Each season brings a unique personality to Mackinac Island. A forest of color erupts in the fall, snow covers the landscape in winter and the state park awakens with new blooms in spring. But in summertime…well, there’s nothing quite like it. See for yourself! Here are 20 glorious images to give you a glimpse of the summer splendor of Mackinac Island! View of Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island From Vantage Point on Tranquil Bluff Trail

View of Lake Huron from the Mackinac Island Bluff

It takes a little bit of hiking to reach this spot on Mackinac Island’s Tranquil Bluff Trail, but as you can see the reward is worth the effort. The trail that runs along the bluffs high above Lake Huron is one of many paths that crisscross the island's interior. Mackinac Island has more than 70 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding. 4 hiking and biking trails to explore on Mackinac Island View From Biking Trail Of Rocky Shore and Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island

Views of the Mackinac Island Shoreline from M-185

While many trails run through the interior of Mackinac Island, the most popular route follows the outer rim of the island. Many visitors ride bikes 8.2 miles all the way around Mackinac Island on M-185, which is the only state highway in the country that's car free. It takes about an hour or so to circumnavigate the island at a leisurely pace – a bit longer if you take a few moments to pull off the road and soak in views like this. What to expect on the 8.2-mile bike ride around Mackinac Island View of Busy Dock Crowded With Cruise Ships, Boats and Kayakers in Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island

Views of Mackinac Island From the Water

There’s great water recreation around Mackinac Island. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard, charter a boat for some Great Lakes fishing and even take a cruise to Mackinac Island! Mackinac Island: A Water Enthusiast's Escape Section of Golf Course With View of Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island

Golf Course Views on Mackinac Island

There are two golf courses and two miniature golf courses on Mackinac Island: The Jewel is a plush resort course at Grand Hotel; Wawashkamo is the oldest continually-operating course in Michigan, dating to the 1800s; the Greens of Mackinac is an 18-hole natural grass putting course with stunning views right on the water at Mission Point Resort; The Gem is a miniature golf course at Grand Hotel's Woodlands Activity Center. Play the one-of-a-kind golf courses of Mackinac Island Hummingbird Caught in Midflight Hovering Over Red Flowers on Botanical Trail on Mackinac Island

Flowery Scenes on Mackinac Island

You can see Mackinac Island lilacs and many other beautiful native flowers and plants on the island. Be sure to check out the Mackinac Island Botanical Trail in Mackinac Island State Park. Scavenger hunt on the Mackinac Island Botanical Trail View of Distinctive Historical Architecture Overlooking Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island

Charming Architecture of Mackinac Island

The architecture on Mackinac Island is a distinctive and photogenic part of the island’s history and charm. Still today, car free and powered by horses, Mackinac Island has an 1800s look and feel, even as Mackinac Island places to stay offer modern amenities that travelers want. Mackinac Island's most historic hotels View Beside Cannon From the Top of Fort Mackinac Overlooking Horizon Beyond Mackinac Island

Views from Historic Fort Mackinac

Speaking of history, the British supposedly built historic Fort Mackinac because the island offered a well-protected bluff above the Straits of Mackinac. Really, the soldiers probably just liked the view from up there! And they didn’t even have the Mackinac Bridge to marvel at in the distance. Things to do at Mackinac Island's historic Fort Mackinac View From the Top of Fort Mackinac Overlooking Marquette Park Beside Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island's Scenic Marquette Park

Here’s another look from Fort Mackinac, overlooking Marquette Park. Readers’ Digest named this area the Best Picnic Spot in Michigan! Places to go on Mackinac Island: Marquette Park View Next To Cannon From British Landing Looking Into Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island

The Beauty of Mackinac Island's British Landing

British Landing is located about halfway around Mackinac Island from downtown. It’s where British troops landed more than 200 years ago when they wrested control of Fort Mackinac from the Americans during the War of 1812. Today, the beach at British Landing is a popular site for weddings, and many visitors who ride bikes around Mackinac Island will stop here to take pictures by the water and grab a bite to eat at the Cannonball Drive Inn. 6 things to do at Mackinac Island's British Landing View From Balcony With White Picket Fence at Tea Room Overlooking Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Restaurants with Water Views

There are no chain hotels on Mackinac Island, so each and every place to stay is unique. Ditto for Mackinac Island bars and restaurants. They’re all one-of-a-kind experiences! Of course, many of them – like the Tea Room at Fort Mackinac here – share the same incredible lake breeze and gorgeous views. Outdoor dining on Mackinac Island

More Gorgeous Water Views on Mackinac Island

View of Shore Along Rocky Beach During Mild Day in Waters Surrounding Mackinac IslandView Partially Obscured by Trees of Calm Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island View of Sunlight Reflecting Off Lake in Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island Aerial View of Clear Lake Waters and Forested Shore Surrounding Mackinac IslandView from Pebbled Beach Beside Waves Lapping Against Shore from Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island Around every turn, Mackinac Island serves up summer splendor beyond belief. And magical Mackinac Island sunsets that are a joy to behold. View of Sunset Behind Bridge Along Horizon of Waters Surrounding Mackinac IslandView of Sky Turning to Pink During Sunset Beyond Beach Overlooking Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island View of Pink and Orange Light of Sky Reflecting in Waters Surrounding Mackinac Island During Sunset View From Sidewalk of Sun Setting Behind Historical Buildings Located on Mackinac IslandFour Friends Sitting on Beach and Waving Hands in Air in Celebration of Sunset Off Mackinac Island Which sights will you see on Mackinac Island this summer? Plan your trip today! RELATED MACKINAC ISLAND BLOGS: