Renowned for its car-free status, Mackinac Island visitors are transported as they traverse the narrow streets and enchanting Victorian architecture by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. The island, located in Michigan, is a place where time seems to stand still. The island's picturesque landscape, encompassing rugged cliffs, pristine shorelines, and lush forests, provides a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. A visit to Mackinac Island would be incomplete without indulging in its famous fudge, handmade in quaint shops that line the main street. It’s the perfect area for a day trip or a weekend stay!

Although Mackinac Island can seem like a luxury destination, there’s plenty to do in and around the area for all ages. We typically visit during off season when there’s less crowds and prices are affordable. So if you are looking for something fun and interesting to do on the island, let me show you some amazing places to visit.

1. Bike Around the Island

We have visited the Island many times before, but the most memorable trip was the one we brought our bikes! If you don’t have bikes, or it’s a struggle to bring them to the island, there are plenty of shops to rent from! Prices vary from $10-$16 an hour per single rider bike. There are plenty of add-on options from tandem bikes, bike trailers, to kid attachments. To circle around the entire island is 8.2 miles of a paved, fairly level Lake Shore Boulevard. You can also ride through the center of the island to see some other popular sites like Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, Fort Holmes, Skull Cave. The center road will be paved, but some trails become unpaved and you may have to park your bike and walk to certain points. Biking the island is such a quick and easy way to catch all the sites and our legs thanked us later!

2. Enjoy a Horse Carriage Ride

Maybe biking isn’t in your itinerary. Another quick and easy way to see all there is on Mackinac Island is by horse carriage. These tours will walk you through the history and present of the island, giving you a narrated guide to many of the most popular spots. The ride also makes a few stops that have packaged deals if you purchase the specific tickets. You can get a packaged deal for the carriage ride and butterfly garden admission, for example. So be sure to check online before booking your carriage!

3. Visit the Butterflies

Going to the butterfly garden is a must-do addition to your itinerary! We just visited The Original Butterfly Garden and Insect World and were blown away by the experience. The gardens were gorgeous and the variety of butterflies was phenomenal! While the rest of our group enjoyed the insect world, I headed to the giftshop to pick up a few gifts and keepsakes. The best part? Your wristband gives you all day access! As long as you are staying on the island, you can return any time you like. We easily spent an hour here. So if you love to watch butterflies too, give yourself plenty of time.

*handicap accessible ramp up to the building

4. Take an Art Class

You can enjoy coffee, smoothies, fresh-made breakfast or lunch, and an art class at this quaint café with a view. The Watercolor Café offers seasonal goodies and plenty of art class options. If you are visiting during the week, kids classes are on Mondays!

5. Have Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel

You don’t have to stay at the Grand Hotel to enjoy it. Step back in time to enjoy he tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor. Introduced in Britain in the early 1840s, afternoon tea was evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal. The Grand Hotel offers premium teas paired with hand-made bites, accompanied by live classical music. Non-hotel Guests have to pay a $10.00 admission fee in addition to reservation prices.

6. Take a Ferry Tour

Shepler’s Ferry offers a variety of historic boat cruises that will guide you through various areas around the Straits. These relaxing tours are narrated and you can learn about the various lighthouses around the area, enjoy the night sky, or witness a stunning sunset.

*ferries are handicap accessible

7. See Arch Rock

When you visit Mackinac Island, Arch Rock is a must-see stop. The arch towers above the water and is more than 50 feet wide. This unique limestone rock is the most visited formation on the island. You can reach it by foot, taxi, carriage, or bike from above or below.

8. Step Back in time With a history tour

While you’re on the island, you can take a self-guided walking tour of the historic buildings on Market St. or purchase tickets from the Mackinac State Parks website for entry to all the buildings and fort. During May-October, you can even see live reenactments on the properties. How cool would it be to get a glimpse back in time when Mackinac Island was a rich trading post & Fort? Be sure to check the visitors center for event times and public bathrooms.

Do you love visiting Mackinac Island? I would love to know your favorite thing to do in the comments!

8 Must-Do Activities on Mackinac Island: Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Experiences