Mackinac Island

Travel 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 kilometres), 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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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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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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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
Book a stay at this spa resort in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"AMAZING!!!! Wow. Cleanliness, staff, amenities, the grounds (10/10), ease, etc. BEST experience ever. You will not regret."

Reviewed on 5 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 S$308 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
S$308
30 Jun - 1 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Close to everything. Quiet rooms. Great staff! Jacuzzi was amazing after a long day of walking. Continental breakfast was a nice addition. Fudge was delicious and the cheapest we found on the island!!"

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

Inn on Mackinac
Harbour View Inn
Harbour View Inn
3 out of 5
6860 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"The staff are so helpful and friendly the place of the hotel is so nice near everything"

Reviewed on 9 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.
Hills Point Resort
Hills Point Resort
2 out of 5
484 South Hill Island Road, Cedarville, MI
Stay at this cabin in Cedarville. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Les Cheneaux Islands and Sandy Cove are ...
"Beautiful view, clean cabins nestled in a serene setting."

Reviewed on 4 May, 2025

Hills Point Resort
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.

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