February on Mackinac Island could be considered “deep winter” as the bottom layer of snow is established and the trails, roads, and trees are full of beautiful fluffy snow. It’s a great time to snowshoe or XC ski the winding Mackinac Island trails and enjoy Mackinac Island in the off-season.
Similar to January on Mackinac Island, February is quiet, peaceful, and cold. Many of the shops, restaurants, places to stay, and attractions are still closed for February and throughout the winter season but are busy taking phone calls and online reservations for the upcoming season. Those that are open serve the year-round community, winter workers, and occasional visitors coming to see what Mackinac Island is like in the winter season.
You can still travel to Mackinac Island in February and the winter season, it just looks a lot different than the hustle and bustle of summer.
WEATHER ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN FEBRUARY
February on Mackinac Island is snowy and cold. The average high is 27 degrees with the low being 11 degrees. February usually averages 16.8 inches of snowfall making it ideal for snowshoeing and XC skiing.
Don’t forget warm clothes and layers on your winter visit to Mackinac Island. Thermals, coats, snow pants, boots, gloves, and hats are a must.
Click here to see winter weather temperatures on Mackinac Island.
GETTING TO MACKINAC ISLAND IN FEBRUARY
Getting to Mackinac Island in February depends on the weather and ice on the Straits of Mackinac.
The Mighty Huron winter ferry operated by Mackinac Island Ferry Company Company runs out of St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula as long as the waters are open and there isn’t too much ice. Weather can be unpredictable during the winter and occasionally they have to cancel a trip but generally the ferry runs 3 times a day Monday-Saturday with no ferry trip on Sundays.
It is best to visit the Mackinac Island Ferry Company website or call them directly for day-of updates at 800-638-9892.
You can also fly to Mackinac Island with an air taxi or charter plane. Fresh Air Aviation operates out of the St. Ignace Airport and flies directly to the Mackinac Island Airport. It is about a 7-minute flight for around $49 for a one-way adult ticket. Call ahead to schedule a flight with them at 906-285-6727.
North Country Aviation is another way to get to Mackinac Island and offers chartered flights from nearby airports. Visit their website for more information.
If you are flying into the Mackinac Island Airport, it is recommended to arrange a horse-drawn taxi ahead of time 906-847-3323. The Mackinac Island Airport is about 2 miles from the downtown area.
In addition to taking the ferry or flying, you may have heard about getting to Mackinac Island using the ice bridge in the winter. Like many city organizations and businesses, we will not provide updates nor information on the status, location, or details about the ice bridge because of how unsafe it is. Using the ice bridge is “riding at your own risk” and should be considered with extreme caution.
Snowmobiles on Mackinac Island require a DNR trail permit that can be ordered online or purchased at mainland gas stations. Mackinac Island does not have designated snowmobile trails as snowmobiles are used for transportation and not leisure, by locals.
WHAT’S OPEN ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN FEBRUARY
Like the rest of winter, February on Mackinac Island is very quiet. Most businesses shut their storefronts down with just a handful remaining open for the winter season.
Generally, there are
- 3 places to stay
- 3 restaurants
- Grocery store: Doud’s Market
- Hardware Store
- Mackinac Island Public Library
- Chad’s Wonderful Winter Walking Tours
Mackinac Island State Park trails remain open for XC skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. Island maps are available outside of our Tourism Bureau office on Main Street!
If places are closed, you can still shop your favorite Mackinac Island stores online!
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN FEBRUARY
After the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Tree Lighting in December and the Great Turtle Drop in January, February is overall quiet. The biggest event is the Great Turtle Twilight Trek sponsored by Mackinac State Historic Parks, the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, and the Mackinac Island Ski Club. The event features 2-miles of lantern lit groomed trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing as well as a bonfire and hot chocolate with dates in January and March as well.
What it’s like to live on Mackinac Island year round
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MACKINAC ISLAND IN FEBRUARY
- Unfortunately, there is not a place to rent XC skis or snowshoes on Mackinac Island. You’ll have to bring your own or rent them from the mainland
- While snowmobiles are allowed on Mackinac Island, they are meant for transportation and not recreation. If you are coming to Mackinac Island with a snowmobile, you will need a DNR snowmobile pass that can be obtained in St. Ignace. If you have questions about the ice bridge, please see the information listed above under “Getting to Mackinac Island in February.”
- You can get stuck on Mackinac Island due to weather. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s happened before. If the ferry can’t break through the ice and the weather is too bad to fly, you could spend an extra day (or two) on the Island. Just keep this in mind when planning a “quick trip” to the Island.
- There are no public restrooms in the winter season. Mackinac Island Ferry Company has a restroom available at their dock as long as the ferry is running. There are restrooms in the restaurants but we recommend grabbing a bite to eat or a drink if you are going to use those.
- Being a May-October destination, Mackinac Island is very different in the winter season than the summer season. Please thoroughly check our winter on Mackinac Island page to find out what’s open and for up to date details.
- By February, most businesses will have their official opening date for the season. Be on the lookout for the opening dates page posted on the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau website. It’s a good idea to start making reservations as much in advance as you can.
- Many storefronts are closed and businesses are in their “off” season. You might experience a delay of businesses getting back to you if you have questions.
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