Mackinac Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan

This tiny Michigan island city prohibits the use of motor vehicles, making it an unusually tranquil and old-fashioned enclave of the United States.

Mackinac Island’s simple charm is perfect for visitors who enjoy the quiet life. Its large state park offers a wide range of sightseeing opportunities, and there are many outdoor activities on offer, including hiking and cross-country skiing in winter.

Getting to Mackinac Island is best done by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Ferries depart daily in the summer season. Cars have been prohibited on the island for more than 100 years, so bikes, horses and walking are the predominant means of getting around.

Take a carriage tour of the island or hire a bike from the rental companies on the island. If you prefer, you can also take your own bicycle over on the ferry for a small fee.

The prime time for visiting Mackinac Island is during the warmest months, which commence in May and taper off around August. The island does operate as a winter resort as well, though, with picturesque walks and cross-country skiing on offer. In the winter, you may also get to see the much-talked-about “ice bridge”, created when the water between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace freezes around February.

Mackinac’s history as a Victorian summer resort can be seen in some of its architecture, such as the Grand Hotel, which is still operational today.

With a perimeter road of just 8.3 miles (13.3 kilometers), Mackinac Island is particularly small, and you can see most things inside a few days. Make sure to take in the highlights, including the historic Fort Mackinac (which once served as a military outpost and is today an immersive visitor experience), Great Turtle Park and the Island’s butterfly sanctuaries. The coastline around the whole Island is a beautiful mixture of marinas, cliff tops and beaches.

Mackinac Island is also famed for its assortment of fudge shops, such as Murdick's Fudge, which uses natural butter, cream and flavorings. Don’t be surprised if people call you a “fudgie” that’s the nickname given to tourists.

Where to stay in Mackinac Island

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Harrisonville

If you're spending some time in Harrisonville, Lake Huron and Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory are top sights worth seeing.

Harrisonville
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Downtown Mackinac Island

If you're spending some time in Downtown Mackinac Island, Lake Huron and Haunted Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Mackinac Island
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East Bluff

While visiting East Bluff, you might make a stop by sights like Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.

East Bluff
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Hubbard's Annex

While visiting Hubbard's Annex, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Huron and Mackinac Island State Park.

Hubbard's Annex
Mission Point Resort
Mission Point Resort
3.5 out of 5
One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI
Stay at this spa resort in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Family vacation
"The bathroom tub could be a lot cleaner. The bathroom needs an update. Could use towel hooks. The restaurant by the golf course food quality is poor. Over all the stay was really nice. Love the property!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Mission Point Resort
Inn on Mackinac
Inn on Mackinac
2.5 out of 5
P.O. Box 1716, Mackinac Island, MI
The price is £171 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£171
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this inn in Mackinac Island. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Staff were very warm and welcoming. The breakfast was not very good. The boiled eggs were several days old, only one choice of milk, etc. There also was no public refrigerator available which is important when there are none in the rooms, especially for nursing moms or those who have medicines that ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Inn on Mackinac
Harbour View Inn
Harbour View Inn
3 out of 5
6860 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI
The price is £335 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
£335
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Great! Would stay again."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Harbour View Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Mackinac Island with WiFi
Charming 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Mackinac Island with WiFi
Mackinac Island
Stay at this cottage in Mackinac Island. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Jewel at the Grand Hotel and Biddle House are located nearby.
Charming 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Mackinac Island with WiFi
Enchanting cottage on Mackinac Island
Enchanting cottage on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, MI
Stay at this cottage in Mackinac Island. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions The Jewel at the Grand Hotel and Wings of Mackinac ...
Enchanting cottage on Mackinac Island
Charming Mackinac Island cottage close to Woods golf course
Charming Mackinac Island cottage close to Woods golf course
Mackinac Island, MI
Stay at this holiday home in Mackinac Island. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room jetted baths and air conditioning. Popular attractions The Jewel at the Grand ...
Charming Mackinac Island cottage close to Woods golf course
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit