Mackinac Island Travel Guide

Step back in time with a visit to Mackinac Island, where cars are banned, and horse-drawn carriages are the primary mode of transportation.

Mackinac Island is in Lake Huron between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The island has stunning natural landscapes, including limestone bluffs, dense forests, and beautiful shoreline views.

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We enjoyed various outdoor activities, such as biking around the island, hiking, and swimming in the clear waters of Lake Huron.

The island hosts various events throughout the year, including the Lilac Festival, Fudge Festival, and the Mackinac Island Music Festival. While we were there they hosted the Chicago Yacht Club Race, also known as the Mac. The 333-mile annual yacht race starts in Chicago on Lake Michigan and ends in Mackinac Island. It was cool to see so many beautiful sailboats. It’s the world’s longest-running freshwater sailboat race and dates back to 1898.

Getting There

By Ferry: The most common way to reach Mackinac Island is by ferry from either Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) or St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula). Two main ferry services, Shepler’s and Star Line, offer regular trips to the island. Both ferry companies offer daytime and overnight parking for customers. The ferries leave every half hour during the peak months but double-check the schedule online. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket window on the dock. The ferry ride takes about 15-20 minutes.

By Plane: There is a small airport on the island for private planes. Commercial flights typically land nearby at Pellston Regional Airport. A shuttle will take you to a ferry dock.

How many days on Mackinac Island?

You can see the island in a day, but to experience the island, you’ll want to stay overnight (or multiple nights).

Getting Around

Walking: The island is small enough to explore on foot, especially in the downtown area.

Bicycles: Rent a bike from one of the many rental shops on the island. Biking is a great way to explore the island’s trails.

Horse-drawn Carriages: Don’t miss this quintessential Mackinac experience!

Taxi Service: Horse-drawn taxis operate on the island, providing transportation to and from various locations, including hotels, ferry docks, and private residences. This service is especially popular for visitors arriving with luggage.

Carriage Tours: Several companies, such as Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, offer guided tours that take you around the island, providing historical insights and stopping at key attractions like Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, Arch Rock, and the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum. Tours can be booked online or purchased on the day of the tour at the ticket office located downtown near the ferry docks.
Combination Tours: Some tours can be combined with other island attractions, such as a visit to the Butterfly House or Fort Mackinac.
Private Rentals: Private horse-drawn carriages are available for rent for special occasions, such as weddings, or for a more personalized tour of the island.

What to Do

Fort Mackinac: This historic military outpost offers tours, reenactments, and exhibits about the island’s military history.

It was built by the British during the American Revolutionary War in 1780 and later transferred to the United States following the war. The fort played a significant role during the War of 1812 and was the site of two battles. Today, Fort Mackinac is a well-preserved museum and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century military life and the history of the region. The fort includes original buildings, reenactments, exhibits, and stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac.

TIP: A ticket to Fort Mackinac also gets you into the McGulpin House, the Biddle House, Mackinac Island Native American Museum, the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Island Fur Co., and the William Beaumont Museum.

The Fort Mackinac Tea Room is a restaurant located within Fort Mackinac. Operated by the Grand Hotel, the Tea Room offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the harbor and the Straits of Mackinac. The menu features a variety of options, including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal while exploring the historic fort and the island.

Historic Downtown is charming and captures the essence of the Victorian Era.

Downtown Highlights

Main Street: The main thoroughfare of downtown is lined with historic buildings, many of which house shops, restaurants, and hotels. You'll find a variety of stores selling souvenirs, local crafts, and the island's famous fudge. In the summer months, they make 10,000 pounds of fudge daily! Tasting and bringing home fudge is a must-do experience.

Historic Buildings: Notable structures include the Biddle House, which offers exhibits on early island life, and the McGulpin House, one of the oldest structures on the island, providing a glimpse into 19th-century living.

St. Anne's Catholic Church: Established in the 1700s, this historic church is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and remains an active place of worship.

Marquette Park: Located at the base of Fort Mackinac, this park offers a pleasant spot to relax with beautiful gardens and views of the harbor.

Museums: The downtown area includes several small museums, such as the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, which showcases local art and history.

Grand Hotel:

The Grand Hotel is a historic luxury hotel that opened in 1887. The hotel is renowned for its opulent architecture, expansive front porch (the longest in the world), and stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac. The Grand Hotel has hosted numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and U.S. presidents over the years.

Guests can enjoy various amenities, including fine dining restaurants, a golf course, and beautiful gardens. You can enjoy afternoon tea in the lobby, or recline in a rocking chair on the front porch. You can swim in the pool where Esther Williams filmed This Time For Keeps, or stroll the lawn where Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour filmed Somewhere In Time. The hotel maintains a dress code in the evenings, adding to its elegant and historic ambiance.

If you’re not staying at the hotel but would like to visit, purchase a ticket at the entrance. It’s $10 for adults and $5 for children (five & under are free). The admission allows you to explore the grounds at the Grand Hotel, relax on the Front Porch, visit the retail shops, and enjoy the Grand Luncheon Experience in the Main Dining area.

Mackinac Island State Park: Mackinac Island State Park was a National Park from 1875 to 1895, making it the second national park after Yellowstone National Park. It covers over 80% of the island and features beautiful trails, historical landmarks, and picnic spots.

Arch Rock: This is the most famous of the rock formations on the island, the arch towers above the water and is more than fifty feet wide. The natural limestone arch offers stunning views of Lake Huron. Whether admiring it from above or below, Arch Rock is a beautiful stop! Several paved roads and trails lead to Arch Rock. You can use these routes to walk, bike, or ride a horse-drawn carriage to the formation. The trail to Arch Rock is fairly easy.

Great Turtle Kayak Tours: Offers Arch Rock excursions and sunrise/sunset tours that paddle by the rock formations. You can choose between a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. All tours are about two hours.

Sugar Loaf Rock: In the middle of the island is Sugar Loaf, a large rock about 75 feet high.

Butterfly House and Insect World: See exotic butterflies and insects. It’s a perfect spot for families and nature lovers.

Take a Bike Ride: We rented bikes and rode around the entire island on M-185. This is the only state highway in the country that doesn’t allow automobiles. We saw stunning views of the lake, beautiful homes, and the famous Arch Rock. About halfway around the island is a place to stop to use the restroom and get snacks at a concession stand. We stopped near Dwightwood Springs and had a picnic, skipped rocks, and swam in Lake Heron to cool off. The beaches are rocky so bring swimshoes. The entire ride around the island will take 1.5-2 hours.

Pack a Picnic: We went to Doud’s Market to buy picnic supplies before our bike ride. Another nice spot for a picnic is Marquette Park.

Ride a Horse:

Enjoy the island on horseback. Cindy’s Riding Stable provides riding horses and guides to help you enjoy the trails in Mackinac State Historic Park. You can ride on your own or with an experienced guide.

Best Restaurants

The Pink Pony: Located in the Chippewa Hotel, The Pink Pony is famous for its waterfront views, live music, and a menu that features a variety of seafood, and burgers. It’s been a Mackinac Island icon for over 70 years.

The Carriage House: Located at the Hotel Iroquois, this upscale restaurant offers stunning waterfront views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and American cuisine.

Woods Restaurant: Operated by the Grand Hotel, this Bavarian-style restaurant is set in a secluded wooded area. It offers a unique, elegant dining experience with dishes like prime rib and wild game.

The Jockey Club: Also associated with the Grand Hotel, this casual yet sophisticated restaurant provides outdoor seating and a menu that includes classic American dishes and local specialties.

1852 Grill Room: Situated in the Island House Hotel, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including seafood and steaks.

Seabiscuit Cafe: A popular casual spot, Seabiscuit Cafe serves sandwiches, burgers, and salads in a cozy, horse-themed setting.

Mary's Bistro Draught House: Known for its extensive selection of draught beers and a menu that includes wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches, this bistro is a great place for a relaxed meal.

The Yankee Rebel Tavern: This historic tavern offers a menu of comfort food, including hearty entrees, sandwiches, and a variety of salads.

Where to Stay

Mackinac Island offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the top places to stay:

Grand Hotel: A historic and luxurious hotel known for its grand architecture, expansive porch, and impeccable service. It offers numerous amenities, including fine dining, a pool, a golf course, and beautiful gardens.

Mission Point Resort: Located on the island's east side, this family-friendly resort features a range of accommodations, multiple dining options, a spa, and recreational activities such as mini-golf and lawn games.

Hotel Iroquois: An elegant boutique hotel situated on the waterfront, offering beautiful views, a private beach, and the renowned Carriage House Restaurant.

Island House Hotel: One of the oldest hotels on the island, the Island House offers charming accommodations, an indoor pool, hot tubs, and the popular1852 Grill Room.

Chippewa Hotel Waterfront: This hotel offers comfortable rooms with waterfront views, an outdoor hot tub, and the lively Pink Pony restaurant and bar.

Lilac Tree Suites & Spa: Located in the heart of downtown, this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations with modern amenities and an on-site spa.

Murray Hotel: A historic hotel with Victorian charm, offering cozy rooms and an on-site ice cream parlor. It's centrally located, making it convenient for exploring downtown.

B&Bs and Inns: There are a variety of charming bed-and-breakfasts and inns to choose from.

budget-friendly option:

Some choose to stay in Mackinaw City vs. on Mackinac Island. Staying in Mackinaw City is less expensive.

We loved visiting Mackinac Island! It’s unique and charming, and an ideal place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

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