5 Things to Do in Mackinac Island, MI

Small, charming and incredibly walkable, Mackinac Island on Lake Huron is only 8.2 miles in circumference and just 7 miles off the coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and its history is long rooted in Odawa heritage. The 17th century brought about European colonization and during the American Revolutionary War, the British built Fort Mackinac on the island’s southern tip. It also was the grounds for two battles fought in the War of 1812.

By the late 19th century, Mackinac Island became a popular summer resort area, and today, people continue to travel to the island for its history, nature, family-friendly activities and welcoming accommodations. Among many other things, Mackinac Island is known for its motor vehicle restriction, a law that was implemented in the 19th century, due to carriage drivers complaining that automobiles startled their horses. But despite the island’s unusual car situation—which requires visitors to leave their vehicle in an overnight parking lot during their stay—many people choose to road trip to Michigan, either heading to Mackinaw City on the Lower Peninsula or to St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula. Once you arrive to your city of choice and your car is safely parked and paid for, you can head to the docks for a ferry ride to the southern part of the island. Whether you’re planning a week-long family vacation or a romantic getaway with your significant other, here are five ways you can make the most of your visit to Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island might be small, but it’s not lacking in hotels or B&Bs. And, unlike many travel destinations, visitors have a plethora of options for a lakeside stay. The 84-room Bicycle Street Inn & Suites is close to all the action and has the option of Main Street-facing or waterside rooms. Here guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a complimentary continental breakfast at Winchester’s, discounted ferry tickets and more. Hotel Iroquois, named Condé Nast Traveler’s best small hotel in the world for three consecutive years, is located right on the water with 45 suites and guest rooms that are individually decorated. The luxurious experience continues at the hotel’s restaurant, Carriage House, which has the option of elegant patio dining or a glass-enclosed dining room. If you’re a history buff, you may want to stay at Michigan’s oldest family-owned B&B: Cloghaun Bed & Breakfast is located on Market Street and is only one block from the harbor.

One of the many wonderful things about Mackinac Island is that there are very few restaurant chains on the island—only longstanding tourist favorites. For breakfast, walk over to Seabiscuit Café, where you can enjoy everything from a breakfast sandwich to avocado toast (they do serve lunch and dinner, too). For a quick coffee to go, head over to Lucky Bean Coffee House. During the lunch or dinner hour you’ll want to visit Pink Pony, which as the name implies, is very pink, but with a nautical twist. It’s also one of the most popular restaurants on the island. And of course, no summer day is complete without ice cream or, if you want a local delicacy, Mackinac Island’s famous fudge. Over 10,000 pounds of fudge leave the island every day, and there's even an annual Mackinac Island Fudge Festival (Aug. 28-30). There are over a dozen fudge shops to choose from, but for ice cream, Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor is a favorite.

There’s a lot to explore on Mackinac Island, and going on a tour is a good way to make sure you're not missing anything. To explore by bike, check out Mackinac Island Bike Shop. Not only does the shop offer a huge selection rental bikes—it also provides maps and a free, self-guided tour. Or hop in a horse-drawn carriage from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours to see sights like the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum, Arch Rock (a natural limestone formation and one of the most photographed spots on the island) and the Avenue of Flags at Fort Mackinac.

Fun fact: More than 80 percent of the island is preserved as Mackinac Island State Park property. It’s Michigan’s first state park, and the area is covered with historic landmarks, quiet forest, and miles of roads and trails with at least 50 interpretive panels about the park’s natural wonders. This year, Mackinac is celebrating 125 years of Mackinac State Parks and will be hosting events all year to commemorate. But even with the special events going on, don’t forget the first and largest summer event of the season: the 72nd Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, held annually in June. The 10-day celebration includes the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and Court, a 10K run/walk, a parade and more.

Waterfront views are nice, but make sure you set up an opportunity to get out on the water, too. For a more active endeavor, opt for a guided Great Turtle Kayak tour. Try a sunset or sunrise route, or one that will take you close to Arch Rock. Spots tend to fill up quickly, so make sure you make reservations before you arrive. For the fisherman, consider booking a guided fishing trip: The highly reviewed Chasin’ Tail Charters guarantees a catch or you don’t pay. If sipping your favorite cocktail and conversing with friends on a small vessel is more your style, check out a Sip n’ Sail cruise by Pure Michigan Boat Cruises. After all, there’s no bad view of this charming island.

For more information about Mackinac Island, visit mackinacisland.org.

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