10 Best Things to Do in Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is a charming destination known for its historic landmarks, horse-drawn carriages, fudge shops, and scenic waterfront views. With no cars allowed on the island, visitors are transported back in time, experiencing the island’s beauty on foot, by bike, or by horse-drawn carriage. This guide covers the best things to do on Mackinac Island, from exploring historic sites to enjoying outdoor adventures.
Basic info:
- Name: Mackinac Island
- Location: Upper Peninsula of Michigan
- How to get there: Take the Star Line or Shepler’s Ferry
- Hotels? See best options
- Visitor reviews: 5 out of 5 (see reviews)
Photos:
Visit Fort Mackinac:
Fort Mackinac, built by the British in 1780 during the American Revolution, is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a bluff overlooking the town and harbor, this historic military outpost offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th- and 19th-century life.
- What to Do: Tour the 14 original buildings, including the barracks, hospital, and officers’ quarters. Don’t miss the daily cannon firings and musket demonstrations, which add an authentic touch to the experience.
- Highlights: The fort’s museum displays historic artifacts and offers interactive exhibits that cover the fort’s role in American history, from the War of 1812 to the Civil War.
- Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning views over Lake Huron.
Explore Mackinac Island State Park:
Covering over 80% of the island, Mackinac Island State Park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers 70 miles of trails, dramatic limestone cliffs, and breathtaking vistas.
- What to Do: Hike or bike along the Shoreline Trail, a scenic path that encircles the island, offering views of the lake and rugged cliffs. Alternatively, venture inland to discover hidden gems like Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, and Crack-in-the-Island.
- Highlights:
- Arch Rock: This 146-foot natural arch is one of the island’s most photographed landmarks, offering panoramic views of Lake Huron.
- Sugar Loaf: A massive limestone rock formation that stands at 75 feet tall, surrounded by lush greenery.
- British Landing Nature Trail: A peaceful trail that runs through the forest and leads to British Landing, a historic site related to the War of 1812.
- Tip: Rent a bike from one of the island’s rental shops to cover more ground and enjoy a leisurely ride through the park.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour:
Since cars are not allowed on Mackinac Island, horse-drawn carriages serve as a primary mode of transportation, adding to the island’s old-world charm. A guided carriage tour is one of the best ways to explore the island’s history and natural beauty.
- What to Do: Join a Mackinac Island Carriage Tour, a guided tour that takes you through the island’s historic downtown, past Fort Mackinac, and into Mackinac Island State Park. You’ll learn about the island’s history, landmarks, and famous residents along the way.
- Highlights: See iconic sights like Grand Hotel, Arch Rock, and the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum.
- Tip: For a more private experience, book a private carriage tour, which allows you to customize your itinerary and enjoy a more intimate ride.
Visit Grand Hotel:
The Grand Hotel is a legendary landmark on Mackinac Island, known for its stately architecture and sweeping views of Lake Huron. Built in 1887, the hotel boasts the world’s longest porch and a rich history of hosting presidents, celebrities, and authors.
- What to Do: Stroll along the hotel’s 660-foot-long porch, enjoy afternoon tea in the parlor, or dine in one of the elegant restaurants. The hotel also offers beautiful gardens to explore and a swimming pool for guests.
- Highlights:
- Afternoon Tea: Enjoy traditional afternoon tea service with live music, tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
- Dining at The Main Dining Room: Indulge in fine dining with views of the Straits of Mackinac.
- Tip: There is a fee for non-guests to access the hotel’s porch and gardens, so plan accordingly. See hotel deals.
Sample Mackinac Island Fudge:
Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge, and no trip to the island is complete without trying a piece (or two). Fudge shops line the main street, offering a variety of flavors and samples.
- What to Do: Visit popular shops like JoAnn’s Fudge, Murdick’s Fudge, and Ryba’s Fudge to watch the fudge-making process and sample fresh flavors like chocolate peanut butter, maple walnut, and double dark chocolate.
- Highlights: The annual Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in August celebrates the island’s sweet tradition with fudge tastings, fudge races, and other fun events.
- Tip: Bring some fudge home as a tasty souvenir—just be sure to get it packed properly for travel!
Explore Downtown Mackinac Island:
The charming downtown area of Mackinac Island offers a delightful mix of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and historic buildings. Stroll along Main Street to soak in the island’s lively atmosphere.
- What to Do: Visit shops like The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World, where you can walk among tropical butterflies. Stop by local boutiques to find unique gifts, souvenirs, and Mackinac-themed apparel.
- Highlights:
- St. Anne’s Catholic Church: One of the oldest churches on the island, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and historic cemetery.
- Haunted Theatre: A quirky attraction filled with spooky exhibits and ghost stories from Mackinac Island’s past.
- Tip: The downtown area can be crowded during the summer, so visit in the early morning or later in the evening for a more relaxed experience.
Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding:
For a different perspective of the island, consider exploring the waters around Mackinac Island by kayak or paddleboard. The calm waters of Lake Huron make it a great spot for paddling, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- What to Do: Rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the island’s rental shops, such as Great Turtle Kayak Tours, and take a guided tour around the island’s shoreline.
- Highlights: Paddle around Arch Rock, Devil’s Kitchen, and other scenic formations. You may even spot wildlife like eagles, herons, and otters along the way.
- Tip: Check the weather and water conditions before heading out, as strong winds or choppy waters can make paddling more challenging.
Visit the Mackinac Island Butterfly House:
The Mackinac Island Butterfly House, one of the oldest butterfly houses in the United States, is a family-friendly attraction where you can see hundreds of live butterflies from around the world.
- What to Do: Walk through the tropical garden, where butterflies flutter around freely, offering excellent photo opportunities.
- Highlights: Learn about the life cycle of butterflies and see different species up close, including vibrant monarchs and blue morphos.
- Tip: Bring a camera and wear bright colors to attract the butterflies!
Attend a Special Event or Festival:
Mackinac Island hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, offering fun activities for visitors of all ages.
- What to Do: Depending on the time of year, you might catch events like the Lilac Festival in June, which features parades, concerts, and a 10K run. In August, the Fudge Festival is a must-see event for sweet tooths, while fall brings the Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile Run in October.
- Tip: Check the island’s event calendar before your trip to see what special events might coincide with your visit.
Bonus: See the northern lights!
Mackinac Island is located in one of the top states to see the northern lights in. Typically September through December are the best times to do it, although you will need to plan ahead to see if the odds of them showing up are high prior. There have been many times in history where the northern lights have shown up in this area.
Relax at the Beach:
While Mackinac Island is known for its historic sites and charming streets, it also has a few small beaches where you can unwind and enjoy the lake views.
- What to Do: Head to Mission Point Resort Beach, Great Turtle Park Beach, or Windermere Point Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the water. Bring a picnic, take a swim, or simply enjoy the views of passing ferries and sailboats.
- Tip: The beaches are rocky, so bring water shoes for more comfortable wading.
Final Things to Know:
Mackinac Island offers a wide range of activities that capture its history, natural beauty, and unique charm. Whether you’re exploring Fort Mackinac, biking through the state park, or savoring fresh fudge, you’ll find plenty of memorable experiences on this one-of-a-kind island.
