There aren’t many places in this world where time stands completely still, transporting visitors back to the charming era of the 1800s. Nestled between Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsula in the Straits of Mackinac, whether you’re spending a day here or an entire week, these are the best things to do on Mackinac Island.
Tour the Island by Horse & Carriage
One of the best ways to see the top sights on Mackinac Island is by taking a tour with the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. Sit back and breathe in the beauty of the island for a couple of hours as Percheron Belgian Draft horses, the strongest in the world, trot along the streets and through Mackinac State Park.
Ride Bikes Around the Whole Island
If you want to see more of Mackinac Island than the horse and carriage ride will show you definitely rent a bike! It’s one of the more popular things to do but for good reason. The M-185, or Lake Shore Drive, runs 8 miles around the outside perimeter of the island and the best part? Cars are banned here so you only need to look out for horses and people!
Bring your bike with you to Mackinac Island via the ferry or check out Mackinac Cycle or Ryba’s Bicycle Rental near the ferry docks to rent a bike for a small fee.
Visit Arch Rock
An absolute stunning natural formation can be found on the east side of Mackinac Island near the shoreline. Formed thousands of years ago from wind and water erosion, Arch Rock rises nearly 150 feet above the water, spanning fifty feet wide and giving the perfect see-through to the serene waters of Lake Huron.
Take a Nature Walk through the Mackinac Island State Park
No matter where you go on the island, you’re sure to stumble upon the Mackinac Island State Park as it makes up 83% of the land here. Take some time walking, biking or horseback riding through the 70 miles of trails in the State Park. Stumble upon century-old cemeteries and view indigenous trees like the White Pine, the material of which the Grand Hotel is made of.
Stay at the Grand Hotel
One of the most grand accommodations in the world sits on a hill overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. The Grand Hotel is a place directly from an 1800s storybook. It’s a timeless accommodation with a long list of distinguished guests. If you have the ability to splurge on a hotel room here, it will be one of the best experiences ever (so I hear).
If you’re unable to afford those prices, do what I did and take an interior tour for $10. This fee grants you access to most of the amenities of the Grand Hotel. Have a cocktail in a rocking chair on the longest front porch in the world, admire the quirky interior decor and splurge on meals or traditions like afternoon tea for an additional price.
Read More: A Tour of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
Eat Mackinac Homemade Fudge
Mackinac Island is known world wide for their 200 year old handmade fudge. While Murdick’s Fudge is the original here, Joann’s, May’s and Ryba’s Fudge shops exist on Main Street as well. If you’re not a big fudge fan like me, you must at least enter into the shops to watch it being made!
Explore Old Burial Caves
For those adventurers who love getting off the beaten path, this one’s for you! During an attack in Pontiac’s War, the Native Americans smuggled a fur trader was smuggled onto Mackinac Island. While he was there, he found refuge in a cave. When he woke up the next morning he realized he had been sleeping on top of bones! Skull Cave was used as a sacred burial site and is still standing today. Other notable caves to discover is the Eagle Point Cave and Devil’s Kitchen.
Fill Up on Sweets
One of my favorite things to do while traveling is trying all the different sweets. Mackinac Island is no exception to that! If you passed on the fudge earlier, satisfy that sweet tooth with some fine chocolates. I also love the saltwater taffy from Sanders and the homemade donuts from Surrey Hill.
Shop Down Main Street
Mackinac Island has been a commerce district since the early 1800s. Fur traders would come to the Island to trade for food. After tourism began to take over in the mid 1800s, Native Americans and Islanders created souvenirs for visitors to take home. You won’t find any fur pelts today, the shops are full of boutiques, jewelry, toys, furniture and art. With no chain retail stores allowed on Mackinac Island, you’ll definitely be going home with a unique souvenir! Be sure to visit Doud’s Market, the oldest grocery store in America while you’re here.
Learn about History at Fort Mackinac
What once was a base for the Brits during the American Revolutionary War is now under ownership by Mackinac Island. Built in 1780 as a way for the British to control the Straits of Mackinac, fur trading depended on Fort Mackinac. In the War of 1812, it was the sight of two bloody battles for control over the Great Lakes area. The Fort was used by the U.S. Army until its closure in the 1890s, then turned into a historic site.
Kayak through Lake Huron’s Crystal Teal Waters
Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Great Turtle Kayak Tours and get to seeing the Island from the water.
Sail Under the Mighty Mac
Taking a ferry ride under the longest bridge in the Western Hemisphere, the Mackinac Bridge, is a highlight of visiting this area. At different times of the day, ferries with Shepler’s or Star Line operating to Mackinaw City and St. Ignace will take a detour under the Bridge for a one of a kind experience.
Read More: Sailing Under the Mackinac Bridge
Flutter with Butterflies
Come flutter with the world’s most-beloved insect at the two conservatories on Mackinac Island. The Original Butterfly House is full of lush gardens and colorful butterflies, with displays of insects and information about them. Another beautiful atrium, Wings of Mackinac, features butterflies from all over the world. You can find that conservatory nestled between the Grand Hotel Stables and Surrey Hill.
Take in the Charm of Mackinac Island
I mean it when I say that there is not another Mackinac Island anywhere else in the world. Not only is the Island’s charming qualities completely unaffected by time, they uphold century-old traditions that somehow still sustain in this modern world. You won’t ever forget this place as it transports you back to old-Colonial America. Hearing the clop of horses as you waltz down Main Street soaking in the colorful buildings will leave a lasting impression on you for years to come.
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