Map of Mackinac Island, United States

🌴 What to do in Mackinac Island

Experience the enchanting beauty and rich history of Mackinac Island through a variety of activities that cater to every taste and budget.

• Best Budget Activity in Mackinac Island:

  Bike Rental: Explore the island's scenic beauty on two wheels with affordable bike rentals available throughout the island.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Mackinac Island:

  Fort Mackinac: Immerse yourself in history at Fort Mackinac, where costumed interpreters bring the past to life with engaging demonstrations and exhibits.

• Best Luxury Activity in Mackinac Island:

  Carriage Tour: Indulge in a luxury carriage tour to discover the island's landmarks and stunning vistas in style and comfort.

🍽️ Where to eat in Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a culinary paradise offering a delightful array of fresh seafood, traditional American fare, and delectable fudge - a must-try specialty on the island.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Mackinac Island:

  Pancake House•$:

  American breakfast favorites

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Mackinac Island:

  Pink Pony•$$:

  Fresh seafood and hearty sandwiches

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Mackinac Island:

  The Woods•$$$$:

  Fine dining with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients

• Best Budget Bar in Mackinac Island:

  Horn's Gaslight Bar•$:

  Craft beers and signature cocktails

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Mackinac Island:

  Round Island Bar & Grill•$$:

  Lake-view patio with craft cocktails

• Best Luxury Bar in Mackinac Island:

  1852 Grill Room•$$$$:

  Fine wines and artisanal cocktails

🏝️ What to see in Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is brimming with historical charm and natural beauty, offering a treasure trove of must-visit landmarks that showcase its unique allure.

• Fort Mackinac:

  Explore this historic military outpost to learn about its role in American history and enjoy panoramic views of the island.

• Arch Rock:

  Marvel at the natural limestone arch that stands 146 feet above Lake Huron, offering breathtaking vistas and fantastic photo opportunities.

• Grand Hotel:

  Step back in time at the iconic Grand Hotel, known for its grandeur and opulence, and take a stroll through its beautiful gardens.

• Mackinac Island State Park:

  Discover the natural beauty of the island at this expansive state park, which features stunning trails, picturesque picnic spots, and diverse wildlife.

• Mackinac Island Butterfly House:

  Immerse yourself in a world of fluttering beauty at the Butterfly House, where you can observe and learn about a variety of butterfly species in a lush tropical setting.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island offers a delightful shopping experience with a variety of quaint shops and boutiques showcasing unique treasures and souvenirs for every visitor to enjoy.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Mackinac Island:

  Mackinac Island Art Gallery: Explore affordable art pieces and handmade crafts at this charming gallery, perfect for budget-conscious shoppers looking for locally crafted items.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Mackinac Island:

  Little Luxuries of Mackinac: Discover a range of charming gifts, home decor, and accessories at this mid-range boutique, offering stylish and distinctive items for every taste.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Mackinac Island:

  Island House Hotel Gift Shop: Indulge in luxury shopping at this upscale gift shop, featuring elegant jewelry, fine clothing, and unique mementos that capture the essence of Mackinac Island.

🚲 Getting Around Mackinac Island

• Public Transport

  Mackinac Island is a car-free destination, so the primary modes of public transportation are horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. The Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offer guided tours of the island in horse-drawn carriages, with prices starting at around $30 for adults. Bicycles are also a popular way to get around, with rentals available at various shops on the island for around $10-$15 per hour. Additionally, there are taxi services available for those who prefer not to walk or bike.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  The main transportation hub for visitors to Mackinac Island is the Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal, which offers ferry services to the island from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. These ferry services operate regularly throughout the day, with the journey taking approximately 20-30 minutes. Once on the island, visitors can easily get around on foot, by bicycle, or by taking a horse-drawn carriage tour.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rentals: While cars are not permitted on the island, visitors can rent golf carts for exploring the island. Rentals are available from companies like Mackinac Wheels, with prices starting at around $80 for a half-day rental. 🚲 Bicycle Rentals: Bicycles are a popular way to get around the island, with rentals available from shops like Island House Bicycles for around $10-$15 per hour. 🐎 Horse Rentals: For a unique experience, visitors can also rent horses to explore the island's beautiful trails. Companies like Jack's Livery Stable offer horse rentals starting at around $50 per hour.