There’s one more day left before November brings the offseason to Mackinac Island. Which means there are about 170 days until Opening Day 2020 next April.
It’s not too early to start planning your visit to Michigan’s most alluring island, which also happens to be one of the most tourist-friendly cities in America. You can find travel tips here to make the most of your planning.
But first, let’s take a look back at 2019 to whet your appetite for all you could see and do on Mackinac Island next year.
Mackinac Island is a rare place without automobiles, which have been banned here for more than 100 years. Instead, people get around by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle, and have time to stop and smell the flowers.
Wheeee! Okay, this scene is cliché. But still, look how much fun she’s having! Take your own bike over to Mackinac Island on the ferry or rent one when you get here. You don’t need a Lycra bike jersey, or even closed-toed shoes, to pedal yourself all the way around the outer rim of Mackinac Island. You can do it at a leisurely pace in a little over an hour, but feel free to take your time…
…and maybe even bring your dog along in the basket. How cute!
Yes, you can take your dog on the ferry to Mackinac Island! Check out these ferry FAQs for more details on the shuttles to Mackinac Island. They run all day long back and forth between Mackinac Island and the mainland, from late April through the end of October.
Mackinac Island has space for kids to run and explore…
…and unique places for kids at heart to do, well, whatever this is!
You can find lots of places to sample world-famous Mackinac Island fudge. Or, to enjoy fudge ice cream. These guys were celebrating the Fourth of July, when Fort Mackinac hosts a good old-fashioned American picnic before fireworks blast off at dusk. There are unique events all season long to plan your trip around.
Water is ever present on Mackinac Island because, well, it’s an island. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen the sunrise from water level in a kayak…
…or paddled into a dazzling sunset.
Alternatively, board a Sip ‘n Sail Cruise and pass under the mighty Mackinac Bridge with a little less exertion. There are lots of ways to get in, on or above the water around Mackinac Island.
Raise your hand if you have any questions about planning a trip to Mackinac Island. Get answers here.
We’ve already seen that Mackinac Island is a great place for dogs and kids. It’s also a gorgeous setting for beautiful couples to get married…
…or engaged…
…or to play croquet. (Seriously, when was the last time you played croquet?)
It’s also home to what once was the second national park in the country. The public space now known as Mackinac Island State Park covers 85 percent of the island, with endless possibilities for adventurers to explore on horseback, foot or by bike.
What will you explore on Mackinac Island in 2020? Get started with your planning right here.
