Your Mackinac Island full-day itinerary for first-time visitors...
Author: Lily Lewis @TheGoodFlaw
This blog will teach you about this popular tourist destination's best must-visit spots. We will share biking hacks, the best times to visit, and which horse-drawn carriage tours you should take for your first visit.
Before You Go:
Mackinac Island nestles peacefully between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas in the beautiful Lake Huron. As you step onto this enchanting island, prepare to be transported back in time by its rich history, captivating landscapes, and breathtaking lake views. Mackinac Island is renowned for being over 80% state park land, housing historic Fort Mackinac, and is most celebrated for being a car-free haven, boasting the finest selection of fudge in the entire Midwest!
However, remember that this island is predominantly free from motorized vehicles. What is the best way to get around this 8.2-mile-diameter island? Bicycles and horses! With the exception of a few essential emergency vehicles, automobiles are prohibited, and e-bikes are generally discouraged. This crucial detail should be on your radar as you plan your visit to this remarkable island.
Getting to the Island:
Your adventure begins in Mackinaw City, the highest point of lower Michigan, before crossing the Mackinaw Bridge into the Upper Peninsula. The picturesque island is a short ferry ride away, perfect for a day or weekend getaway.
When it comes to ferry options, there are only two, but the BEST is Sheplers! Adult round-trip tickets are $34, kids' fares are $23 for a round trip, and pets and infants ride free (since they don't typically take up a seat). If you're looking for savings, consider purchasing package tickets for three adults or two adults and a child at a discounted rate.
Are you planning to bring a bike along for your island adventure? Sheplers also offers ferry tickets for bicycles, tandem bikes, and wagons or bike trailers. Additionally, they offer multiple great ticket add-ons like lunch at the grand hotel, horse-drawn carriage tours, and a visit to the island's Fort Mackinac.
Bonus tip: If you buy tickets from Sheplers, look for the Mighty Mac Departure times! These special times are only available on certain days and will take you under the Mackinaw Bridge. Keep in mind that this ferry ride takes a little bit longer than usual and is weather-dependent but a great experience. I take the Mighty Mac ferry every time I visit the island!
Once You Arrive on the Island:
No matter how you like to adventure, Mackinac Island has just what you are looking for!
One of the most popular activities here is indulging in a bit of shopping along the main strip. Both ferries drop passengers off right on the main street. Here, there is an abundance of shops and restaurants that offer a wide variety of items to grab on your way through. Sew It Up Style and the Pink Pony are my favorites, but there are many other ones to explore and discover.
The real stars of the shopping scene are the island's famed fudge shops. It's a tradition to sample a slice of fudge from each shop and determine your personal favorite. Go ahead and see which sweet treat shop is the best for you (however, you might want to save the fudge shopping for your last stops).
As you wander the island, please take a moment to appreciate the charming old houses. Be sure to keep an eye out for the vibrant landscaping surrounding them! From tasteful floral arrangements that complement the homes to immaculate gardens, these houses are bursting with unique charm. Many of them serve as vacation or summer homes for a select group of individuals, aside from those offering seasonal rentals.
Hiking and Biking:
Biking the 8.2 miles around the outer rim of the island is easily the best thing to do on your trip. The opposing side facing the U.P. is as beautiful as the tourist side, just without the crowd! It typically takes about 3 hours of casual biking to make it around the island, so start early to beat the heat!
Many trails and "roads" along the outer rim also branch inward to the island's center, with much more to explore. You could spend weeks uncovering these hidden gems and hiking all the little trails. Along the way, you can take the stairs up to the stunning Arch Rock on the island's east side.
Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch, is one of the island's most iconic attractions. Almost all carriage tours visit it, and most visitors will make the trek to see its formation. However, if you don't arrive early (or go during dinner time), you will face a heavy crowd! However, it is 100% worth the trouble! The colors on the limestone with the clear blue water in the background are a must-see.
Personally, hiking is one of my absolute favorite activities when I visit the island. With over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a haven for rugged adventurers. Remember to plan your hiking excursions around the weather, and be sure to pack appropriately. Layers and water will be your best friend, and as always, adhere to the principles of "leave no trace."
Horse Drawn Carriage Tours:
If hiking and biking aren't your adventure style, have no fear! Going for a carriage tour is a great experience for the whole family. Horses are one of the most fun ways to get around the island (and the least amount of work). I always recommend the carriage tours if you need a taxi to a specific destination or want to learn more about the island's history.
If you're keen on a sightseeing carriage tour, expect prices to fall within the $40 to $50 range for adults, with more affordable rates for children. These public tours take you to the main five destination spots: Surrey Hills Museum, Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags, and the Grand Hotel. It's worth noting that these tours can become quite crowded, both on board and at each stop.
You may want to avoid dealing with the crowd of the public tours, and that's okay! You can also find a private tour that is a bit more personal and can customize the tour just for you! While these are more expensive, I prefer this method more. Private tour rates vary depending on the group size and are typically charged per hour, ranging from $200 for 1-4 people to $400 for groups of 8.
Food Spots:
Regardless of your adventure style during your visit, dining and snacking are essential elements of the Mackinac Island experience. Every time I visit the island, I try to eat somewhere new. There are endless possibilities, ranging from upscale dining to charming breweries and cozy cafes. There is something new to check out yearly, but I have always been satisfied. There are even multiple dining options that are pet-friendly for our well-behaved furry friends!
Some of my favorite eateries are:
- Carriage House
- Lucky Bean Coffee House
- Douds Market
- Ice House BBQ
Depending on your food preferences, party size, and/or if you have your furry friends with you, you are bound to find somewhere that fits your appetite!
Last Stops:
As you plan your visit, there are a few highlighted places you need to check out, regardless of how you plan to adventure. The most important is visiting the Grand Hotel and their perfectly groomed garden. If you are lucky enough to stay in the hotel during your visit, make sure to abide by their dress code!
While you are busy exploring the endless possibilities inside the island, stop at one of the three cemeteries nestled within its heart. From there, it is a short walk to the historic Fort Mackinac, which conveniently overlooks the start of the main street and the Marina. Go a few blocks east and explore the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory to see all their different butterflies.
After you've checked off these landmarks from your list, sit back and relax on the coastline. The rocky shore is perfect for people wanting to enjoy the sunset and watch the boats come in and out of the bay. If you're feeling adventurous enough to dip into the chilly water, use caution as the rocky shore can be sharp, so water shoes are recommended.
Final remarks:
Mackinac Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Michigan! Always get to the island as soon as possible to beat the crowds in town and around the various hot spots. Try to plan your visit on a weekday to make your adventure more fun and relaxing. The busiest time to visit is June-August since everyone is on summer break, but fall there is out of this world! Happy and safe travels!
You can find more by Lily Lewis by visiting her website and socials at:
Instagram: @TheGoodFlaw