Mackinac Island

This is a bikeable island, so if you don’t bring your own, there are 1,400 bikes to rent along Main Street. Stop at any of several rental shops to rent by the hour or for the day. On a bike, you can go anywhere, but a popular ride is around the island’s eight-mile perimeter on M-185. The views of Lake Huron and key island sites such as Fort Mackinac and Arch Rock will have you stopping often.

Walk through the many original buildings inside Fort Mackinac, which was built by the British during the American Revolution. Observe cannon and rifle firing demonstrations and talk to historic interpreters to gain insight into what life was like in the fort. Make sure your kids swing by the Kids’ Quarters! Admission to Fort Mackinac also gives you access to the Biddle House, American Fur Company Store and Dr. Beaumont Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, McGulpin House and The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.

Mackinac Island has several quick stops perfect for photo ops, learning more about the Island’s history and seeing its natural formations. Make sure to check out Fort Holmes, the highest point on the Island. You can walk inside the fort to read about its role in the War of 1812. Also visit the Crack in the Island, Sugarloaf Mountain, the cemeteries, Anne’s Tablet, British Landing (and Mackinac Island Historic State Park British Landing Nature Center), Devil’s Kitchen, the Michigan Governor’s Summer Cottage, Skull Cave and Brown’s Brook.

If getting around on bicycle or foot isn’t going to be enjoyable for you, there are still ways to see popular spots on the Island! Take a horse-drawn Mackinac Island Carriage Tour, which will mix facts of the past with education about the city of Mackinac Island. Each tour will take you through the Historic Downtown, to Surrey Hills Museum (Buy a pack of fresh donuts to enjoy during your tour!), through Rifle Range and to Arch Rock with drop-off points at Fort Mackinac and Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory. If you’re lucky, the driver may have some carrots for children aboard to feed to their horse teams. 

Cindy’s Riding Stable and Jack’s Livery Stable: For the visitor who likes to take the reins, this is a unique twist to transportation! Ride a horse around the island on a guided tour, or steer your own carriage. Don’t worry, the horses know where they are going and travel this path daily!

Mackinac Island is home to 500 residents year-round. Much like any other city, it has a post office, UPS delivery service, emergency services, City Hall, school and newspaper. You’ll spot most of these businesses along Market Street, and the school is close to the Grand Hotel. The newspaper, The Mackinac Island Town Crier, charges $1 per paper. You can buy it or subscribe to it inside their office to catch up on the local news. It’s one of the cheapest souvenirs you can purchase on the Island!

See the world’s longest porch at the Grand Hotel! Admission costs $10 if you aren’t staying at Grand Hotel. This fee gives you access to walk on the lawn (Look for the Secret Garden!) and take a self-guided tour through the hotel. Some rooms have placards signifying celebrities who have stayed at the high-end resort. Admission also gives you access to the porch and Cupola Bar, where you can relax and enjoy a drink among beautiful scenery.

Although Christopher Reeve was Superman and Jane Seymour was Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, the two also starred in a movie that was filmed on Mackinac Island — Somewhere In Time. Fans of this flick can visit the Somewhere In Time gazebo, the very spot along M-185 where Elise McKenna and Richard Collier speak for the first time, Mission Point Theater where McKenna performed her play (the seat Reeve sat in is marked with a plaque) and see other memorabilia in the Grand Hotel. The movie plays every Tuesday night at Mission Point Theater, which is free to guests.

In downtown Mackinac Island, you’ll find plenty of stores and restaurants. Try pecan balls, and purchase t-shirts, mugs, other souvenirs and locally-made art to remember your trip!

All who visit the island are affectionately referred to by locals as “Fudgies,” and with good reason! When you step onto Main Street, one of the first things you will see are block after block of fudge shops. As you walk by them, the mouthwatering aroma of a dozen different flavors will beckon you inside. Give in to the temptation and taste your way through town. Many of the recipes have been passed down for generations. 

To map your fudge crawl, check out the fudge shops listed on Mackinac Island’s website. Then pick your favorites from chocolate, peanut butter, cherry chip, lilac, espresso and so many more flavors and other candy varieties. 

Bring your clubs or rent them at either Grand Hotel’s Jewel Golf Course or Wawashkamo Golf Club.

Most restaurants have tables to sit at inside, but on a sunny day, grab food to-go and picnic at Marquette Park or Windermere Point, overlooking the Straits of Mackinac under the fort. Here are some popular food options: Island Slice Pizzeria, Watercolor Cafe, Seabiscuit Cafe, the Chuck Wagon, the Tea Room at Fort Mackinac, Lucky Bean Coffee House, the Pancake House and Grand Hotel’s buffets and served meals.

Check out Putt Putt at Mission Point Resort (at night, it becomes glow-in-the-dark), The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World and the I-spy garden at the corner of French Lane and Market Street. Your kids will love these activities!