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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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
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! (1,013 reviews)
"We loved how there was so much to do without having to go into town."

Reviewed on 30 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 RM1,052 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
RM1,052
RM1,147 total
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Staff is friendly and compared to other places To stay in the island this beats them for value and what you get."

Reviewed on 30 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! (1,007 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.
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
4 out of 5
139 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (542 reviews)
"My boyfriend and I really enjoyed ourselves, we had everything we needed for our staycation."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Exhibit A2
Exhibit A2
4 out of 5
212 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ann Arbor. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Michigan Stadium and Briarwood ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (293 reviews)
"Have stayed here a few times. Always clean, responsive staff, great location, spacious."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Exhibit A2
Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
3 out of 5
2701 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Popular attractions Frederik Meijer Gardens and ...
5.2/10 (67 reviews)
"Solid no-frills accommodation"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
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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