The Complete Travel Guide: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Well known throughout the world, this national landmark has consistently been found as the ideal vacation spot. Here you can find breathtaking sunsets, photogenic sunrises, unforgettable nightlife, the best tasting Mackinac Island Fudge, it is one of the only places in the world where cars aren’t permitted, unique history, and is ranked as a Top 10 U.S. Island by TripAdvisor and USA Today. If you haven’t visited yet, Mackinac Island is a must-add to your Midwest trip bucket list! Mackinac Island also hosts many events throughout the year, like the well known Lilac Festival, celebrating 250+ year old lilac bushes, Fudge festivals, music, and more.
A Quick Introduction of Mackinac Island
The islands history is quite fascinating, and honestly I love listening to podcasts on it! Mackinac Island played a large role in almost every major American war, like the Revolutionary War, the war of 1812, and even World War II in ways. The fort on the island served as guardian of the Straits of Mackinac, keeping it open for trade, or being a legitimate site of battles (even if there was little fighting involved). The island was invaded by the British and they built the fort we know today, Fort Mackinac, and gave “British Landing” it’s name.
The Island is roughly 4 square miles, home to some of the best food, hospitality, and adventures in the United States. Originally home to the Odawa Indigenous peoples who named the island ‘Mackinac,’ which means “Big Turtle,” Mackinac Island is one of the only places in the world where cars are not permitted (neither are electric bikes). You can, instead, enjoy the island by foot, bicycle, or on horse. The only vehicles on the entire island are emergency vehicles, such as the island’s fire truck and ambulance.
The entirety of Mackinac Island has been preserved and added to the register of National Historic Landmarks. Of the entire island, 80% (or 1,854 acres of the total 2,317 acres) is a state park and the other 20% (or 463 acres) is privately owned. Because of the automobile ban, the heavy use of composting and recycling, sustainable food practices, and so many other practices make Mackinac Island one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable islands globally!
Related: Cabins of Mackinaw
How to Get to Mackinac Island
There are no major airlines that fly into Mackinac Island Airport. The easiest way to reach the island would be to fly into one of the larger airports and then renting a car for your trip. The closest major airports are Detroit (DTW - 4 hour drive), Minneapolis (MSP - 9 hour drive), or Chicago (ORD - 7 hour drive). After reaching Mackinaw City, you will have to park your car and take a ferry to the island since no cars are permitted on the island.
We’ve taken both Shepler’s Ferry and the Star Line Ferry, and we prefer Shepler’s Ferry but both are wonderful! Departing from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, the ferry reaches the island in under 25 minutes. Guests can go above or below deck to see incredible views of the island, the Mackinac Bridge, and those also on the Straits of Mackinac. There are also unique Ferries, such as the Pirate Ship at the Star Line Ferry, for an additional sense of fun on the way to and from the island.
Local tip: For a shorter drive time, you could catch another flight into one of Michigan’s other airports: Grand Rapids (GRR), Flint (FNT), or Traverse City (TVC).
Mackinac Island Ferry Tips
Ferry reservations are not required, but the you can find a small discount and go directly to the boarding area if you purchase your tickets online.
Shepler’s Ferry offer discounts for military families, or guests staying at the Grand Hotel or Mission Point Resort. You can find these discounted tickets at the Shepler’s Ticket Office.
If you are bringing luggage to stay on the island, you simply drop your bags off at the ferry port with a tag that has your name and the name of the hotel you will be staying at. If your hotel has porter service, your bags will be delivered directly to your hotel. If it doesn’t, then you’ll simply pick up your luggage when you arrive on the island.
What about in the winter?
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron do freeze over in the winter, in fact you can see a phenomenon called “Blue Ice”. During that time, the ferries do not run because the Straits are impassible by ship. The only way to reach the island is by plane (although some do attempt to go by snowmobile across the ice) and you can find the plane in St. Ignace, called Great Lakes Air, for air transit to the island starting at $30.
When To Visit
When to visit Mackinac Island is dependent on your typical travel style. The typical season for the area, in which all locations will be open, is May 1st through October 31st. From May through October, you can experience things from the beautiful blooming flowers and landscaping, to long summer nights with live music, or the peak of color changing season in the fall.
Mackinac in Spring
In the spring, you’ll find the best hotel deals and the fewest crowds. Due to fewer crowds, you’ll find a peaceful island and truly feel how it is to be a local. Local tip: the crowds will begin Memorial Day weekend and last throughout the summer. April through June tend to be chilly and rainy, so be sure to pack extra layers. Don’t skip out on these months because of the weather! The island’s historic lilacs, tulips, ferns, and other flora are in peak bloom this season.
Mackinac in Summer
From June to the end of September is when tourism reaches its peak for the island. On the 4th of July, you can watch the skies light up with a firework show beginning at 10 p.m. Their world famous Fudge Festival is at the end of August. It is busier, warmer, and a bit more costly to stay during this time. However, you can also find many events, activities, concerts, tours, seasonal beverages and treats, and historical reenactments this time of year. The island’s gardeners ensure that the island is in full bloom all summer long as well. Although the nights are shorter in summer, you can find the Dark Sky Park just a short drive from Mackinaw City and enjoy warm summer nights stargazing.
Mackinac in the Fall
By the end of September to the end of October, the leaves are staring to change colors and the fall flowers are finishing their cycle. The island begins to slow down, you can find great hotel deals and shopping deals. Many stores will mark down their remaining inventory as the season comes to a close. Early October is typically the peak for fall foliage, although it does change yearly.
Mackinac in the Winter
As I mentioned above, it is difficult to get to the island in winter but that hasn’t stopped us. We love to go see the Island set up for Christmas in December (there’s something magical about a carriage ride during the holidays), the holiday bazaar downtown, to see the Blue Ice, and visit our favorite stores/bakeries that remain open throughout the year. That being said, it is sometimes difficult to find businesses open during non-tourist times. Getting to see Mackinac empty and seeing what the locals see is definitely one of our favorite things though.
There is truly no wrong time to visit the Island, it just depends on your interests!
What to Do in Mackinaw or on Mackinac island
Visit The Lilac Festival
We’ve already hinted at it and you’ve seen the pictures, lilac bushes bloom everywhere on the island making it a must-see for flower lovers! If you, or your group, are not a flower buff, don’t worry - there’s still plenty to do! The festival usually lasts for two weekends with events, performances, art competitions, the Lilac Festival Queen, complimentary admission to some museums, art walks, special tours, themed food and drinks, and so much more all throughout the weeks. This years dates are June 9-18, 2023. Lilac Tip: the best place to see the lilacs on the island is Marquette Park!
Visit The Fudge Festival
If flowers aren’t your thing, another popular festival is the Fudge Festival coming up. From August 25th-27th, you can find fudge-related treats, fun, and family events! Some activities including fudge-making demonstrations, fudge inspired dinner and cocktails, an outdoor movie, family games, and more!
Go for a Bike Ride
Since vehicles are banned from the island, a popular mode of transportation is on bike. This was our first year bringing our bikes to the island and it was my absolute favorite experience! Each year, we try to see a new picturesque location that we haven’t seen yet. We still have a long list of places bookmarked for the next trip!
Here are some of the locations we visited:
You’re welcome to bring your own bike for a transportation fee and avoid the rental cost.
Take a Tour
Tour the historic homes, the govenors house, or the forts
Mackinac Island United States Post Office
While you’re on the island, you might want to take a self guided walking tour and visit all of the historic buildings. Or, you can purchase tickets from the Mackinac State Parks website. During May-October, you might even be able to see live reenactments in the homes and forts. How cool would it be to get a glimpse back in time when Mackinac Island was a rich trading post & fort?
Community Hall & City Offices
American Fur Company Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum
Stuart House City Museum
The Biddle House
Tour by carriage
If walking or bike riding isn’t your thing, you can always take a Mackinac Island carriage tours. Your tour would include a stop at the Surrey Hills Museum, Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags, Return to Surrey Hills Museum, and Grand Hotel.
Tour by boat/ferry
Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance to enjoy one of the three “Mighty Mac” tours that depart at 9:30, 10:00, and 10:30 am daily. These tours can take up to 10 minutes longer to reach the island, but are unique because part of the journey takes the visitors under the Mackinac Bridge.
Bonus, there is no extra charge for these additional tours!
Sunset tour
What is a trip to Mackinaw City without sailing under the Mighty Mac and watching the sun go down as you take in the scenic views?
Golf
Don’t forget to spend some quality time practicing your swing at the Mission Point Resort’s 18-hole putting course: The Greens of Mackinac. This course beautifully overlooks Lake Huron and is located right next to the Bistro on the Greens.
Take a night-out
Walk the Beaches & Tour the Lighthouses
Our favorite thing to do is to head to the Mackinaw Bakery in the morning and take our pastries down to the beach to watch the sunrise & boats come through the Straights. The Straights are home to more than a dozen historic lighthouses and six of them are open for public tours during the summer.
Related: 40+ Places To Visit This Spring
Explore the Gardens & Butterfly houses
No trip is complete without a visit to the tropical gardens of the Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World near St. Anne’s Church. If you are coming with kids, this is the perfect family stop because there is an interactive Insect World exhibit for those who want more hands-on learning. You can also find a second butterfly sanctuary, Wings of Mackinac, on Surrey Hill. As long as you are staying on the island, you only need to purchase a wristband once and you can return at any point during your stay.
Go Shopping
On the island, you can find shops like:
Artists Market of Mackinac Island
Canvas & Paddle
Doud’s Market
Grand Hotel & Co.
Island Breeze
Jewel Pro Shop
Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island
Marlee Brown Art Gallery inside Grand Hotel
Nephews
Poppins Mackinac
Or, 50 Victorian style retail shops lay in the complex of Mackinaw Crossings in Mackinaw City. You can find quality entertainment, shopping, and dinning here from May to October each year! If you haven’t found the perfect gift or souvenir, be sure to check out the shops before you head out.
Where to Stay
In the City
Brigadoon Bed & Breakfast
Deer Head Inn
Great Lakes Inn
Colonial House Inn
Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Hotel
Hamilton Inn
Bridge Vista Beach Hotel & Convention Center
Clarion Hotel Beachfront
Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront
Crown Choice Inn & Suites
On The Island
The Grand Hotel
Mission Point Resort
Bay View Bed & Breakfast
Bicycle Street Inn & Waterfront Collection
Bogan Lane Inn
Cloghaun Bed & Breakfast
Chippewa Hotel Waterfront
Cottage Inn of Mackinac
Haan’s 1830 Inn
Camping
Despite the island consisting of 80% state park, camping is not permitted anywhere on the island, at any time.
Where to Eat
In the City
Darrow’s Family Restaurant
Dixie Saloon
Audie’s Restaurant
Chippewa Room
Rusted Spoke Brewing Co.
Mack City Chips
Scalawags Whitefish & Chips
Key Hole Bar
Mackinaw Pastie & Cookie Co.
B.C. Pizza
Bridgeview Diner
Wienerlicious
On the Island
Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel
Carleton’s Tea Store inside the Grand Hotel
Chianti at Mission Point Resort
Cudahy Chophouse at Inn at Stonecliff
Cupola Bar at the top of the Grand Hotel
Fort Mackinac Tea Room
Gate House
Grand Hotel Dinner Service
Grand Hotel Luncheon Buffet
Jockey Club
Lucky Bean Coffee Shop
Pink Pony Grille
Sadie’s Ice Cream Shop
Seabiscuit Café
Sushi Grand
Woods
