How to Plan the Perfect Mackinac Island Vacation

Mackinac Island, Michigan, is a secret most Midwesterners would prefer to keep. Though it's less than four square miles, Lake Huron's hidden gem has no shortage of personality. The locals welcome visitors to their little slice of olden times and have an endearing habit of calling out-of-towners "fudgies." (Legend has it the nickname stuck because no tourist leaves without sampling the island's famous fudge.)

For many, the charming island embodies the ultimate American family vacation destination. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, here's everything you need to know about Mackinac Island.

History of Mackinac Island

Tourism has been a major industry here since the 19th century, but the island's history stretches back much further than that. Native Americans were the first to inhabit Mackinac (the name Mackinac, pronounced "Mack-in-awe," derives from the Anishinaabek word michilimackinac). The name means "the place of the great turtle," a nod to the animal its earliest residents thought it resembled.

It wasn't until 1780 that Fort Mackinac was erected here. A few decades later it would become the site of two major battles in the War of 1812. Today, it's been transformed into a sprawling military history museum — complete with thrilling battle reenactments and cannon demonstrations.

But the island's charm isn't limited to just history. As a result of its separation from the mainland, Mackinac has emerged as a novelty destination, famous for its many quirks and quintessential summer vacation vibes.

Facts About Mackinac Island

It's like traveling back in time.

In addition to its historic fort, Mackinac tips its hat to bygone days with an impeccably preserved town center and the tranquil sound of car-free streets. Motorized transport has been banned (except for emergency vehicles, of course) since 1898 — now, only horses and bicycles are allowed, adding to the laid-back vibe.

It's home to the world's longest front porch.

Guests staying at the Grand Hotel, which opened in 1887, can spend afternoons lazing on what's been called the world's longest front porch at 660 feet. Travelers arriving from the Straits of Mackinac can't miss it.

It also has the country's oldest grocery store.

Downtown, the famous Doud's Market claims to be the oldest family-operated grocery store in the U.S., having opened in 1884. It's still a community staple, selling everything from beer and wine to fresh cheeses and snacks.

Most of Mackinac is green space.

A whopping 82 percent of Mackinac Island is parkland. That includes 70 miles of trails (including several for horses), helping visitors explore the island's forest and undeveloped back roads, plus an abundance of scenic routes connecting spectacularly preserved Victorian houses. When the government officially set aside this land in 1875, it became the nation's second-ever national park (after Yellowstone).

The end of its national park era, in 1895, coincided with the closing of the fort. The state took over the island's preservation and it became what it is today: Mackinac Island State Park. With ample outdoor activities, it's no wonder the island has been named one of the most affordable destinations for a family vacation.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Mackinac Island?

While Mackinac Island is accessible year-round, the tourism season — when you'll find tour companies, shops, and restaurants operating at full capacity — runs from about May to October. The weather is at its best during this time, too, with highs hovering around 75 degrees and moderate evenings only dipping down to the 50s. All you really need is a light sweater.

Several Mackinac Island hotels and restaurants do, however, remain open in the winter, for those who wish to come for the cross-country skiing. Believe it or not, it's a popular option, particularly for locals.

Where Is Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron, between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. Of all the islands in the Great Lakes (and there are about 35,000), few are better known than Mackinac.

How to Get to Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Ferry

Ferries run from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, depending on whether you're coming from the north or south. Two ferry companies, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry and Shepler's Ferry make the 15-minute trip to and from the island daily. Round-trip tickets cost about $30 per adult and about $20 for children ages five to 12. Kids under five ride free.

Mackinac Bridge

Travelers can drive to Mackinaw City via the 26,372-foot-long Mackinac Bridge (one of the longest in the world before the turn of the century). Be prepared to pay a $4-per-car bridge toll and park your car somewhere before boarding the ferry to the island.

Oversized or unusual vehicles, including motor homes and buses, will be charged a $5 Mackinac bridge toll per axle.

Nearby Airports

If you don't want to drive to northern Michigan, Delta offers daily service from Detroit to Pellston Regional Airport, the closest air hub. For a fee, the Mackinaw Shuttle can transport you the 15 miles between the airport and the ferry station.

Fly to Mackinac Island

It's possible to fly to Mackinac Island Airport if you'd prefer to skip the ferry. Fresh Air Aviation offers seven-minute charter flights to and from St. Ignace for around $50 each way.

Fun Things to Do on Mackinac Island

Outdoor Activities

Hiking

Above all, Mackinac Island "is an outdoor experience," Liz Ware, vice president of sales and marketing at Mission Point Resort, told Travel + Leisure. She recommends hiking to Arch Rock, a remarkable limestone formation on the Lake Huron shoreline. Created thousands of years ago by water erosion, it towers 146 feet above the turquoise-blue lake. You'll have to fight the urge to climb up to the top, though. A sign warns all visitors to "Keep Off" for safety reasons.

Bike Rentals

Dozens of bike rental shops are scattered throughout town, but the Mackinac Island Bike Shop is a great choice. It offers everything from tagalongs and tandems to mountain bikes and cruisers with baskets. Bike rental rates start at around $16 per hour.

Horseback Riding

While horseback tours are one way to explore Mackinac, visitors can even rent saddle horses (check out Cindy's Riding Stable), which are available at hourly rates. Horseback riding is a great way to navigate those seemingly endless miles of trails.

Tours

Carriage Tours

If you're looking for an activity that's a little more leisurely, you can't go wrong with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours bills itself as the world's "oldest and largest horse and buggy livery," in the business since 1948. Today, the company possesses a fleet of around 100 carriages.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours has had ample time to perfect its route, which traces a loop through some of the island's most important landmarks. You'll pass the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Arch Rock, and Fort Mackinac's Avenue of Flags.

Attractions

Fort Mackinac

Families looking to brush up on their history of the American Revolution would do well to spend a few hours at Fort Mackinac. Now a museum, the site was an active military outpost from 1780 to 1895. The fort's strategic location along the Great Lakes meant it was bitterly contested, and the site alternated between British and American control until it was ultimately handed back to the Americans after the War of 1812. In addition to touring the soldiers' barracks — furnished just as they were in the 1800s — and cheering along to battle reenactments, you can even reserve a spot to fire the cannon yourself.

Lilac Festival

If you're planning to visit during the early summer, be sure to check out the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. This 10-day celebration in June includes concerts, a grand parade, and the ceremonial crowning of the Lilac Queen.

Fudge Festival

As if anyone needed an excuse to eat lots of Mackinac Island fudge, the island's annual August fudge festival has a full calendar of fudge-related events and activities. There are usually fudge tastings and demonstrations, beer and fudge pairings, and sugar sack relay races, among other games. If you can't make the fest, any of the island's candy and fudge shops will do. Murdick's Fudge is the original, and it has been serving homemade fudge, peanut brittle, and nut clusters since 1887. Visitors can also try a whopping 25 flavors of fudge at Joann's.

Best Restaurants and Bars on Mackinac Island

For a Fancy Dinner

When you're in the mood to celebrate, try Chianti at the Mission Point Resort. Practicing what it calls "farm-to-ferry" dining, this food and wine destination curates a five-course prix fixe menu with the region's bounty. The fare changes seasonally, but a summer menu might include a starter of sweet corn bisque followed by Lake Superior-caught whitefish or elk tenderloin. Reservations are required.

For Live Music

For a slice of real island history, have lunch or dinner at Horn's Gaslight Bar & Restaurant, which has remained in business since the 1920s. With its pressed tin ceiling and saloonlike vibe, you can't help but feel swept up in the place's relaxed, good-time vibe. The menu skews Southwest (think nachos, fresh guacamole, and chicken fajitas), and if you like some tunes with your tacos, this is the spot for you. There's live music and dancing almost every night.

For Brunch

At the Chuckwagon, you'll find islanders hunched over a narrow wood counter, chatting amiably with each other while bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns sizzle on the griddle two feet away. Officially Mackinac Island's tiniest eatery, the old-school diner dates back to the 1950s. If you're willing to put up with the cramped seating, you'll be rewarded with what locals say is the best burger in town.

For Drinks

The Pink Pony scores points for being one of the island's most colorful and tourist-friendly dining spots. If you want to be really touristy, order the Mackinac Island Fudge Martini (chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, and Frangelico) — maybe for dessert.

For Seafood

For families looking for a solid lunch or dinner spot, Seabiscuit Cafe is a safe bet. Its carved mahogany banisters and original brick walls give it a pub-like feel and nods to the famous racehorse can be found everywhere, from the art on the walls to the menu itself, featuring food categories like Starting Gate, Winner's Circle, and Finish Line.

Best Accommodations on Mackinac Island

Travelers looking for lodging on Mackinac Island should note that there is a nice variety of cozy inns, family-friendly resorts, and bed and breakfasts scattered across the island.

Best Inns and Lodges

Inn at Stonecliffe

Surrounded by scenic woods on the island's west side, the elegant Inn at Stonecliffe has changed hands many times in its 100-plus-year history, but its old-world charm remains intact. Following an extensive refurbishment in 2023, the property now offers renovated guest rooms in the Mansion and Summer House and family-friendly cottages equipped with full kitchens.

Cottage Inn

For something a little more low-key, try the Cottage Inn, which sits right next to the shops and restaurants downtown, just two blocks from the ferry docks. Guests rave about the daily breakfast here, which has hot items along with fresh-baked muffins and yogurt with fresh fruit (in the afternoon, the owners even put out plates of peanut brittle and caramel corn for a pre-dinner pick-me-up). Rooms are charming, with bright, floral decor and mismatched furniture. For a romantic getaway, book the one suite located in the turret. Its position affords beautiful views of the harbor through a generous bay window.

Best Mackinac Island Hotels and Resorts

Mission Point Resort

An easy go-to for families, the famous Mission Point Resort is surrounded by lush gardens and counts a pool, a movie theater, and an arcade room among its kid-friendly amenities. Not that you'll be spending too much time inside, but the themed suites make for a handsome home base. Some even come equipped with Jacuzzis, four-poster beds, and separate dining rooms. Meanwhile, on the hotel's vast lakefront lawn — the biggest on the island, in fact — you can play bocce ball and croquet, or just lean back on one of the hotel's Adirondack chairs and gaze out over the lake.

Grand Hotel

This Gilded Age property ranks among the best classic all-American resorts thanks to its mix of old-time fun (croquet and bocce on the lawn after dinner) and modern recreation. Parents, in particular, will appreciate the full-service salon and spa, though the kids will probably prefer paddling around the heated swimming pool. Rates are a bit steeper than when the property opened in 1887 (a cool $5 per night), but in many ways, it will feel like nothing at the Grand Hotel (like that perfect view of Lake Huron) has changed.

Top Points of Interest Near Mackinac Island

Top Cities

Mackinaw City

From Mackinac Island, it's entirely feasible to plan a day or half-day trip to several nearby attractions, like the access port of Mackinaw City. While most folks tend to think of this as just a transit point on their way to the island, travelers should consider spending time at the nearby adventure park, Big Bear Adventures. Here, families can enjoy hours of kayaking, rafting, and inner-tube trips along the Sturgeon River, as well as 18 holes of adventure golf and a ropes challenge course.

Detroit

If you're based in Motor City — or want to tack on a visit during your trip to Mackinac Island — you'll find plenty of fun things to do in the major Midwestern city. Detroit is only a short, hour-long flight to St. Ignace, though road-trippers might rather take the scenic five-hour drive. There, you'll want to make time for the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Top Attractions

Shipwrecks

The waters around Mackinac have not always been a friend to sea captains, thanks to treacherous shoals and shallows. The last shipwreck near the island went down in 1965, but there are literally scores of other submerged vessels hiding in the vast depths of the Straits of Mackinac, as well as within the larger Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Georgian Bay. As a result, many regional dive centers offer unique chartered tours and dives around Mackinac's 12 documented shipwrecks.

Great Lakes

If you're in the mood to set sail on the Great Lakes surrounding Mackinac Island, check out cruise companies like Pearl Seas, Ponant, and Viking Cruises. Many offer epic multi-week itineraries that pass through several Great Lakes, some with stops in Chicago, Dearborn, MI (home to the Henry Ford Museum), and of course, Mackinac Island.