How I Make the Most of Every Trip to Mackinac Island
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Whether you’ve always dreamed of going or still find yourself typing “Mackinaw” with a “w,” a visit to Mackinac Island is the kind of trip that sticks with you. (Yes, the “c” is silent — just one of many quirks that make the island so charming.)
Maybe you came here as a kid, coasting around on a bike with fudge in one hand and a big grin on your face. Maybe it’s your very first time planning a visit. Either way, there are a few things worth knowing before you hop on the ferry.
Mackinac is a place where history lives and breathes — from horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down Main Street to historic buildings that feel frozen in time.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll be roughing it.
From cozy inns to luxurious resorts, great food to relaxing spas, there’s a blend of old-fashioned charm and modern-day comfort that makes the island feel nostalgic and fresh.
Ready to plan your adventure? Here are some of the best things to do, see, and savor on Michigan’s beloved Mackinac Island.
Location, Legend, & Lore
The island is a unique resort-like destination with old-time charm and natural beauty.
It serves as a fairy-tale paradise for weddings, a romantic getaway for couples, and a wonderful vacation spot for families. Its quirks and far-flung location add to its allure.
Where Is Mackinac Island?
In Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Island is situated between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
You may think that the Mackinac Bridge connects to the island, but it actually connects Mackinaw City with St. Ignace.
The 3.8-square-mile island is situated just east of St. Ignace.
History of the Island
In the 1600s, Native Americans used the island as a burial ground when French fur traders stumbled upon it.
Using a Native American word for “great turtle,” they called it “Michilimackinac” and pronounced the last “c” as “aw.”
Eventually, the word was shortened to Mackinac but retained the pronunciation. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the British settled Mackinaw City, deciding to spell the name like it sounds.
In 1780, the British realized the island’s strategic importance and built a fort there, which is now called Fort Holmes. It still stands next to Fort Mackinac, which is a major tourist attraction.
Just three years later, the U.S. won the fort from the British. However, the island traded hands a few more times until after the War of 1812, at which point it remained under U.S. control.
The economy on the island started booming in the 1820s after business mogul John Jacob Astor made it the headquarters for the American Fur Company. It eventually became a summer respite for people in the upper Midwest.
Now the island is a journey in time, with many preserved Victorian buildings.
Are Cars Allowed on the Island?
One of the things that makes Mackinac Island so special is that you can’t take your car.
In fact, motor vehicles are banned from the island.
Horse-drawn carriage drivers and the city government took steps to prohibit the “horseless carriages” in 1898 because the vehicles scared the horses.
Because of that, M-185 is the only state highway in the U.S. where automobiles aren’t allowed.
If you’re wondering how to get around without a car, you’ll be glad to know the three main modes of transportation are horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and legs.
Walking and biking are the most affordable options, while taking a carriage tour or renting a carriage to get you from point A to point B can be a fun and unique adventure on Mackinac Island.
The island has more bikes per capita compared to anywhere else in the world, so you won’t have trouble finding one to get around – there are plenty of bike rental locations along the main street near the ferry docks. You can even bring your own.
Also, all mail and package deliveries are made via horse-drawn dray.
Despite that, there are a few exceptions to the ban.
During the filming of “Somewhere in Time” in 1979, a few vehicles were allowed. There are emergency vehicles to protect residents’ and visitors’ health and safety, too.
Additionally, the golf courses allow golf carts, and some of the residents use snowmobiles in the winter to get around.
Travelers should note that e-bikes are not allowed on the Island. To preserve the charm of the car-free island, the city code has banned e-bikes, except Class 1 electric bikes, which are allowed for persons with mobility disabilities.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Since most people visit Mackinac Island during the summer, you might wonder, “Is the island open during the rest of the year?” The short answer is yes! The island is always open.
Although summer is the peak season for tourists, anytime is a great time to visit. You might consider when the weather is good or the attractions you want to see are open.
Here’s a little bit of what you can expect during each season…
Spring
Visiting in the spring is popular because it’s warm but not too hot. The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is held in early June and is a fun event with a parade.
One thing to keep in mind is that the wind gusts may still be strong during spring because the trees haven’t fully awakened from winter yet. This can make biking around the island a little more difficult, and you’ll want to have a jacket.
Summer
If you enjoy hotter weather, sunbathing, and swimming, you’ll love visiting Mackinac Island in the summer peak season. All of the museums, souvenir shops, and other attractions are open. In July, you can watch the huge fireworks display for Independence Day.
The only downsides are that summer is much more crowded than the other seasons, and the weather can change quickly. Storms can pop up out of nowhere, but they don’t usually last long.
Fall
It’s debatable whether spring or fall has the best weather for a Mackinac trip. The autumn brings beautiful colors in the trees, fewer tourists, shopping discounts, and cooler temperatures.
It’s an absolute delight to have a cup of coffee on the balcony or porch of your favorite island hotel or inn, wrapped in a blanket. Be aware, though, that some of the shops and attractions will start implementing seasonal hours.
Winter
Believe it or not, winter is still an awesome time to explore Mackinac. Despite it being the offseason, the island can be a romantic winter getaway for you and your partner.
If you don’t mind the cold and snow, it’s the least crowded time to go, but fewer shops and attractions are open. Rather, you can enjoy ice fishing, skiing, and the snow-covered backdrop. It’s also fun to get around the island on snowmobiles.
Weather on the Island
It’s important to check the weather on the island when you’re packing for your trip, especially since all forms of island transportation are outdoors.
Rain can fall unexpectedly any time of year, so it’s helpful to be prepared with an umbrella. Even though summer weather is the warmest, the nights can get chilly. Take a jacket or sweater with you to stay comfortable.
How to Get to Mackinac Island
So how do you get to the island anyway? Most visitors take one of the ferry services, but you could charter a private flight or boat to the island if you wish.
In many cases, the journey begins in the car, driving to either St Ignace or Mackinaw City to catch a ferry to the island.
How Far Is It?
The docks for ferry services to the island are located in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, and it takes less than 20 minutes to reach the island via ferry.
Each of the ferry docks has private parking available for you to park your vehicle while you’re visiting the island. If you charter a private plane, you’ll want to drive to St. Ignace.
In general, here’s how long it will take to get to the island from a few major destinations across Michigan and Chicago:
- Traverse City to Mackinac Island — 2.5 to 3 hours
- Grand Rapids to Mackinac Island — 4 to 4.5 hours
- Detroit to Mackinac Island — 4.5 to 5 hours
- Chicago to Mackinac Island — 6.5 to 7 hours
Mackinac Island Ferry
Taking a ferry to Mackinac is the most economical way to access the island on public transportation. There are several ferries to the island each day, with ports in St Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Riding the ferry to the island is a lot of fun, and two main ferry companies offer this service — Shepler’s Ferry and Arnold Transit Company (formerly Star Line Ferry). Both have docks on each side of the Mackinac Bridge and offer a range of ticket options, including multiday ferry tickets to the island.
- Shepler’s Ferry runs from late April through October.
- Arnold Transit Company operates all year — full service from late April through October and limited service from November until late April.
If you visit in winter, you can use the Mackinac ferry as long as the straits haven’t frozen over.
Wondering how long the ferry ride is? Depending on the departure you choose, it takes 16-26 minutes to get to the island by ferry from St Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Mackinac Airports
There’s just one airport for direct flights to the island — Mackinac Island Airport. It’s a small, lighted 3,500-foot paved runway for small jets.
The facility isn’t large enough to accommodate commercial jetliners, but it’s the only way to get there when the straits freeze and the ferries stop operating.
You can also get a charter flight from St. Ignace with Fresh Air Aviation.
Things to Do on the Island
It will take more than one trip to experience all the things to do on Mackinac Island.
Fortunately, many of the best attractions are open to the public and free because 80% of the island is Michigan State Park property. On top of that, it’s possible to walk everywhere. Here are some of our favorite activities and attractions.
Butterfly House
The Original Butterfly House and Insect Museum was established in 1991 and is the first attraction of its kind in Michigan. More impressive is that the 1,800-square-foot facility is the country’s third-oldest live butterfly exhibit.
The Butterfly Garden is full of hundreds of butterflies of every size and color from four continents. Insect World is home to giant beetles and spiders, as well as the heaviest bug in the world.
Mackinac Island State Park
Mackinac Island and Fort Mackinac Historic Park was established in 1895, and previously created as Mackinac National Park in 1875.
Most of the park property maintains its natural condition, and it encompasses 80% of the island. It features breathtaking vistas, nature trails, interesting rock formations, and historic landmarks.
Island Carriage Tours
One of the best ways to experience the charm and history of the island is with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. The company offers comprehensive narrated tours of the island, including trips past the Grand Hotel, through downtown, and other landmarks.
The tours take less than two hours. Taxi service is also available 24 hours a day during the summer and by appointment between November and April.
Biking the Island
A day of biking is an excellent way to experience its natural wonders. M-185 is 8.2 miles and circles the edge of the island. At a leisurely pace, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to bike it.
You can take your own bicycle or there are several bike rental companies:
- Island House Bikes
- Mackinac Bike Barn
- Mackinac Wheels
- Mission Point Mackinac Island
- Ryba’s Bicycle Rentals
Visit Arch Rock
There are several striking rock formations around the island, but Arch Rock is the most famous.
At more than 50 feet wide, the natural limestone stands 146 feet above the water.
You can take a carriage taxi, bike, or walk to get an up-close look. Tours of Mackinac also give you a view of the arch from below.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Every early June, locals and visitors gather to celebrate flowers at the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival.
The island is home to some of the biggest lilacs in the world.
The event lasts 10 days and includes several festivities — grand parade, horse-drawn carriage tours, 10K run/walk, queen coronation, and more.
Explore Fort Mackinac
With various live programs and tours from May through October, Fort Mackinac is the home of Michigan’s oldest building.
The former military outpost contains 14 historical structures, which have been restored with period furnishings and are open to the public as exhibits.
You can watch the 20-minute film “Heritage of Mackinac” in the Post Commissary to learn the island’s history.
Lodging on the Island
Staying on Mackinac Island definitely isn’t a problem because it has more than 1,600 rooms. Visitors can choose from Mackinac hotels, bed and breakfasts, Vrbo, and Airbnb vacation rentals.
You can even find campgrounds and more lodging options nearby. Here are our top places to stay on the island:
Island Hotels
Grand Hotel
Built in 1887, the Grand Hotel is one of the island’s most famous. As soon as you step inside, you feel like you’re in a different era where you have tea in the parlor every afternoon and get dressed up for dinner.
Each room and suite is uniquely decorated and has modern conveniences.
In addition to several dining options, the resort has a fitness center, spa and salon, tennis courts, and croquet fields.
Mission Point
Mission Point Resort is a family-friendly retreat where you can really relax. The rooms and suites have casual decor and views of Lake Huron on one side or the woods on the other.
Aside from the Main Lodge, the Straits Lodge also has pet-friendly accommodations.
The resort has five places that serve excellent food and wine, miniature golf and other recreational activities, and a spa and salon.
Island House Hotel
Island House Hotel was built in 1852 and is the oldest hotel on the island.
The Victorian building is located downtown and has several amenities, including a sauna, hot tub, heated indoor pool, and casual bar and grill.
The rooms are quaint with sitting areas, and the suites have separate living rooms, kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies.
Island Bed and Breakfasts
Mackinac Island has at least a dozen B&Bs that offer exceptional vacation experiences.
Each one is unique and has its own story.
Several of them were built in the 1800s and provide historic accommodations and fresh breakfasts every day.
- Haan’s 1830 Inn is a Greek Revival house built in 1830, so some rooms share bathrooms.
- Market Street Inn was built in the 1900s and has a cozy atmosphere with affordable country-inspired rooms and suites.
- The most modern B&B is Cottage Inn of Mackinac, a Victorian-style house built in 2001.
Airbnb Options on the Island
If you want a home away from home during your island visit, several locals offer their places as Airbnbs. Most are on the island’s west side near Sunset Rock and the airport.
- For example, The Jewel on Mackinac Island is a three-bedroom home in the Sunset Forest community next to Hole 12 on the Grand Hotel’s golf course.
- On the other hand, the five-bedroom Cross Trees Cottage is a luxurious Airbnb on the East Bluff of the state park.
- There are several Airbnb condos on the island as well.
Camping on the Island
Mackinac doesn’t have campsites, but you could set up your tent or RV across the straits instead.
In St. Ignace, Straits State Park stretches for 181 acres and has 270 campsites. It’s only a 1-mile drive from the park to the ferry docks.
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping has an 18-hole golf course and other recreational amenities. It’s only a 2.5-mile drive from the campground to the ferry docks.
Hotels Near the Island
Mackinaw City Lodging
If you enjoy riding the ferry or want even more activities than Mackinac Island offers, there are several hotels in Mackinaw City and Mackinaw City vacation rentals.
Deer Head Inn and Brigadoon Bed & Breakfast are a short walk from Mackinaw Crossings shops and Colonial Michilimackinac State Park. Both are less than a 10-minute walk from Shepler’s Ferry docks.
Clearwater Lakeshore Motel is just a little farther south and only a 2-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Star Line Ferry docks.
St. Ignace Hotels
Just like Mackinaw City, St. Ignace has several hotels and B&Bs to accommodate you while visiting Mackinac Island.
- Firehouse Inn overlooks Lake Huron and is a 1-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from Shepler’s Ferry dock.
- Colonial House Inn is a 1940s B&B across the street from the Arnold Transit Company docks.
- Although farther inland, Sunset Motel offers straightforward lodging within a 5-minute drive to most ferry docks.
Shopping on Mackinac Island
There’s no way to visit Mackinac without checking out its diverse assortment of local boutiques, galleries, and shops.
TIP: You’ll need a good pair of shoes to explore the downtown storefronts and four small malls. Even the hotels have shops inside them!
We really love Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, which sells Michigan-made treats, bath products, beer and wine, and home accessories. Great Turtle Toys is a fantastic shop for kids and the kids at heart, and Maeve’s Arts is a gallery that sells Maeve Croghan’s oil paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and other artistic items.
Mackinac Restaurants
Like the lodging options, there’s no shortage of places to eat on Mackinac Island.
Best of all, the cuisine is diverse, so everyone will find something to suit their tastes. If you have dietary restrictions, it might be a good idea to check out some restaurants beforehand and create a meal plan for your visit.
Here are a few of our favorites.
The Chuckwagon of Mackinac Island
Since the early 1950s, The Chuckwagon has served locals and visitors the best breakfasts, sandwiches, and burgers around. The diner has a bar where you can sit and watch the chef cook, and the menu features vegan and vegetarian items.
Pink Pony Mackinac
Located in the Chippewa Hotel, the Pink Pony Bar & Grill is ideal for a delicious meal and funky cocktails. The Daily Meal featured the restaurant in its list of America’s 10 Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining.
It has an oak bar inside, a deck bar by the water, and an upper patio with an amazing harbor view. The restaurant serves American and Mexican dishes and is famous for its burgers and whitefish dip.
The Yankee Rebel Tavern
With a central location downtown, The Yankee Rebel Tavern is an eclectic joint with large tables and spacious seating. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner, serving regional favorites and special sushi dinners.
The steakhouse strives to serve the finest American cuisine in the area and has a decent selection of beer and wine.
Mackinac Island Fudge
While you’re on the island, visiting one of its famous fudge shops is a MUST! The legendary fudge has been an attraction for over 100 years since the Murdick family opened a small candy store.
So many people go to sample the sweet dessert that the locals endearingly refer to visitors as “fudgies.”
There are more than a dozen fudge shops to choose from, and they make a variety of flavors.
At the end of August, the island celebrates the famous treat with the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival.
Ready to Experience the Wonder of Mackinac Island?
Thinking about a Mackinac Island getaway? It’s time to start planning the trip you’ve been dreaming about. Ferry rides, horse-drawn carriages, fudge shops, epic views — it’s all waiting for you. Get ready to slow down, soak it all in, and make unforgettable memories.
While you’re at it, don’t miss out on everything happening in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. They’re both super close, packed with fun things to do, and there are plenty of places to stay as you explore this awesome part of Michigan.
Is there a printed guide for the island including lodging and things to do?