Ready to Experience Arch Rock on Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island has some pretty incredible rock formations, but Arch Rock may be the most iconic.

Towering 146 feet above the sparkling waters of Lake Huron (nearly 15 stories high!), this natural wonder spans more than 50 feet across.

It’s no surprise that over half a million people travel to see it every year, making it one of the island’s most popular attractions.

But what is it about Arch Rock that makes it so special? Is it the breathtaking views? The ancient legends? Or just the sheer wonder of nature’s craftsmanship? Let’s dive into what makes this Mackinac Island landmark a must-see!

The History and Legend of Arch Rock

Arch Rock is a natural limestone geological formation that developed during the Nipissing postglacial period, which occurred about 7,500 years ago. At that time, Lake Huron sat at a much higher level.

Arch Rock is a unique formation because the type of limestone — breccia — is rare in the Great Lakes region, and the arch took thousands of years to form. Erosion of the rock continues because it’s porous, allowing moisture to enter through cracks, freeze, and expand.

The Native Americans believed Arch Rock on Mackinac Island to be a place of spiritual power. Some of them viewed it as a bridge to another realm where departed spirits could find a resting place in the island’s caves after death.

However, there are many legends and stories about it. One concerns a young woman who waited for her lover to come home after battle, but when his tribe returned without him, she leapt off the cliff to join him.

Another legend is about a Master of Life who was greatly offended by an Ottawa chief’s shameful act, so he turned the sun red and sent it toward the island, creating the hollowed-out appearance of the rock.

When Euro-Americans arrived on Mackinac Island, they didn’t believe the legends and stories. Instead, they were simply curious and in awe of Arch Rock. In August 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that it has an “extraordinary shape.”

Where is Arch Rock?

Arch Rock rests on the southeast part of the island.

Fun Fact: Its uniqueness is one of the reasons why locals pushed for the island to become Mackinac National Park, which occurred in 1875 and made it the second national park after Yellowstone. Although it became Mackinac Island State Park in 1895 – making it the first Michigan state park – the famous rock formation has always been a protected part of it.

Getting to Arch Rock

Several scenic roads and trails lead to Arch Rock, allowing visitors to walk, bike, or take a horse-drawn carriage to this breathtaking formation. For a more adventurous approach, horseback riding is also an option.

Mackinac Island offers a variety of bike rentals, carriages, and stables, making it easy to choose your preferred way to explore.

• Mission Point Mackinac Island
• Island House Bikes
• Mackinac Wheels
• Mackinac Bike Barn
• Ryba’s Bicycle Rentals
• Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
• Gough Carriages Private Livery
• Jack’s Livery Stables

Two of the most popular routes to Arch Rock from downtown are Arch Rock Road and Arch Rock Bicycle Trail. The hike to Arch Rock varies in duration depending on your pace, but the full trail is an easy 2.2-mile walk.

For reference, Arch Rock is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from the iconic Grand Hotel, about a mile from the Butterfly House, and roughly a mile from Mission Point Resort.

In addition to hiking, visitors can bike or take a horse-drawn carriage along M-185 (Lake Shore Drive), a scenic road that circles the island along the Lake Huron shoreline—completely free of automobiles.

NOTE: If approaching from below, a staircase with 207 steps leads up to the breathtaking formation.

Viewing Arch Rock

Since the first European-Americans to be on Mackinac Island viewed Arch Rock as a geological curiosity, there are photos of the soldiers and residents sitting and standing on it.

Today, climbing onto the natural limestone arch is strictly prohibited for everyone’s safety and its structural integrity. Instead, there’s a platform visitors can stand on. It gets pretty close and offers sweeping views of Lake Huron and Canada.

Things to Do Near Arch Rock

There are quite a lot of things to do on Mackinac Island near Arch Rock. Here are a few of the closest and (in our opinion) most interesting attractions to visit…

Dwightwood Springs

Below the formation on M-185 is Dwightwood Springs. Of the other springs across the island, this one is the most popular, probably because the clear, cold water flows at the bottom of the stair trail to Arch Rock.

There are benches and a pergola at the site, and everything there is dedicated in memory of Dwight Hulbert Wood, who sacrificed his life in a 1905 accident, saving his brother in the process.

The Forts

Fort Mackinac served as a military outpost and residence between the late 18th and late 19th centuries. The British built it during the American Revolutionary War to control the straits and fur trade.

Later, it was the scene of two battles between the British and U.S. Army during the War of 1812 for control over the Great Lakes. Now, it’s a museum with very interesting exhibits.

Situated on Mackinac Island’s highest point, Fort Holmes is a supplementary fortification originally built in 1814 by the British during the war. The foreign soldiers used it to defend Fort Mackinac against the U.S. Army.

Skull Cave

A small and shallow cave, Skull Cave is the hiding place that Alexander Henry, an English fur trader, used while surviving the Pontiac’s War of 1763. Now, it’s part of Mackinac Island State Park and makes for an intriguing photo stop.

Butterfly House

With the third-oldest live butterfly exhibit in the country, The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World is a world-renowned, 1,800-square-foot facility.

It has a tropical garden and hundreds of butterflies from four continents!

The facility includes Insect World, which features the heaviest bug in the world, 16-inch walking sticks, various beetle species, and other live insects.

Great Turtle Kayak Tours

For an adventurous view of Arch Rock Mackinac Island from Lake Huron, make a reservation with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. It offers Arch Rock excursions and sunrise/sunset tours that include a paddle by the rock formation.

All of the tours are about two hours and suitable for all skill levels. You can choose between a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard.

Best Places to Stay Near Arch Rock

Several lodging options on the island offer easy access to Arch Rock. Whether visitors are looking for a cozy rental property, a resort stay, or even space to camp, Mackinac Island has accommodations for all visitors who are aiming to get a glimpse of the famous arch.

Small Point Bed & Breakfast

Arch Rock is only a four-minute bicycle ride from Small Point Bed & Breakfast via M-185. The Gothic Victorian architecture is stunning, and it has eight uniquely designed guest rooms. You can book a stay from Memorial Day through the end of October.

Mission Point Resort

Just a six-minute bicycle ride to Arch Rock on M-185, Mission Point Resort is a waterfront property with 18 acres. The guest rooms and suites are spread among the Main Lodge and Straits Lodge, the latter of which has dog-friendly lodging.

Moreover, the property features four restaurants, a movie theater, putting course, pool and hot tubs, spa and salon, and more.

The Grand Hotel

Via M-185, it takes about 10 minutes to ride a bike to Arch Rock from the Grand Hotel. The resort offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience that transports you into a bygone era of afternoon tea, evening dancing, and old-world charm.

Along with unique rooms and suites, it has its own restaurants, golf course, lawn games, swimming pool, spa and salon, shopping, and more.

Experiencing Arch Rock

Visiting Arch Rock on Mackinac Island isn’t just checking off a famous landmark – it’s experiencing one of the island’s most breathtaking spots.

Whether you hike, bike, or take a carriage ride to see it, the moment you catch that first glimpse of the limestone arch rising high above Lake Huron, you’ll understand why it’s such a must-see.

The view is spectacular, the history is fascinating, and the feeling of standing beneath (or above) this natural wonder is something special. While you’re at it, explore nearby trails, enjoy the peacefulness of Mackinac’s quieter spots, and make a day of it!