The Grand Hotel
If you aren’t staying at The Grand Hotel, you’ll need to purchase an admission ticket to access areas inside the hotel, in addition to its famous porch.
The Grand Hotel front porch is the largest in the world at 660 feet. You can sit and relax in a rocking chair while enjoying the views.
Grand Hotel admission is $12 per person, $6 for kids 5-12, and kids under 5 are free.
The admission also gives you access to a self-guided brochure with QR codes that link to videos to learn more about the areas you can visit.
Make sure that you also check out the memorabilia on display in the cases throughout the lobby.
Visit Filming Locations for Somewhere in Time
The 1980 dramatic film on Mackinac Island starred Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer.
- Somewhere in Time Gazebo, east of Fort Mackinac
- Grand Hotel
- Round Island Lighthouse
- Mission Point Resort
The Grand Hotel hosts an annual “Somewhere in Time” weekend.
Visit the Secret Garden at The Grand Hotel
The Secret Garden at The Grand Hotel is tucked away within the 167-acre property.
I’ve visited the Secret Garden a few times before it was in full bloom, but it’s still been beautiful every time.
Even if you get there before the flowers are at peak bloom, there are still interesting things to look at.
There are several wooden carvings with scenes throughout the Secret Garden.
The path to the Secret Garden is discreet, which makes the discovery even more magical.
Visit the Grand Hotel Stables
The Grand Hotel Stables are free to visit and open to the public. No admission ticket needed. I’d previously visited the island several times, and somehow we overlooked this gem.
You can view historic carriages through the years and view photographs that give you insight into early life on the island in every season.
One of the carriages on display (not pictured) was also the inspiration for the Grand Hotel logo.
Guests can also view the off-duty horses for the Grand Hotel from a safe distance in their stalls.
Be on the lookout for the entrance to the Secret Garden to the right of the greenhouse.
Lesser-Known Natural Attractions
Cave-of-the-woods and Crack in the Island are both within steps of each other, near the path on the opposite side of the fence by Mackinac Airport.
I wouldn’t choose to go out of my way to see these for my first visit to the island, but my husband and I were on the quest for some of the lesser-known points of interest.
Half the fun was the curiosity of the natural attractions and the reality when we found them.
Picnic and Play at Marquette Park
Marquette Park is located below Fort Mackinac. This is a great spot for a picnic. If you need picnic supplies, visit Doud’s Market on Main Street, the oldest grocery store in Michigan, dating back to 1884.
There is also a playground nearby for kids who need to burn off some extra energy. The stairs near the playground lead you to Anne’s Tablet Trail.
The other playground is located at the Mackinac Island Public School, which you pass by on the way to the Grand Hotel from downtown.
Relax in an Adirondack Chair at Mission Point
The lawn greenspace in front of Mission Point is open to the public.
The Adirondack chairs are so inviting for a few moments of relaxation with a view.
Beaches on Mackinac Island
If you want to swim in the turquoise water, I’d recommend wearing water shoes to help protect your feet.
The beaches on Mackinac Island are pretty rocky, which may be better for skipping rocks.
- Mission Point Waterfront – Sunrise side of the island
- Windermere Point – West end of Main Street – It’s also the location for the annual W. T. Rabe Stone Skipping Contest on the Fourth of July
- British Landing -North side of the island and halfway point of the 8.2-mile trail
- Along M-185 – East side of Mackinac Island
- Mackinac Island Boardwalk and Beach – West of Main Street
Watch Sunset at Sunset Rock
Located near the Inn at Stonecliffe, Sunset Rock is a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
It takes around 45 minutes to walk from Main Street to Sunset Rock. We rode bikes for a quicker return to our hotel after dark.
Visit Fort Holmes
2234 Fort Holmes Rd, Mackinac Island, MI
Fort Holmes is open to the public from May through October, and there is no admission fee.
Fort Holmes was built in 1814 by the British during the War of 1812. The views of the area from Fort Holmes are also very scenic.
If you’re also visiting Fort Mackinac, there is a path between the two forts.
Sugar Loaf Rock
Sugar Loaf Rock can be seen from Point Lookout, the island’s highest point.
You can take the stairs from Point Lookout to Sugar Loaf Rock or take a longer paved trail. We parked our bikes and opted for the stairs.
You’ll definitely want to take a closer look at the geological formation.
Guests can easily walk around the perimeter of the 75-foot limestone sea stack. There are picnic tables nearby for a scenic meal or snack.
Best Value for Visiting Fort Mackinac
If you enjoy history, you’ll probably want to visit Fort Mackinac while you’re on the island.
Fort Mackinac dates back to 1780 and was founded during the American Revolution.
The Officer’s Stone Quarters at Fort Mackinac is the oldest structure within Fort Mackinac and the oldest building in the state of Michigan.
You can hear the cannon firing demonstration multiple times a day, and there are demonstrations and costumed interpreters scheduled throughout the day at the fort.
The best value for families is to purchase an All Access Pass.
- Unlimited access to all Mackinac State Historic Parks sites for seven consecutive days
- The pass includes two adults living in the same household, and all dependent children and/or grandchildren under the age of 18 during the 2025 season.
The All Access 7-day pass includes the following attractions on Mackinac Island:
- Fort Mackinac
- The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
- Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum
- The Benjamin Blacksmith Shop
- American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum
- McGulpin House.
Attractions on the All Access in Mackinaw City (Visit before or after your time on Mackinac Island)
- Colonial Michilimackinac
- Historic Mill Creek
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Note that the dates and hours of operation vary by site, and the ticket is non-refundable.
Admire Architecture
There are so many interesting structures throughout the island.
The island has four beautiful churches to admire.
- Little Stone Church
- Mission Church
- St. Ann’s Catholic Church
- Trinity Episcopal Church
The structures are beautiful during the day and at night.
You can even step inside many of these churches if an event or service isn’t taking place. Many of these churches offer services that are open to the public.
Visit a Golf Course on a Former Battlefield
Wawashkamo Golf Club is Michigan’s oldest continuously played golf course, founded in 1898. The 9-hole links golf course was the former site of the 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island.
There are historic markers on the course that focus on the battlefield history and the golf history.
Visit a Historic Cemetery
Along Garrison Road north of Fort Mackinac
There are three cemeteries on Mackinac Island: St. Ann (Catholic cemetery), Mackinac Island Cemetery (Protestant cemetery), and Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, the oldest with some buried in the 1820s.
Watch Planes at Mackinac Island Airport
7700 Annex Rd, Mackinac Island, MI
The Mackinac Island Airport has a 3500-foot-long paved runway used by private charters and propeller planes.
There are currently no commercial flights to Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island’s Somewhere in Time Gazebo
The Somewhere in Time Gazebo is located near Fort Mackinac. After you visit the gazebo, I’d encourage you to check out the trails nearby.
Anne’s Tablet Trail
Anne’s Tablet Trail is located a short walk from the “Somewhere in Time” Gazebo.
The wooded trail provides another perspective of Fort Mackinac.
Ride Bikes Around Mackinac Island
If you want to bike around the 8.2-mile island, you may want to consider bringing your own bicycle.
Rentals are by the hour with a discount for full-day rentals.
The hourly price for a rental is slightly less than the cost of a round-trip ferry transfer for a bicycle.
If you have multiple family members who want to ride longer than an hour/ more days, you can save by bringing your own bikes.
There is a fee for a passenger bike attachment on the ferries, but no fee is charged for strollers and passenger wagons.
We really enjoy spending a lot of time riding bikes during our visits to the island, especially if you’re staying more than one day.
It’s really nice to be able to navigate around the crowds and explore lesser-known areas of the island on a bike versus walking.
There are plenty of areas around the perimeter of the island where you can pull over to stop, rest, and enjoy the views.
Save on Your Ferry Ride to Mackinac Island
There are two ferry companies to choose from to take you from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island: Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold’s Transit Company.
You’ll want to purchase your ferry tickets online in advance for the best value. Also, be on the lookout for their specials for attraction add-ons at a discounted price.
Save on Lodging on Mackinac Island
You can save on your lodging by visiting Mackinac Island during the off-peak season in the fall and early spring.
Compare prices for hotels and vacation rentals on Mackinac Island here.
Here are a few recommendations:
