Some things about life on Mackinac Island are pretty straightforward. Horses have the right of way. Bicycles are everywhere. The fudge is divine. And, of course, one of the most distinctive features is that Mackinac Island streets are car-free and have been since the advent of “horseless carriages.”…
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As the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination four years running, Mackinac Island is special. Because of that distinctive character, visiting Mackinac Island is a little different than every other place you could take a vacation. For starters, Mackinac Island is car-free. So, getting to Mackinac…
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In some ways Mackinac Island feels like a theme park. Visitors enter at the ferry dock, stroll through downtown and explore other areas including the Mission District, Stonecliffe and Mackinac Island State Park. As such, you might expect that the whole place opens for business at a certain time in…
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From the scenic lighthouses of Door County, Wisc. to the fine food and wine culture of Traverse City, Mich., the Great Lakes region is full of delightful travel destinations. It’s home to major international cities including Chicago and Toronto, wonders of the world such as Niagara Falls and…
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Every once in a while, the Aurora Borealis pushes far enough south to create a striking display of dancing colors on the horizon off Mackinac Island. During peak solar activity, you can see the cosmic phenomenon even more often than normal. In fact, we’re currently in a phase of the sun’s cycle that…
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Most people reach Mackinac Island by hopping on a ferry. Even in the cold months, when the flow of tourists nearly disappears, Arnold Transit continues running boats so residents, workers and essential supplies can move between the island and the mainland. But many winters bring a solid freeze to…
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Mackinac Island often gets described as “lost in time.” After all, with streets full of horse-drawn carriages and lined by Victorian architecture, the car-free destination looks like it belongs in the 1800s. That’s a big part of Mackinac Island’s perpetual charm. And yet, the 19 th century is…
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Psst. Here’s a little secret: There are actually lots of motor vehicles on car-free Mackinac Island. Not during visitor season, of course. But when there’s snow on the ground, many residents get around on snowmobiles. Mackinac Island residents take gas-powered sleds to the grocery store, for…
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The 4 th of July is a big deal on Mackinac Island with old-fashioned family games, the oldest stone skipping competition in the country and two fireworks displays at dusk. In 2026, the 4 th of July will be bigger than ever, commemorating the semi-quincentennial of the July 4, 1776, signing of the…
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As the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination three years running, it’s no wonder Mackinac Island attracts a wide range of visitors. The car-free paradise is an historical immersion, a horse lover’s dream and a bicyclist’s delight. It’s also a hiker’s playground, a foodie’s fantasy and a water…
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