Mackinac Island is one of the top tourist attractions in Michigan. After a visit, you’ll understand why.
The only transportation options on the island are by horse or bicycle because no vehicles are allowed on Mackinac Island.
That explains why time feels like it passes by a little slower on the island in a good way.
Visitors have no choice but to take in the island’s beauty, at an unhurried pace while enjoying the simplicity of their surroundings.
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Where is Mackinac Island Located?
Mackinac Island is between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas on Lake Huron between the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac.
How Do You Get to Mackinac Island?
You can get to Mackinac Island by ferry, personal boat, private plane, or charter.
If you’re traveling by private boat pay close attention to the weather which can change quickly.
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
The majority of guests visit Mackinac Island by ferry.
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry has ferries departing from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace that leave every 30 minutes during the regular season and take around 15 minutes to reach the island.
You can check the ferry schedule here.
Tickets from both cities are the same price and all tickets are round trip and kids under 5 years old are free.
If you bring your bike on the ferry it’s an additional fee and there is no charge for strollers or wagons. I’d also recommend bringing a bike lock.
If you have extra time you can board one of the ferries that takes you under the Mackinac Bridge.
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Parking
- Mackinaw City Daytime Guests – 311 S. Nicolet Street, Mackinaw City, MI
- Mackinaw City Overnight Guests – 556 E. Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI
- St. Ignace Daytime and Overnight Guests – 601 N. State Street, St. Ignace, MI
Take a Scenic Bike Around Mackinac Island
A scenic bike ride is one of the best ways to get an overview of Mackinac Island.
The 8.2-mile loop around Mackinac Island is relatively flat with multiple opportunities to pull over and stop and enjoy the scenic views during your ride.
Keep in mind the center of the island has steeper grades if you want to explore more inland.
You’ll have several opportunities to admire views of the Mackinac Bridge in the distance on the trail.
Bike Rentals on Mackinac Island
There are multiple places where you can rent bikes on the Main Street on Mackinac Island steps away from the ferry dock.
The bike rental prices at each shop are typically within a few dollars of each other. You’ll find rentals for single-speed cruisers, tandem bikes, and tag-along trailers for small kids.
You can find a complete list of all the bike rental shops here.
Hike to Arch Rock
There are 207 steps from Spring Trail to Arch Rock but the view when you reach the top is definitely worth it.
You can park your bike at the bike rack on the side of the trail at the bottom of the steps.
If you don’t want to climb as many stairs, you can access Arch Rock Plaza from Arch Rock Road to Huron Road behind Fort Mackinac or the Arch Rock Bicycle Trail by bike or by foot.
You’ll want to take pictures of Arch Rock from a few different vantage points including from the top and looking up at Arch Rock from below.
The viewing area near Arch Rock will reveal stunning views of the turquoise water below.
The Cannonball Oasis
7641 British Landing Rd, Mackinac Island, MI
Cannonball Oasis is a nice stop for a casual lunch during your bike ride around the island. They have a delicious chicken sandwich, fried pickles, and more.
There are outdoor picnic tables and bike racks nearby to park your bike.
Visit The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI
The Grand Hotel opened in 1887 and has 388 guest rooms. The iconic hotel is only open from May until November and you’ll need to book your desired dates in advance.
Two suites at The Grand Hotel are decorated with memorabilia from the film “Somewhere in Time” which starred Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour.
There is a dress code at the Grand Hotel so be prepared to dress up at 6:30 PM each evening in the main areas of the hotel.
Acceptable attire includes dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, and dress slacks for women, and men are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants.
You can walk across the world’s largest porch at the Grand Hotel that’s 660 feet long.
It’s free for hotel guests and non-guests are charged an admission fee of $10 per adult and $5 for children.
*This fee is applied towards the cost of the Grand Luncheon Buffet.
Be on the lookout for the Secret Garden tucked away below the hotel.
You can find the full list of experiences offered at The Grand Hotel here.
Take a Horse Drawn Taxi
Horse-drawn taxis need to be arranged ahead of time. You can’t hail taxis on the island the same way you would in a big city.
The horse-drawn taxis work on a dispatch system and you can call for service at 906-847-3323 sharing your location and where you want to go.
Sample Fudge at The Fudge Capital of the World
No visit to Mackinac Island is complete without trying their World Famous fudge!
Tourists visiting Mackinac Island on the quest for fudge are often referred to as “fudgies.”
The famous fudge is slowly cooked in traditional copper kettles over a gas flame. There is a good chance that you’ll witness the fudgemaking in action at one of the shops during your visit.
There are 13 fudge shops on Mackinac Island for you to choose from. Many are within steps of each other on Main Street.
You can try free fudge samples to help determine which flavor and fudge shop is your favorite.
Murdick’s Fudge is the original fudge shop on the island dating back to 1887 and The Murray Hotel has been voted the creamiest fudge on the island.
Explore Fort Mackinac
7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI
Fort Mackinac dates back to 1780 and was founded during the American Revolution.
The Officer’s Stone Quarters of Fort Mackinac is the oldest structure within Fort Mackinac and the oldest building in Michigan.
There are two entrances to Fort Mackinac. You can walk up the gradual incline towards the front of the fort off Fort Street or the rear Avenue of Flags off Huron Road.
You may want to schedule a horse-drawn taxi to the north entrance if you’re traveling with guests who need an accessible option without stairs for entry.
The living history sites are open daily from early May to early October.
The natural history sites are open year-round.
Highlights of Fort Mackinac include:
- Rifle Firing Demonstration
- Cannon Firing Demonstration
- The People of Fort Mackinac
- Medicine at Mackinac
- Mackinac National Park
The views of Mackinac Island from Fort Mackinac are beautiful at every turn.
I’d encourage you to walk around the perimeter of the fort if possible.
You’ll see views of the Mackinac Bridge, downtown Mackinac Island and more.
It’s recommended to allow 1-2 hours for a visit to the fort.
Mackinac Island State Park Attractions
- Fort Mackinac
- Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum
- Benjamin Blacksmith Shop
- The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
*All of these attractions are within Mackinac Island State Park.
A Fort Mackinac ticket includes ALL sites listed and a Historic Downtown Mackinac ticket includes everything EXCEPT Fort Mackinac.
Look For Filming Locations From the Movie “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 each year.
Go on a Hiking Trail
There are 70+ miles of trails on Mackinac Island.
Start with these four trails recommended by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.
- Mackinac Island’s Famous Formations & Forts
- Mackinac Island’s East Bluff and Leslie Avenue
- Mackinac Island’s Croghan Water Trail and Eagle Point Cave
- Mackinac Island’s Stonecliffe and West Bluff
We discovered Anne’s Tablet Trail, a hiking trail near Fort Mackinac that offered scenic views and another perspective of the fort.
Play a Round of Mini Golf at The Greens of Mackinac at Mission Point Resort
6633 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI
You can play mini golf on real grass at The Greens of Mackinac at Mission Point Resort.
For a unique mini-golf experience, play “Glow Golf” after dark.
The golf balls and the flag poles for the hole light up for a one-of-a-kind mini-golf experience at night.
When is the Most Popular Time to Visit Mackinac Island?
July and August are the most popular months to visit Mackinac Island when school is out and the temperatures are warm.
October is a great time to visit Mackinac Island because the weather is beautiful and there are less visitors on the island during that time of year.
Shop at the Oldest Grocery Store in America
7200 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI
Doud’s Market is the oldest family-operated grocery store in America, founded in 1884.
The historic shop on Main Street has all the basic essentials, grab-n-go items, specialty local products, beer, wine, and more.
Make sure that you check out the old family photos on the island that date back to the 19th century.
Dine and Drink With a View at The Inn at Stonecliff
8593 Cudahy Cir, Mackinac Island, MI
The Inn at Stonecliff is a hidden gem on the island that could be a great overnight stay or a destination for a meal.
We visited the property for a cocktail and woodfired pizza at “The Backyard.”
The property has incredible views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Inn’s location with 16 guest rooms makes it a more private option on the island than the Grand Hotel.
Additional Things to Do on Mackinac Island
Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
There are several great options for accommodations on Mackinac Island ranging in location and price point.
Mission Point Resort – One Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI
The Inn at Stonecliffe – 8593 Cudahy Cir, Mackinac Island, MI
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island – 286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI
Chipeawaee Hotel Waterfront – 7221 Main St #103, Mackinac Island, MI
Lilac Tree Suites – 7372-106 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI
Murray Hotel – 7260 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI
You can compare vacation rentals on Mackinac Island here.
Mackinac Island State Harbor
6927-6999 Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI
If you’re traveling by boat the Mackinac Island State Harbor has both day boat slips and overnight slips.
You can make reservations in advance by contacting the Harbor directly.
